Canon E05 Error: What It Means and How to Fix It
E05 on the small LCD of a Canon PIXMA means the printer cannot recognize a cartridge. It usually appears right after changing ink, or after a printer has been moved. The fix is almost always about which cartridge is installed and how it is seated.
In This Guide
What E05 Means on Different Models
E05 is a display code. The support code behind it, shown on the computer when you print, tells you the exact cause.
| Model family | Support codes behind E05 | Canon’s description |
|---|---|---|
| PIXMA TS3300 series (TS3320, TS3322) | 1401, 1403, 1430, 1485 | Ink cartridge cannot be recognized |
| PIXMA TS3500 series (TS3520, TS3522) | 1401, 1403, 1430, 1485 | Ink cartridge cannot be recognized |
| PIXMA E3100 series | 1401, 1403, 1430, 1485 | FINE cartridge cannot be recognized |
| G2010 / G3010 MegaTank | 1403, 1430, 1471, 1476 | Cartridge (print head) cannot be recognized |
How to Fix E05 (FINE Cartridge Models)
- Turn the printer on and open the cover so the cartridge holder moves into view.
- Remove both cartridges. Check every piece of orange tape and the protective cap is gone.
- Check the model number on each cartridge against your printer (for example PG-275 / CL-276 for the TS3500 series; the compatible numbers for your model are listed on the inside of the printer cover and in the Canon manual for your model. Mixed up or region-locked cartridges cause E05.
- Install the color cartridge in the left slot and black in the right slot (the Canon TS3300 manual states this layout). Push each one until it clicks.
- Close the cover, turn the printer off, wait 10 seconds and turn it on.
- If E05 returns, swap in a new genuine cartridge for the one Canon’s message points to. If a new genuine cartridge also shows E05, the printer needs service.
E05 on G-Series MegaTank Printers
On G2010/G3010-type printers the "cartridges" are actually print heads that stay in the printer. E05 there usually appears after the print heads were removed or the printer was moved. Re-check that the print heads are seated and the lock is fully closed, as shown in your model’s setup guide. Because these heads are not normally replaced by users, contact Canon if E05 remains.
E05 Only When Printing From One Computer
Canon Community staff have described cases where E05/E09 appeared only when printing from one Mac while other devices printed fine. In that case the problem was on the computer side: removing the printer and adding it again, and restarting the computer, resolved it. Paper size (Letter vs A4) mismatches were also reported. If your phone prints but the computer shows E05, try that first.
Frequently Asked Questions
- It means the printer cannot recognize an ink cartridge. Canon lists support codes 1401, 1403, 1430 and 1485 behind E05 on models such as the TS3320 and TS3522.
- Remove the new cartridge, take off all tape and the cap, check the cartridge number, put color on the left and black on the right, click both in and restart the printer.
- Yes. Users regularly report E05 with some compatible cartridges that clears when a genuine cartridge is installed.
- No. On the TS3300 and TS3500 series, E09 (1890) means shipping tape or protective material may still be attached to the cartridge holder.
- Canon advises not touching the contacts. If needed, use a dry lint-free cloth gently rather than liquids.
Sources checked for this guide: Canon online manuals "An Error Occurs" for TS3300, TS3500, E3100 and G2010 series; Canon Community thread on TS3522 E05/E09. Button names, menus and codes can differ between models and firmware versions, so check your own model's manual at ij.manual.canon if something does not match.