1000
Canon Printer
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Canon error 1000 means the printer cannot pick up paper from the paper tray. The printer tried to grab a sheet of paper to begin printing but failed. This can mean the paper tray is empty, the paper is not loaded correctly, or the paper feed rollers are slipping. This is one of the easiest Canon errors to fix — usually just a matter of reloading the paper.
Affected Models
- Canon PIXMA MG2520
- PIXMA MG2522
- PIXMA MG3020
- PIXMA TS3120
- PIXMA TR4520
- Most Canon PIXMA home inkjet printers
Common Causes
- The paper tray is empty — no paper to feed
- The paper is not loaded correctly in the tray — sheets are misaligned or overcrowded
- The paper guides in the tray are not snug against the paper stack, causing feed misalignment
- The paper feed rollers are dirty or worn and cannot grip the paper reliably
- Paper that is damp, curled, or too thick for the printer's feed system
How to Fix It
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Check the paper tray. If it is empty, load a fresh stack of plain white paper. Use standard 20 lb (75 gsm) paper for best results.
Fan the paper stack before loading. This separates any sheets that are stuck together and reduces double-feeding. Load no more than 100–150 sheets at a time.
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Remove all the paper from the tray and reload it carefully. Align the stack neatly and slide the paper guides snugly against both sides and the back of the stack. The paper should fit with just a little play — not loose, not jammed in.
Misaligned paper guides are a very common cause of error 1000. If the guides are too loose, the paper can skew and jam. If too tight, the paper cannot feed smoothly.
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Check the paper itself. If the paper is damp, curled, or has been sitting in humidity, it may be causing feeding problems. Try a fresh ream of paper straight from its package.
Paper absorbs moisture from the air over time. Curled or damp paper does not feed well through any printer. Always store paper in its original packaging in a dry location.
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Clean the paper feed rollers. Dampen a clean lint-free cloth with water (not dripping — just barely damp). With the printer off, gently wipe each roller that you can access from inside the paper feed area. Rotate them as you wipe.
Dusty or ink-stained rollers lose grip and cause feeding errors. Cleaning them often resolves persistent error 1000 that reloading paper does not fix.
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Turn the printer off and back on. Press OK or the paper feed button on the printer to acknowledge the error. Try printing again.
After any paper reload or roller cleaning, the printer needs a power cycle to reset its paper-present detection before attempting another feed.
When to Call a Professional
Canon error 1000 is almost always a free, user-fixable issue. Reloading the paper correctly resolves it in most cases. If the feed rollers are worn and cannot grip paper, a technician can replace them for $50–$120. For a low-cost home printer, roller wear may make replacement more economical than repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Canon printer shows error 1000 but the tray has paper — why?
If the tray has paper but error 1000 still appears, the paper may not be loaded correctly. Remove the paper completely and reload it. Make sure the paper guides are snug against the stack — not too loose, not too tight. Also try a fresh stack of paper in case the current stack is damp or curled.
How do I clean Canon printer feed rollers?
Turn the printer off. Slightly dampen a lint-free cloth with water. Locate the rollers in the paper feed area (usually visible when you look into the rear feed slot or lift the cassette). Wipe each roller gently with the damp cloth, rotating it as you wipe to clean the full surface. Allow to dry completely before loading paper.
What paper weight works best in Canon PIXMA printers?
Most Canon PIXMA inkjet printers work best with standard 20 lb (75 gsm) plain paper. For photo printing, use Canon's recommended photo paper within the specified weight range for your model. Avoid using cardstock, envelopes, or thick media unless your specific model lists them as supported — this can trigger feed errors including 1000.