Canon Printer Error Code E09 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The E09 error means a cartridge installed in your Canon printer is not compatible with the printer model. The printer detected a cartridge that it does not support. You need to replace the incompatible cartridge with the correct one for your printer.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA TS3500 Series
Canon PIXMA TR4700 Series
Canon PIXMA TS8300 Series
Canon PIXMA MG3600 Series
Canon PIXMA G6000 Series

Common Causes

A cartridge designed for a different Canon printer model was installed by mistake
A third-party or refilled cartridge is not fully compatible with your printer's chip reader
The cartridge's electronic chip is damaged or dirty, causing a compatibility mismatch
A counterfeit cartridge was sold as a genuine Canon cartridge but is not recognized
The cartridge was manufactured for a different region and uses a different chip configuration

How to Fix It

Open the printer cover and wait for the cartridge carriage to move to the center. Check which cartridge slot has a warning light blinking.

Some Canon printers show the problem cartridge with an orange or red blinking light.
Remove the flagged cartridge and check its model number. Compare it against the list of compatible cartridges for your printer model.

Your printer manual or Canon's website lists the exact cartridge numbers your printer accepts.
If the cartridge is a third-party or refilled cartridge, try replacing it with a genuine Canon cartridge to see if the error clears.

Some third-party cartridges have chips that are not fully compatible with all Canon models.
Clean the electronic contacts on the cartridge and inside the cartridge slot using a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water.

The contacts are small gold or copper strips. Dirty contacts can prevent the printer from reading the chip correctly.
Reinstall the correct cartridge firmly until it clicks into place. Close the cover and check if the error clears.

Make sure the cartridge is pushed all the way in. A loose cartridge can trigger compatibility errors.

When to Call a Professional

The E09 error is almost always fixed by replacing the incompatible cartridge. You do not usually need a technician for this issue. If genuine Canon cartridges still trigger the E09 error, the cartridge slot contacts may need cleaning. A repair shop can clean or replace the carriage contacts for about $30 to $60.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use third-party cartridges in my Canon printer?

Some third-party cartridges work fine, but others may trigger the E09 error. Canon printers check the electronic chip on each cartridge for compatibility. If the third-party chip does not match, the printer rejects the cartridge.

How do I find the right cartridge number for my Canon printer?

Check the printer manual, the label inside the cartridge access area, or Canon's website. You can also search for your printer model followed by 'compatible cartridges' online. Common Canon cartridge series include PG-245, CL-246, PG-275, and CL-276.

What is the difference between E09 and E04?

E09 means the cartridge is not compatible with your printer model. E04 means the cartridge is not being recognized at all — the printer cannot read the chip. E09 is a compatibility issue. E04 is a detection or contact issue.