Canon Error E08 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
The E08 error on your Canon printer is frustrating because the machine stops printing even though it has plenty of toner and paper. This error specifically means the waste ink absorber—a sponge-like component inside your printer that collects excess ink during cleaning cycles—is nearly full and the printer's counter needs to be reset or the absorber physically replaced.
The good news is that this is a completely fixable issue that doesn't require shipping your printer away or paying expensive repair shop fees. You have three realistic options: reset the counter yourself through the printer's service menu, purchase a reset code online for approximately $49, or replace the absorber cartridge yourself, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $35 to $65 depending on your specific Canon model.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle your printer completely. Turn off your Canon printer using the power button and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Wait for a full 60 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. This simple restart sometimes clears temporary error states before you need to perform more involved troubleshooting.
- Check your printer model number. Locate the model number on a sticker on the back or bottom of your printer, such as PIXMA TR4720 or imagePROGRAF. Write this down because different Canon models access the reset function differently, and you will need the exact model number to find the correct service menu.
- Access the service mode on your printer. On most Canon PIXMA models, press and hold the Resume button (the triangle symbol) for 10 seconds while the printer is powered on. On imagePROGRAF models, hold the Menu and Back buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. The printer display should show service or maintenance options rather than the normal operating screen.
- Navigate to the waste ink counter reset option. Use your printer's arrow buttons to scroll through the service menu until you find an option labeled Waste Ink Counter, Absorber Counter, or Maintenance Counter. Press OK or Enter to select this option, then look for a Reset or Initialize function within that submenu.
- Confirm the waste ink counter reset. When the reset option appears on screen, you will typically see a confirmation prompt asking if you want to reset the waste ink absorber counter to zero. Press Yes or OK to confirm, and the printer will process the reset, which usually takes 5 to 15 seconds.
- Purchase a remote reset code if the manual reset fails. If you are uncomfortable accessing the service menu or the reset does not clear the E08 error, contact an authorized Canon service provider online and request a waste ink absorber reset code. These reset codes cost approximately $49 and are delivered via email with instructions for entering them into your printer.
- Order and install a replacement waste ink absorber unit. If the error returns within a few weeks or the reset code option is unavailable, you will need to replace the physical waste ink absorber cartridge. Order the correct absorber unit for your specific Canon model from an authorized parts supplier and follow the manufacturer's instructions in your user manual to access and swap the component.
- Update your Canon printer firmware. Visit the official Canon support website, enter your printer model number, and download the latest firmware update if one is available. Firmware updates sometimes address E08 error issues and can prevent the problem from recurring as frequently in the future.
Still stuck? We'll fix it for you — remotely, today.
A real technician connects to your computer securely, fixes the problem while you watch, and you pay only after your printer is working again.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ignore the E08 error and keep printing?
No, Canon printers enforce the E08 error by preventing any printing until you reset or replace the waste ink absorber. The error exists because when the absorber reaches capacity, excess ink has nowhere to go and can damage internal printer components if you continue operating the machine.
How often will the E08 error return after I reset it?
The frequency depends on how much color printing you do, but most users see the E08 error return between six months and two years after a reset. Heavy color printing users may see it return within a few months, while users who print primarily in black ink may not see it for several years.
What is the waste ink absorber and why does it fill up?
The waste ink absorber is a sponge-like material inside your Canon printer designed to collect excess ink that is expelled during automatic cleaning cycles and head flushing operations. Every time your printer cleans its print head to prevent clogging, small amounts of ink are purged into this absorber, which eventually reaches its capacity.
Is it safe to replace the waste ink absorber myself or should I use a technician?
Replacing the waste ink absorber yourself is safe and straightforward for most Canon models; the component is designed to be user-replaceable and your user manual includes clear instructions. However, if your printer is still under warranty, contact Canon support first because opening the printer yourself may void the warranty depending on your coverage terms.