How to Reset a Canon Printer: Soft Reset, Network Reset, Factory Reset and Ink Warnings
Last Updated:Quick answer: to reset a Canon printer, start with a soft reset: turn the printer off, unplug it for 60 seconds, plug it back in and turn it on. That clears most freezes and error messages. If Wi-Fi is the problem, reset only the network (LAN) settings. As a last resort, do a factory reset — on PIXMA and MAXIFY models with a screen, go to Setup > Device settings > Reset setting > Reset all. If the printer says ink "may have run out" after you install a remanufactured or refilled cartridge, press and hold the Stop (Resume/Cancel) button for at least 5 seconds to keep printing.
Which Canon Reset Do I Need?
| Problem | Reset to use | What you lose |
|---|---|---|
| Printer frozen, stuck job, random error | Soft reset (power cycle) | Nothing |
| Jobs stuck in the queue | Clear the print queue, then soft reset | The stuck jobs |
| Won't connect to Wi-Fi, new router | Network (LAN) settings reset | Wi-Fi name and password on the printer |
| Settings changed and printer behaving oddly | Factory reset ("Reset all") | All custom settings, including Wi-Fi |
| "Ink may have run out" / ink level unknown | Disable ink level detection (hold Stop 5+ seconds) | The ink level gauge for that cartridge |
| Support code 5B00 or 5B02 ("printer error has occurred") | No user reset — the ink absorber is full and needs service | — |
How Do I Soft Reset a Canon Printer?
- Cancel any print jobs on the computer.
- Press the ON button to turn the printer off and wait until the power lamp goes out completely.
- Unplug the power cord from the wall and the printer.
- Wait at least 60 seconds.
- Plug it back in (directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip if you can help it) and turn it on.
- Print a test page to confirm it's working.
Always turn a Canon inkjet off with the ON button before unplugging — that lets the printhead park and cap, which keeps the nozzles from drying out.
How Do I Clear the Print Queue?
Windows: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > your Canon > Open print queue, then cancel all documents. If they won't clear, restart the print spooler.
Mac: System Settings > Printers & Scanners > your Canon > Printer Queue, then delete the jobs.
How Do I Reset the Network Settings on a Canon Printer?
Canon printers with a screen
Go to Setup (or the Settings/toolbox icon) > Device settings > Reset setting > LAN settings (sometimes "Reset LAN settings") and confirm. Menu wording differs slightly between PIXMA, MAXIFY and imageCLASS models.
Canon printers without a screen
Button-only PIXMA models reset network settings with a button-hold sequence: you hold the Stop button and release it after the lamp flashes a specific number of times. The count differs by model, so search Canon's online manual for "[your model] initialize printer settings." You can also reset network settings from the Canon PRINT app, or from Canon's Remote UI by typing the printer's IP address into a browser — see how to find your printer's IP address.
After a network reset, reconnect using the steps in how to connect a printer to Wi-Fi.
How Do I Factory Reset a Canon Printer?
- Press Setup or tap the settings icon on the home screen.
- Choose Device settings.
- Choose Reset setting.
- Choose Reset all and confirm with Yes.
- The printer restarts with factory defaults. Set the language, date and Wi-Fi again, then reinstall or re-add the printer on your computer if needed.
A factory reset does not erase ink, fix hardware faults or clear the ink absorber counter.
How Do I Reset the Ink Level on a Canon Printer?
Canon printers track ink by counting drops. After a remanufactured or refilled cartridge is installed, the printer may say "The ink may have run out" or "The remaining ink level cannot be correctly detected." To continue:
- Printers with a screen: follow the on-screen prompt and choose to continue printing (the wording varies by model).
- Printers without a screen: press and hold the Stop (Resume/Cancel) button for at least 5 seconds, then release.
This disables the ink level gauge for that cartridge only — the printer will still print, but it won't warn you before that color runs dry. Keep an eye on print quality and replace the cartridge when a color fades.
If the printer doesn't recognize the cartridge at all, see ink cartridge not recognized, and for installation steps see how to replace the ink in a Canon printer.
What About Canon Error Codes Like 5B00, 1700 and B200?
- 1700 / 1701 – "The ink absorber is almost full." Press OK to keep printing for now, but plan for service.
- 5B00 / 5B02 – ink absorber full. The internal pads that catch waste ink are full. A factory reset won't clear it; Canon service (or a replacement printer) is required.
- B200 / B203 – printhead error. Turn the printer off and on. On PIXMA models with a removable printhead (PGI/CLI cartridges), reseat the printhead; if the error returns, the head or printer usually needs replacing.
- 1688 / 1686 – ink has run out. Replace the cartridge or use the Stop-button method above.
Full list: printer error codes explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my Canon printer delete my Wi-Fi settings?
A soft reset won't. A LAN reset or a "Reset all" factory reset will, so have your Wi-Fi password ready.
How do I reset a Canon printer that won't turn on?
Unplug it for a few minutes, try a different outlet, and check the power cord. More steps in printer won't turn on.
Does resetting fix a Canon printer that isn't printing?
Sometimes. If a soft reset doesn't help, work through why a Canon printer won't print and how to clean Canon printheads.
Why does my Canon printer keep going offline after a reset?
Usually because the printer's IP address changed. See why printers keep going offline.
Can I reset a Canon ink cartridge chip?
Canon FINE (PG-/CL-) cartridges don't have a user-resettable chip; use the Stop-button method to continue printing with refilled cartridges. For PGI/CLI chipped cartridges, remanufactured and compatible cartridges come with working chips. See refilling ink cartridges at home.
How do I reset a Canon imageCLASS laser printer?
imageCLASS models have a menu-based initialize option (often under Menu > Management Settings > Initialize Menu). Menus vary, so check your model's manual.
Where can I find my Canon printer's manual?
Canon's online manuals (search "Canon [model] online manual") list the exact reset sequences for your printer.
Keep Printing
If the reset shows a cartridge is empty, Castle Ink stocks Canon ink cartridges and Canon toner for PIXMA, MAXIFY and imageCLASS printers — including the PGI-280XXL / CLI-281XXL 6-pack. Find your model on the Find Ink by Printer page, or visit the printer troubleshooting center. If your Canon needs replacing, compare options with the PrinterIQ Finder or browse Canon PIXMA printers on Amazon.
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