Canon Printer Error Code 1485: How to Fix It
Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- 1485
- Brand
- Canon
- Product Type
- printer
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated Fix Time
- 10-30 minutes
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Tools You'll Need
- Lint-free cloth or cotton swabs
- Distilled water
- Genuine Canon replacement ink tank (if cartridge is defective)
How to Fix Error Code 1485
-
Power Cycle the Printer
Always unplug the printer before reaching inside the cartridge bay to avoid injury from moving parts or electrical components. -
Remove and Reseat the Ink Cartridges
Do not force a cartridge in the wrong slot. Each color cartridge has a designated bay — check the color-coded labels inside the printer to match each tank correctly. -
Clean the Ink Tank Electrical Contacts
Do not use isopropyl alcohol on the cartridge's electrical contacts, as it can damage them. Use only distilled water and allow parts to dry completely before reinserting. -
Check for a Third-Party or Expired Cartridge
-
Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver
Download drivers only from Canon's official website to avoid malware or incompatible software. -
Reset the Printer to Factory Settings
A factory reset will erase any custom settings such as network Wi-Fi credentials and print preferences. Make note of your settings before performing a reset. -
Replace the Unrecognized Ink Tank
Parts You May Need
Genuine Canon ink tank
Check Price on Amazon
Genuine Canon ink tank
Check Price on Amazon
Genuine Canon ink tank
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional
Contact Canon customer support or a certified printer repair technician if the error 1485 persists after replacing the ink tank with a genuine Canon cartridge, cleaning all contacts, updating drivers, and performing a factory reset. This may indicate a hardware failure in the ink carriage sensor or the carriage flex cable, both of which require professional diagnosis and repair. If your printer is still under warranty, contact Canon directly before attempting any internal repairs.Frequently Asked Questions
What does error code 1485 mean on a Canon printer?
Error code 1485 on a Canon printer means the printer cannot recognize or detect one of the installed ink tanks. This is usually caused by a cartridge that is not seated properly, dirty electrical contacts on the cartridge or carriage, an incompatible third-party cartridge, or a defective ink tank.
Can I still print with Canon error 1485?
No, error code 1485 will typically stop all printing until the unrecognized ink tank issue is resolved. The printer halts operation to prevent potential damage from running with a faulty or undetected cartridge. You need to clear the error before normal printing can resume.
Will a third-party ink cartridge cause error 1485 on Canon printers?
Yes, third-party, refilled, or counterfeit ink cartridges are a common cause of error 1485 on Canon printers. Canon printers include chip-recognition technology that may reject cartridges not manufactured by Canon. Switching to a genuine Canon ink tank usually resolves the error immediately.
How do I clear error 1485 on a Canon printer?
To clear error 1485, start by power cycling the printer, then remove and firmly reseat all ink cartridges. Clean the gold contact points on the cartridges and inside the carriage with distilled water and a lint-free cloth. If the error persists, try replacing the cartridge with a new genuine Canon ink tank. Updating your printer driver and performing a factory reset are additional steps if the problem continues.
Why does my Canon printer keep showing error 1485 even after replacing the cartridge?
If error 1485 continues even after installing a new genuine Canon cartridge, the problem may be with the carriage contact pins inside the printer, which can become bent or corroded over time. A firmware bug or outdated driver can also cause persistent recognition errors. Try updating your printer driver and performing a factory reset. If the error still won't clear, the printer's ink carriage sensor may be damaged and a repair technician should inspect the unit.