HP Printer Error Code 41.1 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 41.1 means your HP printer picked up paper but could not identify its size. The printer expected one size based on the tray settings, but the sensors read something different. This is a settings or loading issue — not a hardware failure.

Affected Models

HP LaserJet Pro M400 Series
HP LaserJet Enterprise M600 Series
HP LaserJet Enterprise M605
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428
HP Color LaserJet Pro M454

Common Causes

The paper tray size guides are not snug against the paper, so the sensor reads the wrong size
The paper loaded in the tray does not match the paper size configured in the printer settings
The print job was sent with a paper size that does not match any loaded tray
A mixed stack of paper sizes was loaded into the tray at the same time
The paper size sensor inside the tray is dirty or stuck in a fixed position

How to Fix It

Open the paper tray and check that the side guides and back guide are pressed firmly against the edges of the paper stack.

Guides that are even slightly loose will cause the sensor to misread the paper size.
Make sure all paper in the tray is the same size. Remove any mixed sheets and load a clean, uniform stack.

Even one sheet of a different size at the bottom of the stack can trigger this error.
On the printer's control panel, go to Tray Settings and confirm the paper size matches what is physically loaded.

For example, if you loaded Letter paper, make sure the tray is set to Letter — not A4 or Legal.
In your computer's print dialog, verify the paper size selected in your document matches the tray setting on the printer.

A mismatch between the document size and the printer tray size is the most common cause of error 41.1.
Press OK or Continue on the printer panel to override the error and attempt to print, or restart the printer and try again.

If the error recurs on every print job, the paper size sensor may need cleaning or replacement.

When to Call a Professional

Error 41.1 is almost always a settings or loading problem you can fix yourself. If the error persists after correcting tray settings and paper, the paper size sensor may be faulty. A sensor repair typically costs $60 to $120 at a service center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between HP error 41.1 and error 41.3?

Error 41.1 means the printer could not identify the paper size at all. Error 41.3 means the printer picked up paper that is a different size than what it expected. Both errors are fixed by matching the paper in the tray to the print job size.

Can I make my HP printer ignore the paper size mismatch?

Yes. On many HP LaserJets you can press the OK button to override the error and print anyway. You can also go into the paper handling settings and turn off size sensing. However, turning off size sensing may cause misaligned prints on paper that is genuinely the wrong size.

Why does my printer show 41.1 even after I set the correct paper size?

The tray guides may still be slightly loose even if the setting is correct. Also try removing the paper, fanning the stack, and reloading it squarely. If the error persists, the paper sensor inside the tray may need to be cleaned.