If your Canon printer displays Canon Printer Error 1684, it usually indicates that the printer has detected an issue with one or more ink cartridges. This error often appears when a cartridge is not installed correctly, is incompatible, or cannot communicate with the printer. As a result, printing stops until the problem is resolved.

Fortunately, Error 1684 is typically easy to fix without professional assistance. In this guide, you’ll learn what causes the error, how to troubleshoot it step by step, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.

What You’ll Learn

• What Canon Printer Error 1684 means
• Common causes of the error
• How to fix Error 1684 step by step
• How to inspect and reinstall ink cartridges
• When to replace a cartridge
• How to reset your Canon printer
• Tips to prevent future cartridge errors
• Frequently asked questions

What Is Canon Printer Error 1684?

Canon Printer Error 1684 is an ink cartridge recognition error. The printer cannot properly identify or communicate with one or more installed ink cartridges. To protect the printer from potential damage and ensure print quality, Canon disables printing until the issue is corrected.

This error commonly appears after:

• Installing a new ink cartridge
• Replacing multiple cartridges
• Using incompatible cartridges
• Improper cartridge installation
• Dirty electrical contacts
• Firmware communication issues

The printer’s display or Canon software may also provide additional information about the affected cartridge.

Common Causes of Canon Printer Error 1684

Understanding the cause helps you apply the correct solution more quickly.

Some of the most common reasons include:

• Incorrectly installed ink cartridge
• Incompatible or unsupported cartridge model
• Protective tape left on a new cartridge
• Dirty cartridge chip or printer contacts
• Damaged ink cartridge
• Internal printer communication error
• Recently interrupted cartridge replacement
• Firmware glitches

In many cases, simply reinstalling the cartridge resolves the problem.

How to Fix Canon Printer Error 1684

Follow these troubleshooting steps in order.

Restart the printer.

Temporary communication problems can sometimes trigger Error 1684.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Disconnect the power cable.
3. Wait for one minute.
4. Plug the printer back in.
5. Turn it on again.

If the error disappears, the issue was likely a temporary system glitch.

Check the ink cartridges.

Open the printer cover and wait for the cartridge carriage to stop moving.

Inspect each cartridge carefully.

Look for:

• Loose installation
• Incorrect cartridge model
• Visible damage
• Empty cartridge
• Protective tape still attached

If necessary:

• Remove the cartridge.
• Reinstall it until it clicks securely into place.
• Close the cover and check the printer again.

Clean the Cartridge Contacts

Dirty electrical contacts are a common cause of cartridge recognition errors.

To clean them:

1. Remove the affected cartridge.
2. Use a lint-free cloth.
3. Lightly wipe the gold-colored electrical contacts.
4. Allow the contacts to dry completely.
5. Reinstall the cartridge.

Avoid touching the contacts with your fingers, as oils can interfere with communication.

Verify Cartridge Compatibility

Canon printers are designed to work with specific cartridge models.

Make sure:

• The cartridge matches your printer model.
• It is properly recognized by the printer.
• It is not a counterfeit or incompatible replacement.

Using the correct cartridge significantly reduces recognition errors.

Replace a Faulty Cartridge

If one cartridge continues to trigger Error 1684 after cleaning and reinstalling, it may be defective.

Replace it with a new compatible cartridge and test the printer again.

If the error disappears, the previous cartridge was likely damaged.

Reset the Canon printer.

A printer reset can clear temporary hardware communication problems.

Follow these steps:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Disconnect the power cable.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect the power.
5. Restart the printer.

Some Canon printer models also include a factory reset option within the printer’s Settings menu. Keep in mind that performing a factory reset may remove saved wireless network settings and custom preferences.

Update the printer driver.

Outdated printer software can occasionally contribute to cartridge communication issues.

Updating the driver may improve printer performance and compatibility.

Update the following:

• Printer driver
• Canon printer software
• Printer firmware (if available)

After updating, restart both the printer and your computer.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

If Error 1684 continues to appear, try these additional solutions:

• Remove and reinstall every cartridge one at a time.
• Inspect the cartridge holder for debris.
• Ensure cartridges lock securely into position.
• Disconnect USB cables and reconnect them.
• Restart your computer.
• Test the printer from another device.
• Disable any stuck print jobs before printing again.

These simple checks often resolve persistent cartridge communication issues.

How to Prevent Canon Printer Error 1684

Regular maintenance helps reduce cartridge-related problems.

Follow these best practices:

• Always install cartridges carefully.
• Use compatible ink cartridges.
• Remove all protective packaging before installation.
• Keep cartridge contacts clean.
• Store unused cartridges in a cool, dry location.
• Replace damaged cartridges immediately.
• Update printer software regularly.
• Avoid removing cartridges while the printer is operating.

Preventive maintenance can extend both cartridge life and printer reliability.

Quick Answers

What does “Canon printer error 1684” mean?

It indicates that the printer cannot properly recognize or communicate with one or more installed ink cartridges.

Can I continue printing with Error 1684?

No. The printer generally stops printing until the cartridge issue is resolved.

Does replacing the cartridge fix Error 1684?

Yes. If the installed cartridge is defective or incompatible, replacing it often resolves the error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Canon Printer Error 1684 appear after replacing ink?

The cartridge may not be fully seated, may be incompatible, or still has protective tape covering the electrical contacts.

Can third-party cartridges cause Error 1684?

Yes. Some non-genuine cartridges may not communicate correctly with the printer, resulting in recognition errors.

How do I know which cartridge is causing the error?

Many Canon printers display the affected cartridge on the screen or through the printer software. Remove and reinstall each cartridge individually if necessary.

Will resetting the printer remove Error 1684?

A reset may clear temporary communication issues, but it will not fix a damaged or incompatible cartridge.

Should I replace all cartridges?

No. Replace only the cartridge identified as faulty unless multiple cartridges are causing recognition problems.

Conclusion

Canon Printer Error 1684 is usually caused by an ink cartridge that the printer cannot recognize. In most cases, the problem can be resolved by reinstalling the cartridge, cleaning the electrical contacts, verifying cartridge compatibility, or replacing a defective cartridge. If the error persists, updating the printer driver or resetting the printer may help restore normal operation. By following the troubleshooting steps and maintenance tips in this guide, you can quickly resolve Error 1684 and reduce the chances of it returning in the future.