If your Canon printer displays Canon Printer Error 1687, it usually indicates that the printer cannot detect one or more ink cartridges correctly. This error commonly appears after replacing cartridges, installing incompatible ink tanks, or if a cartridge isn’t seated properly. Fortunately, the issue can often be resolved without professional repair.

In this guide, you’ll learn what Canon Printer Error 1687 means, its common causes, step-by-step troubleshooting methods, and preventive tips to keep your Canon printer working reliably.

What You’ll Learn

• What Canon Printer Error 1687 means
• Common causes of the error
• How to fix Error 1687 step by step
• How to check and reinstall ink cartridges
• When to reset your Canon printer
• Preventive maintenance tips
• Frequently asked questions

What Is Canon Printer Error 1687?

Canon Printer Error 1687 is an ink cartridge recognition error. The printer detects that one or more ink cartridges are either missing, improperly installed, incompatible, or not communicating with the printer.

This error can occur on many Canon PIXMA printer models and usually prevents printing until the cartridge issue is resolved.

Common symptoms include:

• Error Code 1687 displayed on the LCD screen
• Orange warning light blinking
• Printer refusing to print
• Ink cartridge warning message
• “The following ink tank cannot be recognized” notification

What Causes Canon Printer Error 1687?

Several factors can trigger this error.

Incorrect Cartridge Installation

A cartridge that isn’t fully locked into place may not be detected.

Incompatible Ink Cartridges

Using cartridges that aren’t designed for your Canon printer model can trigger Error 1687.

Dirty Cartridge Contacts

Dust, ink residue, or fingerprints on the cartridge’s electrical contacts can interrupt communication.

Damaged Ink Cartridge

A defective cartridge chip or physical damage may prevent recognition.

Protective Tape Not Removed

New cartridges often include protective tape that must be removed before installation.

Printer Firmware Issues

Occasionally, firmware glitches can prevent proper cartridge detection.

How to Fix Canon Printer Error 1687

Follow these troubleshooting steps in order.

Step 1: Turn Off the Printer

• Press the Power button.
• Disconnect the power cable.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the power.

Restarting clears temporary communication errors.

Step 2: Remove and Reinstall the Ink Cartridges

Open the printer cover.

Carefully remove each cartridge.

Check for:

• Loose installation
• Protective tape
• Physical damage
• Leaking ink

Reinsert each cartridge until it clicks securely into place.

Close the printer cover and check whether the error disappears.

Step 3: Verify Cartridge Compatibility

Make sure you’re using cartridges specifically designed for your Canon printer model.

Using incorrect cartridge numbers may trigger Error 1687 immediately after installation.

Always compare the cartridge number with your printer manual.

Step 4: Clean the Cartridge Contacts

Dirty contacts are a common cause of cartridge recognition problems.

Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.

Gently clean:

• Cartridge gold contacts
• Printer contact points

Allow everything to dry completely before reinstalling the cartridges.

Step 5: Replace the Problem Cartridge

If only one cartridge continues showing the error:

• Replace it with a new genuine Canon cartridge.
• Restart the printer.
• Print a test page.

A faulty cartridge chip cannot usually be repaired.

Step 6: Reset the printer.

Some temporary cartridge communication errors disappear after a reset.

Basic reset procedure:

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

If available, restore factory settings through the printer’s Settings menu.

How to Identify the Faulty Cartridge

Many Canon printers display which cartridge is causing the problem.

Look for:

• Flashing ink indicator
• Cartridge position shown on the LCD
• Error message identifying Black or Color cartridge

If the printer doesn’t specify the cartridge:

• Remove and reinstall one cartridge at a time.
• Restart after each installation.

This helps isolate the faulty cartridge.

Can You Continue Printing?

In most cases, no.

Canon Printer Error 1687 prevents printing because the printer cannot confirm the installed cartridge.

Trying to bypass the error may result in poor print quality or additional printer errors.

It’s best to resolve the cartridge issue before continuing.

How to Prevent Canon Printer Error 1687

Follow these maintenance practices:

• Always install compatible cartridges.
• Remove protective tape completely.
• Avoid touching cartridge contacts.
• Store cartridges in their original packaging.
• Keep the printer interior clean.
• Install cartridges carefully until they click.
• Update printer firmware when available.
• Replace damaged cartridges promptly.

Preventive maintenance reduces the chances of cartridge recognition errors.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

If you encounter Canon Printer Error 1687:

• Restart the printer.
• Reinstall every ink cartridge.
• Verify cartridge compatibility.
• Remove protective tape.
• Clean cartridge contacts.
• Replace defective cartridges.
• Reset the printer.
• Print a test page.

Most users resolve the error within a few minutes using these steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Canon printer error 1687 mean?

It means the printer cannot recognize one or more installed ink cartridges due to compatibility, installation, or communication issues.

Can third-party cartridges cause Error 1687?

Yes. Some compatible or refilled cartridges may not contain a properly functioning chip, causing the printer to reject them.

How do I know which cartridge is causing the error?

Many Canon printers indicate the affected cartridge through the LCD display or flashing ink indicator. If not, reinstall each cartridge individually to identify the faulty one.

Does resetting the printer fix Error 1687?

A reset can resolve temporary software or communication issues, but it won’t fix a damaged or incompatible cartridge.

Should I replace all cartridges?

No. Replace only the cartridge that the printer cannot recognize unless multiple cartridges are damaged or incompatible.

Conclusion

Canon Printer Error 1687 is usually caused by an unrecognized, improperly installed, incompatible, or damaged ink cartridge. Fortunately, the problem can often be fixed by reinstalling the cartridges, cleaning the contacts, verifying cartridge compatibility, or replacing the faulty ink tank. Following proper cartridge handling and routine printer maintenance can help prevent this error from returning and ensure reliable printing performance.