Canon Printer Error Code 5800: How to Fix It

Q: Is it safe to just reset the counter without replacing the waste ink pads?

Technically yes, a counter reset will clear the error and let you print again. However, if the physical waste ink pads are truly saturated, continuing to print without replacing them risks ink overflow, which can drip onto internal components and cause permanent damage. It is strongly recommended to at least inspect the pads and replace them if they are heavily soaked.

Q: How many times can I reset the waste ink counter on my Canon printer?

You can reset the software counter multiple times, but each reset is only safe if you also address the physical waste ink pads. If you keep resetting without replacing the pads, you increase the risk of ink leaking inside the printer. As a general rule, replace the pads every 1-2 resets, or whenever they appear heavily saturated.

Q: Does Canon error 5800 mean my printer is broken and needs to be replaced?

No — error 5800 does not mean your printer is broken. It is a built-in safety feature that stops the printer before waste ink can overflow. With a counter reset and a pad replacement, most Canon printers affected by this error can continue working normally for years. You only need to replace the printer if there is additional physical damage.

Q: Why does my Canon printer have a waste ink counter in the first place?

Every inkjet printer performs automatic cleaning cycles to prevent the print head nozzles from drying out and clogging. These cleaning cycles flush a small amount of ink through the nozzles, and that excess ink is collected by an absorbent pad inside the printer. Canon tracks the estimated amount of ink absorbed by this pad via a software counter, and when it estimates the pad is full, it stops the printer to prevent a messy and potentially damaging ink overflow.

Q: What Canon printer models are affected by error code 5800?

Error code 5800 (waste ink counter saturated) is common across a wide range of Canon PIXMA inkjet printers, including popular series such as the PIXMA MG, MX, TS, TR, and iP series. The exact models most frequently affected include printers in the MG2500, MG3600, TS3300, TS5300, and MX490 families, among others. The fix process is essentially the same across all affected models, though the specific Service Tool version you need may vary.

Abstract

Canon error code 5800 means your printer's waste ink counter has reached its maximum limit. Canon printers track the amount of ink absorbed by the waste ink pad — a sponge inside the printer that collects excess ink during cleaning cycles — and when the counter hits 100%, the printer locks itself to prevent ink overflow and potential damage. This is a software counter reset combined with a physical pad check, and in most cases you can fix it at home without sending the printer in for service.