Canon Printer 'Service Required' – Can You Reset It?

TL;DR: Yes, you can often reset a Canon printer showing 'Service Required' using methods like a power reset, button combinations, or service mode entry. However, success depends on the specific error—some issues may require part replacement or professional service.

What Does 'Service Required' Mean on a Canon Printer?

When your Canon printer displays 'Service Required', it typically indicates an internal error that needs attention. This could be due to a paper jam, ink absorber full, firmware glitch, or hardware malfunction. While it might sound alarming, many of these errors can be resolved with a simple reset^1. I’ll walk you through the steps to try before considering costly repairs.

Common Causes of 'Service Required' Errors

Understanding why your printer shows this message helps in choosing the right fix. Common triggers include:

• Ink absorber full: The waste ink pad reaches its capacity.
• Paper jam: Residual paper or debris obstructs the mechanism.
• Firmware issues: Software glitches cause erroneous alerts.
• Hardware failure: Components like print heads or sensors fail.

Step-by-Step Reset Methods

1. Power Reset (Soft Reset)

This is the simplest method and often resolves temporary glitches^1:

1. Turn on the printer.
2. Unplug the power cord from the back.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Press the power button 5 times while unplugged to discharge residual power.
5. Plug the cord back in and turn on the printer.

2. Button Combination Reset

For models like PIXMA MP180 or MG series, use this method^4:

1. Ensure the printer is off.
2. Press and hold the Resume/Cancel button (triangle icon).
3. While holding it, press the Power button.
4. Release the Resume button after the light changes, but keep holding Power.
5. Press Resume 4 times, then release Power to enter service mode.

3. Reset via Display Menu

If your printer has a display, try this^3:

1. Press Setup on the control panel.
2. Navigate to Device Settings > Reset > Reset All.
3. Confirm to restore factory defaults.

4. Ink Absorber Counter Reset

For 'Service Required' due to full waste ink pad^4:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Hold Resume button, then press and hold Power.
3. When lights change, release Power but keep holding Resume.
4. Press Power once, then Resume 4 times.
5. Press Power to confirm reset, then turn off/on.

Case Study: Resolving a PIXMA MP180 Error

A user on JustAnswer reported a 'Service Required 5B00' error on their Canon PIXMA MP180^6. They followed the button combination method:

• Turned off the printer.
• Held Resume/Cancel, then pressed Power.
• Released Resume after light stabilized, kept holding Power.
• Pressed Resume 4 times, then Power to confirm.
  The error cleared, and the printer resumed normal function. This highlights how a systematic reset can avoid service costs.

Pros and Cons of Resetting

Pros	Cons
Saves money on repairs	May void warranty if done incorrectly
Quick fix for software issues	Not effective for hardware failures
Easy to perform at home	Risk of incomplete reset if steps aren’t followed

Comparison: Reset Methods

Method	Best For	Complexity
Power Reset	General glitches	Low
Button Combo	Ink absorber errors	Medium
Display Reset	Models with menus	Low
Service Mode	Advanced users	High

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping wait time: Not waiting 60 seconds during power reset can leave residual charge.
• Incorrect button sequence: Pressing buttons in wrong order may not trigger reset.
• Ignoring manuals: Always refer to your model’s manual for specific steps.
• Forcing components: Avoid physical force if paper jam is suspected.

When to Seek Professional Help

If resets don’t work, the issue might be hardware-related, like a failed print head or sensor. Contact Canon support at 1-800-OK-CANON or visit a service center^1.

Checklist Before Resetting

• Check for paper jams
• Ensure ink cartridges are properly installed
• Verify power connection
• Note error code (e.g., 5B00, 1700)
• Backup printer settings if possible

Glossary

• Ink absorber: A pad that collects waste ink during cleaning cycles.
• Service mode: A diagnostic mode for advanced resets.
• Power discharge: Removing residual electricity to clear memory.

Conclusion

Resetting your Canon printer for 'Service Required' errors is often feasible and cost-effective. Start with a power reset, then try button combinations or menu resets. If problems persist, professional help may be needed. Try the power reset method first—it’s simple and effective for most glitches!

FAQ

Can I reset any Canon printer myself?

Yes, most models support user-initiated resets via power cycling or button combinations. However, complex hardware issues may require professional service.

Will resetting delete my printer settings?

A full reset restores factory defaults, erasing custom settings like Wi-Fi passwords. Backup if possible.

What if 'Service Required' returns after reset?

Recurring errors often indicate a hardware problem, such as a full ink absorber needing replacement.

Is resetting safe for my printer?

When done correctly, yes. Avoid frequent resets as they may strain components.

How do I find my printer’s error code?

Error codes usually display on the screen or flash via LED patterns. Consult your manual for interpretations.

Can resetting fix paper jam errors?

Sometimes, but always check for physical obstructions first to avoid damage.

References

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your Canon Printer

Based on my experience and research, here’s a detailed breakdown of the three main reset methods for Canon printers. I’ve found that the right approach depends on your model and the specific issue you’re facing.

Method 1: Power Reset (Soft Reset)

This is the simplest and safest method, ideal for minor glitches like connectivity issues or temporary errors.

Step-by-Step:

1. Turn on your printer if it isn’t already.
2. Unplug the power cord from the printer and wait 60 seconds^1.
3. While unplugged, press the power button 5 times to discharge any residual power^1.
4. Plug the power cord back in and turn on the printer.

Pros:

• Quick and non-destructive—won’t erase your settings.
• Works for most common errors like paper jams or connectivity drops.

Cons:

• Doesn’t resolve hardware-related issues (e.g., ink absorber full).
• May not fix persistent error codes.

Method 2: Reset via Display Menu

For printers with a screen (e.g., PIXMA TS series), this method lets you reset settings without button combinations.

Step-by-Step:

1. Press Setup on your printer’s control panel.
2. Navigate to Device Settings > Reset > Reset All^3.
3. Confirm the action—this will restore factory defaults.

Pros:

• User-friendly and guided by on-screen instructions.
• Effective for clearing custom settings or network issues.

Cons:

• Erases all saved preferences (Wi-Fi passwords, paper settings).
• Not available on older or basic models without a display.

Method 3: Button Combination Reset (Service Mode)

This is for advanced issues, like "Service Required" errors or ink absorber resets. Caution: Use this only if other methods fail, as it involves service modes.

Step-by-Step (General Approach):

1. Turn off the printer completely.
2. Press and hold the Resume/Cancel button (often with a triangle icon).
3. While holding it, press and hold the Power button until lights flash^4.
4. Release the Power button but keep holding Resume/Cancel until the light stabilizes.
5. For ink absorber resets, press Resume/Cancel 4 times, then press Power to confirm^7.
6. Turn off the printer and restart.

Pros:

• Can resolve deep-seated errors like waste ink counter overflows.
• Bypasses the need for professional service in some cases.

Cons:

• Risk of entering service modes accidentally, which may require technical knowledge to exit.
• Not recommended for frequent use, as it can strain internal components.

When to Seek Professional Help

If errors persist after these resets, especially "Service Required" messages, it’s likely a hardware issue—such as a full ink absorber needing replacement^4. Contact Canon support at 1-800-OK-CANON or visit a service center^1.

Final Thoughts

From my testing, always start with a power reset—it’s low-risk and often sufficient. For stubborn problems, button combinations can help, but backup your settings first. Remember, resets are a troubleshooting tool, not a cure for hardware failures.

My Experience with Button Combination Resets

I’ve used the button combination reset on my Canon PIXMA MP620 when it showed a persistent "Service Required" error. Here’s my step-by-step breakdown based on trial and error:

1. Turn off the printer completely—no standby mode.
2. Press and hold the Resume/Cancel button (the one with a triangle/circle icon).
3. While holding it, press and hold the Power button until the lights flash (about 5–10 seconds)^4.
4. Release the Power button but keep holding Resume/Cancel until the light turns solid green.
5. For ink absorber resets, I pressed Resume/Cancel 4 times (some models require 5 presses^8), then pressed Power once to confirm^7.
6. Turned off the printer and restarted—it cleared the error successfully.

Pros:

• Resolved a waste ink counter overflow that soft resets couldn’t fix.
• Saved me a trip to the service center and potential costs.

Cons:

• Missteps can leave the printer in service mode idle, requiring precise button sequences to exit^7.
• Overuse might trigger unintended calibration issues, as noted in user forums^8.

When I Called Canon Support

After a failed reset attempt on an older MP480, I contacted Canon support at 1-800-OK-CANON^10. The agent confirmed that some errors (like hardware failures) can’t be reset and require part replacements. They advised bringing it to an authorized service center for diagnostics, especially if the absorber is physically full^6.

Final Takeaways from My Testing

• Power reset first: It’s my go-to for minor glitches—simple and risk-free.
• Backup settings: Before any reset, I note down Wi-Fi passwords and paper settings, as they’re wiped in display resets^3.
• Service mode caution: Only use button combos as a last resort, and follow model-specific guides closely to avoid lockouts^4.

Step-by-Step Power Reset Process

I always start with a power reset for basic issues like connectivity drops or random error codes. Here’s my exact routine, refined over multiple printer models:

1. Unplug the power cord while the printer is on—this forces a full discharge^1.
2. Press the power button 5 times while unplugged to drain residual electricity, as suggested in Canon community threads^1.
3. Wait 60 seconds—I use a timer to ensure capacitors fully reset^1.
4. Replug and power on, then test if the error persists.

Pros:

• No risk of settings loss or accidental service mode entry.
• Often resolves temporary firmware hiccups or phantom paper jams.

Cons:

• Ineffective for hardware-related errors like absorber overflow or printhead failures.
• May not address persistent network configuration issues.

Reset via Display: My Go-To for Settings Corruption

When my Canon PIXMA TS6351 had recurring Wi-Fi dropouts, I used the display reset method^3:

1. Press Setup on the control panel.
2. Navigate to Device Settings > Reset > Reset All.
3. Confirm—this wipes all custom settings but preserves hardware calibrations.

Why I prefer this for software glitches: It’s systematic and less error-prone than button combos. However, I always backup Wi-Fi passwords and paper size preferences first, as everything reverts to factory defaults^3.

Lessons from Failed Resets

Once, I attempted a button combo reset on an MP480 without verifying the model-specific sequence—it locked into service mode idle^7. I learned:

• Always cross-reference sources: Forums like PrinterKnowledge and iFixit often have model-specific nuances^4.
• Exit strategies matter: If stuck in service mode, pressing Resume/Cancel multiple times (4–5 depending on model) followed by Power usually exits^7.

When Resets Aren’t Enough

For hardware issues like a physically full ink absorber or printhead failure, resets are temporary fixes. I now check for physical signs (e.g., ink leakage) before attempting any reset. Canon support reiterated that absorber replacements are inevitable after certain usage thresholds^6.

My Reset Hierarchy Today

1. Power reset for minor glitches.
2. Display reset for settings corruption.
3. Button combos only for confirmed waste counter errors, using exact sequences from verified guides^4.
4. Professional service if errors recur post-reset, indicating deeper hardware issues^10.