Canon support code 1600 (ink may have run out)
Support code 1600 means the ink level detection system believes one ink tank is empty. The printer's optical sensor in the carriage sees no ink at the bottom of the tank's prism, or the tank's chip reports it has been used past its capacity. The printer pauses so you can replace the tank, but on most models printing can continue for a while by holding the Stop button.
What causes it
- An ink tank that is actually empty
- A refilled tank whose chip still reports empty
- Dirt on the tank's prism or on the ink sensor in the carriage
- A tank not seated fully, so the sensor cannot read it
- Ink remaining detection disabled on a tank with a non-genuine chip
How to fix it, in order
Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.
Identify the tank
The display or the Canon app shows which colour is flagged, and the LED on that tank flashes rapidly with the cover open. Check the ink level window on the tank itself against the light.
Replace the tank if it is empty
Remove the orange cap from a new Canon tank, push it into the correct slot until it clicks and the LED lights. Close the cover and the error clears.
Continue printing temporarily
If you need to finish a job, press and hold the Stop or Resume button for at least five seconds. The printer disables ink level detection for that tank and continues. Print quality may fail when the ink really runs out.
Reseat a tank that is not empty
If the tank clearly has ink, remove it, wipe the clear prism at the bottom with a dry cloth, and push it back in firmly. Confirm the LED on the tank lights.
Clean the ink sensor
With the printer unplugged and carriage in the replacement position, shine a light at the bottom of the tank slots and wipe the small sensor window with a dry cotton swab.
Check the chip on refilled tanks
Refilled tanks need a reset chip or an auto-reset chip. If the chip still reports empty, the printer will keep showing 1600 and you must either reset the chip or disable detection with the Stop button.
Stopping it happening again
When it is not worth fixing yourself
If you would rather not work through this alone, a printer specialist can take a look with you on a screen-share and tell you honestly whether the machine is worth saving.
Printers that show this code
Frequently asked questions
How do I bypass support code 1600?
Hold the Stop button for about five seconds. The printer turns off ink level detection for that tank and resumes printing. You will not get low-ink warnings for it afterwards.
Is 1600 the same as 1688?
1600 means ink may have run out and you can continue; 1688 means the printer is sure the ink has run out. Both point to the same tank and the same replacement step.
Why does the new tank still show 1600?
The orange protective cap may still be on, the tank is not clicked in, or the tank is the wrong series (for example CLI-281 instead of CLI-271). Check all three.
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