HP M209dw “Cartridge is unauthorized”
Cartridge Policy is on and the installed cartridge is not a genuine HP cartridge.
CauseCartridge Policy allows only genuine HP cartridges, and the installed cartridge is not one. Source: Configure the HP toner-cartridge-protection supply settings; HP anticounterfeit Web site, pp. 34-35, 62, 96
First checkCheck the cartridge for "HP" or the HP logo, which a genuine HP toner cartridge carries.
Causes and checks
Cartridge Policy allows only genuine HP cartridges, and the installed cartridge is not one. Source: Configure the HP toner-cartridge-protection supply settings; HP anticounterfeit Web site, pp. 34-35, 62, 96
- Check the cartridge for "HP" or the HP logo, which a genuine HP toner cartridge carries.
- Go to www.hp.com/go/anticounterfeit so HP can help determine whether the cartridge is genuine.
- Install a genuine HP cartridge. See Replace the toner cartridge.
- Set Cartridge Policy to off in the EWS to remove the restriction. See Turn Cartridge Policy on or off.
Service
If the checks above do not clear it, contact HP Customer Support, hp.com/support. Telephone numbers by country are on the flyer in the box or at www.hp.com/support. Source: Customer support, p. 104
Other M209dw codes
- Solid white bar: The printer is idle and is not connected to a wireless network.
- Flashing white bar: The printer is processing and printing a job.
- White light in the center of the bar: The printer is in sleep mode.
- Solid amber bar: The cartridge access door or the rear access door might not be closed properly.
- Amber bar with the Paper light blinking: The input tray is out of paper or loaded wrongly, or paper is jammed.
- Amber bar with the Cartridge light blinking: The cartridge is very low or has an error such as incompatible, unauthorized or protected.
- Fast-flashing amber bar: The printer has encountered a problem.
- Solid blue bar: The printer is idle and connected to a wireless network, or a computer or mobile device is connected directly with Wi-Fi Direct.
- Pulsing blue bar: The printer is trying to connect to a wireless network.
- Blue bar pulses, then flashes amber: The printer cannot connect to a wireless network.
- Solid green bar: The printer is initializing, waiting for confirmation, running automatic cleaning, downloading and installing a printer update, or cooling down.
- Pulsing green bar: The printer is performing routine maintenance.
- Pulsing purple bar: The printer is in wireless setup mode.
- Purple bar blinks fast, then flashes amber: Time is running out for Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) mode.
- Cartridge light on: The cartridge is low on toner.
- Cartridge light blinking: The cartridge is very low, or a cartridge problem has occurred.
- Paper light blinking: The input tray is out of paper, or a paper error has occurred.
- Information button lit or blinking: A printer error has occurred.
- Information button blinking during wireless setup: The printer is waiting for you to complete authorization.
- Resume light on: The printer needs attention.
- Wireless light on, off or blinking: On: the printer has a stable wireless connection. Blinking: wireless setup mode or WPS is in progress, or the printer is not connected to a network.
- Cartridge is protected: Cartridge Protection tied the installed cartridge to another printer or fleet, so this printer will not print with it.
Sources
- User Guide, HP LaserJet M207-M212 series. HP Development Company, L.P. Document c06977277, revision EN-WW (PDF created 2020-12-03), 133 pages, en. h10032.www1.hp.com (PDF). Retrieved 13 November 2026.
Page numbers are the numbers printed in the manual. Where this page and the manual differ, follow the manual.