Canon Error B200 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
The B200 error on your Canon PIXMA printer is frustrating because it halts all printing and can appear suddenly even on machines that were working fine moments before. This error specifically means the printer detected an abnormal voltage level or temperature reading from the printhead assembly, which is the component that deposits ink onto your paper.
The good news is that most B200 errors are caused by fixable problems like poor cartridge contact, clogged nozzles, or a temporary power regulation glitch rather than permanent hardware failure. Before you consider replacing the printhead or calling for expensive service, you can work through several diagnostic steps that resolve this issue in many cases.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle the printer completely. Turn off your Canon PIXMA printer and unplug the power cable from the wall outlet. Wait for a full sixty seconds to allow the printer's internal capacitors to discharge completely and reset the voltage regulation circuit. Plug the printer back in and power it on normally, then try printing a test page to see if the error clears.
- Remove and reseat all ink cartridges. Open the cartridge access door on your PIXMA and gently remove each ink cartridge one at a time. Examine the gold or copper contact pins on both the cartridge and the cartridge slot for any dirt, dried ink, or debris. Wipe the contacts on each cartridge with a soft, lint-free cloth, then reinsert each cartridge firmly until it clicks into place, ensuring they seat completely.
- Run the printhead cleaning cycle. Access your printer's maintenance menu by pressing the Home button on the printer's touchscreen or control panel. Navigate to Settings or Maintenance, then select Cleaning or Head Cleaning. Choose a standard cleaning cycle and allow it to complete without interruption. This process flushes any partially dried ink from the nozzles and restores proper ink flow.
- Perform a second power cycle after cleaning. After the cleaning cycle finishes, turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall for another thirty seconds. This second power cycle allows the printhead to settle and the voltage regulator to fully stabilize after the cleaning operation. Power the printer back on and attempt to print a full-color test page.
- Check ink cartridge authenticity and levels. Verify that all your ink cartridges are either genuine Canon cartridges or compatible cartridges that meet Canon specifications. Non-compliant cartridges sometimes lack proper voltage communication circuits and trigger the B200 error. Also confirm that none of your cartridges are completely empty, as an empty slot can cause voltage detection problems.
- Inspect the printhead and carriage for obstructions. Open the cartridge door and look directly at the printhead assembly and the carriage track that it moves along. Check for any dried ink buildup, paper fragments, or debris blocking the carriage movement or resting on the printhead itself. Use a dry swab or soft brush to gently remove any visible obstructions, being careful not to touch the nozzle plate or ink contacts.
- Consider a remote motherboard diagnostic service. If the error persists after all these steps, the printer's motherboard may have a failing voltage regulator circuit that powers the printhead. Several independent repair shops offer a remote fifty-dollar service where they send you a replacement motherboard with pre-installed firmware that you swap in yourself. This is significantly cheaper than Canon service center quotes of two hundred dollars to four hundred dollars for the same repair.
- Reset the printer to factory defaults. As a final software troubleshooting step, access your printer's setup menu and look for a Reset or Initialize option under Settings. Select the option to reset all maintenance counters and restore factory default settings. This clears any corrupted error flags that might be stuck in the printer's memory and prevents false voltage readings from triggering the B200 error again.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the B200 error mean my printhead is permanently broken?
Not necessarily. While a B200 error can indicate a failing printhead, it more commonly signals a voltage communication problem caused by dirty cartridge contacts, dried nozzles, or a temporary power regulation glitch. The majority of users resolve this error through cleaning cycles and cartridge reseating without any hardware replacement.
Why does the B200 error happen right after I install new cartridges?
New cartridges sometimes have protective seals or films on their contacts that must be removed before installation. If these protective covers remain in place, the cartridge cannot establish proper electrical contact with the printer, triggering a voltage detection error. Always check for and remove any plastic films or foil seals on cartridge contacts before inserting them into your PIXMA.
Can third-party ink cartridges cause the B200 error?
Yes, some third-party cartridges lack the proper voltage regulation circuits or communication chips that Canon PIXMA printers expect. If you switched to a different brand of compatible cartridges and the B200 error appeared, try replacing them with genuine Canon cartridges to determine if the cartridge itself is the source of the problem.
Is the B200 error covered under Canon's warranty?
Canon's standard one-year warranty covers B200 errors caused by manufacturing defects, but does not cover errors caused by third-party cartridges, user maintenance issues, or dried ink buildup. If your printer is within the warranty period and you have only used genuine Canon cartridges, contact Canon support to discuss warranty service options for your specific PIXMA model.