HP Printer Error Code 60: How to Fix It
Medium 20-45 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- 60
- Brand
- HP
- Product Type
- printer
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated Fix Time
- 20-45 minutes
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Tools You'll Need
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) or distilled water
- Flashlight
- Phillips screwdriver (may be needed for panel removal on some models)
- Replacement pickup roller kit (model-specific)
How to Fix Error Code 60
-
Power Cycle the Printer
Always unplug the printer before reaching inside any panel or tray to avoid electric shock or injury from moving parts. -
Check for and Clear Paper Jams
Do not yank paper against the feed direction, as this can tear it and leave fragments deeper in the mechanism. -
Reload the Paper Tray Correctly
-
Verify Paper Type and Size Settings
-
Clean the Pickup Rollers
Ensure the printer is unplugged before touching any internal rollers or components. -
Reseat or Reinstall the Paper Tray
-
Update or Reinstall Printer Firmware and Drivers
-
Inspect and Replace Worn Pickup Rollers
Unplug the printer before replacing any internal parts. Refer to your model-specific documentation for exact roller removal steps, as designs vary between HP printer models.
Parts You May Need
Pickup roller kit
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Separation pad
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Paper tray assembly
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Pickup roller kit
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Separation pad
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Paper tray assembly
Check Price on Amazon
Pickup roller kit
Check Price on Amazon
Separation pad
Check Price on Amazon
Paper tray assembly
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional
Contact an HP-authorized service technician if error code 60 persists after cleaning and replacing the pickup rollers, if you notice physical damage to the tray mechanism or internal gears, if the tray lift plate spring is broken or detached, or if the printer displays additional error codes alongside error 60. Printers still under HP warranty should be serviced by HP support to avoid voiding coverage.Frequently Asked Questions
What does HP printer error code 60 mean?
Error code 60 on an HP printer indicates a tray pickup error, meaning the printer attempted to pull paper from an input tray but failed. This is usually caused by worn pickup rollers, a paper jam, incorrectly loaded paper, or a faulty tray sensor.
Can I fix HP error code 60 without replacing any parts?
Yes, in many cases. Start by power cycling the printer, clearing any jams, reloading the paper correctly, and cleaning the pickup rollers with isopropyl alcohol. If the rollers are just dirty rather than worn out, a thorough cleaning often resolves the error without needing new parts.
How do I clean the pickup rollers on an HP printer?
Unplug the printer, open the affected paper tray, and locate the rubber pickup rollers above the tray slot. Dampen a lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol or distilled water and wipe each roller while rotating it by hand to clean all surfaces. Let them dry completely before plugging the printer back in.
How long do HP printer pickup rollers last?
HP pickup rollers typically last between 50,000 and 150,000 pages depending on the printer model and usage conditions. If your printer has seen heavy use or the rollers appear glazed, cracked, or smooth to the touch, it is time to replace them.
Why does my HP printer keep showing error 60 even after clearing the jam?
If error 60 returns after clearing a jam, the most likely culprits are worn pickup rollers that can no longer grip paper reliably, a paper tray that is not fully seated, incorrect paper size or type settings, or outdated printer firmware. Work through each fix step in order — particularly roller cleaning or replacement and a firmware update — to resolve the recurring error.