5B00
HP Printer
Severity: CriticalWhat it means
Error 5B00 means the printer's ink absorber (waste ink pad) is full.
The absorber collects excess ink from cleaning cycles and borderless printing.
The printer stops to prevent ink overflow.
The absorber needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Affected Models
- HP DeskJet
- HP ENVY
- HP OfficeJet
- HP Inkjet Printers
Common Causes
- Waste ink pad has reached its absorption limit after many cleaning cycles
- Frequent printhead cleanings consuming extra ink
- Heavy borderless printing deposits extra ink into the absorber
- Printer has been in use for several years
How to Fix It
-
Try resetting the waste ink counter (temporary fix).
Some HP models allow a counter reset by holding specific button combinations.
Check your specific model online.
This buys time but does not fix the full absorber. -
Replace or clean the waste ink pads.
The ink absorber pads can be physically removed, cleaned, and reinstalled.
This requires opening the printer case — look for a guide specific to your model. -
Reduce cleaning cycles to prevent future overflow.
Only run printhead cleaning when print quality actually degrades.
Automatic cleanings waste ink and fill the absorber faster. -
Consider whether the printer is worth repairing.
On older, inexpensive inkjet printers, a full waste ink absorber may signal end of life.
Replacement printers can be cheaper than professional service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a waste ink absorber?
It is a set of sponge pads inside the printer that absorb excess ink from cleaning cycles.
Every time the printer cleans its printheads, waste ink drains into these pads.
Over time, they become saturated.
Why does HP not make this user-replaceable?
HP considers the waste ink pad a service-level component.
They expect most consumer printers to be replaced before the absorber fills up.
This is controversial — many users feel it creates planned obsolescence.