Lexmark 31.xx Defective or Missing Cartridge
What it means
The printer cannot read the cartridge that is fitted, or none is fitted at all. Take the cartridge out, check that every piece of orange packaging and tape has been removed, then refit it firmly. A cartridge that still will not read after that is usually the problem.
Guides that cover this kind of fault
A guide written for 31.xx itself is still being checked against the manufacturer's documentation. These cover the same underlying problem and are filed under ink & toner.
- Printer Ink Drying Out: Causes and How to Prevent CloggingPrinter ink dries out when solvents evaporate from exposed nozzles due to infrequent use or leaving the printer unplugged. To fix this, run a standard...
- Third-Party Ink Cartridge Not Recognized: Causes and FixesClean the electrical contacts on the cartridge chip with a lint-free cloth and reseat the cartridge to restore communication. If the issue persists,...
- Canon 1688 Error: Meaning and How to Bypass ItCanon error 1688 indicates that an ink tank is empty or the printer cannot read the remaining ink level. You can typically bypass this warning and...
Common questions
What does the 31.xx error mean on a Lexmark printer?
The printer cannot read the cartridge that is fitted, or none is fitted at all. Take the cartridge out, check that every piece of orange packaging and tape has been removed, then refit it firmly. A cartridge that still will not read after that is usually the problem.
Is the 31.xx error serious?
It is worth attention but not alarm. Switching the printer off, unplugging it for a minute and checking for anything physically in the way resolves a large share of cases before anything else is needed.
Different code or problem?
Switch off and unplug a printer before reaching inside it. If a fault involves the power supply or internal electronics, or the machine is under warranty, contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician. Full disclaimer. Brand and code names are trademarks of their owners; PrinterFixUp is independent and unaffiliated.