Canon Printer Error Code E01 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E01 means paper is jammed inside your Canon printer. The paper has stopped moving during printing and the printer has halted to prevent damage. You need to open the printer and carefully remove the jammed paper.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG2500 Series
Canon PIXMA MX490 Series
Canon PIXMA TS3100 Series
Canon PIXMA TR4500 Series
Canon PIXMA E400 Series

Common Causes

A sheet of paper got caught on the feed rollers and stopped moving through the printer
Multiple sheets were fed at once (a multi-feed), causing a blockage
The paper was loaded unevenly or the guides were loose, causing the sheet to skew
A small piece of torn paper from a previous jam was left inside and caught a new sheet
Damp, wrinkled, or curled paper did not feed smoothly through the paper path

How to Fix It

Turn off the printer immediately. Do not try to pull paper while the printer is powered on.

Turning off the printer stops the feed motor and prevents it from pulling the paper deeper into the mechanism.
Open the front cover or rear access panel — whichever gives you access to the jammed paper.

Many Canon PIXMA models have a rear door specifically for clearing jams. Check your manual for your model's access point.
Gently pull the jammed paper out in the direction of the paper feed — not against it.

Pull slowly and evenly with both hands. If the paper tears, remove every piece before closing the printer.
Check inside the printer with a flashlight for any remaining scraps of paper. Remove them completely.

Even a tiny piece of torn paper left inside will cause another jam on the next print job.
Reload fresh paper into the tray, close all covers, and turn the printer back on. Print a test page to confirm the jam is cleared.

Use clean, flat, dry paper. Do not reuse the crumpled paper that was jammed.

When to Call a Professional

Paper jams are almost always fixable at home. If jams happen repeatedly with every print job, the paper feed rollers may be worn out. A technician can replace feed rollers for $40 to $80. If paper cannot be removed without resistance, stop pulling and take the printer to a technician to avoid tearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Canon keep jamming in the same spot?

Repeated jams in the same location usually mean the feed roller at that point is worn or dirty. Worn rollers cannot grip paper reliably, causing it to skew or stall. Cleaning or replacing the rollers usually stops the recurring jams.

Can I use the printer again right after clearing a jam?

Yes, once all jammed paper is removed and you have reloaded the tray. Turn the printer back on and let it go through its startup cycle before printing. If it jams again immediately, there is likely a small piece of paper still inside.

Is it safe to pull paper out forcefully if it is stuck?

No. Yanking jammed paper can tear it, leaving pieces inside. It can also damage the feed rollers or other internal components. Always pull slowly and evenly. If the paper will not budge, use the rear access panel for a different angle.