Canon Printer Error Code 1890: How to Fix It
Easy 5-15 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- 1890
- Brand
- Canon
- Product Type
- printer
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated Fix Time
- 5-15 minutes
Ad
Tools You'll Need
- No tools required
- Printer user manual (for model-specific panel locations)
- Clean lint-free cloth (optional, for wiping down cartridge contacts)
How to Fix Error Code 1890
-
Power Off and Unplug the Printer
Always unplug the printer before opening any internal panels or touching ink cartridges to avoid electric shock or ink-related skin/eye irritation. -
Open the Printer Cover
-
Locate and Remove All Protective Tape
Do not use scissors or sharp tools near the cartridges or print head. Avoid touching the gold contacts on the ink cartridges or the print head nozzles, as oils from your skin can cause printing issues. -
Check the Ink Cartridges Themselves
Do not remove the sticker on the top or sides of the cartridge that covers the circuit — only remove the tape covering the ink nozzle or vent hole. -
Close the Cover and Power On
-
Run a Test Print
-
Reset the Printer if the Error Persists
A factory reset will clear any custom settings such as Wi-Fi network credentials. You will need to reconnect the printer to your network afterward.
Parts You May Need
Replacement ink cartridges (Canon compatible)
Check Price on Amazon
Replacement ink cartridges (Canon compatible)
Check Price on Amazon
Replacement ink cartridges (Canon compatible)
Check Price on Amazon
Ad
When to Call a Professional
If you have removed all visible protective tape and reset the printer but error code 1890 continues to appear, there may be an internal sensor fault or a defective ink cartridge that is triggering the error incorrectly. Contact Canon customer support at 1-800-OK-CANON or take the printer to an authorized Canon service center if the printer is still under warranty. You should also seek professional help if the print head carriage is physically stuck, makes grinding noises, or if you see any damage inside the printer that resulted from the tape being removed improperly.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the orange tape inside my Canon printer?
The orange (or sometimes yellow) tape is a protective shipping material that Canon installs during manufacturing. It holds the ink cartridge carriage in place and protects the print head nozzles from drying out or getting damaged during transport. It must be removed before you use the printer for the first time.
Can I still print with error code 1890 on my Canon printer?
No. Error code 1890 will prevent your Canon printer from printing until the issue is resolved. The printer's firmware detects that the protective material condition has not been cleared and locks printing functions as a protective measure.
I already removed the tape but I still get error 1890 — what should I do?
First, double-check that every piece of tape has been removed, including small strips on individual ink cartridges. Then perform a printer reset by holding the Stop/Reset button for 5-10 seconds. If the error persists, remove the ink cartridges, wait 60 seconds, reinstall them firmly, then power cycle the printer. If none of these steps work, contact Canon support.
Does Canon error 1890 mean my printer is broken?
Not at all — in the vast majority of cases, error 1890 simply means the protective tape was overlooked during setup. It is one of the most common first-time setup errors and is almost always fixed within minutes by removing the tape. The printer itself is not damaged.
Which Canon printer models show error code 1890?
Error code 1890 appears across a wide range of Canon PIXMA inkjet models, including popular series such as the PIXMA MG, PIXMA TS, PIXMA MX, PIXMA TR, and PIXMA G series. The fix is the same across all models: locate and remove all protective tape and packaging from the ink cartridge area.