Canon Printer Error B205 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error B205 on a Canon printer indicates a hardware fault in the printhead area — specifically a problem with the voltage supply to the printhead. This is more serious than a simple ink or clog error. In many cases B205 means the printhead or logic board has failed. This error often requires professional service or printhead replacement.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG5320
Canon PIXMA MG5220
Canon PIXMA MX882
Canon PIXMA MG6120
Canon PIXMA all-in-one series

Common Causes

Failed printhead with a short circuit in the heating element array
Defective logic board or main board unable to supply correct voltage to the printhead
Severe ink contamination bridging electrical contacts on the printhead or carriage
Printhead installed incorrectly or not fully seated in the carriage
Damaged flex cable connecting the carriage to the main board

How to Fix It

Turn off the printer using its power button and unplug from the wall. Wait 5 full minutes to allow capacitors to discharge. Then plug in and power on. Retry printing.

A full power cycle clears transient electrical faults and is always worth trying first.
Open the printer cover and carefully remove the printhead. Inspect the gold electrical contacts on the bottom of the printhead and on the carriage for dried ink or debris. Clean both sets of contacts gently with a slightly damp lint-free cloth.

Ink bridging contacts on the printhead is a common cause of voltage faults. Allow to dry fully before reinstalling.
Reinstall the printhead, ensuring it clicks firmly into the locked position. Close the cover and power on. The printer will run an initialization sequence.

A printhead that is not fully locked can cause electrical contact problems that trigger B205.
If B205 persists, try a new or known-good printhead if one is available. If the error clears with a new printhead, the old one has failed internally.

Printhead replacement kits for Canon PIXMA models are available online. Match the printhead number exactly to your model.
If B205 persists even with a new printhead, the main logic board or carriage flex cable has failed. At this point, professional repair is required. Compare repair cost against the price of a new printer.

For printers more than 5 years old, a new entry-level Canon PIXMA often makes more economic sense than a logic board replacement.

When to Call a Professional

B205 is a serious hardware error that is difficult to diagnose and repair at home. Printhead replacement is an option — printheads for Canon PIXMA all-in-ones cost $50 to $100. However, if the main board is at fault, repair cost approaches or exceeds the price of a new entry-level printer. Canon support can be reached at 1-800-OK-CANON.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is B205 the same as B203 or B204?

They are related but different. B203 and B204 deal with the ink absorber system. B205 is specifically a voltage or hardware fault in the printhead circuit — it is generally more serious and harder to fix at home. All B-series errors on Canon printers indicate hardware-level problems rather than user-fixable issues like paper jams.

Can I reset B205 with a code or button combination?

There is no user-accessible reset code for B205 on most Canon PIXMA models. Some online guides suggest holding the Stop/Reset button for specific durations, but these resets typically only work for ink absorber full warnings — not B205 hardware faults. A power cycle is the only reset available to users.

My printer is brand new and already shows B205 — what do I do?

A brand-new printer showing B205 is a manufacturing defect. Contact Canon support immediately — 1-800-OK-CANON — and request a warranty replacement. Do not attempt any repairs yourself on a new printer as it may void the warranty.