Quick Fix for Canon Printer Error E02

Canon Printer Error E02 means the printer has run out of paper or cannot detect paper in the cassette. Open the paper tray, remove all paper, fan the stack to separate the sheets, reload the paper aligned squarely within the guides, and push the tray firmly back in. Press the Stop/Reset button or the Resume button (blinking orange light) on the printer to clear the E02 error. If paper is loaded but E02 still appears, clean the paper feed rollers.

What Is Canon Printer Error E02?

Error E02 on Canon PIXMA and other Canon inkjet printers is a no-paper or paper feed error. The printer’s paper detection sensor cannot confirm that paper is loaded in the cassette or rear tray. E02 may display as a blinking orange light (2 blinks) on models without a screen, or as the code “E02” directly on LCD models.

Common Causes of Canon Error E02

• Empty paper tray – The most common cause: the cassette is empty or nearly empty.
• Incorrectly loaded paper – Paper not aligned with the guides or loaded at an angle.
• Wrong paper size or weight – Paper that is too thick, too thin, or outside the supported size range.
• Dirty or worn feed rollers – Dust-covered rollers cannot grip paper properly.
• Paper sensor malfunction – The internal sensor fails to detect loaded paper.

You got this!

Follow the steps below one at a time — many error codes can be fixed faster than they look.

How to Fix Canon Printer Error E02 – Step by Step

Step 1: Reload Paper Correctly

Pull out the paper cassette completely. Remove all paper. Fan the stack of paper to prevent sheets from sticking together. Realign the stack and load it into the tray with the print side facing the correct direction. Slide the paper guides snugly against the edges of the paper without bending it. Push the cassette fully back into the printer until it stops.

Step 2: Press the Resume/Stop Button

After reloading paper, press the Resume button (orange triangle or circle icon) on the printer once. On LCD models, press OK to clear the E02 error. The printer should acknowledge the paper and return to a ready state.

Step 3: Use the Correct Paper Size and Type

Check that the paper you are loading matches the paper size setting configured in the printer driver and on the printer itself. Canon PIXMA printers support standard sizes (A4, Letter, Legal) and reject or fail to detect non-standard sizes if they fall outside the cassette’s minimum and maximum limits.

Step 4: Clean the Paper Feed Rollers

Dust and paper debris on the feed rollers can prevent reliable paper pickup. Turn the printer off and unplug it. Dampen a lint-free cloth with water (do not use alcohol on rubber rollers) and gently wipe the rollers you can access through the rear tray or manual feed slot. Allow the rollers to dry before powering the printer back on.

Step 5: Run the Roller Cleaning Function

Some Canon models include a built-in roller cleaning utility. On models with a touchscreen or LCD menu, navigate to Setup > Maintenance > Roller Cleaning. Follow the on-screen instructions. This function feeds and ejects plain paper to clean the rollers mechanically.

Step 6: Inspect for Paper Fragments

Open all access panels and use a flashlight to check for small torn pieces of paper or foreign objects inside the paper path. Even a tiny scrap of paper near the feed rollers can block the sensor or prevent smooth feeding and trigger E02.

Canon Error E02: When to Contact Canon Support

If Canon Printer Error E02 persists after loading fresh paper, cleaning the rollers, and clearing jams, the paper sensor itself may be faulty. Contact Canon Support with your printer model and serial number for repair or service options.

Related: If your Canon printer also jams after loading paper, see Canon Printer Error E03 (paper jam fix) and Canon Printer Error 1300.

See also: Printer Error Codes – Complete Guide by Brand — browse all HP, Canon, Brother, and Epson error code fixes in one place.