Dymo LabelWriter 5XL Flashing or Blinking White Circle Light

Seeing a flashing white light on your Dymo LabelWriter 5XL? That usually means there's an error — and more often than not, it’s due to labels that the printer doesn’t recognise. Most of the time, that comes down to one thing: non-genuine labels.

Just today, a customer came in with this exact issue. We pulled out the label roll and noticed a sticker stuck in the label exit path. We figured that must be the cause. But after clearing it, reconnecting the printer, and testing again — the white light was still flashing. The computer also showed “Out of Labels”.

That’s when we looked closer at the labels. They were genuine Dymo, but had been sitting in a stationery cupboard for a while. When we swapped them out for a new roll, we noticed the difference straight away. The new labels were much crisper and brighter. As soon as they were loaded, the printer recognised them and started printing. Problem solved.

Why Genuine Labels Matter for Dymo 5XL

Dymo’s 5 Series printers, including the 5XL, 550 and 550 Turbo, use a smart sensor that looks for a small RFID chip built into the outside of the roll’s core (see image below). That chip tells the printer key info like:

Label size
How many labels are left
Whether the labels are genuine

If the printer can’t read that chip — either because it’s missing or outdated — you’ll get a flashing white light and an “Out of Labels” message, even if the roll looks full.

What to Do if You See the Flashing White Light

Check the label roll – Make sure it has an RFID chip and is loaded correctly, left-justified with the guide snug against the roll.
Clear any stuck labels or debris – Even a tiny scrap in the exit path can cause issues.
Restart the printer – Turn it off, unplug it, wait 10 seconds, then reconnect everything.
Try a fresh roll – Especially if the current one has been stored for a long time.

If the roll doesn’t have a chip (or it’s too old), the printer won’t work. Simple as that.

Where to Get Guaranteed Genuine Labels

Since 2009, Dymo Online has only sold genuine Dymo labels. We’ve seen too many customers waste time and money with generic alternatives that don’t work properly — or at all.

If your label printer is flashing that white light, check the roll. No chip? No worries. Just order a new genuine roll here and your printer should be back to normal in no time.

Reminder: Dymo 5 Series printers require genuine rolls. It’s not about locking people in — it’s about ensuring consistent print quality and fewer issues.