Reset Canon Printer: Steps for Most Models

If your Canon printer is showing error codes, stuck in a warning state, or refusing to print, a reset can often clear the issue and get it working again. This article explains the different types of resets—from a simple power cycle to a full system reset—and gives step-by-step instructions that apply to most Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY, and imageCLASS models.

Why Reset a Canon Printer?

Printers accumulate temporary errors and stuck states. A reset clears the printer’s memory, cancels pending jobs, and reinitializes the hardware. Common reasons to reset include:

• Error codes like E02, E03, P07, or 5B00 appear on the display.
• The printer is online but won’t respond to print commands.
• Paper jams are cleared but the error light stays on.
• Wi-Fi or network settings are corrupted and need to be restored.
• You want to clear all settings before selling or giving away the printer.

Resets are safe and non-destructive (except for a full factory reset, which erases your custom settings). They are the first troubleshooting step recommended by Canon for many issues.

Types of Resets

Canon printers support several reset levels. Choosing the right one depends on what you’re trying to fix.

• Power Cycle (Soft Reset): Turns the printer off and on. Clears temporary memory and cancels stuck jobs. Does not change any settings.
• System Reset (Hard Reset): Restores the printer to its default factory settings. Erases network settings, custom paper sizes, and other preferences. Does not clear the ink counter or firmware.
• Network Reset: Clears only Wi-Fi and wired network configurations. Useful when the printer can’t connect to a new router.
• Ink Counter Reset (Service Reset): Resets the waste ink counter after you replace the maintenance cartridge or perform a deep cleaning. This is usually done via a secret button combination and is not an official user procedure.

How to Perform a Power Cycle (Soft Reset)

This is the safest and most common reset. It fixes many temporary glitches.

1. Turn on the printer.
2. Press the Power button to turn it off.
3. Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer (or from the wall outlet).
4. Wait at least 60 seconds.
5. Plug the power cord back in.
6. Turn the printer on.

If the printer has a removable battery (rare for printers), remove it during the wait time. This reset clears the printer’s RAM and reinitializes the firmware.

How to Perform a Factory Reset (System Reset)

Use this when you want to erase all custom settings, such as network profiles, paper settings, and registered fax numbers (for all-in-ones). The exact menu names vary by model, but the general path is:

1. On the printer’s control panel, press Setup (or the wrench icon).
2. Scroll to Device settings (or Preferences).
3. Select Reset (or Restore).
4. Choose Reset all or Factory defaults.
5. Confirm the selection when prompted.

For models without a display (like many PIXMA MG series), you can reset via the printer driver on your computer. In the Canon Print Utility (or the printer’s properties dialog), look for a “Restore Defaults” or “Reset” button. Alternatively, hold down the Resume/Cancel button for 5 seconds until the power light blinks, then release it—this often performs a factory reset on compact models.

How to Reset Network Settings

If the printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi, a network reset is less disruptive than a full factory reset. Here’s how:

1. On the printer, press Setup.
2. Go to Device settings → LAN settings (or Network).
3. Select Restore default or Reset LAN settings.
4. Confirm. The printer will restart and forget all network profiles.

After the reset, you’ll need to reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi network using the WPS button on your router or the Canon PRINT app.

Common Problems After a Reset

Sometimes a reset doesn’t solve the issue, or it creates new ones. Here are typical situations and what to do:

• Printer still shows an error after reset: The error may be hardware-related (paper jam sensor, ink cartridge not detected). Check for jammed paper fragments and reseat the ink cartridges.
• Wi-Fi doesn’t reconnect: After a network reset, you must re-enter your Wi-Fi password. Use the WPS button or the Canon PRINT app to set it up again.
• Printer prints blank pages after reset: This is usually a driver issue, not a reset issue. Reinstall the printer driver from Canon’s website.
• Ink counter error (5B00) persists: A system reset does not clear the waste ink counter. This requires a service reset (see next section).

Service Reset (Waste Ink Counter)

When the printer has absorbed too much ink into its internal waste pads, it locks itself with an error like 5B00 or 5B01. A factory reset won’t clear this. The official fix is to replace the maintenance cartridge or take the printer to a service center. However, many users perform a manual reset using a button combination. The exact sequence varies by model; a common one is:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Hold the Resume/Cancel button.
3. While holding it, press the Power button.
4. Keep holding Resume/Cancel until the power light is on and the error light is off.
5. Release both buttons.

This is not an official Canon procedure and may not work on all models. It does not physically empty the waste ink; it only resets the counter. If the pads are truly saturated, ink can leak and damage the printer. Proceed at your own risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset erase my ink levels?

No. Ink levels are stored in the ink cartridges themselves, not in the printer’s memory. A reset won’t change the displayed ink levels.

How do I reset my Canon printer without a display?

For models without a screen, you can usually reset via the printer driver on your computer. Open the printer’s properties, look for a “Maintenance” or “Utility” tab, and click “Restore Defaults.” Alternatively, hold the Resume/Cancel button for 5–10 seconds while the printer is on.

Why does my Canon printer keep showing error 5B00?

Error 5B00 means the waste ink counter has reached its limit. The printer will not print until the counter is reset (via a service reset) or the waste ink pads are replaced. The pads are a physical component that absorbs excess ink during cleaning cycles.

Can I reset my Canon printer from my phone?

Yes, if you have the Canon PRINT app. The app has a “Device Settings” or “Printer Settings” section where you can initiate a reset for some models. However, a full factory reset is usually only available from the printer’s control panel.

Is a reset the same as uninstalling the driver?

No. A reset clears the printer’s internal memory. Uninstalling the driver removes the software on your computer. If the printer works fine but your computer can’t find it, you need to reinstall the driver, not reset the printer.

Does resetting the printer fix paper jam errors?

Sometimes. If the paper jam is cleared but the sensor is still triggered, a power cycle can reset the sensor state. If the jam is physical, a reset won’t help—you need to remove the paper manually.

Related

• How to Run Ollama on Multiple Computers
• EU AI Act Compliance Checklist for Generative AI
• Show User Library Folder OS X Mavericks