What are the steps to fix HP printer error code 20?

A user can get into HP printer error code 20 when the printer is not configured correctly. When the error message appears on the system, the user can't take the printouts. If you want to take printouts from your system, you need to fix the printer's error instantly. Check for the possible reasons behind your issue and fix them.

Common causes for HP printer error code 20

1. You haven't set the HP printer as the default

2. HP printer driver is showing an error

3. Viruses are interrupting the printing process

4. HP driver-related registry files get corrupted

5. Your printer is unable to find the ink cartridge

Resolving HP printer error code 20:

Run the printer troubleshooter

When you get the HP Printer Error 0xc18a0206 on the screen, and the printer stops working, run the troubleshooter. This inbuilt tool of your system will check for the issues which are causing the error. Run the printer troubleshooter and wait for the process. The troubleshooter will show the result page. If the page indicates that your error is fixed, then you can access your printer easily. The printer troubleshooter cannot fix the mistake; click on the report option and check for the details.

Check the HP printer driver.

HP error code 20 can occur when the printer is unable to fetch the driver. This driver allows the printer to get the command from your PC. If the printer can't find the driver, it starts showing the error. Go to your PC and inspect the HP printer driver. If the driver is running out-of-date, then install the latest update. When the error code appears due to a corrupted driver, you have to install the new one. Find the driver of your printer model and install it on the system. Now give the command to your HP printer and take your printouts.

Set HP device as your default printer

The HP printer can show you issues when you haven't set it as a default printer. When the user gives a print command, it will directly go to the default system. When the HP is showing you an error, set it as default. You have to open the Printers and Scanners page on the system. Go to the manage default printer page and toggle the switch to ON. Now click on the HP printer from the list to set it as default. After selecting the printer, you can take the printouts from the HP device easily.

Run the virus scan

The HP printer can get into error when the viruses are interrupting the printing process. You can run the virus scan for removing all the malware from your device. Go to your PC and open the antivirus. Click on full system scan, and the tool will scan all the files on the system. If the system is carrying any viruses, the antivirus will remove them. After scanning, restart the system and check your HP printer for the error.

Reinstall the cartridge

The printer can show an error code when it is unable to find the ink cartridge. Sometimes, the user hasn't installed the cartridge correctly, and it starts showing the error. When you get the HP error code 20 on the screen, recheck your cartridge. Take out the ink cartridge from the HP device and check the sideways. The printer won't find the cartridge if the cartridge pins are not touching the printer. If the pins are covered with protective tapes, then remove the tape from the pins and reinstall the cartridge. Now again go to the system and give a command to the HP printer. 

Check the connection

You should also check the PC-printer connection. When you get the error code, inspect your USB cable. If you are using a slow cable, then switch it to a high-speed one. Keep the HP printer near to the PC or router while taking wireless printouts. You can also ask the HP team for troubleshooting HP printer error code 20.