Canon Printer Error 1405 usually indicates that the printer cannot properly detect or communicate with one or more ink cartridges. This error often appears after installing new cartridges, replacing old ones, or if the cartridge contacts become dirty or damaged. Fortunately, in most cases, you can resolve the issue without replacing your printer.

In this guide, you’ll learn what Canon Printer Error 1405 means, its common causes, proven troubleshooting methods, and preventive maintenance tips to avoid seeing the error again.

What Is Canon Printer Error 1405?

Canon Printer Error 1405 is an ink cartridge recognition error. When this error occurs, the printer cannot verify that an installed cartridge is correctly seated or compatible with the printer model.

Depending on your Canon printer model, you may also see messages such as the following:

• The following ink cartridge cannot be recognized.
• Printer error has occurred.
• Check ink cartridge.
• Replace the ink cartridge.

Ignoring this error prevents the printer from printing until the issue is resolved.

What Causes Canon Printer Error 1405?

Several hardware and software issues can trigger Error 1405.

The most common causes include:

• Improperly installed ink cartridges
• Dirty electrical contacts on the cartridge
• Damaged or defective ink cartridge
• Incompatible or unsupported cartridge
• Protective tape not removed from a new cartridge
• Printer firmware communication issues
• Damaged cartridge holder
• Internal printer hardware failure

Identifying the root cause helps you choose the correct solution quickly.

How to Fix Canon Printer Error 1405

Follow these troubleshooting steps in order. After each step, check whether the error has disappeared before moving to the next solution.

Restart the printer.

Many temporary communication errors disappear after restarting the printer.

Steps:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug the power cable.
3. Wait for 60 seconds.
4. Plug the printer back in.
5. Turn it on.

If the error persists, continue with the next solution.

Check the Ink Cartridge Installation

An incorrectly installed cartridge is one of the most common reasons for Error 1405.

Inspect the cartridge carefully.

Make sure:

• Every cartridge clicks securely into place.
• The cartridge matches your printer model.
• No cartridge is loose.
• All cartridges are installed in their correct slots.

Close the printer cover and test again.

Clean the Cartridge Contacts

Dirty contacts can interrupt communication between the cartridge and the printer.

To clean the contacts:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Remove the affected cartridge.
3. Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
4. Gently wipe the gold electrical contacts.
5. Allow the contacts to dry completely.
6. Reinstall the cartridge.

Avoid touching the contacts with your fingers, as oils from your skin may interfere with connectivity.

Verify Cartridge Compatibility

Not every cartridge is compatible with every Canon printer model.

Check:

• Cartridge model number
• Ink series
• Printer compatibility
• Genuine or compatible cartridge specifications

Using the correct cartridge significantly reduces cartridge recognition errors.

Remove Protective Packaging

New cartridges often include the following:

• Orange protective caps
• Plastic covers
• Yellow protective tape

If any protective material remains attached, the printer may display Canon Printer Error 1405.

Always remove all packaging before installation.

Replace the Problematic Cartridge

If one cartridge is damaged, the printer may refuse to recognize it.

Signs of a faulty cartridge include:

• Cracked housing
• Damaged chip
• Leaking ink
• Broken electrical contacts

Replace the cartridge with a new compatible unit and check if the error disappears.

Inspect the Cartridge Holder

Sometimes the problem is inside the printer rather than the cartridge itself.

Inspect the cartridge holder for:

• Bent connector pins
• Dust buildup
• Ink residue
• Foreign objects
• Physical damage

Clean the area carefully using compressed air or a soft brush.

Do not force the cartridge holder if it appears stuck.

Update the printer firmware.

Firmware updates often improve cartridge recognition and resolve software-related communication issues.

Updating firmware may fix:

• Cartridge detection errors
• Compatibility issues
• Unexpected printer errors
• System stability problems

Always keep your Canon printer firmware up to date.

Perform a Printer Reset

A reset clears temporary hardware memory that may be causing the error.

Basic reset procedure:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Disconnect the power cable.
3. Wait one minute.
4. Reconnect the printer.
5. Turn it back on.

If your printer model supports factory reset, follow the instructions in the user manual to restore default settings.

When to Replace the Cartridge

Replacing the cartridge is recommended if:

• Cleaning does not resolve the error.
• The cartridge chip is damaged.
• Ink has leaked inside the cartridge.
• The printer repeatedly reports Error 1405 with the same cartridge.
• The cartridge has exceeded its service life.

Installing a new compatible cartridge often resolves persistent recognition issues.

How to Prevent Canon Printer Error 1405

Preventive maintenance can reduce cartridge-related problems.

Follow these best practices:

• Use genuine or high-quality compatible cartridges.
• Store cartridges in a cool, dry location.
• Remove protective tape before installation.
• Avoid touching cartridge contacts.
• Keep the cartridge holder clean.
• Update printer firmware regularly.
• Print at least once every week to prevent ink system issues.
• Replace damaged cartridges immediately.

Regular maintenance extends printer life and minimizes future errors.

When Should You Contact Canon Support?

Professional assistance may be necessary if:

• Multiple cartridges are not recognized.
• The cartridge holder is damaged.
• Error 1405 appears after replacing all cartridges.
• The printer displays additional hardware errors.
• The printer remains unusable after completing all troubleshooting steps.

A certified technician can diagnose internal hardware problems that cannot be resolved through basic troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Canon Printer Error 1405 appear after replacing ink cartridges?

This usually happens when the cartridge is not installed correctly, is incompatible, or its electrical contacts are dirty.

Can compatible cartridges cause Error 1405?

Yes. Some third-party cartridges may not communicate correctly with the printer, resulting in cartridge recognition errors.

Does cleaning the cartridge contacts fix Error 1405?

Yes. Dirty contacts are one of the most common causes of this error, and cleaning them often restores proper communication.

Can restarting the printer remove Canon Printer Error 1405?

A restart can clear temporary communication issues, although hardware-related problems may require additional troubleshooting.

Is Canon Printer Error 1405 a hardware problem?

Not always. In many cases, the issue is related to cartridge installation or dirty contacts rather than a faulty printer.

Conclusion

Canon Printer Error 1405 is typically caused by cartridge recognition problems, but it is usually easy to fix. By checking cartridge installation, cleaning the electrical contacts, verifying compatibility, updating firmware, and replacing defective cartridges when necessary, you can restore normal printer operation quickly. Regular printer maintenance and using quality ink cartridges will also help prevent Canon Printer Error 1405 from returning.