Canon Error P15 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
The Canon P15 error is one of the most frustrating hardware faults because it completely blocks your printer from communicating with your computer, even though the printer itself appears to be working fine. This error specifically indicates that the printer's USB VBUS port is detecting an overcurrent condition, which is a safety mechanism designed to protect both your printer and computer from electrical damage.
The good news is that this error is almost always fixable with basic troubleshooting steps that take less than ten minutes. In most cases, the problem originates from either a damaged USB cable, a malfunctioning USB port on your computer, or a power delivery issue that can be resolved by properly power cycling the printer and reconnecting it to a different port.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle your printer completely. Turn off your Canon printer using the physical power button and unplug the power cable from the back of the unit. Wait for exactly two minutes while the printer is completely disconnected from power, then plug it back in and turn it on. This clears any temporary electrical faults that may have triggered the P15 error.
- Disconnect the USB cable and inspect it visually. Unplug the USB cable from both your computer and your printer, and examine the entire length of the cable for any visible damage such as kinks, cracks, cuts, or frayed sections. If you notice any damage whatsoever, do not attempt to use this cable again, as a damaged cable is the most common cause of the P15 error.
- Try a different USB cable rated for printer use. Obtain a known working USB cable that is specifically rated for printer use and connect it to your Canon printer. Use a high quality cable from a major manufacturer, as cheap or generic cables often lack proper shielding and can cause overcurrent detection errors. If the P15 error does not appear after reconnecting with the new cable, your original cable was faulty.
- Connect the printer to a different USB port on your computer. Unplug the USB cable from your current computer port and plug it into a different USB port, preferably one that is directly on your motherboard rather than through a hub or extension cable. On Windows 11, avoid USB ports on the front panel of your case if possible, and use the rear ports instead. On macOS, try a different port on the back of your Mac if available.
- Disable USB selective suspend on Windows 11. Right click the Start button and select Device Manager, then expand Universal Serial Bus controllers and locate your Canon printer. Right click the device and choose Properties, click the Power Management tab, and uncheck the box that says Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Windows 11 sometimes aggressively powers down USB devices, which can trigger overcurrent detection on restart.
- Remove the printer from your computer and reinstall drivers. On Windows 11, go to Settings, select Devices, then Printers and Scanners, find your Canon printer, click it, and select Remove device. On macOS, go to System Settings, click Printers and Scanners, select your Canon printer, and click the minus button. Download fresh drivers directly from the Canon support website and reinstall them completely before reconnecting the printer.
- Test with a powered USB hub as a temporary diagnostic step. Connect your Canon printer to a powered USB hub that has its own external power supply rather than connecting it directly to your computer. If the P15 error disappears when using a powered hub, your computer's USB port is not supplying adequate power, and you may need to use the powered hub permanently or have your computer serviced.
- Contact Canon support or a professional technician if the error persists. If you have tried all of the above steps and the P15 error continues to appear, the fault likely originates from a hardware problem inside the printer's USB controller or power supply. A professional technician can perform remote diagnostics starting at $49 to identify whether the printer requires internal repairs or replacement, or you can contact Canon's support team with your model number and detailed description of the steps you have completed.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the P15 error mean my printer is broken permanently?
No, the P15 error is almost always a USB communication or power delivery issue rather than a catastrophic printer failure. The printer's internal safety systems are detecting an overcurrent condition and shutting down the USB connection to protect itself, which is actually a good sign that the protective circuits are working correctly. In the vast majority of cases, replacing the USB cable or connecting to a different port resolves the issue completely.
Can I use a USB 3.0 cable instead of a USB 2.0 cable with my Canon printer?
Yes, USB 3.0 cables are backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices and will work with your Canon printer. However, a backwards compatible USB 3.0 cable will only operate at USB 2.0 speeds when connected to a USB 2.0 printer, which is not a problem. Some users report that certain cheap USB 3.0 cables have inadequate shielding and can trigger overcurrent errors more frequently, so stick with cables from reputable manufacturers if you choose to use USB 3.0.
Will using a USB extension cable or hub make the P15 error worse?
Yes, USB extension cables and unpowered hubs introduce resistance and signal degradation that can easily trigger overcurrent detection errors on sensitive printers like Canon models. Always connect your printer directly to your computer with a short, high quality USB cable whenever possible, and only use a powered USB hub if you have exhausted all other options. Extension cables should be avoided entirely unless you are using a powered hub with its own external power supply.
Is the P15 error covered under Canon's warranty?
The P15 error caused by a faulty USB cable or damaged printer port may or may not be covered under warranty depending on whether the damage is determined to be a manufacturing defect or user error. If your printer is still under warranty and you have not physically damaged the USB port, contact Canon with your proof of purchase and model number to inquire about warranty coverage. If the printer is out of warranty, professional repair service will likely be required.