HP M234dw “Cartridge is unauthorized”
Cartridge Policy admits only genuine HP cartridges, and the installed one is not.
CauseA cartridge that is not a genuine HP cartridge is installed while Cartridge Policy is on. Source: Configure the HP toner-cartridge-protection supply settings; HP anticounterfeit Web site, pp. 48, 117
First checkLook for "HP" or the HP logo on the cartridge.
Causes and checks
A cartridge that is not a genuine HP cartridge is installed while Cartridge Policy is on. Source: Configure the HP toner-cartridge-protection supply settings; HP anticounterfeit Web site, pp. 48, 117
- Look for "HP" or the HP logo on the cartridge.
- Visit www.hp.com/go/anticounterfeit so HP can help decide whether the cartridge is genuine.
- Install a genuine HP cartridge. See Replace the toner cartridge.
- Set Cartridge Policy to off in the EWS to lift 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. 125
Other M234dw codes
- Go/01: The printer is in manual-feed mode.
- Go/02: The printer is processing a manual duplex job.
- Go/03: The paper type or size in the input tray differs from the print job settings.
- Go/06: The printer has received a Wi-Fi Direct connection request. This code appears on wireless models only.
- P2: An ID Copy job has started and the first side is scanned.
- Er/01: The input tray is empty.
- Er/02: The cartridge access door is open.
- Er/03: The printer could not pick up a sheet of paper.
- Er/04: Paper is jammed in the input tray or at the base of the printer.
- Er/05: Paper is jammed in the toner cartridge area.
- Er/06: Paper is jammed in the output tray area.
- Er/07: The toner cartridge is missing or not seated correctly.
- Er/08: The toner level is too low for printing.
- Er/11: There is a problem with the toner cartridge.
- Er/14: The toner cartridge is protected and cannot be used in this printer.
- Er/17: An unauthorized toner cartridge is installed.
- Er/20: Cartridge sensor error.
- Er/23: The printer is running low on memory during a print, copy or scan job.
- Er/26: The printer has a general engine error.
- Er/30: There is a problem with the scanner.
- Er/41: Paper is jammed in the document feeder.
- Er/42: Paper is jammed in the rear duplexer.
- Er/50: There is a problem with the print engine.
- Er/51, Er/52, Er/54, Er/55, Er/58, Er/59: These codes share one row with Er/50 in the display-code table: a print-engine problem.
- Er/61: An error occurred during a wireless WPS connection. The Wireless icon blinks.
- Er/66: The wireless hardware is not detected.
- Er/77: Secure device failure.
- Solid white bar: The printer is idle and has no wireless connection.
- 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: A door might not be closed properly.
- Amber bar with the Paper light blinking: The tray is empty or loaded wrongly, or paper is jammed.
- Amber bar with the Cartridge light blinking: The cartridge is very low, or the printer reports an incompatible, unauthorized or protected cartridge.
- Fast-flashing amber bar: The printer has hit a problem.
- Solid blue bar: The printer is idle on a wireless network, or a device is connected to it 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 starting up, awaiting confirmation, cleaning itself, installing an update or cooling down.
- Pulsing green bar: The printer is doing routine maintenance.
- Pulsing purple bar: The printer is in wireless setup mode.
- Purple bar blinks fast, then flashes amber: The Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) time limit is about to run out.
- Cartridge light on: The toner level is low.
- Cartridge light blinking: The cartridge is very low, or it has a problem.
- Paper light blinking: The input tray has no paper, or a paper error has occurred.
- Information button lit or blinking: A printer error has occurred.
- Information button blinking during wireless setup: Wireless setup is waiting for authorization.
- Resume light on: The printer needs attention.
- Open Lid light flashing: The first side of the ID card is copied and the second side is waiting.
- Wireless icon: Lit: the printer has a stable wireless connection. An exclamation icon beside it, or a blinking icon with Er/61, signals a connection problem.
- Cartridge is protected: Cartridge Protection bound the installed cartridge to a different printer or fleet.
Sources
- User Guide, HP LaserJet MFP M232-M237 series. HP Development Company, L.P. Document c06759742, revision UG_EN (PDF created 2020-12-02), 154 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.