Canon Error E03 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
The Canon E03 error is frustrating because it stops your work cold, but the good news is that it is almost always fixable in minutes without calling a technician. This error specifically tells you that Canon's sensors have detected either a paper obstruction inside the printer or that the output tray unit is not seated properly in its slot.
We have helped hundreds of users clear this error at home and in small offices, and we want to walk you through exactly what to check first, how to safely clear jams, and when it is time to bring in professional help.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power off the printer and unplug it from the wall outlet. Turn off your Canon printer using its power button, then wait five seconds and unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. This clears any temporary sensor errors and ensures your safety while you work inside the machine.
- Open the output tray and inspect for loose paper or debris. Pull the output tray (the flat metal or plastic tray where finished pages drop) straight out toward you until it stops. Look inside the slot for any torn bits of paper, dust, or foreign objects that might be blocking the sensor. Even a small scrap of paper can trigger the E03 error.
- Close the output tray firmly and ensure it clicks into place. Push the output tray back into the printer slowly and listen for a definite click or snap that signals it is fully seated. If it does not click, pull it out again and check that the tray tracks are clean and aligned, then reinsert it with steady pressure until you feel the engagement.
- Open the rear access door or toner cartridge cover. Locate the rear or side access panel of your Canon printer (this varies by model but is usually labeled or marked with an arrow symbol). Open this door to expose the paper path inside the machine and inspect for any crumpled paper or cardboard fragments lodged in the jam detection area.
- Carefully remove any jammed paper by hand. If you see any paper stuck inside, gently pull it out in the direction of the paper path, never yanking backward. Do not use metal tools or force, as you can damage the delicate sensors or rollers inside the printer. Remove any torn pieces, dust, or debris you find.
- Check the paper input tray and clear any obstructions. Remove the paper input tray from the front or bottom of your printer and look inside the compartment for stuck paper, dust, or objects that may have fallen inside. Clean out any debris and ensure the paper guides are not bent or blocking the tray slot.
- Plug in the printer and power it back on to test. Reconnect the power cord and press the power button to restart your Canon printer. Load a fresh ream of paper into the input tray, print a test page, and watch for the E03 error to disappear. If the error clears, your jam is resolved.
- Run the printer maintenance or cleaning cycle if available. If your Canon model includes a cleaning or maintenance mode (check your user manual or the printer settings menu on the display), run this cycle to dislodge any remaining paper dust or debris. This step often prevents the error from returning.
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Frequently asked questions
What if I clear the paper jam but the E03 error stays on the screen after I restart the printer?
The sensor may be temporarily stuck or confused after a jam event. Power off the printer completely for one full minute, then power it back on without printing anything. If the error persists after a full power cycle, the jam sensor itself may be faulty and will need professional inspection or replacement.
Can I ignore the E03 error and keep printing, or will it damage my Canon printer?
You cannot bypass or ignore the E03 error because the printer will refuse to print until the issue is resolved. Continuing to force paper into a jammed printer can damage the internal rollers, sensors, and paper path, so always clear the jam first before attempting to print.
Why does my Canon printer keep jamming and showing E03 even after I clear it?
Repeated jams are usually caused by using low-quality or damp paper, overfilling the input tray, or having dust and debris inside the paper path. Switch to Canon-brand or premium paper, fill the tray only three-quarters full, and run a maintenance cleaning cycle monthly to prevent recurring jams.
I have tried all these steps and the error will not go away; what should I do next?
If you have fully cleared all visible obstructions and the E03 still appears, the jam detection sensor itself may be defective or misaligned. At this point, you can contact Canon support, visit a certified repair center, or call a professional printer repair technician to diagnose and replace the faulty sensor.