Canon Printer Error Code E23 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E23 means a document jammed while it was being scanned through the ADF. The document was feeding correctly but stopped partway through the scan. Open the ADF, remove the jammed document, and restart the scan.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MX490 Series
Canon PIXMA MX920 Series
Canon PIXMA TR8500 Series
Canon MAXIFY MB2700 Series
Canon PIXMA G6000 Series

Common Causes

The document had a fold, wrinkle, or torn edge that caught on the ADF scanning mechanism
A page in a multi-page stack was slightly heavier than the others and did not feed through at the same speed
The ADF feed rollers are dirty and lost grip on the document partway through
Static electricity caused two pages to stick together and feed as one, jamming the output
The scanned document has a sticky note, tape, or label attached that caught on the ADF rollers

How to Fix It

Do not pull the document out forcefully while the printer is still on. First, press Stop or Cancel to halt the scan job.

Cancelling the job stops the motor so the paper is not being actively held by the rollers.
Open the ADF cover to gain full access to the paper path. Gently pull the jammed document out in the feeding direction.

Pull smoothly and slowly. If you feel resistance, open additional access panels if your model has them.
Check for any torn scraps of paper remaining inside the ADF. Remove every piece before closing the cover.

Use a flashlight to look inside the ADF mechanism. A tiny scrap can cause the next document to jam.
Inspect the document that jammed. Flatten any folds or creases and remove any sticky notes, tape, or labels.

Anything raised above the paper surface can catch on the ADF rollers during scanning.
Close the ADF cover and press Resume to clear the error. If the document is damaged, place individual pages on the flatbed glass to complete the scan.

The flatbed glass is a reliable alternative for documents that repeatedly jam in the ADF.

When to Call a Professional

Error E23 is almost always fixable at home by removing the jammed document. If jams happen consistently during scanning, the ADF feed or separation rollers may need cleaning or replacement. A technician can service the ADF roller assembly for $50 to $90. Contact Canon support at 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666) for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between E22 and E23?

Both errors involve documents jamming in the ADF. E22 typically means the jam happened at the document input — the paper did not feed in correctly. E23 means the paper started feeding but jammed partway through the scanning path.

Can I scan the rest of my document after clearing E23?

Yes, once the jam is cleared and the ADF is clean. If you were scanning a multi-page document, you may need to rescan the page that jammed. Check your scanner software — it may have saved the pages that scanned successfully.

How do I clean the ADF rollers to prevent future E23 errors?

Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth with water and gently wipe the visible ADF rollers. Do not use alcohol or cleaning solvents on the rollers — they can damage the rubber. Some Canon models also have a roller cleaning mode in the maintenance settings.