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Why does my printer say “Ribbon Out” when the ribbon is loaded?

Updated · By TIMCOD maintenance technicians · Sources: official manufacturer documentation (Zebra, Honeywell, Toshiba, Sato, Godex, Brother)

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In brief. The Ribbon Out message and its equivalents, such as NO RIBBON on Toshiba or Ribbon End on Sato printers, indicate that the printer no longer detects a ribbon. Most often, the ribbon really has run out: genuine Zebra ribbons end with a reflective trailer that the printer reads as the end of the ribbon. If the ribbon is in place, the guides cite a ribbon loaded incorrectly or not detected, a sensor that needs calibrating, or a printer set to thermal transfer when your labels print without a ribbon. First check whether there is any ribbon left, then reload it, calibrate, or switch to direct thermal.

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Why does a printer say “Ribbon Out”? The causes cited by manufacturers

These causes are taken from the manufacturers' guides and ranked from most to least often cited; each example names the model concerned, whose entry in the model-by-model table below gives the exact procedure.

  1. Ribbon actually used upThis is the most frequently cited cause. At the end of a Zebra roll, the reflective trailer is visible and the take-up roll is full (ZD411, ZD421, ZD611). Toshiba detects the end of the ribbon with a sensor located at the rear of the printhead assembly (NO RIBBON on the B-EX4T1 and B-EX6); Honeywell indicates it with a red Ribbon icon on the PM43 and PM45.
  2. Ribbon loaded or installed incorrectlyZebra lists it first for its ZT models (ZT230, ZT411, ZT510, ZT610), Sato for the CL4NX and CT4-LX, Brother for the TD-4 models and the TJ-4420TN, Honeywell for the PC42t and PM45. On the ZT231 and ZT510, the ribbon must go back under the printhead all the way in, close to the inner wall, so that it passes in front of the sensor; on the TJ-4420TN, it passes through the ribbon sensor slot.
  3. Thermal transfer set with labels that print without a ribbonAccording to Zebra, a printer left in thermal transfer mode expects a ribbon that direct thermal labels do not need (ZT410, ZT421, ZT610). GoDEX describes the same case on the G500 and ZX400, and on the GE300 under the name Settings Error. For the CL4NX and CT4-LX, Sato explains how to switch to direct thermal to print without a ribbon.
  4. Ribbon sensor covered, not calibrated or dirtyZebra cites a sensor covered by the media and a printer not calibrated for the label and ribbon in use (ZT411, ZT421, ZT610); on the ZT410, ZT420 and ZT510, the ribbon-out threshold may also be set too high. Sato blames a dirty or insufficiently sensitive sensor (CL4NX, CL6NX Plus, CT4-LX), Toshiba a ribbon sensor problem on the B-EX4T1.
  5. Ribbon stuck, torn or no longer turningToshiba cites a ribbon that does not feed correctly (RIBBON ERROR on the B-852 and B-EX4T1), Honeywell a jammed ribbon on the PC43t and PD43, GoDEX a ribbon roll that no longer turns (EZ6250i, G500, ZX400). On the Zebra ZC100 and ZC300, the 5001 Out of ribbon error can come from a broken ribbon.
  6. Ribbon cartridge missing or not recognisedOn the cartridge-based Zebra ZD420t and ZD421, a cartridge is mandatory for thermal transfer; a dirty chip or dirty contacts can also prevent it from being read and trigger Ribbon Out with the cartridge in place. On the ZC100 and ZC300, Zebra cites an authentication chip that has no panel sets left, or a faulty one.

What to check, in order

  1. Check whether there is any ribbon leftAt the end of a Zebra roll, the reflective trailer is visible and the take-up roll is full. Replace the ribbon, close the printer, then press FEED once (ZD411, ZD611, ZD621) or RESTART on Toshiba printers.
  2. Check the print modeIf your labels print without a ribbon (a black mark appears when you scratch them with your fingernail, according to Zebra), set the printer to direct thermal: PRINT METHOD set to DIRECT THERMAL on the ZT410 and ZT420, Print Type set to Direct Thermal on the ZT411 and ZT421, with the same mode in the driver or the label software.
  3. Reload the ribbon following the diagram in the guideRoll pushed all the way onto its spindle, ribbon passed under the printhead, then pulled taut with no slack. Check that it passes in front of the ribbon sensor, and that the media does not cover this sensor: Zebra warns, on the ZT510, that incorrectly threaded media causes a false RIBBON OUT error.
  4. Calibrate the sensorsZebra requires the ribbon and media sensors to be calibrated after reloading (ZT410, ZT421, ZT610), and the ribbon sensor on the ZC100 and ZC300 if the error persists. On the Sato CL4NX, CL6NX Plus and CT4-LX, a suspect sensor is dealt with by switching the printer off and then on again.
  5. Check the threshold, the settings or the cartridgeOn the ZT410, ZT420 and ZT510, print a sensor profile: if the ribbon-out threshold appears above the line of the detected ribbon, recalibrate or reload the default values. On the ZT411, ZT421, ZT231 and ZT610, Zebra suggests restoring the printer settings. On a cartridge-based ZD420t or ZD421, clean the chip contacts, then try another cartridge.
  6. Call in a technician if the error persistsToshiba says to switch the printer off and call an authorised technician if the ribbon still does not feed after replacement (B-852, B-EX4T1); Sato refers you to its technical support (CL4NX, CL6NX Plus). On the ZD420t and ZD620t, Zebra first has you reload the firmware, then call a technician.

Caution: According to Zebra (ZT411, ZT421), the printhead can be hot enough to cause severe burns: let it cool before touching it, as Toshiba also requires. Toshiba has you load the ribbon with the printer stopped; Honeywell and Brother say to keep your fingers out of the print mechanism and rotating parts.

What the documentation recommends, model by model

For 40 models, the manufacturer's documentation describes this symptom. Each row links to the detailed entry in the guide, with the full procedure and its sources.

ModelGuide entryShort answer
Zebra ZT230Why does my Zebra ZT230 show “RIBBON OUT” when the ribbon is installed?In thermal transfer mode, the printer has not detected the ribbon, or it has not been calibrated for the label and ribbon being used. Reload the ribbon and calibrate; if the ribbon is still not detected, print a sensor profile and adjust the “ribbon out” threshold. If your labels are direct thermal, switch the printer to Direct Thermal mode.
Honeywell PM43Why does the Ribbon icon on my Honeywell PM43 light up red?According to the Honeywell manual, a red Ribbon icon indicates that the ribbon has run out or has a problem. Put a ribbon back on the supply hub in the direction that matches its ink side, tension it with the take-up hub, then lower the printhead.
Honeywell PF4iWhy does my Honeywell PF4i display error 1027 or “Ribbon out”?The printer has run out of transfer ribbon. Load a new ribbon roll, ink side down, then check that the paper type is set to thermal transfer: Transfer in Fingerprint, TTR in IPL.
Zebra ZT410Why does my Zebra ZT410 show “Ribbon Out” when the ribbon is installed?In thermal transfer mode, the printer does not detect the ribbon: ribbon missing or incorrectly loaded, sensor blocked by the media, detection threshold too high, or direct thermal labels with the printer set to thermal transfer. Reload the ribbon, then calibrate the sensors.
Toshiba B-852Why does my Toshiba B-852 show “RIBBON ERROR” with a thermal transfer ribbon?The ribbon is not advancing correctly, or it has run out or is torn. Remove the ribbon, check its condition and replace it if necessary, then press RESTART; if it has run out, load a new ribbon.
Zebra ZT421Why does my Zebra ZT421 show “Ribbon Out” when the ribbon is loaded?In thermal transfer mode, the ribbon is missing, incorrectly loaded, not seen by the sensor or blocked by the media. Reload the ribbon, then calibrate the sensors; if you are printing on direct thermal labels without ribbon, set the printer to Direct Thermal.
Zebra ZT420Why does my Zebra ZT420 show “Ribbon Out” when the ribbon is installed?In thermal transfer mode, the printer does not detect the ribbon: ribbon missing or incorrectly loaded, sensor blocked by the media, detection threshold too high, or direct thermal labels with the printer set to thermal transfer. Reload the ribbon, then calibrate the sensors.
Zebra ZT411Why does my Zebra ZT411 show “Ribbon Out” when the ribbon is loaded?In thermal transfer mode, the ribbon is missing, incorrectly loaded, not seen by the sensor or blocked by the media. Reload the ribbon, then calibrate the sensors; if you are printing on direct thermal labels without ribbon, set the printer to Direct Thermal.
Honeywell PX6iWhy does my Honeywell PX6i show error 1027 “Out of transfer ribbon” or “Ribbon Out”?The printer has run out of transfer ribbon, or it does not detect the ribbon rotating. Load a new roll of ribbon, then check that the paper type is set to thermal transfer: Transfer in Fingerprint, TTR in IPL.
Toshiba B-EX4T1Why does my Toshiba B-EX4T1 show “NO RIBBON”, and how do I load the ribbon?The ribbon has run out: the ribbon sensor, at the back of the printhead block, has detected its end. Load a new ribbon, take up any slack, then press RESTART.
Toshiba B-EX4T1Why does my Toshiba B-EX4T1 show “RIBBON ERROR” when the ribbon is installed?The ribbon is not advancing correctly, it is not loaded, or the ribbon sensor is faulty. Remove the ribbon, check its condition and replace it if necessary, reload it without slack, then press RESTART.
Zebra GK420Why does my Zebra GK420t stop with the red light when the transfer ribbon has run out?The transfer ribbon has run out: the GK420t stops and its light stays red until a new ribbon is loaded. Leave the printer switched on, replace the ribbon, close the cover and press FEED to resume the interrupted job.
Zebra ZD421Why does my Zebra ZD421 report “Ribbon Out” with the SUPPLIES light flashing red?The printer has detected the end of the ribbon: genuine Zebra ribbons end with a reflective leader that the printer recognises. Replace the ribbon roll (or the cartridge on a ZD421 cartridge model), close the printer and press FEED once.
Zebra ZD421Why does my Zebra ZD421 cartridge model show a cartridge error when a Zebra cartridge is installed?Zebra only supports genuine Zebra ribbon cartridges, neither refurbished nor modified. If a genuine cartridge is rejected, the contacts on its chip or the pins of the cartridge sensor are probably dirty: clean them, then try another cartridge.
Zebra GX420Why does the light on my Zebra GX420t turn red when the transfer ribbon has run out?The ribbon has run out: according to the GX420t guide, the light turns red and the printer waits for a new roll. Leave it switched on, replace the ribbon, close the cover and press FEED to resume printing.
Zebra ZC100 and ZC300Why does my Zebra ZC300 show “Out of ribbon” (error 5001) when the ribbon has not run out?The ribbon is broken, the ribbon authentication chip has no panel sets left, or this chip is faulty. Repair or replace the ribbon, check the ribbon type in the driver, then calibrate the ribbon sensor if the error persists.
Zebra ZD411Why does my Zebra ZD411t report ribbon out (SUPPLIES light flashing red)?The ZD411t detects the reflective strip that appears at the end of the ribbon roll. Open the printer without turning it off, remove the full take-up roll, load a new ribbon, close the printer and press FEED once to resume.
Zebra ZD420Why is the SUPPLIES light on my Zebra ZD420t flashing red (“Ribbon Out”)?The ZD420t is reporting that it has no usable ribbon left: the cartridge has reached the end of its ribbon, there is no cartridge while the printer is in thermal transfer mode, or it cannot read the cartridge. Replace the used cartridge, close the printer and press FEED once.
Zebra ZD420My Zebra ZD420t does not recognise its ribbon cartridge (“Ribbon Out” or authentication failure): what should I do?If the cartridge is a genuine Zebra cartridge, unmodified and not refurbished, the contacts on its chip or the pins of the cartridge sensor are probably dirty, or the chip is damaged. Clean the chip contacts with alcohol, try another cartridge, then clean the sensor pins.
Zebra ZD500RMy Zebra ZD500R stops with a red STATUS light at the end of the ribbon: what should I do?The thermal transfer ribbon is used up or missing. Fit a new roll on the lower spindles, attach its leader to an empty core, tighten it with the knob and then press FEED: the ZD500R feeds at least 10 cm to align the ribbon.
Zebra ZD611What should I do when my Zebra ZD611t reports the end of the ribbon (“Ribbon Out”)?The ribbon has run out: the reflective end-of-ribbon trailer is visible and the take-up roll is full. Without switching off the printer, remove the used take-up roll, load a new ribbon and press FEED once to resume.
Zebra ZD620Why does my Zebra ZD620t report “Ribbon Out”, and how do I change the ribbon?In thermal transfer, the ZD620t has detected the end of the ribbon: genuine Zebra ribbons end with a reflective trailer, which is read as the end of the ribbon. Remove the used ribbon, load a new roll, close the cover and press FEED once.
Zebra ZD621Why does my Zebra ZD621t show “Ribbon Out” during printing?The ZD621t has reached the end of the ribbon: genuine Zebra ribbons end with a reflective leader that the printer reads as the end of the ribbon. Remove the used ribbon, install a new roll, close the cover then press FEED once, or PAUSE, to resume.
Zebra ZT231Why does my Zebra ZT231 ask for ribbon (“RIBBON OUT”) when ribbon is loaded?In thermal transfer mode, the sensor does not see the ribbon: ribbon missing or not properly engaged, sensor blocked by the media, or printer set to thermal transfer with direct thermal labels. Reload the ribbon and calibrate; if that is not enough, restore the printer settings.
Zebra ZT510Why does my Zebra ZT510 show “RIBBON OUT” when the ribbon is installed?In thermal transfer mode, the printer does not see the ribbon: ribbon missing or incorrectly loaded, sensor blocked by the media, detection threshold too high, or print mode unsuitable for direct thermal media. Reload the ribbon, then calibrate the sensors.
Zebra ZT510Why doesn't my Zebra ZT510 stop at the end of the ribbon?The printer was calibrated without ribbon, with incorrectly loaded ribbon, or not for the label and ribbon combination in use. Reload the ribbon so that it passes in front of the sensor, then recalibrate.
Zebra ZT610 and ZT620Why does my Zebra ZT610 or ZT620 show “Ribbon Out” when the ribbon is in place?In thermal transfer mode, the ribbon is missing, incorrectly loaded or not detected by its sensor, or media is blocking this sensor. Reload the ribbon correctly, then calibrate the printer; if you are using direct thermal media, switch the printer to Direct Thermal mode.
Honeywell PC42My Honeywell PC42t is flashing red: has the ribbon run out?Running out of ribbon is one of the causes of the flashing red light cited by Honeywell. Fit a new “ink out” roll, tension it with the knob, close the mechanism then press Print.
Honeywell PC42How do I install the ribbon on a Honeywell PC42t?The PC42t only accepts “ink out” ribbons, matt inked side facing outwards. Place the new roll at the back and the empty core at the front on their adapters, pass the ribbon under the mechanism and over the printhead, attach it to the core, then tension it with the knob.
Honeywell PC43Why is the ribbon icon lit on my Honeywell PC43t?This icon, specific to thermal transfer models, indicates a jammed or empty ribbon. Replace the roll with an “ink out” ribbon, attach it to the take-up core, tighten it with the knob and close the cover.
Honeywell PC43How do I install the ribbon on a Honeywell PC43t?The PC43t works only with “ink out” ribbon. Place the new roll between the rear holders and the take-up core between the front holders, attach the end of the ribbon to the core, tighten it with the knob, then set the print method to Ribbon (TTR).
Honeywell PD43Why does the ribbon error icon on my Honeywell PD43 stay lit?According to Honeywell, the ribbon error icon indicates a jammed or empty ribbon. Replace the roll or put the ribbon back in place under the print mechanism up to the take-up core, then remove the slack with the knob.
Honeywell PD45SWhy does my Honeywell PD45S display “Out of Ribbon” or “Ribbon Low”?“Out of Ribbon” indicates that you need to load ribbon. “Ribbon Low” appears when the remaining diameter of the roll falls below the value set in Ribbon Low Diameter: Honeywell then advises replacing the ribbon.
Honeywell PM23cWhy does the Ribbon icon on my Honeywell PM23c light up red?According to the Honeywell manual, the red Ribbon icon indicates that the ribbon has run out or has a problem. Fit a ribbon on the supply hub the right way round for the ink side, tension it with the take-up hub, then lower the printhead.
Honeywell PM45 and PM45cWhy is the Ribbon icon on my Honeywell PM45 red?The red Ribbon icon indicates a ribbon that is out, not advancing or loaded incorrectly: reload the ribbon. When off, it means that the ribbon is fine or that the printer is not configured to use a ribbon.
Toshiba B-EX6Why does my Toshiba B-EX6 show “NO RIBBON”, and how do I load the ribbon?The ribbon has run out: the ribbon sensor, at the back of the printhead block, has detected its end. Load a new ribbon, remove any slack, then press RESTART.
Sato CL4NXWhy does my Sato CL4NX report “Ribbon End” (error 1009) with a ribbon in place?Sato cites a missing or used-up ribbon, incorrectly loaded ribbon or media, and a ribbon sensor that is not working properly. Reload the ribbon and media, then close the head; if the sensor is the cause, restart the printer.
Sato CL6NX PlusWhy does my Sato CL6NX Plus show “Error 1009 Ribbon End” when the ribbon is in place?The ribbon is missing, has run out or is incorrectly loaded, or the ribbon sensor is not working properly. Reload the ribbon and media correctly, then close the head; for a faulty sensor, Sato advises switching the printer off and on again.
Sato CT4-LXWhat should I do when my Sato CT4-LX shows “1009 Ribbon End”?The ribbon is missing, incorrectly loaded or torn, or its sensor is detecting it incorrectly. Reload the ribbon; with direct thermal labels, you can also switch the CT4-LX to direct thermal mode to print without a ribbon.
Sato WS4What do the flashing orange lights mean on my thermal transfer Sato WS4?On the WS408TT and WS412TT, this combination indicates a ribbon end or a ribbon error. Load a new ribbon roll following section 2.4 of the manual and check that it is correctly installed.
Godex EZ6250i and EZ6350iWhy does my Godex EZ6250i show “Media Error” with 2 × 3 beeps (ribbon problem)?The printer cannot find a ribbon, the ribbon has run out or the ribbon roll is no longer turning. Replace the ribbon; if you are printing without a ribbon on thermal paper, switch the printer to direct thermal mode.
Godex G500Why does my Godex G500 report a ribbon error when I am printing without a ribbon?The printer is expecting a ribbon because it is not set to direct thermal mode. With direct thermal labels, check this setting; with thermal transfer labels, install a ribbon.
Godex G500What should I do when the ribbon on my Godex G500 has run out or is no longer turning?The ribbon has run out or its supply hub is no longer turning. The GoDEX manual asks you to replace the ribbon roll.
Godex GE300My Godex GE300 reports a “Media Error” at the end of the roll: how do I fix it?The ribbon or the label roll is used up. Replace the used-up consumable, then close the print mechanism and the cover.
Godex GE300What does “Settings Error” mean on a Godex GE300 with no ribbon?The GE300 is set to thermal transfer but no ribbon is loaded. Load a ribbon, or select direct thermal mode if your labels print without a ribbon.
Godex ZX400Why does my Godex ZX420 show “check ribbon” with 3 beeps repeated twice?Either no ribbon is loaded while the printer is set to thermal transfer, or the ribbon has run out or its roll is no longer turning. Replace the ribbon, or set the printer to direct thermal if you are working without ribbon.
Brother TD-4What should I do when my Brother TD-4 shows “Out of Ribbon” or “Ribbon End Err.”?According to Brother, the ribbon is almost or completely used up, or it is incorrectly installed. Replace the ribbon if there is not enough left; otherwise reinstall it correctly.
Brother TD-4How do I install the thermal transfer ribbon in a Brother TD-4420TN?Place the empty core on the take-up spindle, insert the ribbon on its spindle, pass it under the printhead and attach its leader to the core. Turn the take-up until the black part of the ribbon covers the printhead, then close the printhead with both hands.
Brother TJ-4420TNWhy does my Brother TJ-4420TN show “Plus de Ruban” (out of ribbon) or “Err. Encoder Ruban”?According to Brother, the ribbon has run out or is incorrectly installed. Replace it with a new ribbon, or reinstall it, passing it under the guide bar and through the ribbon sensor slot.
Brother TJ-4420TNHow do I install the ribbon on a Brother TJ-4420TN?Place the ribbon on the supply spindle with the ink side the right way round, open the printhead, then pass the ribbon under the guide bar and through the ribbon sensor slot. Turn the rewind spindle 3 to 5 turns, until the ribbon is smooth and free of wrinkles.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my printer say “Ribbon Out” when I print without a ribbon?

It is set to thermal transfer and is therefore expecting a ribbon. Switch it to direct thermal mode in its settings and in the driver: Direct Thermal on Zebra printers, direct thermal mode on GoDEX printers, the Ribbon parameter set to NO in BPM on Brother printers. First check that your labels really are direct thermal: according to Zebra, a black mark appears when you scratch them with your fingernail.

Do I need to turn the printer off to change the ribbon?

It depends on the manufacturer. Zebra says to leave the GK420t, GX420t, ZD411t and ZD611 switched on; on the GK420t and GX420t, switching them off loses the job in progress. Toshiba, on the contrary, requires the mains power to be disconnected before working on the ribbon of the B-852, and the ribbon of the B-EX4T1 and B-EX6 to be loaded once the mechanism has come to a complete stop.

Why doesn't my printer stop at the end of the ribbon?

According to Zebra, a ZT410, ZT421, ZT510 or ZT610 that does not stop at the end of the ribbon was calibrated without a ribbon or with an incorrectly loaded ribbon: reload it so that it passes in front of the sensor, then recalibrate. On the GX420t, Zebra has you check that it is a Zebra ribbon with its end trailer; if the sensor does not see it, the printer keeps trying to print.

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PDF version of the page https://www.timcod.fr/reparation/en/printer-troubleshooting/symptoms/label-printer-ribbon-out-ribbon-not-detected, updated on 21 October 2026.