Canon Printer Error Code E11 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The E11 error means your Canon printer cannot complete automatic printhead alignment. Alignment is needed so the printer puts ink in exactly the right spots on the page. This error usually happens because of the wrong paper type or a dirty alignment sheet.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA TS3500 Series
Canon PIXMA MG3600 Series
Canon PIXMA TR4700 Series
Canon PIXMA G3000 Series
Canon PIXMA TS5300 Series

Common Causes

The alignment sheet was printed on colored or patterned paper instead of plain white paper
The alignment sheet was placed face-down or upside-down on the scanner glass
The scanner glass is dirty, smudged, or has debris that interferes with reading the alignment pattern
The ink cartridges are low on ink, producing a faint alignment pattern the scanner cannot read
The printhead nozzles are clogged, causing missing lines on the alignment sheet

How to Fix It

Load fresh plain white paper into the rear tray. Do not use glossy, colored, or photo paper for alignment.

The alignment pattern must be printed on plain white paper so the scanner can read it accurately.
Run printhead alignment again. On most Canon PIXMA models, go to Setup > Maintenance > Printhead Alignment.

The printer will print an alignment sheet first. Wait for it to finish completely before the next step.
Place the printed alignment sheet face-down on the scanner glass. Align it with the corner mark on the glass.

Make sure the sheet is flat and straight. Even a small angle can cause the scanner to misread the pattern.
Close the scanner lid gently and press the Start or OK button to scan the alignment sheet.

Do not open the lid or move the sheet while scanning. The process takes about 30 seconds.
If alignment still fails, clean the scanner glass with a soft lint-free cloth and a small amount of glass cleaner. Also run a printhead cleaning cycle to unclog any nozzles.

Dirty glass or clogged nozzles are the top reasons alignment fails repeatedly.

When to Call a Professional

The E11 error is almost always fixable at home. If alignment keeps failing after cleaning the scanner glass and printhead, the scanner sensor may be malfunctioning. A technician can diagnose and replace the sensor for $50 to $90.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Canon need to align the printhead?

Printhead alignment makes sure each color of ink lands in exactly the right spot. Without alignment, your prints may look blurry or have color banding. Canon runs alignment automatically when you install new cartridges.

Can I skip alignment and just keep printing?

Yes, you can press the Resume button to dismiss the E11 error. Your printer will keep working, but print quality may be slightly off. You can always try alignment again later.

What if the alignment sheet comes out blank or very faint?

This means your ink cartridges are very low or the printhead nozzles are clogged. Replace any low cartridges and run a printhead cleaning cycle. Then try the alignment again with a fresh sheet of plain white paper.