How to Fix Canon Error Code 5200?

Posted by Chloe Harter , 08 Nov, 2024
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Canon printers can sometimes malfunction, such as the Canon 5200 error, interrupting your print job. If you see this error message on your Canon printer, you are not alone. In this blog, we provide some solutions on how to fix Canon error code 5200.

I. What Is Canon 5200 Error?

The Canon error code 5200 is a common problem with many Canon inkjet printers, especially the PIXMA series. A problem with the ink system or printhead usually causes this error. However, it can also be related to overheating internal printer parts, sensor failure, or other hardware problems.

When this error occurs, your printer may stop working completely, display an error message on the screen, or show a series of flashing lights.

Why Does Canon Error 5200 Occur?

Incorrect Cartridge Installation: Improperly installing the ink cartridges may affect the functionality of your printer. If the ink cartridge is not installed correctly, the printer may not recognize it, resulting in a 5200 error.

Low Ink Levels: If the ink level is low or empty, your Canon printer may stop printing and display a 5200 error. This can happen even if only one ink cartridge is low on ink.

Print Head Failure: The printhead is responsible for transferring ink to the paper. If the printhead is clogged, it may trigger the 5200 error, which usually happens when the printer has not been used for a long time. A malfunction in your print head can also cause this error code.

Defective Ink Cartridge: Using defective, incompatible, or incorrect models of ink cartridges can also cause this error message.

Overheated Printer Parts: Overheating is another possible cause of Canon printer error code 5200. Continuous printing or insufficient ventilation can cause your printhead to overheat. The printer then detects the abnormal temperature and displays an error to prevent damage.

Ink System Error: The Canon printer 5200 error can also be due to a problem with the ink detection system. If your printer sensor cannot detect the ink level correctly, it may mistakenly think that the ink cartridge is empty or faulty, causing the error.

II. How to Fix Canon Error Code 5200?

Now that you know the cause of the Canon 5200 error, it’s time to fix it.

1. Check Ink Levels

Checking and refilling ink levels is the first and easiest solution.

For Canon Printers with a Display: Navigate to the “Settings” menu on the Canon printer screen and select “Estimated ink levels.” Check the ink status and replace or refill the black or color ink cartridge if it is low or empty. E.g., Canon PIXMA G6020, Canon PIXMA G3260.

For Canon Printers Without a Display: Observe your printer’s ink lights. If the color ink light or the black ink light is blinking, the ink level is low. Also, check for any on-screen low ink warnings on the computer or mobile device connected to the printer. If you find that the ink level is low, replace or refill the ink cartridge. This may resolve the issue and prevent the 5200 error from occurring again. E.g., Canon PIXMA MG2522.

2. Replace or Refill Ink Cartridges

Sometimes, the Canon error 5200 persists due to defective or empty ink cartridges. We can solve this problem by replacing the ink cartridge or refilling the ink. Read our blog How to Change Ink on Canon PIXMA for more details.

For Standard Canon PIXMA Printers, e.g., Canon PIXMA G4210:

Open the printer cover to remove the ink cartridge. Wait for the ink cartridge holder to move into place.
Carefully remove the empty or defective Canon ink cartridge.
Unpack the new ink cartridge, remove the protective cover, and insert it firmly into your printer.
Finally, close the printer cover and let the printer automatically recognize the new ink cartridge.

For Canon MegaTank PIXMA Printers, e.g., Canon PIXMA G7020:

Open the printer cover and ink tank cover.
Then open the ink bottle and refill it with the corresponding color ink.
After refilling, clean the print head to prevent any clogging and ensure stable ink flow.

3. Clean Canon Print Head

A clogged or dirty print head often causes errors on your Canon printer 5200 error. Cleaning the Canon printhead can help resolve this issue.

Step 1: Perform a Nozzle Check

Before cleaning the print head, check for missing lines or streaks that might indicate a clogged Canon printhead.

For Printers Without Display Screens: Load paper into the tray, press and hold the “Stop” button until the warning light flashes once, and then release it.

For Printers With Display Screens: Load paper in the tray, go to the “Setup” menu, select “Maintenance,” and then select “Nozzle check.”

Step 2: Initial Cleaning

If the nozzle check indicates a clog, perform an initial cleaning first.

For Printers Without Display Screens: Press and hold the “Stop” button until the warning light flashes twice, then release it. Wait for the cleaning process to complete, which may take 5-10 minutes.

For Printers With Display Screens: Enter the “Setup” menu, select “Maintenance,” and choose “Cleaning.”

Step 3: Deep Cleaning

If the initial cleaning doesn’t resolve the Canon printer error code 5200, try a deep cleaning.

For Printers Without Display Screens: Press and hold the “Stop” button until the warning light flashes three times, then release it. Your Canon printer will complete the deep cleaning process.

For Printers With Display Screens: Go to the “Setup” menu, choose “Maintenance,” and select “Deep Cleaning.”

Step 4: Manual Cleaning

If the problem persists after multiple cleanings, consider manual cleaning.

Turn off your PIXMA printer and unplug it.
Open the printer cover and carefully remove the ink cartridges.
Then remove the print head and gently wipe the dried ink off with a lint-free cloth dampened with warm water.
Once the print head is completely dry, reinstall it into the printer.
Finally, reinsert the ink cartridges and turn your printer back on.

This thorough cleaning process is effective in resolving most printhead-related issues that cause Canon 5200 errors.

4. Restart Your Printer

Restarting the printer can help recalibrate and clear temporary errors, including 5200 error. Additionally, this is helpful when a Canon 5200 error occurs due to overheating after high-volume printing or high-precision printing.

Turn off your printer, unplug it, and remove the ink cartridges. Wait at least 15 minutes for the printer to cool down. After that, reinstall the ink cartridges and turn the printer back on.

5. Reset Canon Printer

A factory reset will return the printer to its default configuration, which may resolve ongoing issues causing the Canon printer error 5200.

Open the printer’s settings page on your computer and click “Defaults” in the lower right corner.

In addition, you can open the Canon PRINT app, enter the printer settings menu, and reset the printer.

For Canon PIXMA printers with display screens such as the Canon PIXMA G3260, navigate to “Setup,” enter “Device settings,” select “Reset setting,” and then “All data” to reset your printer. Read the blog How to Reset Canon Printer to learn more.

6. Contact Professional Support

If you have tried all of the above steps and the Canon 5200 error persists, you may need to contact Canon’s customer support or consult a professional technician. Professional support can help fix more complex problems.

III. Wrap It Up

Canon error code 5200, while frustrating, can usually be fixed using the methods above. We hope this blog gets your Canon printer working properly again.