E29
Canon Printer
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Error E29 on a Canon printer means the printer cannot recognize one of the installed ink cartridges. The printer reads a chip on each cartridge to identify it and monitor ink levels. When that chip is unreadable, dirty, or missing, E29 is displayed. This is usually caused by a dirty cartridge contact or an incompatible cartridge.
Affected Models
- Canon PIXMA TS5120
- Canon PIXMA TS6120
- Canon PIXMA MG3620
- Canon PIXMA TR8520
- Canon PIXMA TS and TR series
Common Causes
- Dirty or oxidized contacts on the bottom of the ink cartridge
- Third-party or refilled cartridge with a chip that Canon's firmware does not recognize
- Cartridge chip damaged by ink leakage or static electricity
- Cartridge installed in the wrong slot (color in black slot, or vice versa)
- Defective genuine Canon cartridge with a bad chip straight from the box
How to Fix It
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Open the printer cover and allow the carriage to move to the center. Remove the cartridge that is causing the error. (The printer may indicate which slot has the problem.)
If you are not sure which cartridge is at fault, remove and check all of them.
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Look at the bottom of the cartridge and find the gold or copper contact strip. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the contacts. Then use a slightly damp cloth (water only) for a second wipe.
Do not use alcohol or solvents on the cartridge contacts — these can damage the chip.
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Also clean the contacts inside the printer carriage where the cartridge sits. These are the small gold pads visible inside each cartridge slot. Gently clean with a slightly damp cotton swab.
Allow both the cartridge and carriage contacts to dry completely before reinstalling.
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Reinstall the cartridge firmly and ensure it clicks into place. Close the printer cover and check if E29 clears.
If E29 returns, try swapping the cartridge for a brand-new genuine Canon cartridge to rule out a failed chip.
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If a genuine new cartridge also triggers E29, the carriage contact pins may be bent or corroded. Inspect the carriage contact area with a magnifying glass. Bent pins can sometimes be gently straightened with a small flat tool.
Bent carriage pins are less common but do occur on older printers after heavy use.
When to Call a Professional
E29 is almost always a DIY-fixable problem. Cleaning the cartridge contacts or replacing the cartridge resolves the error in most cases. If E29 persists after trying multiple genuine Canon cartridges, the carriage contacts or the printer's firmware may be at fault. Canon support is available at 1-800-OK-CANON if you need further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will third-party ink cartridges cause E29?
Yes, frequently. Third-party and refilled cartridges sometimes have chips that are not perfectly compatible with Canon's firmware. After a Canon firmware update, previously working third-party cartridges can suddenly show E29. Using genuine Canon cartridges is the most reliable way to avoid E29.
My cartridge is genuine Canon — why do I still get E29?
Genuine cartridges can have chip failures too, though it is uncommon. Try cleaning the contacts as described above. If E29 persists with a new genuine cartridge, the carriage contact pins in the printer may be the problem.
Can I print with E29 showing?
No. The printer will not print if it cannot recognize all installed cartridges. You must resolve E29 before printing resumes. If you are in a hurry, removing the unrecognized cartridge and printing in black-and-white mode may be possible if your printer supports single-cartridge mode.