Canon Printer Error Code 1050 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Canon error 1050 means the paper loaded in the printer does not match the settings in your print job. The printer detected that the paper size or type in the tray is different from what you told it to print on. This mismatch prevents the printer from starting the job.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MX series
Canon PIXMA MG series
Canon PIXMA iP series
Canon PIXMA TR series
Canon PIXMA TS series

Common Causes

The paper loaded in the tray is a different size from the paper size selected in the print dialog
The paper type setting in the printer driver does not match the actual paper in the tray
The paper guides in the tray are not adjusted to the edges of the paper, causing misdetection
A mix of different paper sizes is loaded in the tray and the printer cannot determine which to use
The paper settings on the printer's LCD or control panel were not updated after changing paper

How to Fix It

Check what paper is physically loaded in the tray. Note the size (Letter, A4, 4x6 photo, etc.) and confirm it matches the paper size you selected when printing.

The paper size selected on your computer must exactly match the paper in the tray.
Update the paper size setting on the printer itself if it has an LCD panel. Press the Menu or Settings button and navigate to the paper size or paper settings section.

On touch-screen models, a notification may appear asking you to confirm the paper size — tap to confirm before printing.
Adjust the paper guides in the tray so they press lightly against the edges of the paper. Too loose and the printer cannot detect the paper size correctly.

The guides should touch the paper without bending it. Snug but not tight.
In your computer's print dialog, double-check the Page Size and Media Type settings. Make sure Page Size matches your paper and Media Type is set to Plain Paper (or the appropriate type).

On Windows: File > Print > Printer Properties. On Mac: File > Print > Paper Size.
Press OK or Resume on the printer if prompted to continue with the current paper, or reload the correct paper and try printing again.

Some Canon models let you override the mismatch warning by pressing OK — this prints on whatever paper is loaded.

When to Call a Professional

Error 1050 is a settings mismatch and does not require professional repair. If the error persists even after correctly loading the right paper and updating all settings, contact Canon Support at usa.canon.com/support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Letter and A4 paper?

Letter (8.5 x 11 inches) is the standard paper size in the US and Canada. A4 (210 x 297 mm or 8.27 x 11.69 inches) is the standard in Europe, Australia, and most of the world. They are very similar in size but not the same — using the wrong setting can cause margins to be cut off or trigger error 1050.

Why does my printer keep showing this error after I fix it?

If the error keeps returning, the printer's default paper size setting may be wrong. On the printer, go to Settings > Device Settings > Paper Settings and set the default size to match the paper you use most often. This tells the printer what to expect every time you load paper.

Can I just press OK to ignore the error and print anyway?

Yes, on most Canon PIXMA models. Pressing OK or Resume dismisses the mismatch warning and prints on whatever paper is loaded. This works fine if you intended to print on that paper and just forgot to update the settings.