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D1

HP Printer

Severity: Minor

What Does This Error Mean?

Error D1 on HP Deskjet printers indicates a paper feed failure. The printer tried to pull paper from the input tray but either picked up multiple sheets at once, or failed to detect paper at all. Adjusting the paper guides and cleaning the paper rollers resolves this in most cases.

Affected Models

  • HP Deskjet 3700 Series
  • HP Deskjet 2700 Series
  • HP Deskjet Plus 4100 Series
  • HP Envy 6020 Series
  • HP Deskjet Ink Advantage 5200 Series

Common Causes

  • The paper guides in the tray are too loose and paper is skewing as it feeds
  • The paper tray contains mixed paper sizes or types that feed unpredictably
  • The paper pickup rollers are worn, dirty, or coated with paper dust
  • The paper stack in the tray is overfilled beyond the maximum line marked on the tray
  • The paper being used is too thick, too thin, or curled from humidity, causing feed failures

How to Fix It

  1. Remove all paper from the input tray. Fan the stack to separate the sheets — paper that has been sitting too long can stick together. Tap the stack on a flat surface to align all edges evenly.

    Stacked paper that is not aligned will feed at an angle and cause pick failures.

  2. Check the paper guides in the tray. They should touch the edges of the paper lightly — not too tight, not leaving a gap. Adjust them so the paper cannot shift from side to side.

    Loose guides are one of the most common causes of D1 errors. The fix takes about 10 seconds.

  3. Reload the paper but do not fill the tray past the maximum fill line. Overfilling is a very common mistake that causes the rollers to grab two sheets at once.

    Most HP Deskjet trays hold about 60 sheets. When in doubt, use less.

  4. Clean the paper pickup rollers. Open the rear access panel if your model has one. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with plain water to wipe the rubber rollers. Let them dry fully before loading paper.

    Rollers coated in paper dust feel smooth instead of grippy. Cleaning restores traction.

  5. Turn the printer off, then back on, and try printing again. If printing from a tray, try printing a single sheet from the manual feed slot instead to check if the main tray is the problem.

    If single-sheet manual feeding works fine but tray feeding does not, the pickup roller in the tray is the likely culprit.

When to Call a Professional

If paper regularly fails to feed after cleaning the rollers and using fresh paper, the pickup roller assembly may be worn past the point of cleaning. On most HP Deskjet models the pickup roller is a replaceable part. A technician can replace it quickly, or you can purchase a roller replacement kit for many common HP models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the D1 error only happen with certain paper types?

Different paper types have different weights and textures. Very smooth or very lightweight paper can slip through the rollers without being picked up properly. Very thick paper may not bend around the paper path correctly. Stick to paper in the 75–90 gsm range for best results in HP Deskjet printers.

My tray looks fine but I still get D1. What else can I check?

Try a fresh ream of paper — older paper absorbs humidity and can become wavy or sticky. Also check that the tray is fully pushed in until it clicks. A partially inserted tray can misalign the paper before it even reaches the rollers.

Can the D1 error damage my printer?

No — D1 is a feed detection error, not a mechanical failure. The printer stops safely before anything gets damaged. Repeat D1 errors over a long period can cause extra wear on the rollers, but a single error causes no lasting harm.