How to fix the Canon printer E5 error message
Although printer errors can differ by model number, the E5 printer error for Canon printers refers to a problem with an ink cartridge. Possible causes of this error include:
- The ink cartridge is not installed properly.
- The wrong ink cartridge installed (unsupported type of cartridge).
- The printer is not detecting the ink cartridge correctly, if at all.
To proceed, we recommend reviewing each of the following sections in order until your issue is resolved.
Ink cartridge is not installed properly
If an ink cartridge is not seated properly, a printer can't produce any output and may generate an E5 error. To resolve this issue, follow the steps below.
- Remove the ink cartridge from the printer.
- Reseat the cartridge, making sure it snaps into place securely.
- Once the cartridge is reinstalled, turn off the printer and remove the power cord for 10 minutes to clear the error message.
- Turn the printer back on and see if the issue is resolved.
Wrong ink cartridge installed
While it may seem obvious, if the ink cartridge you've installed is the wrong model or size, it won't work with your printer. Examine the ink cartridge and find a model number. Then, look at your printer's documentation or visit the manufacturer's support page to verify that the cartridge you have installed is compatible. If the wrong cartridge is installed, you'll need to purchase the correct one to print.
Printer is not detecting the ink cartridge correctly, if at all
It's also possible that the printer is not detecting the cartridge after you install it. This issue could be due to the printer being dirty (excess ink in the ink cartridge tray or ink overflow tray). Try cleaning the printer thoroughly and installing the cartridges again to see if this fixes the problem.
Printer drivers
Another option to try is reinstalling the printer's driver. If the driver has become corrupted or outdated, reinstalling it may fix the issue.
Reset printer counters
There are other options to try, including resetting specific printer functions and counters. For these options, you must either search the Internet for your printer model and specific reset instructions or contact Canon technical support. The reset instructions differ by model number, so you must get the right ones for your specific printer.