Quick Fix for Canon Printer Error P07

Canon Printer Error P07 means the ink absorber (waste ink pad) is full and needs servicing. The waste ink pad is a sponge inside the printer that absorbs excess ink from print head cleaning cycles. Once saturated, the printer locks itself to prevent ink overflow and displays P07. You can temporarily reset the counter using Canon’s Inkjet Printer Service Tool (Resetter Tool), but the physical waste pad must eventually be replaced or cleaned to permanently resolve P07.

What Is Canon Printer Error P07?

Error P07 is Canon’s ink absorber full error. Every Canon PIXMA inkjet printer contains a waste ink absorber — a felt or foam pad that catches the ink purged during automatic cleaning cycles. Canon builds in a counter that tracks the estimated volume of waste ink absorbed. When this counter reaches a set threshold, the printer displays P07 and stops printing to protect against ink spills inside the machine.

Common Causes of Canon Error P07

• Absorber pad nearing end of life – Normal usage over time fills the waste ink pad.
• Frequent head cleaning cycles – Running manual or automatic cleaning too often uses significantly more ink.
• High-volume printing history – Printers used heavily for years are more likely to fill the absorber faster.
• Counter triggered early – The software counter can reach its limit before the physical pad is fully saturated.

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 P07 – Step by Step

Step 1: Download the Canon Service Tool (Resetter)

Canon provides the Inkjet Printer Service Tool (also called the Canon Resetter) for technicians and advanced users to reset the waste ink counter. Search for “Canon Service Tool” for your specific printer model on a reputable tech support site or Canon’s service partner resources. Note: using this tool resets only the software counter — the physical pad still needs attention.

Step 2: Run the Waste Ink Counter Reset

With your printer connected via USB and turned on, launch the Canon Service Tool. Select your printer model from the list. Click on the “Absorber” or “Waste Ink Counter” reset option and click OK to confirm. The tool will reset the counter and the printer will restart. The P07 error should clear.

Step 3: Inspect or Replace the Waste Ink Pad

Resetting the counter is a temporary fix. For a permanent solution, the waste ink absorber pad inside the printer should be replaced or thoroughly dried and cleaned. This typically requires opening the bottom of the printer chassis. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, take the printer to a Canon authorised service centre.

Step 4: Reduce Head Cleaning Frequency

Going forward, avoid running manual print head cleaning unless absolutely necessary (streaks, missing colors). Each cleaning cycle pushes several millilitres of ink into the waste pad. Use the print head nozzle check pattern to confirm whether cleaning is actually needed before running it.

Step 5: Consider a Professional Service

If P07 returns shortly after a counter reset, the physical absorber pad is likely fully saturated. Take the printer to a Canon service partner or authorised repair centre to have the waste pad replaced. This service is relatively inexpensive and extends the printer’s life significantly.

Canon Error P07: When to Contact Canon Support

If the P07 error cannot be resolved through a counter reset, or if you are uncomfortable opening the printer chassis to service the pad, contact Canon Support for professional service options. Do not continue printing once P07 appears, as ink overflow can permanently damage the printer’s internals.

Related: For ink absorber errors on Brother printers, see Brother Printer Error 46. For Epson waste ink errors, see Epson Printer Error 0xE8.

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