Canon Error 1485 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
Canon error 1485 is one of the most frustrating printer problems because your cartridges look fine but your printer refuses to acknowledge them. This error stops your printer from working entirely and prevents you from printing anything until the cartridge is recognized or replaced.
The good news is that this error usually stems from simple contact issues or cartridge seating problems that you can fix yourself in about ten minutes. We have helped hundreds of small businesses and home offices resolve this exact error, and most fixes do not require a technician visit or expensive replacement parts.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle your Canon printer completely. Turn off your Canon printer using the power button and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Wait for at least thirty seconds to allow all power to drain from the device. Plug the printer back in and power it on, then wait for it to finish its startup sequence before proceeding to the next step.
- Remove the ink cartridge and inspect it visually. Open the cartridge access door on your Canon printer, which is typically located on the right side or front of the machine depending on your model. Gently press down on the cartridge to release it and pull it straight out toward you. Look for any visible damage, cracks, or dried ink on the cartridge itself and check that you are using a genuine Canon cartridge or a compatible replacement from a trusted manufacturer.
- Clean the cartridge gold contacts with proper technique. Locate the small gold or copper-colored contacts on the back of the cartridge where it connects to the printer. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or coffee filter to gently wipe these contacts in one direction several times to remove any dust, dried ink, or oxidation. Do not use water, alcohol, or aggressive scrubbing, as this can damage the cartridge permanently.
- Clean the cartridge slot contacts inside the printer. Look into the cartridge slot inside your printer where the cartridge connects and locate the small gold contacts or metal pins. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe these contacts inside the slot to remove dust or debris that may be preventing proper recognition. Be very careful not to bend any pins or insert any objects that could scratch the contacts.
- Reinstall the cartridge with firm, deliberate pressure. Slide the cleaned cartridge back into the slot at a slight angle and push it straight in until you feel resistance. Continue pushing firmly until you hear a distinct click, which indicates the cartridge is fully seated and locked in place. The click is important because a cartridge that is not fully locked will trigger the 1485 error even if the contacts are clean.
- Run the printer recognition test from the control panel. Navigate to the Setup or Maintenance menu on your printer's control panel or touchscreen display. Look for an option labeled Cartridge Detection, Check Cartridge, or Recognition Test and select it. Allow the printer to complete its detection cycle, which typically takes one to two minutes, and note whether the error message disappears.
- Try the cartridge in a different slot if available. If your Canon printer has multiple cartridge slots, remove the cartridge from the problematic slot and install it into a different slot to test whether the issue follows the cartridge or the printer slot. If the cartridge works in a different slot, the original slot may have a defective sensor and will require professional repair. If the error persists in all slots, the cartridge itself is likely defective.
- Contact Canon support or schedule remote assistance if the error persists. If you have completed all troubleshooting steps and the error 1485 still appears on your printer display, the cartridge detection sensor may be defective or requires recalibration by a technician. You can contact Canon technical support directly or use a remote support service for approximately forty-nine dollars to have a technician diagnose and resolve the issue over the phone with remote access to your printer settings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is error 1485 the same as error 1484 on Canon printers?
Error 1484 indicates a cartridge is not installed or is missing entirely, while error 1485 means a cartridge is installed but not recognized. Error 1485 is more likely caused by contact issues or sensor problems, whereas 1484 typically just requires installing a cartridge. Both errors will prevent printing, but the solutions are different.
Can I use refilled or third-party cartridges with my Canon printer?
Yes, most Canon printers work with high-quality third-party and refilled cartridges, but error 1485 can occur if the cartridge contacts are not clean or if the cartridge does not seat properly. Make sure any third-party cartridge has clean gold contacts and that you are buying from a reputable manufacturer with good reviews. Some Canon printers have very strict cartridge detection, so genuine Canon cartridges may be more reliable if you continue to experience problems.
Why does my cartridge work sometimes and not other times?
Intermittent error 1485 usually indicates that the cartridge contacts are dirty or partially oxidized, causing inconsistent electrical connection between the cartridge and printer. It can also mean the cartridge is not fully seated and shifts slightly when the printer moves or operates. Clean both the cartridge and printer contacts thoroughly and ensure the cartridge clicks firmly into place every time you install it.
Will replacing my cartridge fix the error if it is a sensor problem?
If the problem is the printer sensor itself rather than the cartridge, replacing the cartridge will not fix error 1485 and the error will continue to appear with every new cartridge you install. You can test this by trying your current cartridge in a different slot if available, or by trying a different cartridge in the same slot. If the error follows the slot rather than the cartridge, the sensor needs professional repair.