Canon Printer Error 1950 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 1950 on Canon printers is an ink warning. It means one or more ink cartridges are running low or are empty. The printer is alerting you to replace the ink before it runs out completely and stops printing.

Affected Models

Canon Pixma MG2500 series
Canon Pixma MG3600 series
Canon Pixma TS3100 series
Canon Pixma TS3300 series
Canon Pixma TR4500 series

Common Causes

One or more ink cartridges have reached a low ink level
An ink cartridge is completely empty and needs immediate replacement
An ink cartridge was installed but the seal or tape was not fully removed before installation
The printer's ink level tracking has detected an inconsistency with a refilled cartridge
An ink cartridge is not making proper contact with the printer, causing the level to read as empty

How to Fix It

Check which cartridge is low or empty. On the printer's display or in the Canon Inkjet Cloud Printing Center app, you can see the ink level for each color individually.

Replace only the cartridge or cartridges that are indicated as low or empty.
Press the Stop or Resume button to acknowledge the warning and continue printing if you need to finish a job. The printer will allow limited additional printing before stopping completely.

This is a temporary workaround. You will get better quality prints if you replace the ink soon.
Replace the empty or low cartridge. Open the printer's front cover, wait for the carriage to center, and swap out the old cartridge for a new one.

Make sure you remove the orange protective seal from the new cartridge before installing it. Missing this step is a very common mistake.
After installing the new cartridge, run a nozzle check to confirm the new ink is flowing correctly. Go to Setup > Maintenance > Print Nozzle Check Pattern.

If the nozzle check shows gaps or missing lines, run one print head cleaning cycle.
If the error appears with a brand new cartridge, remove it, check that the seal is fully off, and reinsert it firmly until it clicks.

A cartridge that is not fully seated will give an empty or error reading even if it is brand new and full of ink.

When to Call a Professional

Error 1950 is an ink level warning — not a mechanical fault. You do not need a repair technician. If the error appears with a brand new, genuine cartridge, contact HP Support or the retailer where you purchased it for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep printing when the ink is low?

Yes, for a while. The 1950 warning gives you advance notice before the ink actually runs out. How many pages you can print depends on the ink color, how heavy your prints are, and the specific cartridge model. For safety, order replacement ink when you see this warning so you have it ready before the printer stops.

What Canon cartridge do I need for my printer?

Canon Pixma printers use different cartridge series depending on the model. The easiest way to find the right one is to check inside the printer — the correct cartridge numbers are printed on a label inside the front cover. You can also visit usa.canon.com and enter your printer model to find compatible ink.

Can I use third-party ink cartridges in my Canon printer?

Third-party cartridges will often work in Canon printers, but results can vary. Some third-party cartridges produce good quality prints; others cause smearing, incorrect colors, or error messages. Canon cannot track ink levels accurately with non-Canon cartridges, which can cause false low ink warnings. For reliable results, genuine Canon cartridges are recommended.