Canon Printer Error Codes: Complete Support Code List and How to Fix Them

Quick answer: a Canon printer error code (Canon calls it a support code) is a four-character number on the printer's screen or in the computer's print status window that tells you what's wrong. The ones people see most: 1000 means out of paper, 1300 means a paper jam, 1600/1688 mean an ink cartridge is low or empty, 1401/1403 mean a print head problem, 1700 means the ink absorber is nearly full, 5100 means the carriage is blocked, 5B00 means the ink absorber is full, 6000 means a paper-feed or mechanical error, and B200 means a serious print-head or voltage fault. Many clear with a power cycle; 5B00 and B200 usually need service.

Below is the full table, then step-by-step fixes for the codes that cause the most trouble. Codes can vary slightly by model, so if your number isn't here, check the "Support Code List" in your model's online manual on Canon USA Support.

How to Find and Read a Canon Support Code

• Printers with a screen (most PIXMA TS, TR, MG and MAXIFY models) show the code and a short message on the display.
• Printers without a screen show it on the computer: open the printer's status window, Canon IJ Status Monitor, or the Canon PRINT app.
• Blinking lights: basic models (some PIXMA G and MG models) signal errors by blinking the Alarm (orange) light a set number of times. Count the blinks and look it up in your manual.

The first digit tells you the category: 1xxx paper and ink, 2xxx alignment and scanning, 5xxx/6xxx mechanical errors, Bxxx errors that usually need service.

Canon Printer Error Codes List

Code meanings above are drawn from Canon's published support code lists, such as Canon's "A Support Code Is Displayed" page. Exact codes vary by model.

Start Here: The Power Reset That Fixes Most Canon Errors

1. With the printer on, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer (not just the wall).
2. Wait at least 60 seconds. For 5100, 5200 or 6000, wait 10 minutes.
3. Check inside for paper scraps, tape, or anything blocking the carriage path.
4. Plug the cord straight into a wall outlet, not a power strip, and turn the printer on.

If the code comes back immediately, follow the specific fix below. Our Canon reset guide also covers network and factory resets.

How to Fix Canon Error 1688 or 1686 (Ink Has Run Out)

The printer has decided a cartridge is empty, often after a refill or with a third-party cartridge that doesn't track levels.

1. Replace the cartridge if it's truly empty. See how to replace Canon ink.
2. To keep printing with the warning, press and hold Stop/Resume (or Stop) for about 5 to 10 seconds, then release. This disables ink level detection for that cartridge.
3. On touchscreen models, a prompt may offer to continue without the level function. Choose Yes.

Canon notes that printing with an empty cartridge can damage the print head, so watch print quality once detection is off. If a new cartridge triggers the error right away, see ink cartridge not recognized.

How to Fix Canon Error 5100

5100 means the cartridge carriage couldn't travel its full path.

1. Turn the printer off and open the cover.
2. Look along the carriage path for paper, a paper clip, or packing tape. Use a flashlight.
3. Gently slide the carriage left and right by hand. It should move freely.
4. Reseat each cartridge until it clicks; a cartridge sitting high can catch on the frame.
5. Check the clear plastic encoder strip running behind the carriage. If it's smeared with ink, wipe it very gently with a dry lint-free cloth. If it's detached, the printer needs service.
6. Close the cover and turn the printer back on.

More on clearing hidden scraps in how to clear a paper jam.

How to Fix Canon Error 6000

6000 is a paper-feed mechanism error, often caused by something stuck in the feed path or the output tray not opening.

1. Turn the printer off and unplug it.
2. Open the output tray fully (on models with a powered tray, make sure nothing is blocking it).
3. Remove all paper from the trays and check for scraps, labels, or foreign objects.
4. Check the paper feed rollers turn freely; see fixing feed rollers.
5. Wait 10 minutes, plug in, and power on. If 6000 returns, the feed motor or a gear needs service.

How to Fix Canon Error B200

B200 is the error everyone dreads. It means the printer detected a serious fault, most often in the print head (an electrical short or overheating) and sometimes in the main board. Try this once before paying for repair:

1. Turn the printer off and unplug it for 10 minutes.
2. Remove the ink cartridges (and the print head on removable-head models like PGI/CLI MAXIFY and older PIXMA).
3. Check the print head's electrical contacts for dried ink and wipe them gently with a dry, lint-free cloth. Never use water or cleaners on electrical contacts.
4. Reinstall and power on.

If B200 returns, the print head or board has failed. On cartridge-based models (PG-/CL- cartridges), the print head is built into the cartridge, so a faulty cartridge can trigger it: try a fresh cartridge set first. On removable-head models, a replacement head often costs about as much as a new printer. At that point, compare against our printer buying guide.

How to Fix Canon Error 5B00 or 1700 (Ink Absorber Full)

Every cleaning cycle flushes a little ink into absorber pads inside the printer. Code 1700 is the early warning; press OK to keep printing. 5B00 means the pads are counted as full and the printer stops to prevent ink leaking. Canon's official fix is service to replace the absorber and reset the counter. For older printers, the repair cost often exceeds the printer's value. (Epson printers have the same issue; see our Epson waste ink pad guide for background.)

To delay 5B00, avoid running repeated deep cleanings. One cleaning plus a nozzle check is usually enough; see how to clean Canon print heads.

How to Fix Canon Errors 1401 and 1403 (Print Head)

1. Turn off and unplug for a minute.
2. Remove and reinstall the print head (removable-head models) or the cartridges, making sure the locking lever is fully down.
3. Clean the electrical contacts on the head and inside the carriage with a dry lint-free cloth.
4. If the code persists, the head has failed and needs replacing.

Canon Printer Showing an Error With No Code?

• "Printer is in an error state" on Windows: see printer is in an error state.
• Printer shows offline: see why is my printer offline.
• No error, but nothing prints: see why your Canon printer isn't printing.
• Error codes from HP, Epson and Brother: see our printer error codes guide. All our fixes are in the printer troubleshooting center.

Need Canon Ink?

Many Canon codes come down to ink. Castle Ink sells remanufactured Canon cartridges, including PG-245XL black, CL-246XL color, PG-275XL black, PG-240XL black, and the PGI-280XXL / CLI-281XXL 5-pack. Find the right cartridge for your exact model in our find ink by printer directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clear an error code on my Canon printer?

Fix the cause (load paper, clear the jam, replace the cartridge), then press OK or Stop/Resume. If the code stays, unplug the printer for 60 seconds and power it back on.

What does support code 1688 mean on a Canon printer?

The printer thinks an ink cartridge is empty. Replace it, or hold Stop/Resume for 5 to 10 seconds to keep printing with ink level detection turned off.

Can Canon error B200 be fixed?

Sometimes. A power reset and wiping the print head contacts occasionally clears it. If it returns, the print head or main board needs replacing.

What is Canon error 5B00?

The internal ink absorber pads are full. The printer needs service to replace them and reset the counter.

Why does my Canon printer say error 6000?

The paper-feed mechanism hit an obstruction or the output tray couldn't open. Clear the paper path, open the tray, and restart.

Do Canon support codes mean the same thing on every model?

Mostly, but not always. Check your model's online manual for its specific Support Code List.