Canon Printer Error Code E12 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E12 means your Canon printer cannot print from the installed ink cartridge. This usually happens when a cartridge is unrecognized, has been refilled, or is not making proper contact. Reseating or replacing the cartridge typically resolves this error.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG2500 Series
Canon PIXMA TS3100 Series
Canon PIXMA E400 Series
Canon PIXMA TR4500 Series
Canon PIXMA MX490 Series

Common Causes

The ink cartridge is not fully seated in its slot and is not making electrical contact
The cartridge is a refilled or third-party cartridge that the printer does not recognize
The ink cartridge's chip or label has been damaged, preventing the printer from reading it
The contacts inside the cartridge slot are dirty or corroded
The ink cartridge was installed incorrectly — in the wrong slot or at the wrong angle

How to Fix It

Open the cartridge access cover. Wait for the print head carriage to move to the center, then remove the ink cartridge.

Do not force the carriage. If it does not move to the center after opening the cover, try turning the printer off and back on.
Inspect the cartridge. Make sure the orange or yellow protective tape has been removed from the nozzle area.

New cartridges come with a protective seal. If it is still on, remove it before reinstalling.
Gently wipe the copper or gold contact strip on the cartridge with a dry lint-free cloth.

Ink residue or fingerprint oil on the contacts is a common cause of E12. A dry wipe is enough — do not use water.
Reinstall the cartridge firmly. Press it down until it clicks into place.

A half-inserted cartridge will not make proper electrical contact with the printer's contact pins.
Close the access cover and allow the printer to initialize. Check if E12 is gone.

If the error persists, try a fresh genuine Canon cartridge to rule out a defective or incompatible cartridge.

When to Call a Professional

Error E12 is usually fixable by reseating or replacing the cartridge. If the error persists with multiple new genuine Canon cartridges, the contact pins inside the printer may be bent or damaged. A technician can repair or clean the contact assembly for $40 to $80. Contact Canon support at 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666) for warranty help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will third-party or refilled cartridges cause error E12?

They can. Third-party cartridges use aftermarket chips that may not be fully compatible with your Canon model. If you are using a refilled or generic cartridge and get E12, try a genuine Canon cartridge to confirm. Genuine Canon cartridges are guaranteed to be recognized by Canon printers.

Can I override error E12 and print anyway?

On some Canon PIXMA models, holding the Resume button for 5 seconds may dismiss the error temporarily. However, if the cartridge is not functioning correctly, print quality may be poor or the printer may not print at all. It is better to fix the underlying cause.

What if I clean the contacts but E12 still appears?

If cleaning the cartridge contacts does not help, inspect the contact pins inside the printer's cartridge slot. They should be clean and evenly spaced — not bent or corroded. If a pin is bent, a repair technician can straighten or replace the contact assembly.