Canon Printer Error Code 4102: How to Fix It

Easy 10-20 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
4102
Brand
Canon
Product Type
printer
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-20 minutes
Canon printer error code 4102 indicates a mismatch between your photo printing settings — typically when the paper type loaded in the printer does not match the media type selected in the print driver or Canon software. This often happens when trying to print photos using plain paper settings, or when borderless printing is selected but the paper size or type does not support it. The good news is that this error is almost always resolved through software and settings adjustments without any hardware repairs.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 4102

  1. Cancel the Current Print Job

    Do not turn the printer off and back on immediately — wait 30 seconds after canceling to allow the print queue to fully clear.

  2. Check and Match the Paper Type Loaded

  3. Update Paper Information on the Printer

  4. Correct the Print Settings in the Print Driver

  5. Disable Borderless Printing If Not Supported

  6. Use the Canon My Image Garden or Easy-PhotoPrint Software

  7. Update or Reinstall the Canon Printer Driver

    Only download drivers directly from Canon's official website to avoid installing malicious or incompatible software.

  8. Perform a Printer Reset

    A factory reset will erase any saved network settings, custom paper settings, and registered profiles. Be prepared to reconfigure your printer's network connection afterward.
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When to Call a Professional

Error code 4102 is almost entirely a settings-based issue and rarely requires professional service. However, if the error continues to appear even after correctly matching all paper settings, reinstalling the driver, and resetting the printer — and especially if the printer's LCD or paper sensor appears to be misreading the loaded paper — contact Canon customer support (1-800-OK-CANON) or take the printer to an authorized Canon service center. A faulty paper-type sensor or firmware corruption may require professional diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Canon error code 4102 mean?
Canon error code 4102 means there is a mismatch between the photo printing settings selected on your computer and the paper type or size actually loaded in the printer. Most commonly it is triggered when borderless printing is selected for a paper type that does not support it, or when the media type in the print driver does not match the paper in the tray.
How do I fix Canon error 4102 for borderless printing?
To fix error 4102 related to borderless printing, open your print driver settings, go to the Page Setup or Layout tab, and either disable the Borderless Printing option or switch to a paper type and size that specifically supports borderless printing (such as Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy in a 4x6 or 5x7 size). Make sure the paper physically loaded in the tray matches your selection exactly.
Can error 4102 damage my Canon printer?
No, error code 4102 is a settings mismatch warning and will not cause any physical damage to your Canon printer. It simply prevents the printer from completing the job when it detects an incompatibility between the loaded media and the selected print settings.
Why does my Canon printer keep showing error 4102 even after I fix the settings?
If error 4102 persists after correcting your settings, try these additional steps: update or completely reinstall your Canon printer driver, use Canon's own My Image Garden software instead of a third-party app, and perform a factory reset on the printer. If the issue still continues, the printer's paper detection sensor may need service.
Does error 4102 appear on all Canon printer models?
Error code 4102 is most commonly reported on Canon PIXMA inkjet printers designed for photo printing. It may also appear on Canon MAXIFY and other inkjet series. The underlying cause — a media type or borderless printing setting mismatch — is the same across all affected models, and the fix steps are generally the same regardless of the specific Canon model you own.

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