ERR 05
Canon DSLR Camera
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
ERR 05 means the built-in flash could not fire or did not fully charge. The flash mechanism may be stuck, the capacitor may be weak, or the pop-up mechanism is jammed. Try gently lifting the flash manually and taking a test shot.
Affected Models
- Canon EOS Rebel T7
- Canon EOS Rebel T8i
- Canon EOS 90D
- Canon EOS 80D
- Canon cameras with built-in pop-up flash
Common Causes
- Pop-up flash mechanism stuck or jammed
- Flash capacitor cannot fully charge (weak battery)
- Flash unit internal failure
- Flash firing too rapidly — overheated
- External flash (Speedlite) communication error
How to Fix It
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Make sure the battery is fully charged.
The flash needs significant power to charge. A low battery may not have enough energy to fire the flash.
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Gently try to raise the pop-up flash manually.
If the flash is physically stuck, gently lift it. Do not force it — the hinge is fragile.
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Wait 30 seconds between flash shots if the flash is overheating.
Rapid continuous flash firing can overheat the flash tube. Let it cool down before trying again.
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If using an external Speedlite: remove it, clean the hot shoe contacts, and reattach.
Dirty hot shoe contacts cause communication errors with external flash units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take photos without the flash?
Yes. Switch to a mode that does not require flash (Av, Tv, M) or disable flash in the menu. ERR 05 only prevents flash photography — all other functions work.
Do Canon mirrorless cameras have built-in flash?
Most Canon EOS R mirrorless cameras do NOT have built-in flash. They use external Speedlites via the hot shoe. ERR 05 is mainly a DSLR issue.