Canon Printer Error 6C10 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 6C10 on Canon printers means there is a fault with the purge unit — the mechanical assembly that performs printhead cleaning cycles. The purge unit uses a small pump and wiper to flush and clean the printhead nozzles. When this unit jams, gets clogged with ink, or its motor fails, the printer stops completely and shows 6C10.

Affected Models

Canon Pixma MG5700 Series
Canon Pixma MG6800 Series
Canon Pixma MX920 Series
Canon Pixma TS8200 Series
Canon Pixma MG7700 Series

Common Causes

The purge unit motor or pump has seized from dried ink buildup inside the mechanism
The waste ink tubing connected to the purge unit is clogged or kinked
The purge unit's wiper blade has hardened ink deposits that prevent it from moving correctly
The purge unit encoder sensor is dirty and cannot detect the mechanism's position
The purge unit has reached the end of its service life and needs replacement

How to Fix It

Start with a power cycle. Turn off the printer, unplug it completely, wait 5 full minutes, then plug back in and power on. Some temporary purge unit stalls clear with a full reset.

If the printer starts to initialize and then stops with 6C10 again, the issue is likely mechanical and the remaining steps are needed.
Run the printhead cleaning utility from the Canon software on your computer. Go to the printer's Maintenance tab and run a Deep Cleaning. This may free up a stuck purge unit pump.

Only attempt this if the printer can begin the cleaning process without immediately throwing the error. If the error appears before cleaning starts, skip this step.
Check the waste ink absorber. A completely full absorber can cause the purge unit to back up with ink, jamming the pump. Reset the waste ink counter using Canon's service tool if you have not already done so.

Error 4600 and 5B00 often appear alongside 6C10 when the absorber is full. Resolving the absorber issue sometimes resolves 6C10 as well.
If you are comfortable with basic electronics repair, search for a purge unit cleaning guide specific to your Canon model on YouTube or iFixit. The purge unit can sometimes be removed and flushed with warm water to clear dried ink.

This requires partially disassembling the printer. Only attempt this if the printer is out of warranty and you are comfortable with the risk.
If none of the above resolves the error, contact Canon support or a local printer repair shop. The purge unit may need to be replaced, and in some regions Canon offers flat-rate mail-in repair programs.

Have your printer model number ready. It is on a sticker on the bottom or back of the printer.

When to Call a Professional

Error 6C10 is one of the more serious Canon error codes because it involves internal mechanical components that are not easy to access or replace at home. In many cases the purge unit must be physically removed, cleaned, or replaced. Canon service centers can resolve this, though repair costs may approach the cost of a replacement printer for budget Pixma models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is error 6C10 fixable at home or does it always need a technician?

It depends on the cause. If 6C10 is triggered by a full waste ink absorber, resetting the counter at home is possible. If the purge unit itself is mechanically jammed or worn out, most home users will need professional help. The purge unit is deep inside the printer and requires significant disassembly to access.

How long does a Canon printer typically last before getting error 6C10?

Most Canon Pixma printers that develop 6C10 have had years of use and many cleaning cycles. Running frequent deep cleaning cycles shortens the purge unit's life because the mechanism works harder. Only run cleaning cycles when print quality actually drops — not as a routine maintenance habit.

Can I bypass error 6C10 to finish a print job?

No — Canon printers lock out all printing when a 6C10 error is active. The error exists to protect the printer from ink overflow damage. There is no reliable bypass, and attempting to force the printer to print in this state risks permanent damage.