Canon error B200: print head problem
Canon error B200 usually points to a print head or electrical fault. Here is what it means, the safe checks to try and when the printer needs repair.
What this error means
B200 is one of the support codes Canon inkjets use for a serious printer error, and on most models it points to the print head or the electrical circuit that drives it. The printer has detected a fault it can't recover from by itself, so it stops and asks you to turn it off. Sometimes the cause is as simple as poor contact between the print head and the carriage, but a code that returns every time usually means a part has failed. Check the support code list in your model's manual for the exact wording it uses.
Common causes
- A worn-out or failed print head
- Poor contact between the print head or cartridges and the carriage
- Dried ink or moisture on the electrical contacts
- A cartridge with a built-in print head that has failed electrically
- A fault on the printer's main circuit board or power supply
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
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Turn the printer off and unplug it for a few minutes
Press the power button to turn the printer off, then unplug the power cord from the wall. Wait at least five minutes so the internal circuits fully discharge, plug the cord straight into a wall outlet rather than a power strip, and turn the printer on. A one-off electrical glitch can clear this way; if B200 comes back straight away, move on to the next checks.
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Check the carriage path for blockages
With the printer off and unplugged, open the top cover or scanner unit as your manual describes and look along the path the cartridge holder travels. Remove any torn paper, tape or orange protective material left over from setup. Don't force the carriage, and don't pull on cables, belts or the thin clear strip that runs behind it.
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Reseat the print head or cartridges
Follow the replacement steps in your manual to remove and reinstall the ink tanks and, if your model has a separate print head with a lock lever, the print head itself. Most models need to be switched on so the holder moves to the replacement position; once it stops, keep your hands clear of other moving parts. Make sure each item clicks into place and any lever is fully closed. If your printer uses FINE cartridges, which have the print head built in, reseat both cartridges and confirm the protective tape is removed.
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Check the electrical contacts
While a cartridge or print head is out, look at its gold-coloured contacts. If you see dried ink, gently wipe those contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid touching the nozzles on the underside, and don't use water, alcohol or tools inside the holder: damaged contacts can turn a temporary fault into a permanent one. Heavy ink deposits inside the holder are a job for a repair service.
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Test with a new cartridge or print head
On models with FINE cartridges, a new cartridge of the correct type is a reasonable test, because a cartridge that has failed electrically can trigger B200. If your manual says the print head is a part you can replace yourself, a new head may also fix it. Because B200 can come from the circuit board too, check your model's options on Canon's official support site before buying an expensive part.
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Contact Canon through its official support site
If the error persists after a full power reset and reseating, the printer needs repair. Look up your model on Canon's official support website for your country to check warranty status and repair options, and note the code and when it started. Service-mode tricks and reset software found online don't repair a hardware fault, and unofficial downloads can carry malware.
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? 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
Can I fix Canon error B200 myself?
Sometimes. A full power reset, reseating the cartridges or print head and wiping dried ink off the contacts clear some cases. If the code returns every time, a part has usually failed and needs repair or replacement.
Is it worth repairing a printer with error B200?
It depends on the printer's age and the repair quote. For an inexpensive model, a repair or new print head can cost a large share of the price of a new printer, so get the official repair estimate before deciding.
Does B200 mean I used the wrong ink?
Not usually. B200 is an electrical fault rather than an ink compatibility message. A cartridge that fails electrically can trigger it, which is why testing with a new cartridge of the correct type is worth trying on FINE cartridge models.