Canon printer help and tips
Independent tips for Canon printer owners: print head and ink errors, common support codes, Wi-Fi setup and a link to Canon's official support site.
Independent guide. The Print Bench is not affiliated with Canon. For warranty claims, repairs and official drivers, go to Canon’s own support site: www.usa.canon.com/support (opens in a new tab)
These are independent tips for owners of Canon printers, written by a site with no connection to Canon. Canon runs separate support sites by country; the link on this page goes to Canon's US support site, so use the Canon site for your own country if you're elsewhere. For warranty, repairs and model-specific downloads, always rely on Canon's official support.
Canon’s own app for setup and mobile printing is Canon PRINT. Download it only from your phone’s official app store or Canon’s website.
Common problems with Canon printers
Print head errors
Canon inkjets either have a separate print head or use cartridges with the print head built in (FINE cartridges). Errors such as support code 1401 or B200 relate to the print head not being recognized or an electrical fault. Turn the printer off, reseat the print head or cartridges, and gently wipe the contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth before trying again.
Read the full fix: Printer doesn't recognize the cartridgeInk absorber warnings
Canon inkjets collect waste ink from cleaning cycles in absorber pads inside the printer. A warning appears as the absorber nears its limit, and the printer stops once it is full. Replacing the absorber is a service job, so check Canon's official support site for the options for your model.
Remaining ink level can’t be detected
With refilled or some third-party cartridges, the printer may say it can't detect the remaining ink. Many Canon models let you continue by turning off ink level detection, often by holding the Stop or Resume button for several seconds when the message appears. The printer then can't warn you before ink runs out, so check your manual for the exact steps and keep an eye on print quality.
Read the full fix: Ink levels look wrong or show emptyWi-Fi setup and offline printers
Canon printers can be set up on Wi-Fi from the control panel, with the Canon PRINT app, or with the setup software from Canon's site. If the printer drops offline after a router change, run the wireless setup again and re-add the printer on your computer.
Read the full fix: Connect your printer to Wi-FiStreaks on ink tank models
Canon's refillable ink tank printers can develop streaks if they sit unused. Print a nozzle check pattern, run a cleaning if lines are missing, and use the deeper cleaning option only if regular cleaning doesn't help, because it uses more ink.
Read the full fix: Streaks or lines on printed pagesScanner not detected
Canon's scanning tool on Windows and Mac is usually IJ Scan Utility, installed with the full driver package. If it can't find the scanner, reinstall the full package from Canon's site, or try the scanning built into your system: Windows Scan or Image Capture on a Mac.
Read the full fix: Scanner not working or not detectedMessages you might see
| On-screen message | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Support Code 1401 | The print head isn't installed, isn't recognized, or may be faulty. Turn the printer off, reseat the print head or cartridges, and turn it on again. If the code persists, check Canon's official support site for your model. |
| Support Code 1700 | The ink absorber is nearly full. You can usually keep printing for a while after pressing OK, but plan for service before it fills completely. |
| Support Code 5B00 | The ink absorber is full and the printer has stopped printing to prevent ink leaking. It needs service; check Canon's official support site for options for your model. |
| Support Code B200 | A serious print head or electrical error. Turn the printer off, unplug it for a few minutes and try again, reseating the print head if your model allows. If the code returns, check Canon's official support site. |
Exact wording varies by model. Your printer’s manual has the definitive list.
Tips for Canon owners
- Print a nozzle check pattern before running a cleaning; cleaning uses ink and adds to the waste ink in the absorber, so only clean when the pattern shows gaps.
- Download drivers from the Canon support site for the country where you bought the printer, because models and software can differ by region.
- Note the full support code shown on the printer's display before searching; the same message can have several codes with different meanings.
- Match the paper type setting to the paper you load; printing on plain paper with a photo paper setting, or the reverse, causes smudges and dull color.
Common questions
Is this site affiliated with Canon?
No. This is an independent help site. For official drivers, warranty and repairs, use Canon's official support site for your country.
Can I reset the ink absorber counter myself?
Canon's official route is service. Unofficial reset tools exist, but resetting the counter doesn't empty the pads, and full pads can leak ink inside the printer.
Do I need the Canon PRINT app?
No. Phones and computers can usually print with built-in AirPrint, Mopria or system drivers. The app adds setup, scanning and printer status features.