Canon Printer Error 1700 is a common maintenance-related error that appears when the printer’s ink absorber is nearing its capacity. Although the message can be alarming, it doesn’t always mean your printer has failed or needs immediate replacement. In most cases, you can continue printing temporarily after acknowledging the warning, but ignoring it for too long may eventually stop the printer from working until maintenance is performed.

This guide explains what Canon Printer Error 1700 means, why it occurs, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from appearing again.

What Is Canon Printer Error 1700?

Canon Printer Error 1700 indicates that the printer estimates the internal waste ink absorber is almost full. During printhead cleaning, nozzle cleaning, and regular printing, excess ink is collected in absorbent pads inside the printer. Once these pads approach their estimated capacity, the printer displays Error 1700 as a warning.

Unlike critical hardware errors, Error 1700 is generally a maintenance notification rather than a complete printer failure.

What Causes Canon Printer Error 1700?

Several factors can trigger this warning, including:

• The waste ink absorber is nearly full.
• Frequent printhead cleaning cycles.
• Heavy printing over a long period.
• Multiple deep cleaning operations.
• Long-term use without maintenance.
• Internal maintenance counter reaching its threshold.

The printer calculates waste ink usage rather than physically measuring the ink pad, so the warning is based on estimated usage.

Common Symptoms of Canon Printer Error 1700

When this error appears, you may notice one or more of the following:

• “Printer Error 1700” displayed on the screen.
• Warning message about the ink absorber.
• Orange warning light blinking.
• Printing pauses until the warning is acknowledged.
• Reduced printer functionality on some models.

Many Canon printers still allow temporary printing after the warning is cleared.

How to Fix Canon Printer Error 1700

Follow these troubleshooting steps in order.

Acknowledge the Warning

On many Canon PIXMA printers, simply press the Stop, Resume, or OK button to dismiss the warning temporarily.

If the printer resumes normal operation, continue printing while planning maintenance soon.

Restart the printer.

A simple restart can clear temporary communication issues.

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

If Error 1700 returns immediately, continue with the next steps.

Check for Pending Print Jobs

A stuck print queue may create additional communication problems.

For Windows:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Printers & Scanners.
3. Choose your Canon printer.
4. Open the print queue.
5. Cancel any pending print jobs.

For macOS:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Select Printers & Scanners.
3. Open the printer queue.
4. Remove stalled print jobs.

Avoid Excessive Printhead Cleaning

Every cleaning cycle sends ink into the waste ink absorber.

Avoid repeatedly running:

• Cleaning
• Deep Cleaning
• Ink Flush

Only perform maintenance when print quality actually requires it.

Update the printer driver.

Outdated printer software may occasionally generate communication issues alongside maintenance warnings.

Ensure you install the latest:

• Canon printer driver
• Firmware updates
• Canon utility software

Keeping software updated improves overall printer stability.

Can You Continue Printing with Canon Printer Error 1700?

Yes, in most situations.

Error 1700 is typically an early warning rather than a shutdown message. Many Canon printers allow users to continue printing after acknowledging the warning.

However, continued printing will eventually cause the waste ink absorber counter to reach its maximum limit. At that point, the printer may display a different maintenance error and stop printing until serviced.

What Is the Waste Ink Absorber?

The waste ink absorber is a set of absorbent pads located inside the printer.

Its purpose is to collect excess ink generated during:

• Printhead cleaning
• Ink priming
• Borderless printing
• Maintenance routines

Without these pads, excess ink could leak inside the printer.

Because the pads have limited capacity, Canon printers monitor their estimated usage and display maintenance warnings when they near full capacity.

When Should You Replace the Waste Ink Absorber?

Replacement is recommended if:

• Error 1700 appears frequently.
• The printer has been used heavily for several years.
• Print quality problems accompany the warning.
• A service center recommends replacement.
• The printer later displays a “waste ink absorber full” error.

Replacing the absorber usually requires partial disassembly of the printer and resetting the maintenance counter.

Can You Reset Canon Printer Error 1700?

Unlike some temporary errors, simply resetting the printer does not permanently remove Error 1700.

The maintenance counter is stored internally.

A permanent reset generally requires the following:

• Replacing or cleaning the waste ink absorber.
• Resetting the waste ink counter using Canon service procedures.

Attempting unofficial service mode resets without proper maintenance is not recommended, as it may cause ink overflow if the absorber is actually full.

Tips to Prevent Canon Printer Error 1700

You can reduce the frequency of this warning by following good maintenance practices:

• Print regularly to prevent clogged nozzles.
• Run cleaning cycles only when necessary.
• Turn off the printer using the Power button.
• Use genuine or high-quality ink cartridges.
• Keep firmware updated.
• Avoid unnecessary deep cleaning.
• Perform routine printer maintenance.

These habits reduce waste ink accumulation and extend the life of the printer.

When to Contact Canon Support

Professional servicing is recommended if:

• Error 1700 cannot be cleared.
• The printer stops printing completely.
• Ink leaks are visible.
• Multiple maintenance errors appear.
• The waste ink absorber requires replacement.

An authorized Canon service technician can safely replace the absorber pads and reset the maintenance counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Canon printer error 1700 serious?

No. It is generally an early maintenance warning indicating that the waste ink absorber is nearing its estimated capacity.

Can I ignore Canon Printer Error 1700?

You can usually continue printing temporarily, but the warning should not be ignored indefinitely because the printer may eventually stop working until maintenance is completed.

Does Error 1700 mean the printer is broken?

No. The printer is usually functioning normally. The message simply indicates that maintenance will soon be required.

Can I replace the waste ink absorber myself?

Experienced users may replace it on some models, but the process can be complex. Most users should have the printer serviced by an authorized technician.

Will resetting the printer remove Error 1700?

A standard power reset may temporarily clear the message, but it will not reset the waste ink counter. Permanent resolution requires proper maintenance and, when necessary, resetting the counter after servicing.

Conclusion

Canon Printer Error 1700 is a preventive maintenance warning that signals the printer’s waste ink absorber is approaching its estimated capacity. While you can often continue printing for a limited time after acknowledging the message, it’s important to plan maintenance before the absorber becomes completely full. By minimizing unnecessary cleaning cycles, keeping your printer updated, and following regular maintenance practices, you can extend the life of your Canon printer and reduce the likelihood of future Error 1700 warnings.