Canon Error 1200 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
Canon's error 1200 is one of the most common issues we see, and the good news is that it's almost always fixable in under five minutes without any tools or technical knowledge. This error simply means your printer's access cover—the panel you open to load paper or clear jams—isn't properly closed or the sensor that detects it has gotten dirty.
You'll usually see this error on your printer's display screen, and the machine will stop printing and refuse to respond to any commands until you clear it. We've helped thousands of users resolve this exact problem, and nine times out of ten, the fix is genuinely simple.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle your printer completely. Turn off your Canon printer using the power button on the front panel and unplug the power cable from the wall outlet. Wait a full 30 seconds—this allows the printer's sensors to reset. Plug the power cable back in and turn the printer on again, then wait for it to fully boot up and run through its initialization cycle.
- Locate and visually inspect the access cover. Look at your printer and find the access cover or door you open to add paper or clear paper jams. This is usually on the front or top of the machine. Check that the cover is completely closed and flush with the printer's body—it should not be protruding or sitting at an angle.
- Close the access cover firmly with proper pressure. Press the access cover down firmly with both hands until you hear or feel a distinct click, which indicates the cover has latched into the locked position. Many users close the cover gently, but it needs real pressure to fully seat. If the cover does not click, do not force it; check for any visible obstructions first.
- Clean the cover sensor with a soft, dry cloth. Open the access cover again and look for a small black or dark plastic sensor button or lever near the cover's edge or on the printer's interior frame where the cover meets the body. Gently wipe this sensor and the surrounding area with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to remove any dust, toner, or paper debris that might be blocking it.
- Inspect the sensor area for paper fragments or damage. While the cover is open, use a flashlight to look carefully at the sensor area and the metal or plastic lip where the cover closes. Check for any torn paper, toner buildup, or visible damage to the sensor itself. If you find paper fragments, use tweezers to carefully remove them; do not use water or solvents.
- Verify the cover closes smoothly without resistance. Close the access cover again and listen for the click. If the cover closes smoothly and you hear the click, the error should clear immediately. If the cover feels stiff, catches, or does not click, do not force it; you may have a mechanical issue that requires professional service.
- Clear the error from your printer's screen. Once the cover is properly closed, press the OK button or Resume button on your printer's control panel to clear the error message. The printer should return to its normal ready state. If the error reappears immediately, the sensor may need professional calibration or replacement.
- Test the printer with a print job. Send a test document to your printer from your Windows 11 or macOS computer to confirm the issue is fully resolved. The printer should accept the job and complete the print without displaying error 1200 again.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does error 1200 keep coming back even though I close the cover?
This usually means the cover sensor is faulty or there is still debris blocking the sensor contact. Try cleaning the sensor area more thoroughly with a dry cloth, and make sure you are closing the cover with firm, even pressure. If the error returns after cleaning and a power cycle, the sensor itself may need replacement, which typically costs between $40 and $80 in parts plus labor.
Can I use my Canon printer with the access cover open?
No, Canon printers will not print when error 1200 is active, and the access cover must be fully closed and properly latched for the printer to function. The cover sensor is a safety feature designed to prevent toner leaks and mechanical damage while the printer is operating.
Is error 1200 covered under Canon's warranty?
If the access cover or sensor is defective due to a manufacturing fault, it may be covered under your printer's limited warranty, which typically lasts one year from purchase. If the cover was damaged by misuse or the sensor is simply dirty, warranty coverage does not apply. Check your specific warranty documentation or contact the retailer where you purchased the printer.
What should I do if cleaning and power cycling do not fix error 1200?
If the error persists after you have cleaned the sensor, power cycled the printer, and confirmed the cover closes with a click, the cover latch mechanism or sensor likely needs professional service. You can schedule a remote diagnostic session with a certified technician for $49, which includes troubleshooting and a repair quote, or contact a local Canon-authorized service center for in-person repair.