Canon Printer Error Code 6800 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Canon error 6800 indicates a serious ink system or internal hardware fault. The printer detected a problem it cannot recover from without intervention. This error often means the printer requires a service visit, though some cases can be resolved at home.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG7720
Canon PIXMA MX922
Canon PIXMA iP8720
Canon PIXMA PRO-100
Canon PIXMA TS9120

Common Causes

The ink tube system (used in high-end PIXMA models) has developed an air bubble or blockage
An ink cartridge was installed while the printer was off, confusing the ink system initialization
The print head has partially failed or is no longer recognized by the printer
Internal ink sensors are clogged with dried ink from a previous cartridge leak
A hardware component on the main circuit board has failed, triggering a system-level error

How to Fix It

Turn the printer completely off using the power button, then unplug it from the wall. Wait 5 full minutes before doing anything else.

This longer wait time allows the ink system to settle and any air bubbles in the tubes to stabilize.
Open the printer and remove all ink cartridges. Inspect each one for leaks — any cartridge with cracked plastic or ink on the exterior should be replaced.

Even a small cartridge leak can flood the ink sensors and trigger error 6800. Handle cartridges over paper towels to avoid making a mess.
Reinstall the cartridges one by one, making sure each clicks firmly into its correct color slot. Close the printer lid and plug it back in.

Installing a cartridge in the wrong slot will not trigger a physical jam, but the ink system will report a fault when it reads the chip data.
Power the printer on and try to print a test page. If the error 6800 appears immediately at startup, the print head or main board is likely the fault — skip to the next step.

If the printer starts up but error 6800 appears mid-print, the ink system or tube blockage is the more likely cause.
Run a deep cleaning cycle from the printer maintenance menu or Canon IJ Printer Utility. This pushes ink through the system forcefully and can clear air bubbles or minor clogs.

Deep cleaning uses more ink than a regular cleaning. Make sure all cartridges are at least half full before running it.

When to Call a Professional

Error 6800 is flagged as critical because it often requires disassembly to fix. If the steps below do not resolve it, contact a Canon service center. For high-end Canon PIXMA models like the PRO-100, professional repair is almost always worthwhile given the printer's value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Error 6800 appeared right after I changed ink cartridges — is the new cartridge bad?

Possibly, but not necessarily. Installing cartridges while the printer is powered off can cause the ink system to initialize incorrectly. Always install Canon cartridges with the printer powered on. If you installed them while off, remove the cartridges, power the printer on first, then reinstall them.

Is error 6800 a death sentence for my Canon printer?

Not always. Many users resolve it at home by cleaning the printer, replacing faulty cartridges, or running a deep cleaning cycle. However, if it is caused by a failed print head or damaged circuit board, repair costs can approach or exceed the printer's replacement value for entry-level models.

Can I use third-party ink cartridges after error 6800?

Third-party cartridges are not the cause of error 6800 in most cases. However, if you switch back to genuine Canon cartridges after using third-party ones, run a thorough cleaning cycle — low-quality inks can leave residue that clogs sensors. Canon's warranty does not cover damage caused by non-genuine consumables.