Canon error 6000: paper or line feed problem
Canon support code 6000 usually means the paper feed rollers couldn't move as expected. Clear jams, blocked trays and packing material, then restart.
What this error means
Support code 6000 usually means the printer's paper feed system, sometimes called the line feed, couldn't move as expected. This is the set of rollers and the motor that draw each sheet through the printer in small steps while the print head works across it. If something stops the rollers turning, or the printer can't detect them moving, it stops with 6000. The error can appear in the middle of a job or as soon as the printer starts, and the exact description varies by model, so check the support code list in your manual.
Common causes
- A paper jam or a torn scrap caught in the paper path
- Something in front of the printer stopping the paper output tray from opening, on models where it opens by itself
- Tape or packing material left inside after setup
- A small object that has fallen into the paper path
- A worn roller, a sensor fault or a failed feed motor
How to fix it
Start with the first fix. They’re ordered from safest and quickest to most involved.
Fixes for Any printer
0 of 6 steps tried
-
Restart the printer
Turn the printer off with its power button and unplug it for a few minutes. Plug it straight into a wall outlet rather than a power strip and turn it on. If the error was a one-off, the printer completes its start-up routine and returns to ready.
-
Clear the space around the printer
Move anything sitting in front of the printer, under the output area or against the paper trays. On models whose output tray extends automatically, a book, box or nearby wall can stop it opening and trigger an error. Make sure the output tray and any front cover can open fully, then restart the printer.
-
Check for jammed or torn paper
Turn the printer off and unplug it before reaching inside. Remove all paper from the rear tray and the front cassette and look into each paper slot with a torch. If your model has a rear cover or transport unit that the manual says you can remove, open it and pull out any paper slowly with both hands so it doesn't tear. Check carefully for small scraps left behind.
-
Remove leftover packing material
If the printer is new or has just been moved, look for tape, foam or cardboard pieces inside the covers, in the paper trays and around the output area. The setup guide shows where each one is placed at the factory.
-
Reload the paper carefully
Fan a stack of plain paper, square it up and load it below the tray's limit mark, sliding the paper guides so they just touch the edges. Overfilled trays, curled or damp paper, and very thin or thick media make the feed mechanism work harder. Print a test page to check the paper feeds cleanly.
-
Arrange a repair through Canon
If 6000 returns after you have cleared the paper path and the space around the printer, or you hear grinding when it tries to feed, a roller, sensor or motor may need repair. Check Canon's official support website for your country for warranty and repair options for your model.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Still stuck? Our printer assistant can walk you through it by live chat, free. . Or the The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
Does error 6000 mean my printer is broken?
Not necessarily. It is often caused by a jam, a blocked output tray or leftover packing material. If it persists after you have cleared everything, a feed part has probably failed and needs repair.
Why does 6000 appear as soon as I turn the printer on?
During start-up the printer turns its feed rollers and, on some models, opens the output tray. If something is blocking either, or a scrap of paper is stuck out of sight, the error can appear before you print anything.
Should I take the printer apart to find the jam?
No. Open only the covers and trays your manual describes. Removing screws or panels can damage the printer and may affect your warranty.