Canon Printer Error Codes and Messages: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

Your Canon printer stopped. Now there's a number on the screen, a letter and two digits on a tiny display, or an orange light blinking at you. Each one points to a specific problem. This guide shows you how to read the code, what the common Canon codes mean, and which ones you can clear yourself in a few minutes.

Most Canon errors come down to paper, ink, a cover that isn't shut, or something in the way of the print head. You can fix those at the printer. A smaller group means a part inside has failed. Knowing that early saves you an afternoon of restarting a printer that won't recover on its own.

Before you do anything else, write down the exact code and the message next to it. Canon reuses some numbers across models with slightly different meanings, so every character counts.

Which Kind of Canon Code Are You Looking At?

Canon printers don't all report errors the same way. Find the description that matches what you see.

A four-character support code, like 1300, 1688, 5100, or 5B00
PIXMA, MAXIFY, and MegaTank printers with a screen show this code on the printer and in the Canon software on your computer, next to a short message. Canon calls it a support code. Most are four digits, but some end in a letter (168A, 495A) and a few start with one (B202, C000).

As a rough guide:

• Codes in the 1000s are usually things you can fix yourself, like paper, covers, and ink.
• The 2000s to 4000s cover settings, alignment, scanning, and Wi-Fi.
• From 5000 up, you're looking at printer errors. These start with a power reset and sometimes end with a repair.

A short E-code or P-code, like E03, E16, P02, or P07
Compact PIXMA models with a small segment display, such as the TS3100 and TS3300 series, show these instead. E-codes are mostly problems you can fix. P-codes are printer errors. Each one matches one or more support codes, and the translation table further down has the full list.

Just a blinking orange light
Printers with no screen, like the MegaTank G3000 series, report errors by flashing the Alarm lamp a set number of times. Count the flashes, then check the blink table below. If the Alarm lamp and the ON lamp take turns flashing, it's a printer error, not a paper or ink problem.

A code starting with # or E on an imageCLASS laser printer
When a print, scan, or fax job fails, Canon's laser printers show a three-digit code after a # sign (like #099 or #853). It appears in the job log or on an error report. An E followed by numbers (like E000 or E015-0001) is a service error. Laser models also show plain-language messages such as "Paper Settings and Loaded Size Mismatch." Skip to the imageCLASS section for all of these.

No code at all? Windows may say your printer is in an error state while the printer itself looks fine. In that case the problem is usually on the computer side. Our Canon printer in error state guide covers that.

Try These Steps Before You Look Up the Code

These steps clear a lot of Canon errors on their own. They're the same first steps Canon's manuals give for most codes.

1. Read the message and press the button it asks for. Plenty of Canon codes are just warnings. Press OK (or Black or Color on models without an OK button) to dismiss them, and printing carries on. Stop cancels the job.
2. Close everything. That means the scanning unit, the top cover, the ink cartridge locking cover, and the cassette. A cover that isn't fully latched triggers its own code, and several codes clear the moment it clicks shut.
3. Check for paper. Take out the stack and look in the rear tray, the output slot, and the cassette. A small torn scrap left inside is the usual reason a jam code keeps coming back.
4. Reseat the ink. Open the cover and wait for the holder to stop moving. Press each cartridge or tank in until it clicks. On a brand new cartridge, make sure all the protective tape is off.
5. Do a proper power reset. Press the power button and wait until the ON lamp goes out. Then unplug the printer from the wall, plug it back in, and turn it on. Canon's manuals warn that unplugging while the ON lamp is still lit or flashing can let the print head dry out or clog, so don't skip the wait.
6. If the code comes back, look it up below. A code that returns right after a power reset means something physical is still wrong, or a part needs attention.

Canon Inkjet Support Codes and What They Mean

These tables cover PIXMA, MAXIFY, and MegaTank inkjet printers, and the meanings come from Canon's own support code lists. Not every model uses every code, and a few numbers are worded differently from one model to the next. If something here doesn't match your screen, check the "List of Support Code for Error" page in your model's online manual.

Paper and Feeding Codes

Cover, Tray, and Packing Material Codes

Ink Cartridge and Ink Tank Codes

Print Head Codes (MegaTank and Other Print Head Models)

Waste Ink Absorber and Maintenance Cartridge Codes

Alignment, Scanning, and Copying Codes

Print Settings and Data Codes

Wi-Fi and Network Codes

For Wi-Fi problems beyond a single code, see Canon printer not connecting to Wi-Fi.

"Printer Error Has Occurred" Codes (Start With a Power Reset)

Codes That Need a Repair

Translating E-Codes, P-Codes, and Blinking Lights

E-Codes and P-Codes on Small Displays

This table comes from Canon's manuals for the PIXMA TS3100 and TS3300 series. Other compact PIXMA models use the same scheme, but it's worth a quick check against your own manual.

Blinking Lights on Printers With No Screen

On screenless models, count how many times the orange Alarm lamp flashes before it pauses. These counts come from Canon's MegaTank G3000 series manual. Other screenless Canon models follow a similar pattern, but check yours.

When only the Alarm lamp flashes:

When the Alarm lamp and ON lamp flash alternately:

How to Fix the Canon Codes People See Most

Fix 1: Paper Jams (1300, 1303, 1304, 1313, E03, 3 Flashes)

1. If the printer is in the middle of a job, press Stop first so it stops feeding.
2. Find the jammed sheet in the output slot or the rear tray. Pull it out slowly with both hands from whichever side is easier, so it doesn't tear.
3. If it won't budge, don't force it. Turn the printer off and back on. Canon says the printer may push the paper out by itself.
4. For a cassette jam (1303), fold away the output tray, pull out the cassette, and ease out the sheet.
5. If a piece tore off inside, open the rear cover and take it out from the back. A flashlight helps here.
6. Reload the paper neatly and press OK. Reprint any page that came out damaged. If you turned the printer off, the rest of the job was erased, so send it again.

Canon also notes that A5 paper can curl and jam on its way out when you print photos or graphics, so use a larger size for those. For jams that keep coming back, see our Canon printer paper jam guide.

Fix 2: Ink Out, "Ink May Have Run Out," or Refilled Cartridges (1686, 1688, 1730, 1600, 1689, 1731, 1640, E13, E16)

On FINE cartridge models (1686, 1688, 1730, E13, E16): Canon gives you two choices.

• Replace the cartridge the printer is complaining about. This is the cleanest fix.
• Turn off ink level detection for that cartridge. Hold the Stop button for at least 5 seconds, then let go. The printer keeps printing until the ink really runs out.

Know what you're signing up for with the second option:

• Print quality can drop as the ink runs low.
• The printer remembers that you turned detection off, and the ink level for that cartridge shows as gray on the screen.
• Canon says it won't be responsible for problems caused by printing after the ink runs out or by using refilled cartridges.

If you only need to scan or fax, the same Stop button step works as long as the cartridges stay installed.

On individual ink tank models (1600, 1689, 1731): For 1600, press OK to finish the job, then replace the tank. For 1689 and 1731, replace the tank, or hold Stop for 5 seconds to turn off detection. Canon warns that printing after the ink runs out can damage the printer.

On MegaTank printers (1640): This warning is only an estimate, so Canon asks you to look at the tanks yourself. If any tank is below the lower line, refill it.

• On the G3010 series, you can press Black or Color to keep printing, but the ink level reminder stops working after that.
• To turn the reminder back on, fill every tank to the upper line and hold Black or Color for at least 5 seconds.

Canon warns that running a MegaTank below the lower line can make it use extra ink to recover and can damage the printer, so don't make a habit of it.

Fix 3: Cartridge or Print Head Not Recognized (1401, 1403, 1430, 1470 to 1476, 1485, 1682, 1684, 1687, 168A, E04, E05, E14, E15)

1. Open the cover and wait for the holder to stop moving.
2. Take out the cartridge or print head named on the screen and put it back in. Press the locking cover down until it clicks.
3. Check the model number on the cartridge. Codes 1403, 1485, and 1684 usually mean it's the wrong cartridge for your printer. On the TS3300 series, the color cartridge goes on the left and black on the right.
4. On a new cartridge, peel off every bit of protective tape. On a new MegaTank print head, remove the orange label and the protective tape too.
5. If the same code comes back after reinstalling, try a different cartridge. Canon says a damaged cartridge can cause this. If a new cartridge doesn't clear it either, the printer needs service.

MegaTank print heads (1470 to 1476):

• Push down the print head locking cover (or the joint buttons on some models) until they click.
• Make sure each head sits in its own slot (1474).
• Check you haven't installed two of the same color (1475).
• Confirm the heads are the right ones for your model (1476).
• On G3060 series printers, Canon's steps have you close the ink valve before you lift a print head out.

Separate print head models (1401, 1403, 1405 on printers like the PIXMA MX922): Canon USA says these codes mean the print head may be missing or damaged. Reseat it once. If the code stays, the printer needs service.

Fix 4: The Cartridge Holder Can't Move (5100, P02, 2 Alternating Flashes)

1. If a job is running, press Stop, then turn the printer off.
2. Open the cover and look for anything blocking the holder's path, like packing foam, tape, a torn piece of paper, or a paper clip.
3. Gently remove anything you find. Don't touch the clear plastic film strip or the white belt behind the holder. Canon warns that smudging or scratching those parts can damage the printer.
4. Make sure every cartridge is fully seated and the locking cover is pressed down until it clicks.
5. Turn the printer back on.

If 5100 comes back even with a clear path and properly seated cartridges, stop here. The printer needs service.

Fix 5: Ink Absorber Almost Full or Full (1700 Family, 5B00 Family, E08, P07)

Every Canon inkjet has an absorber pad inside that collects waste ink from cleaning cycles and borderless printing. It fills up slowly over the life of the printer.

"Almost full" (1700, 1701, 1702 to 1705, 1712 to 1715, E08, 8 flashes): This is a warning. Press OK and keep printing. Canon recommends contacting service. Treat it as a heads-up that the "full" error is coming, and decide now what you'll do when it arrives.

"Full" (5B00, 5B01, 5B02 to 5B05, 5B12 to 5B15, P07, 7 alternating flashes): Printing stops, and no button press or power reset brings it back. Canon doesn't give owners a way to empty the pad or reset the counter. In the US, Canon USA's current answer is a replacement printer rather than a repair. The repair section below covers your options.

MegaTank models with a maintenance cartridge (1723 to 1727): Some newer MegaTank printers avoid this problem. Their waste ink goes into a maintenance cartridge you can replace yourself. For example, Canon's MC-G02 fits the PIXMA G1220, G2260, G3260, and G620. When you see 1727, order a replacement. When you see 1726, turn the printer off and swap it.

Fix 6: A New Printer Shows a Code Before It Ever Prints (1890, 1892, 1366, E09, 9 Flashes)

1. 1890 or E09: Open the scanning unit or cover and look at the cartridge holder. Take off any shipping tape and protective material, then close the cover.
2. 1892: A carriage stopper is still in place. Pull it straight up and out, then clip it into the slot right next to where it was.
3. 1366: The ink valve is closed. Open the scanning unit and move the ink valve lever to open.
4. 1470: On MegaTank print heads, make sure the orange label and protective tape came off before you installed them.

If you're setting up for the first time, Canon's setup instructions for your model walk you through each piece of packing. Our Canon printer setup issue guide covers the rest of the setup process.

Fix 7: Print Head Alignment Failed (2500, 2900, E57)

2500 means automatic alignment failed. Canon lists three causes: clogged nozzles, the wrong paper size in the cassette, and strong light shining on the output slot.

1. Press OK to clear the error.
2. Print a nozzle check pattern. If lines are missing, clean the print head first.
3. Load two sheets of Letter or A4 plain paper.
4. Move the printer, or close the blinds, so direct light isn't hitting the output slot.
5. Run automatic alignment again. If it still fails, load three sheets and use manual alignment instead.

2900 (E57) means the printer couldn't read the alignment sheet on the scanner glass.

1. Place the sheet in the exact position and direction your manual shows.
2. Wipe the glass and make sure the sheet itself is clean.
3. Confirm you printed the sheet on Letter or A4 plain paper, and run a nozzle check.
4. Try automatic alignment again, or switch to manual alignment.

Fix 8: Paper Settings Don't Match (2110, 2113, 2114, 4102, 4103, 4104, E11, E59)

Many Canon printers remember the size and type of paper you told them is loaded. When a print job asks for something different, you get:

• 2110 for the cassette
• 2114 for the rear tray
• 2113 when the printer could use either one

To clear it:

1. Press OK to see the choices on screen. Depending on your model, you can print on the loaded paper anyway or cancel.
2. For a lasting fix, make the paper size and type in your print dialog match what's actually in the tray. If you changed the paper, update the paper information on the printer instead.

For 4102 or 4103 (E11), press Stop, change the paper size or media type in your print settings, and print again. Some combinations aren't allowed. On the TS3300 series, for example, Photo Paper Plus Glossy II only works at certain photo sizes. For 4104, pick plain paper in a size the cassette takes, or feed from the rear tray.

Fix 9: "Printer Error Has Occurred" and Repair Codes (5000 to 6000 Series, 8300, C000, B200, B202 to B205, P08, P10)

If Canon's message says "Printer error has occurred" (5011, 5200, 6000, 6500, 6800, and the rest of that group):

1. Turn the printer off and unplug it. For 5200, Canon says to wait a while before plugging it back in. For 6000, check for jammed paper or anything else inside first.
2. Plug it back in and turn it on.

If the code clears and stays gone, you're done. If it comes back every time, the printer needs service.

If the message says "an error requiring a repair" (B200, B202 to B205, B20B, 5C30, 7500 to 7800, P10, 10 alternating flashes): turn the printer off and unplug it. For the B200 message on the MG5320, Canon USA says to turn the printer off promptly and unplug it. Don't keep cycling the power hoping it clears. These codes point to a failure inside the printer, and restarting won't fix it.

If you need to move a MegaTank printer for repair, keep it level. Canon warns that ink can leak if it's tilted.

Canon imageCLASS Laser Printer Codes and Messages

Canon's imageCLASS laser printers and copiers don't use support codes. Instead, you'll see one of three things: a plain-language message on the screen, a three-digit code after a # sign, or a service error that starts with E.

Common Messages on the imageCLASS Screen

• "Load paper." The paper drawer or multipurpose tray is empty, or the loaded paper can't be used for this job. Reports and received faxes need specific paper. Load the right paper and check the paper size and type settings.
• "Paper jammed." Clear the jam, and printing may start again on its own. Follow the on-screen animation, since it shows exactly where to look.
• "Paper Settings and Loaded Size Mismatch." The paper size set on the printer doesn't match the paper in the drawer. Change the setting to match the paper, or load the paper the setting calls for. If you're printing from a computer, check the paper size in the printer driver too, and make sure the drawer guides are snug against the stack.
• "Low Cartridge Level" or "Prepare cartridge." The toner is getting low. Keep a spare on hand and swap it in before a big job.
• "End of cartridge lifetime." The toner cartridge is used up, and you'll get choices on screen. Canon says you can pick Continue Printing (Quality Not Guaranteed), but the machine may malfunction if you do.
• "Cartridge Communication Error." The printer can't communicate with the toner cartridge. Take it out and reinstall it. If the message stays, the cartridge may be faulty, and Canon suggests contacting the store where you bought it.
• "Cannot print. A non-Canon or counterfeit cartridge may be inserted." Printing stops while this message is up, so swap in a genuine Canon cartridge. Canon's manual also points to a setting called Canon Genuine Mode, under Menu > Management Settings > Device Management. Canon notes that a service representative may change it, and on some machines only the administrator can see it.
• "The memory is full." A job, scan, or fax didn't fit in memory. Let queued jobs finish, split large documents into smaller batches, or scan at a lower resolution.

imageCLASS # Error Codes

When a job fails, the # code appears in the job log on the printer's status screen and on error reports. The most common ones:

Canon Error #853: Why Your Job Won't Print

Error #853 is one of the more confusing imageCLASS codes because it covers several different problems. It often shows up in the job log after a print job just never comes out. Canon lists these causes, and the fix depends on which one you're hitting:

• The job is too big. Documents with a lot of pages can be more than the printer can process. Print fewer pages at a time, or wait until nothing else is printing.
• The job was canceled from the computer. If a job is canceled while it's still being sent, #853 is normal. Just print again.
• A Secure Print job expired. Secure Print jobs that aren't released at the printer are deleted after a set time (30 minutes by default). Send it again and release it sooner.
• Secure Print is switched off on the printer. If the printer's Secure Print setting is Off, Secure Print jobs fail. Turn the setting On, or print without Secure Print.
• The file is damaged or unsupported. Try printing a different document. If that one works, the problem is the original file. Password-protected PDFs printed from a USB drive need the password entered.

If you also see #861, you're printing with the wrong driver. Download the current driver for your exact model from Canon's support site. Our Canon printer driver guide walks through it.

imageCLASS E-Codes (Service Errors)

An E followed by numbers means the printer found a fault inside. Older models flash a code like E000 on the display. Newer ones show a longer code, such as E015-0001, with a message to turn the main power off and on.

1. Turn the printer off, wait at least 10 seconds, and turn it back on.
2. If the code doesn't return, you're done.
3. If it comes back, write down the full code. Turn the printer off, unplug it, and contact Canon or an authorized dealer for service.

Many E-codes relate to parts inside the printer, such as the fuser (fixing assembly), the laser unit, or the paper lifter. Canon doesn't publish user fixes for them. The fuser in particular gets very hot, so don't go looking for the problem with the covers open.

When a Canon Error Code Means Repair or Replacement

Stop troubleshooting and look at your options if you see any of these:

• A code Canon labels "an error requiring a repair": B200, B202 to B205, B20B, 5C30, 7500 to 7800, P10, or 10 alternating flashes.
• The ink absorber "full" family (5B00 to 5B15, P07), on a printer that doesn't use a replaceable maintenance cartridge.
• 1401, 1403, or 1405 on a print head model that won't clear after you reseat the print head.
• 5100 or 6000 that returns every time, even with a clear path and the cartridges seated.
• An imageCLASS E-code that comes back after a 10-second power reset.