Canon Printer Error Code 1100 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 1100 on a Canon printer is a warning that the ink absorber is getting full. The ink absorber is a sponge-like pad that collects waste ink from cleaning cycles. You can reset this warning yourself, but eventually the pad needs to be replaced or professionally cleaned.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG2500 Series
Canon PIXMA MG3600 Series
Canon PIXMA MX490 Series
Canon PIXMA TS3100 Series
Canon PIXMA E400 Series

Common Causes

The printer has performed many automatic cleaning cycles over time, filling the waste ink pad
Frequent manual head cleaning operations accelerate waste ink pad saturation
Printing many borderless photos generates more waste ink than standard document printing
The printer has been in heavy use for several years and the pad is nearing its designed capacity
The printer's internal counter tracking ink pad usage has reached a warning threshold

How to Fix It

Note that error 1100 is a warning, not a complete stop — you can still press OK or Resume to continue printing for now.

However, ignoring this warning long-term will eventually trigger a hard stop (error 1700) that prevents all printing.
Download and run Canon's free 'Service Tool' utility (available from Canon's support website) to check the ink absorber counter level.

Search for 'Canon Service Tool' and your printer model number. This tool shows exactly how full the pad is.
Use the Canon Service Tool to reset the ink absorber counter if you plan to replace the pad yourself.

Resetting the counter without replacing the pad is a temporary fix — the physical pad is still full and may eventually leak.
If you are comfortable with DIY repairs, the ink absorber pad can be accessed by opening the printer's base. Replace the pad with a compatible replacement available online.

Search for your printer model plus 'waste ink pad replacement' to find guides and compatible pads.
Alternatively, take the printer to a Canon-authorized service center for a professional pad replacement and counter reset.

Canon service centers have the official tools to properly reset the counter, which is required for the printer to function normally again.

When to Call a Professional

Canon service centers can replace the ink absorber pad and reset the internal counter. This service typically costs $30 to $60 and extends the printer's life significantly. For budget Canon PIXMA models, weigh the repair cost against the cost of a new printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to keep printing after error 1100?

Yes, for a while. Error 1100 is a warning, not a shutdown. You can dismiss it and continue printing by pressing OK or Resume. But plan to address the ink absorber soon — ignoring it too long leads to error 1700, which stops printing completely.

What happens if the ink absorber overflows?

In the worst case, excess waste ink leaks inside the printer and can damage electronic components. This is rare because Canon designs the printer to stop before overflow, but it is a real risk if the pad is ignored for too long. Addressing error 1100 promptly prevents this scenario.

Can I clean the waste ink pad myself instead of replacing it?

Yes, some people remove the pads and wash them with water, then let them dry completely before reinstalling. This is a messy process and the pad must be completely dry before going back in. Buying a new replacement pad is usually cleaner and more reliable.