Canon Printer (PIXMA) 1682 / 1684 / 1686 / 1688 / 168A error code

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: $10–$30 · Duration: 5m

Support codes 1682, 1684, 1686, 1688, or 168A on your Canon PIXMA printer mean the ink cartridge cannot be recognized. Code 1686 or 1688 typically means the ink may have run out. Canon recommends using genuine Canon ink cartridges for best results. If you choose to continue printing with a non-genuine or potentially empty cartridge you can press the Stop/Reset button or OK to dismiss the warning, but print quality or printer function may be impaired.

Common causes

The ink cartridge is empty or running very low
A non-genuine or third-party ink cartridge is installed that cannot be recognized
An incompatible ink cartridge was installed

How to fix it

1

Replace the cartridge with a new genuine Canon ink cartridge compatible with your model
2

If you want to continue printing despite the warning press the Stop/Reset button to dismiss it — note that print quality may be affected
3

If 168A appears the ink cartridge is not installed correctly — remove and reinstall it