Canon Printer Error 1002 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Canon error 1002 means the printer cannot detect an ink cartridge in one of the slots — either the cartridge is missing, not properly installed, or empty. The printer will not print without all required cartridges present and recognized. This is typically a quick fix — check that the correct cartridges are installed and fully seated.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG2500 series
Canon PIXMA MG2900 series
Canon PIXMA MG3000 series
Canon PIXMA TS series
Canon PIXMA TR series

Common Causes

Ink cartridge is completely empty and the printer is reporting it as absent
Cartridge was removed and not replaced before trying to print
Cartridge is not fully seated — did not click into the lock position
Wrong replacement cartridge installed for this printer model
Faulty new cartridge with a defective chip that the printer cannot read

How to Fix It

Open the printer and check which cartridge slot is causing the error. The printer's display, blinking lights, or the Canon PRINT app on your smartphone will usually indicate which color cartridge is the problem.

Canon PIXMA models typically use a black (PG-series) and a color (CL-series) cartridge. Check both slots.
Remove the suspect cartridge and verify the model number on the side of the cartridge matches the required cartridge for your printer. The correct model numbers are usually printed on a label inside the printer's cartridge access area.

Common mistakes: installing a PG-245 when the printer requires PG-243, or a CL-246 when it requires CL-244.
Reinsert the cartridge. Push it straight down into the slot until you clearly feel and hear it click. Give it a gentle tug upward to confirm it is locked. An improperly clicked cartridge sits slightly high in the slot.

The click is definite and firm. If you are not sure whether it clicked, remove it and try again.
If the cartridge was empty, replace it with a new cartridge of the same model number. Canon printers require all cartridge slots to have working cartridges installed — you cannot print even black text with an empty color cartridge on most models.

This is a frustrating limitation of many inkjet printers. Some users avoid this by keeping spare cartridges on hand.
If a new correct cartridge still triggers 1002, clean the cartridge contacts. Gently wipe the copper contacts on the cartridge with a dry lint-free cloth. Also clean the contacts inside the slot. Let dry and reinstall.

A brand-new cartridge can occasionally have contaminated contacts from the factory. Cleaning typically resolves this.

When to Call a Professional

Error 1002 is almost always a self-service fix. If the correct cartridge is installed, seated properly, and the error persists with multiple different cartridges, the cartridge holder may have faulty contact pins. A technician can repair or replace the cartridge holder — though repair cost may exceed the printer's value on budget models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my Canon printer let me print in black when only the color cartridge is empty?

Most Canon PIXMA printers require all installed cartridges to have ink — even if you only want to print in black. This is by design, and Canon has been criticized for it. Some models offer a workaround: hold the Stop button for a few seconds to print in black only with an empty color cartridge. Check your specific model's manual to see if this workaround applies.

Can I use a refilled cartridge to avoid the 1002 error?

Refilled cartridges can work if their chips are properly reset. However, some refilled cartridges have chips that report the wrong ink level or are not recognized after refilling. This can trigger error 1002. Genuine Canon cartridges are the most reliable way to avoid cartridge recognition errors.

My printer showed 1002 right after I installed a brand new cartridge — is it defective?

It's possible. Brand new cartridges are occasionally defective from the factory. Before assuming the cartridge is bad, try cleaning its contacts and reinserting it. If the error persists with a confirmed correct-model cartridge that is properly seated, the cartridge is likely defective. Return it to the store for a replacement.