The Canon printer error E05 shows up mainly when the ink cartridge is dirty, not installed correctly, or not compatible with your printer. The dirtiness is usually a result of dried ink that accumulates internally when the printer is not in use for extended periods. You can resolve the E05 error on your Canon printer by following the straightforward steps I outline in this post.
How to fix Canon Printer Error E05 on Windows PC
Here are the solutions to resolve the E05 error when using your Canon printer. I recommend applying these solutions in the order I’ve laid them out.
- Reboot the printer.
- Factory reset the printer.
- Reinstall and clean the cartridge.
- Replace the ink cartridge.
I will elaborate on these solutions and answer any questions you may have about this issue.
1] Reboot the printer
The first step in troubleshooting the Canon printer error E05 is to reset the printer. With the printer powered on, press and hold the Stop button for about 5 seconds until it reboots.
Allow the printer to reboot completely, then test it again to see if the error persists. If you keep encountering the E05 error, proceed to the next solution.
2] Factory reset the printer
Like most other devices, a factory reset restores the printer to its default configuration. Factory resetting your Canon printer will fix the E05 error if it’s caused by misconfiguration. Here’s how to do it:
Power ON your Canon printer and go to the menu bar option. Using the arrow keys, go to Setup menu.
Next, navigate to Device settings and then hit the OK button. Finally, choose the Reset option and click on OK.
Allow the printer a moment to complete the factory reset, then test to see if this has resolved the issue.
3] Reinstall and clean the cartridge
The cartridge is responsible for reading instructions sent to the printer. Whether you use your printer often or only occasionally, particles can accumulate inside it and cause the error you are experiencing now. It is a good practice to clean the ink cartridge regularly to prevent such issues.
To clean your Canon printer ink cartridge, power OFF the printer and place it on a flat surface and open the lid of the printer. Here, you will find an ink cartridge install. Use your fingers to press the two click-locks at the side of the cartridge holder simultaneously. This makes the ink cartridge come out easily.
Next, examine the ink cartridge for signs of debris, dried ink, dust, or any particles that can obstruct the cartridge. Using a lint-free material or soft tissue, clean the gold metallic strip on the front of the cartridges and remove all blocking particles.
After clearing the particles, reinstall the ink cartridges you removed earlier, then reboot the printer.
4] Replace the ink cartridge
Replacing the ink cartridge on your Canon printer is another way to fix the E05 error. This is because you might be using the wrong ink cartridge or the one installed is damaged.
When every other solution fails, you have to visit an electronics store and purchase new ink cartridges for your printer.
Related: Fix Canon Printer Error 5C20.
What is the meaning of Canon printer error code E05?
The error code E05 you encounter on your Canon printer arises when the ink cartridge is dirty, incompatible with your printer, or not installed properly.
How do I clean a Canon ink absorber?
Here are the steps to clean your Canon ink absorber:
- Unplug the printer.
- Open the printer and position the cartridge cradle at the center of the printing unit.
- Absorb excess ink with a paper napkin or a soft material.
- Pull the frame away from the printer and take out the ink absorber pad(s) from the frame.
- Replace the ink absorber pads and close the printer.
How do I get rid of errors on my Canon printer?
A simple reset is the first step in troubleshooting errors on your Canon printer. To do this, press and hold down the Power button for 10 seconds. This button could be named Stop, Reset, or Resume, depending on the printer model.
