Canon Printer Error Code 1001 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 1001 on a Canon printer means the printer could not pick up paper from the tray. The paper feed mechanism failed to grab a sheet and pull it through. This is usually caused by dirty rollers, too much or too little paper in the tray, or wrong paper type.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MX920 Series
Canon PIXMA MX530 Series
Canon PIXMA MG6300 Series
Canon imageCLASS MF4800 Series
Canon PIXMA MX490 Series

Common Causes

The paper pick rollers are dirty or worn and cannot grip the paper
The paper tray is overloaded beyond its maximum paper capacity
The paper loaded in the tray is too thick, too thin, or the wrong type for this printer
The paper guides in the tray are not adjusted correctly for the paper size being used
A small piece of torn paper or debris is stuck in the paper feed path

How to Fix It

Remove all paper from the tray. Look inside the paper feed path for any torn paper scraps or debris.

Even a tiny piece of torn paper can block the sensors and prevent the printer from picking up new sheets.
Clean the paper pick rollers with a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water. Do not use alcohol or cleaning sprays.

The rollers are usually visible when you open the rear access door or the front tray. Wipe in the direction of rotation.
Reload the paper tray with a fresh stack of plain paper. Do not exceed the tray's maximum capacity mark.

Most Canon PIXMA trays hold a maximum of 100 to 150 sheets. Loading more than this causes jamming and feed errors.
Adjust the paper guides so they fit snugly against the paper without squeezing it.

Guides that are too loose let paper skew. Guides that are too tight can prevent the paper from moving.
Press the printer's Resume or OK button to clear the error and attempt to print again.

If error 1001 returns immediately, try printing with just 10 sheets of paper to rule out a capacity issue.

When to Call a Professional

If cleaning the rollers and properly loading the paper does not resolve error 1001, the paper feed motor or pick roller assembly may need replacement. This is a common maintenance repair — most Canon service centers can fix it for $50 to $100.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of paper should I use to avoid error 1001?

Use plain 20 lb (75 g/m2) white printer paper for everyday documents. Avoid very thin paper (under 64 g/m2) or very thick card stock unless your printer's specifications list it as supported. Always check your printer manual for supported paper weights and types.

Why does error 1001 happen more with photo paper?

Photo paper is heavier and sometimes coated in a way that makes it less easy for the rollers to grip. Load photo paper one sheet at a time in the rear manual feed tray if your printer has one. This bypasses the standard pick rollers and usually eliminates the error.

How do I know if my pick rollers need replacement?

If the rollers look shiny, glazed, or feel slippery rather than slightly rough, they are worn. A new roller has a slightly grippy texture — like a pencil eraser. Canon sells roller replacement kits, and many third-party suppliers offer compatible parts as well.