Embedded Systems Error Code
Systems & Devices
Embedded Systems
MALLOC FAILED | Heap allocation failed
Industry
Systems & Devices
Canonical
/systems/embedded-systems/error-codes/malloc-failed/
Last Updated
Feb 27, 2026
Summary
A dynamic memory allocation failed because the heap is exhausted or fragmented.
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What This Code Means
“malloc failed” indicates the firmware attempted to allocate memory dynamically and the allocator could not satisfy the request. In embedded systems this often happens due to limited RAM, memory fragmentation, or leaks over time.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- Devices that use dynamic allocation for buffers
- Wi‑Fi/stack-heavy firmware workloads
Why This Code Appears
- Heap exhaustion due to high memory demand
- Memory leak
- Fragmentation from frequent allocate/free patterns
What Typically Happens Next
- Operation fails, device may reset, or enters safe mode depending on firmware design
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a hardware sensor failure by itself
- It is not necessarily a power issue
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Capture memory usage metrics and logs
- □ Review recent changes that increased buffer sizes or features
- □ Reduce allocation churn or use static buffers where appropriate
Notes And Edge Cases
Some RTOS systems provide heap diagnostics; use them to identify fragmentation and leaks.
Related Codes
8 links
- OUT OF MEMORY CodeAllocation failure
- DOUBLE FREE CodeMemory freed twice
- HEAP CORRUPTION CodeAllocator state corrupted
- FLASH WRITE FAILED CodeStorage operation failed
- ILLEGAL INSTRUCTION CodeInvalid CPU instruction
- WATCHDOG RESET CodeWatchdog triggered
- ASSERTION FAILED CodeRuntime assertion
- BROWNOUT RESET CodeUndervoltage event
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