> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://commanderhelp.verifone.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://commanderhelp.verifone.com/printer-help/receipt-printer-troubleshooting/receipt-printer-red-error-light-is-on.md).
# Receipt Printer Red Error Light Is On
### Use this when the receipt printer has a red error light
Use this when the printer **won’t print** and you see a **solid or flashing red light**.
{% hint style="danger" icon="octagon-exclamation" %}
#### Stop rule
After every step, check the **red error light**.
If it turns **off**, stop and print a test receipt.
{% endhint %}
Clear the error by latching the lid, clearing jams/debris, and reseating power. Check the red light after every step. Stop when it turns off.
Also called / keywords
**Also called:** Red light on printer | Error light on receipt printer | Alarm light | Printer fault light | Printer warning light | Error LED | Printer light not going off | Printer error after paper jam | Red error light stays on | Printer not printing and error light is On
**Keywords:** Red light on printer, error light on receipt printer, alarm light, printer fault light, printer warning light, error LED, printer light not going off, lid latch, paper jam, printer error after paper jam, printer not working red light, little red light on printer, how to clear printer error light, printer error light stays on, debris in printer, paper blocked in printer, reseat printer power, printer error light after paper reload, printer error light on
{% hint style="warning" %}
The error light is always **On** when the printer **lid is open**.
{% endhint %}
***
### Symptoms
You may see one or more of the following:
Red Error light lit on printer
* **Solid or flashing red** light on printer
* **Not printing** + red error light
* Red light after a **paper jam** or **paper reload**
* Lid looks closed but the red light **stays on**
**Most often this means:** The printer detected a fault. It’s usually a **lid not latched**, **paper jam/debris**, or a **loose power connection**.
***
{% hint style="warning" %}
#### Not your issue?
* Printer has **no lights at all** → use [Receipt Printer No Power - Power LED Is Off](/printer-help/receipt-printer-troubleshooting/receipt-printer-no-power-power-led-is-off.md)
* POS shows **“Receipt Printer Unavailable”** → use ["Receipt Printer Unavailable" Error Fix](/printer-help/receipt-printer-troubleshooting/receipt-printer-unavailable-error-fix.md)
* Receipts print **random symbols/gibberish** → use [Receipt Printer Printing Gibberish or Random Characters](/printer-help/receipt-printer-troubleshooting/receipt-prints-gibberish-random-characters.md)
* Printer feeds paper, but **new sales receipts don’t print** → use [New Receipts Not Printing - Reprints Work But New Sales Receipts Don't](/printer-help/receipt-printer-troubleshooting/new-receipts-not-printing-reprints-work.md)
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %}
### Before you start (quick checks)
* Is the printer lid fully **closed and latched**?
* Is paper loaded correctly, and is it printing smoothly when **feed** button is pressed?
* Do you see any torn paper, labels, or debris in the paper path?
* Does the lid resist closing (possible jam or damage)?
{% endhint %}
***
### How to clear the red error light on the receipt printer
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
#### Close the printer lid firmly
Open the printer lid fully.
Close it firmly until it latches on both sides.
If the lid won’t latch, go to **Step 6**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Remove the paper roll
Open the lid and remove the paper roll.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Clear jams and debris
Look inside the paper path and remove any:
* Torn pieces of paper
* Labels or sticker backing
* Any debris or foreign objects
Use your fingers only. Don’t use tools or sharp objects.
If you see damage or can’t remove something, go to **Step 6**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Reload paper and press Feed
Reload the paper roll.
Close the lid firmly until it latches.
Press **Feed**. Paper should feed smoothly.
If paper does not feed smoothly, repeat **Step 3**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Reseat power and test
Unplug the register/POS and wait until the screen is fully off.
Unplug the **round black** printer power cable from the printer.
Wait **10 seconds.**
Plug the printer power cable firmly back in on both ends.
Plug the register/POS power back in.
Wait for the register to fully load to the normal sales screen.
Print a test receipt. If the red error light is still on, go to **Step 6**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Still showing a red error light?
* **No on-site contract:** Contact a VASC(Verifone Authorized Service Contractor)Technician for further on-site troubleshooting
* **Valid on-site/contract:** Contact the Verifone Helpdesk:
📞 Phone: 1-800-837-4366 (1-800-VERIFONE)
💬 Chat
Tell them exactly the troubleshooting steps performed, this saves your time and gets you the right support faster.
{% hint style="info" %}
N**eed assistance? Contact Verifone Helpdesk at anytime.**
* Use our **Chat** platform
* Or call **1.800.VERIFONE (837.4366)**
Tell us the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried. This saves time and gets you the right support faster.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
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