The 5200 Error on Canon printer typically occurs when the printer is low on ink.

It could also be caused by blocked nozzles in the printhead (tiny holes that spray ink onto the paper)

Or, it could be the incorrect placement of the ink cartridges.

No matter the cause, you should be able to fix the issue with my quick troubleshooting steps outlined below.

Restart Your Canon Printer

Restart!!! Seriously, restarting the printer is everyone’s all-time favorite lifesaver when it runs into any kind of problem.

If you haven’t tried this already, here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Power button to turn off the printer.
2. Remove the power cord from your wall outlet or the power source.
3. Wait a few seconds; reconnect it and power on your printer.
4. Try printing.

If that fixes the error, congrats! You don’t need to delve deeper into the issue. Otherwise, here are some proven methods to fix it.

Print the Nozzle Check Pattern

When there isn’t enough ink flowing through the printhead, it causes the printhead to overheat, triggering the 5200 error and stopping the printer.

This is done to protect the printer from damage.

To counter this particular case, make sure your printer has enough ink.

Canon printers come with the “Nozzle Check Pattern” function to check ink levels.

Here’s how you can use it:

1. Go to Windows Settings > Printers & scanners > choose your Canon printer and select Printing Preferences.
   
2. On the new window, jump directly to the Maintenance tab on the top and click the Nozzle Check option.
   
3. If you don’t see the Printing Preferences as shown in the image above, you need to install printer driver on your computer first.
4. Click the Print Check Pattern button on the popup.
   
5. Follow the on-screen instructions until your printer starts printing a nozzle check pattern page.
6. Compare the color (intensity) on the printout and screen.
   
7. If the color is too faint, it indicates you need to refill that particular ink or change the cartridge.
8. This also holds if your Canon printer is printing blank pages.

Note: If you have a printer with ink tanks, simply observe the ink levels and refill as needed. No need for extra steps.

Clean the Printhead

If one of the colors—Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, or Black—doesn’t appear on the paper, the printhead might be clogged.

Thankfully, you don’t need to take your printer apart to clean it.

Canon makes it easy: just use the Cleaning and Deep Cleaning functions in the Printing Preferences window.

Did You Install the Cartridge Correctly?

I remember when I was replacing my first ever ink cartridges years back.

I forgot to remove the plastic caps and the plastic film on the cartridge only to realize later that it was preventing the printer from detecting the cartridge and throwing the error.

Maybe you are going through something similar?

You can dislodge the cartridges; remove any such thing if found and reinstall the cartridge to see if that fixes the issue.

Note: Using counterfeit/substandard cartridges from third-party vendor is equally responsible for this issue. If you’re using non-genuine cartridges, consider switching to authentic Canon cartridges.

Physically Reset the Printer

Certain Canon printer models, like the MG and PIXMA series, may encounter this error due to a data glitch in the printer’s logic board.

Follow these steps to physically reset the logic board and you should be able to get back into your printing again.

1. First, press the Power button and turn the printer off.
2. Press > Hold the Stop button for a few seconds.
3. While still pressing the Stop button, press > hold the ON button.
4. Now you are holding the Stop button and ON button simultaneously, alright?
5. Release your hands from Stop button.
6. Then, press the Stop button five times in a row.
7. Release both of your fingers from the printer buttons.
8. Now power on the printer and try to print. The logic board is now reset and it should start working fine if any data glitches were causing the issue.

Nothing Worked?

Sadly, I must say, there’s an issue with your printer’s logic board.

Try contacting the Canon Service Center and ask them to look into the issue.

Hopefully, you don’t need to get a new printer. I wish you a good luck😁

Yet, do let me know if you need any kind of assistance. Comment down your issue including your printer model and I will reply to you as soon as possible.