HP LaserJet Pro M375/M475 — Remove shipping lock from color cartridge
A new cartridge still has its shipping lock or transport restraint installed.
Error meaning
A cartridge shipping lock is still installed.
This meaning is tied to the reviewed family/platform and subsystem below; do not reuse the number or wording by itself on a different printer family or protocol.
Applies to
LaserJet Pro 300/400 color MFP M375/M475 Series
- HP LaserJet Pro 300 color MFP M375
- HP LaserJet Pro 400 color MFP M475
Common formatting
These are formatting/lookup aliases for this reviewed condition, not separate error pages.
- Remove shipping lock from <color> cartridge
- remove-shipping-lock
What usually causes it
- The pull tab, lock, clip, or other transport protection was not removed before installation.
- Part of the shipping restraint broke or remained attached to the cartridge.
- A cartridge was moved directly from packaging into the printer without completing the supply preparation steps.
What to try
Identify the color named in the message
Remove only the indicated cartridge so you do not mix up the other supplies.
Check the cartridge for shipping restraints
Follow the cartridge's installation markings and remove the intended transport lock, seal, or tab. Do not remove unrelated parts.
Inspect for a broken piece of packaging material
If a lock or tab tore, make sure the removable shipping piece came out completely without digging into the printer.
Reinstall the prepared cartridge and retry
Seat it in the matching color slot, close the door, and wait for initialization to complete.
After each corrective action
Retry the same operation that produced Remove shipping lock from <color> cartridge. If it now works, stop there rather than changing unrelated printer, network, supply, or service settings.
If the code returns
If the shipping-lock message returns after the cartridge is correctly prepared, compare the supply with a known-good cartridge and verify no removable restraint remains.
When service may be needed
Do not pry internal printer mechanisms or defeat sensors. A damaged cartridge or persistent false shipping-lock detection may require supply replacement or HP support.
Continue with guided troubleshooting
If the printer still is not working after the reviewed checks, carry this verified error context into the guided troubleshooter.
Related information
Verified source
Official HP family support document explicitly covers M375/M475 and provides supply and 79-series control-panel meanings/actions. Color variants are reviewed as variants, not separate SEO opportunities.