Canon Error E16 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
The Canon E16 error is one of the most frustrating messages you'll encounter because it stops your printing dead in its tracks, even though you might have ink remaining. This error specifically tells you that your printer has detected an empty or missing ink cartridge, but the real cause can range from a simple seating issue to an actual empty tank or even a malfunctioning sensor.
The good news is that most E16 errors can be resolved in under ten minutes with basic troubleshooting, and you won't need to call anyone or spend money on service unless the cartridge itself has genuinely failed. We'll walk you through every fix from simplest to most involved so you can get back to printing as quickly as possible.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power off the printer completely and wait one minute. Turn off your Canon printer using the power button and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Wait a full minute before proceeding, as this allows the printer's memory to reset and clears any temporary error states. This simple step resolves the E16 error in approximately 15 percent of cases.
- Remove and visually inspect each ink cartridge. Open the cartridge access door on your Canon printer and carefully remove each colored ink cartridge one at a time. Look for any protective tape that may still be covering the cartridge contacts or nozzles, and remove it if present. Also check whether the cartridge appears physically damaged or has any dried ink blocking the contact points.
- Reseat all cartridges firmly into their correct slots. Take each cartridge and insert it straight into its color-coded slot, pushing down firmly until you hear or feel a distinct click, which indicates proper seating. Make sure the cartridge is not at an angle and that you are placing each color in its correct position according to your printer model. Improper seating is the most common cause of E16 errors and can be fixed by reseating alone.
- Clean the cartridge contact points with a soft dry cloth. Remove the cartridges again and gently wipe the metal contact points on both the cartridge and the printer using a clean, lint-free cloth. Do not use water or cleaning solution, as moisture can damage the electrical contacts. This removes dust and dried ink residue that can prevent proper communication between the cartridge and printer.
- Check the cartridge chip for damage or obstruction. Examine the small gold or silver chip on each cartridge for any visible damage, corrosion, or foreign material. If you see debris on the chip, gently wipe it away with a dry cloth. A damaged or corroded chip will trigger an E16 error and cannot be repaired, meaning the cartridge must be replaced.
- Power on the printer and run the cleaning cycle if available. Plug the printer back in and turn it on, then wait for the startup sequence to complete. On most Canon printers, you can access a cleaning cycle through the Settings or Maintenance menu, which will run automatically and may clear any residual error flags. Allow this cycle to finish completely before attempting to print.
- Print a test page to verify the error is resolved. Once the printer has completed its startup and any cleaning cycles, attempt to print a test page or document. If the E16 error does not reappear, your issue is resolved. If the error returns immediately, the cartridge itself is likely empty or defective and requires replacement.
- Purchase and install a replacement cartridge if needed. If the E16 error persists after all troubleshooting steps, you will need to purchase a new Canon-brand or compatible ink cartridge for your specific printer model. Install it using the same seating procedure described in step three, ensuring a firm click. If you need help choosing the correct cartridge or have questions about compatibility, a technician can provide remote guidance for forty-nine dollars.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I ignore the E16 error and keep printing anyway?
No, Canon printers with E16 errors will not print at all until the error is resolved, as the printer recognizes that it cannot dispense ink properly. Attempting to force printing can cause damage to the print head or nozzles. You must either reseat the cartridge, replace it, or have a technician diagnose the root cause.
Does E16 always mean I need to buy a new ink cartridge?
Not necessarily. Approximately 70 percent of E16 errors are caused by improper seating or dirty contact points, both of which are free to fix. Only when cartridges are genuinely empty, physically damaged, or have faulty chips will you actually need to purchase a replacement.
Why does my printer say the ink is empty when I just replaced the cartridge?
New cartridges sometimes have protective tape or caps still attached, or they may not be inserted with enough force to trigger the seating click. Remove the cartridge, check for any plastic film covering the nozzles or contacts, and reinsert it firmly until you hear the click. If this does not work, the new cartridge itself may be defective and should be exchanged where you purchased it.
Will resetting my printer to factory settings fix the E16 error?
A factory reset will not fix the E16 error because this error is hardware-related, not software-related. The printer's cartridge sensors are physically detecting an empty or improperly seated cartridge, so only physical troubleshooting will resolve it. A reset may waste time and could erase your printer settings without solving the problem.