Canon Printer Error Code E50 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E50 means your Canon printer failed to complete scanner head alignment. The printer tried to align the scanner mechanism during startup or after a service action, but the alignment process did not succeed. This is a serious error that usually requires professional service.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MX490 Series
Canon PIXMA MX920 Series
Canon PIXMA TR8500 Series
Canon MAXIFY MB2700 Series
Canon PIXMA TS9500 Series

Common Causes

The scanner carriage is physically blocked by an object or piece of debris inside the scanner
The scanner carriage motor has failed or is too weak to drive the carriage through a full alignment sweep
The scanner's position sensor or encoder strip is dirty, damaged, or misaligned
The printer was moved roughly or dropped, causing the scanner mechanism to go out of alignment
A firmware glitch interrupted the alignment process at the wrong point, causing it to fail

How to Fix It

Turn off the printer, unplug it from the wall, and wait 60 seconds. Then plug it back in and turn it on.

A full cold restart occasionally clears E50 if it was caused by a temporary firmware or motor startup glitch.
When the printer is off and unplugged, open the scanner lid. Look for any objects, paper scraps, or debris on the scanner glass or inside the scanner mechanism.

Even a small object resting on the glass or inside the scanner track can block the carriage and cause E50.
Check that the scanner carriage — the moving bar under the scanner glass — can slide freely from one end to the other.

With the printer unplugged, you can gently push the carriage with a finger. It should slide smoothly with no grinding or resistance.
Make sure the printer is on a flat, stable surface and is not tilted. Re-run the alignment by turning the printer on and allowing the startup sequence to complete.

An uneven surface can cause the scanner carriage to bind and fail the alignment check.
If E50 persists after a restart and visual inspection, do not attempt further DIY repairs. Contact a Canon service center.

Forcing the alignment mechanism when it has a mechanical fault can cause further damage.

When to Call a Professional

Error E50 is a critical scanner hardware error that almost always requires professional service. The scanner alignment mechanism is a precision optical and mechanical assembly. A technician can diagnose and repair the scanner assembly for $60 to $150 depending on the model. For newer Canon printers still under warranty, contact Canon support at 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666) immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can E50 appear after the printer is moved or shipped?

Yes. Moving a printer without proper packaging can jar the scanner carriage out of its alignment position. If your printer started showing E50 after being moved, the scanner carriage may have been displaced. A technician can realign it.

Does E50 affect printing, or just scanning?

On most Canon models, E50 halts all operations — including printing. The printer will not function until the scanner alignment error is resolved. This is because the scanner and print systems share the same control board and initialization sequence.

Is it worth repairing a Canon printer with error E50?

It depends on the printer's age and the repair cost. For newer Canon PIXMA TR or MX models, a scanner repair is often worthwhile. For entry-level or older models where the repair cost approaches the cost of a new printer, replacement may make more sense.