Canon Printer Printing Blank Pages — How to Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

A Canon printer that prints blank pages almost always has clogged print head nozzles or an empty/incorrectly installed ink cartridge. Run a nozzle check print from the printer maintenance menu to identify which nozzles are blocked, then run a head cleaning cycle. One or two cleanings usually restore full printing.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG2522
Canon PIXMA MG3620
Canon PIXMA TS202
Canon PIXMA TR4520
Canon PIXMA TS8020
Canon PIXMA MG5720

Common Causes

Print head nozzles are clogged from ink drying inside them during a long period of non-use
An ink cartridge is empty but the printer has not flagged it with a visible error
Protective tape was not removed from a new ink cartridge before installation
The wrong paper type is selected in the print settings causing ink to bead off without absorbing
A third-party ink cartridge is not compatible and is not delivering ink to the nozzles

How to Fix It

Check each ink cartridge — remove them and verify the orange protective tape on the bottom nozzle area has been removed.

Forgetting to remove protective tape from new cartridges is the most common cause of blank pages after a cartridge change.
Print a nozzle check pattern from the printer software: open Canon IJ Printer Assistant Tool (Windows) or System Preferences/Settings (Mac) > Maintenance > Print Nozzle Check Pattern.

The nozzle check shows which colours are missing or weak. Gaps in the pattern confirm a clog.
If any nozzles show as blocked, run a Cleaning cycle from Maintenance > Cleaning. Then print another nozzle check.

One cleaning cycle uses a small amount of ink. Do not run more than three cleanings in a row without checking.
If standard cleaning does not work, run a Deep Cleaning cycle (Maintenance > Deep Cleaning).

Deep cleaning uses more ink but is more effective for stubborn clogs. Wait a few minutes after deep cleaning before testing.
Check ink levels in the printer software. Replace any cartridges that are empty or near-empty.

Canon printers sometimes do not display low ink warnings before completely running out.

When to Call a Professional

If three to five cleaning cycles fail to restore printing, the print head may be permanently clogged or damaged. A Canon service center can perform ultrasonic cleaning or replace the print head. This is worth pursuing for higher-end Canon PIXMA models.

Frequently Asked Questions

My printer was working yesterday — why is it printing blank pages today?

A short period of non-use is enough for nozzles to partially clog if ink dries inside them. Run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle — most cases resolve within two cleaning runs.

I just put in a new cartridge but still getting blank pages — why?

Check that you removed the orange protective tape from the bottom of the new cartridge. Also ensure the cartridge clicked into place properly. Then run a cleaning cycle to prime the new cartridge.

How do I prevent blank page issues in the future?

Print at least one page per week to keep the nozzles from drying out. Avoid switching the printer off at the wall — use the power button so the printer parks its head properly. Storing compatible inks for long periods also increases clogging risk.