HP Printer Error Code 20: How to Fix It

Easy 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Summarize with ChatGPTSummarize with ClaudeSummarize with Perplexity Add as Preferred Source on Google
Error Code
20
Brand
HP
Product Type
printer
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
HP Printer Error Code 20 indicates a memory overflow — the printer received more data than its onboard memory can handle at one time. This typically happens when printing large, complex documents such as high-resolution images, PDFs with heavy graphics, or files with many fonts. The good news is that this error is almost always fixable through software adjustments and printer settings without needing any replacement parts.
Ad

Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 20

  1. Cancel the Current Print Job and Restart the Printer

    Do not unplug the printer from the wall while it is mid-print cycle or during a firmware process, as this could corrupt printer firmware. Always use the power button first.

  2. Clear the Print Queue on Your Computer

  3. Reduce the Print Job Complexity or File Size

  4. Lower the Print Quality Setting

  5. Update or Reinstall the HP Printer Driver

  6. Enable 'Print Directly to Printer' (Windows Only)

  7. Add RAM to the Printer (Supported Models Only)

    Power off and unplug the printer from the wall outlet before opening any access panels or installing memory modules. Static electricity can damage electronic components — ground yourself by touching a metal surface before handling memory modules.

  8. Update Printer Firmware

    Do not turn off the printer or disconnect it from power or the network during a firmware update. Interrupting a firmware update can render the printer inoperable.

Parts You May Need

Printer memory RAM module
Check Price on Amazon
Printer memory RAM module
Check Price on Amazon
Printer memory RAM module
Check Price on Amazon
Ad

When to Call a Professional

If you have tried all of the steps above — clearing the queue, updating drivers and firmware, reducing print complexity, and adjusting print settings — and the Error Code 20 continues to appear consistently, the printer's onboard memory module itself may be failing or damaged. At this point, contact HP Support (1-800-474-6836) or take the printer to an authorized HP service center. Professional help is also recommended if your printer is still under warranty, as attempting hardware repairs yourself may void the coverage. Additionally, if your printer model does not support RAM expansion and consistently overflows on normal business documents, it may be time to evaluate upgrading to a printer model with more onboard memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes HP printer Error Code 20?
Error Code 20 on an HP printer means the printer ran out of memory while trying to process a print job. It happens most often when printing large, graphics-heavy documents, high-resolution images, complex PDFs, or documents with many embedded fonts. The printer simply received more data than it could store and process at one time.
Will Error Code 20 damage my HP printer?
No, Error Code 20 is not a hardware failure and will not damage your printer. It is a temporary memory management issue. Once you cancel the print job and take steps to reduce job complexity or update the driver, the printer will return to normal operation.
Can I add more memory to my HP printer to fix Error Code 20 permanently?
Yes, if your HP printer model supports memory expansion — which many HP LaserJet and business inkjet models do — installing an additional compatible RAM module can permanently resolve recurring memory overflow errors. Check your printer's specifications on the HP website or in the user manual to confirm if your model supports upgradeable memory.
Why does Error Code 20 only appear when printing PDFs?
PDF files, especially those created from design software or containing high-resolution images and complex vector graphics, can be extremely data-intensive. When a PDF is rendered for printing, the data sent to the printer can easily exceed the printer's available memory. Try using the 'Print as Image' option in Adobe Acrobat Reader (File > Print > Advanced > Print as Image) to flatten the complexity before sending it to the printer.
Does a factory reset fix HP printer Error Code 20?
A factory reset can help if the error is caused by corrupted printer settings or a driver conflict, but it will not fix the root cause if the issue is simply that your documents are too large for the printer's memory. To factory reset most HP printers, go to the control panel, navigate to Settings or Setup, find 'Restore Factory Defaults' or 'Reset,' and confirm. Note that a factory reset will erase any custom network settings, so you will need to reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi afterward.

Related Error Codes