Canon Printer Error 5B02 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 5B02 is a variation of Canon's ink absorber full error. It means the waste ink absorber inside your printer has reached its capacity limit. This requires a counter reset — and eventually — physical pad replacement.

Affected Models

Canon Pixma MG2100 series
Canon Pixma MG3100 series
Canon Pixma MP490
Canon Pixma MP495
Canon Pixma iP2700 series

Common Causes

The ink absorber pads have absorbed their maximum amount of waste ink
Frequent deep cleaning cycles have filled the absorber pads faster than normal
The printer has been in use for many years and the pads have reached capacity
A large ink spill or cartridge leak added extra ink to the absorber
The firmware counter that tracks ink absorption reached its maximum value

How to Fix It

Download Canon's Service Tool software for your operating system. The most commonly used version is Canon Service Tool V4720 or V5103, depending on your printer model. These are available from printer support and repair sites.

Make sure the printer is connected by USB to your computer before running the service tool.
Open the Service Tool and look for the Absorber Counter Reset function. With the printer connected and turned on, click the reset button. The printer should respond with a click or light change.

The counter reset takes only a few seconds. The printer will indicate success by printing a test page or showing a ready state.
After the reset, turn the printer off and back on normally. The error should be cleared and the printer should function again.

If the error returns immediately, the counter reset did not take. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable and repeat.
Limit unnecessary cleaning cycles going forward. Go to your Canon printer software > Maintenance and only run cleaning when print quality has noticeably degraded — not as routine maintenance.

Each cleaning cycle pumps about 1mL of ink into the absorber. Reducing cleanings significantly extends the absorber's life.
Plan for absorber pad replacement when the error returns after future resets. Order replacement pads specific to your printer model. Guides for most Canon Pixma models are available on YouTube.

The pads are inexpensive — usually $5 to $15. The job requires a basic screwdriver and about 30 minutes.

When to Call a Professional

If you are not comfortable performing the reset procedure or replacing the absorber pads, a printer technician can handle both tasks quickly. In many areas, Canon authorized service centers offer a flat-fee absorber service. For very old or inexpensive printers, buying a new printer may be more economical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between error 5B00 and 5B02?

Both errors mean the ink absorber is full — the difference is which specific absorber counter has been triggered. 5B00 typically refers to the main ink absorber, while 5B02 can indicate a secondary absorber counter. The fix is the same for both: reset the counter using the Canon Service Tool.

Where do I download the Canon Service Tool safely?

The Canon Service Tool is not available from Canon's official website — Canon only distributes it to authorized technicians. It is widely available on printer repair forums and sites. Search for Canon Service Tool and your printer model — look for downloads that do not require you to install additional programs.

How many times can I reset the ink absorber counter?

You can reset the counter as many times as you like — there is no limit built into the software. However, the physical absorber pads can only hold so much ink. After 3 to 5 resets, the pads are very likely full and ink may begin to leak inside the printer if not replaced.