2900
Canon Printer
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Canon error 2900 means the printer cannot recognize one or more of the installed ink cartridges. The printer's electronic system checks each cartridge at startup and after installation. When a cartridge fails this check, 2900 appears and printing stops. This usually affects third-party or refilled cartridges, but can also occur with genuine Canon cartridges that are not properly seated.
Affected Models
- Canon PIXMA MG2520
- PIXMA MG3020
- PIXMA TS3120
- PIXMA TR4520
- PIXMA MX490
- Most Canon PIXMA inkjet printers (2012+)
Common Causes
- A third-party, refilled, or remanufactured ink cartridge that the printer does not recognize
- A genuine Canon cartridge that is not fully seated and making proper electrical contact
- The cartridge's chip contacts are dirty, preventing the printer from reading the chip
- A counterfeit Canon cartridge with an incompatible chip
- The printer head lock lever was not properly closed after cartridge installation
How to Fix It
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Open the printer cover and wait for the print head carriage to stop. Remove the indicated cartridge (the one the printer says is not recognized — usually shown by a blinking light or display message).
On Canon PIXMA models, each cartridge has a small LED indicator. The one with an error will blink or light up red.
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Inspect the orange protective tape on the cartridge. If you recently installed a new cartridge, make sure ALL protective tape and seals have been completely removed from the ink nozzle area and the copper contact area.
This is the most common cause of 2900 with a brand-new cartridge. The orange tape must be fully peeled off — not just partially. Leaving any tape covering the contacts prevents the printer from reading the cartridge.
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Check the gold or copper contact pads on the bottom of the cartridge. If they appear dirty or have ink smears on them, gently wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Do not use water or alcohol directly on the chip contacts. The contacts must be dry and clean for the printer to read them.
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Reinsert the cartridge firmly. Push it straight down into the slot until you hear or feel a click. Make sure the print head lock lever is fully lowered and locked.
A cartridge that appears seated may not have clicked in completely. Push it firmly — you should hear a definite click when it locks in place.
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If error 2900 persists with a third-party cartridge, try replacing it with a genuine Canon cartridge. Canon printers use chip technology that can reject non-genuine cartridges. If 2900 disappears with a genuine cartridge, the third-party cartridge is incompatible.
If you prefer to use third-party cartridges, look for ones that are specifically listed as compatible with your exact Canon model number. Compatibility varies by manufacturer.
When to Call a Professional
Error 2900 is almost always a user-fixable issue. Reseating or cleaning the cartridge contacts resolves most cases. If the problem is a defective genuine Canon cartridge, Canon will typically replace it under their cartridge warranty. Contact Canon at 1-800-652-2666 for cartridge warranty support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use non-Canon ink cartridges in my Canon PIXMA printer?
Technically yes, but Canon printers are designed to work best with genuine Canon cartridges. Third-party cartridges may trigger error 2900 if their chips are not fully compatible. Some compatible cartridges work well — others do not. If you use third-party ink and get 2900, the cartridge chip is the most likely cause.
How do I know which cartridge is causing error 2900?
Canon PIXMA printers indicate the problem cartridge by LED color or a message on the display. The cartridge with the issue will have a blinking or red indicator light. On models with a display, the error screen usually shows which color cartridge is not recognized (e.g., 'Black ink cartridge not recognized').
My Canon cartridge is new and genuine — why is it showing 2900?
Make sure all orange protective tape has been fully removed from the cartridge. Also check that the cartridge is the correct model for your printer — an incorrect but similar-looking cartridge will cause 2900. Finally, push the cartridge firmly until it clicks. If none of this works, the cartridge may be defective — contact Canon for a free replacement.