Canon Printer Error E16 — Ink Cartridge Empty or Not Installed

Overview

Canon error E16 indicates one or more ink cartridges are empty or not properly installed, preventing the printer from operating.

Key Details

• E16 means the printer has determined a cartridge is empty based on its page count estimate
• Canon printers track ink usage by counting dots printed, not by measuring actual ink
• The counter may report empty while ink remains, especially with third-party cartridges
• Replacing the specific empty cartridge is required — Canon printers will not print with any cartridge empty
• Some models allow black-only printing when color cartridges are empty

Common Causes

• One or more ink cartridges reached the printer's estimated empty threshold
• Cartridge not fully seated in its slot
• Cartridge protective tape not fully removed
• Cartridge ink level chip reporting empty
• Genuine cartridge empty from normal use

Steps

1. 1Check the printer display or Canon software to identify which specific cartridge is empty
2. 2Replace the empty cartridge with a new one — ensure it clicks into place
3. 3If recently replaced: remove cartridge, verify all protective tape and covers are removed, reinstall
4. 4For refilled cartridges: use a chip resetter to reset the ink level counter
5. 5If you want to print in black only: check your model's manual for black-only print mode

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