If your Canon printer displays Canon Printer Error 5700, it usually indicates a problem with the paper feed mechanism or an issue preventing the printer from feeding paper correctly. This error may appear suddenly, even when there is no visible paper jam, preventing you from printing any documents.

Fortunately, Error 5700 can often be resolved without professional repair. This guide explains the causes, symptoms, troubleshooting steps, and preventive maintenance to help you get your Canon printer working again.

What You’ll Learn

• What Canon Printer Error 5700 means
• Common causes of the error
• Quick troubleshooting steps
• How to inspect the paper feed system
• How to clean the paper feed rollers
• When to reset your Canon printer
• Tips to prevent Error 5700 from returning
• Frequently asked questions

What Is Canon Printer Error 5700?

Canon Printer Error 5700 is generally related to a paper feed or paper transport malfunction. The printer detects that paper is not moving through the printer as expected, causing it to stop the print job to prevent internal damage.

The issue can occur due to mechanical obstructions, dirty rollers, incorrectly loaded paper, or internal sensor problems.

Common Symptoms

• Printer displays Error 5700.
• Printing stops unexpectedly.
• Paper does not feed.
• Grinding or clicking sounds.
• Printer becomes unresponsive.
• Print jobs remain stuck in the queue.

Common Causes of Canon Printer Error 5700

Several issues can trigger this error.

Paper Feed Problems

The most common cause is improper paper feeding caused by:

• Misaligned paper
• Overfilled paper tray
• Curled or damp paper
• Mixed paper sizes

Dirty Paper Feed Rollers

Dust, paper fibers, and debris reduce roller grip, making it difficult for the printer to feed paper correctly.

Small Paper Fragments

Tiny pieces of torn paper can become trapped inside the printer and interfere with the paper path.

Obstructed Paper Sensors

Paper sensors detect paper movement. If they become blocked or dirty, the printer may falsely report a paper feed error.

Internal Mechanical Issues

Broken gears, worn rollers, or damaged feed assemblies may also trigger Error 5700.

How to Fix Canon Printer Error 5700

Follow these troubleshooting steps in order.

Restart the printer.

Temporary software glitches can sometimes trigger false error messages.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug the power cable.
3. Wait for one minute.
4. Plug the printer back in.
5. Turn it on and check whether the error has cleared.

Inspect the Paper Tray

Remove all paper from the tray.

Check for:

• Wrinkled sheets
• Torn paper
• Foreign objects
• Incorrect paper guides

Reload a small stack of clean paper and try printing again.

Check for Hidden Paper Jams

Even if no paper is visible, inspect every accessible area.

Look inside:

• Rear paper path
• Output tray
• Paper cassette
• Duplex unit (if available)

Carefully remove any paper fragments without using excessive force.

Clean the Paper Feed Rollers

Dirty rollers are a common cause of feed errors.

To clean them:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Open the paper feed area.
3. Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water.
4. Rotate each roller while cleaning.
5. Allow the rollers to dry completely before testing.

Avoid using alcohol or harsh cleaning chemicals.

Verify the Paper Type

Canon printers perform best with paper that matches the printer’s supported specifications.

Avoid:

• Damp paper
• Curled sheets
• Extremely thick media
• Damaged paper

Always fan the paper stack before loading it.

Clear the print queue.

Sometimes failed print jobs remain in memory.

Windows

• Open Printers & Scanners.
• Select your Canon printer.
• Open the print queue.
• Cancel all pending jobs.

macOS

• Open Printers & Scanners.
• Select the printer.
• Open the queue.
• Delete all pending print jobs.

Restart the printer afterward.

Update the printer driver.

An outdated or corrupted driver can occasionally cause communication issues that contribute to printing errors.

Install the latest:

• Printer driver
• Firmware
• Scanner software (if applicable)

Restart your computer after installation.

How to Reset a Canon Printer After Error 5700

A reset can clear temporary system errors.

Soft Reset

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

Factory Reset

If your printer includes a reset option:

1. Open the printer’s Settings menu.
2. Select Device Settings.
3. Choose Reset Settings.
4. Confirm the reset.

Keep in mind that this may erase wireless network settings and custom configurations.

When Error 5700 Requires Professional Repair

If the error persists after completing all troubleshooting steps, the issue may involve internal hardware.

Possible hardware failures include:

• Worn paper feed rollers
• Damaged gears
• Faulty paper sensors
• Feed motor problems
• Internal mechanical obstruction

Professional servicing may be necessary if these components require replacement.

Tips to Prevent Canon Printer Error 5700

Preventive maintenance can significantly reduce paper feed problems.

Follow these best practices:

• Store paper in a dry location.
• Use recommended paper types.
• Avoid overloading the paper tray.
• Clean feed rollers every few months.
• Remove dust from the paper path regularly.
• Inspect the printer for small paper scraps after clearing jams.
• Keep printer firmware updated.

Routine maintenance improves reliability and extends the printer’s lifespan.

Quick Answers

Why does Canon Printer Error 5700 appear?

The error usually indicates that the printer cannot feed paper correctly because of paper jams, dirty rollers, blocked sensors, or mechanical issues.

Can I fix Canon Printer Error 5700 at home?

Yes. In many cases, cleaning the paper feed rollers, removing obstructions, checking the paper path, and restarting the printer resolve the issue.

Does resetting the printer remove Error 5700?

A reset can clear temporary software-related issues, but it will not fix damaged hardware or severe paper feed problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Canon Printer Error 5700 caused by a paper jam?

Often, yes. Even tiny paper fragments that are difficult to see can trigger the error.

Can dirty rollers cause Error 5700?

Yes. Dirty or worn rollers may fail to grip the paper properly, leading to feed errors.

Should I replace the paper feed rollers?

If cleaning does not improve paper feeding and the rollers appear worn or smooth, replacing them may solve the problem.

Can third-party paper cause Error 5700?

Using paper that does not meet Canon’s recommended specifications can increase the likelihood of feed issues.

When should I contact Canon support?

If Error 5700 continues after checking for paper jams, cleaning the rollers, resetting the printer, and updating the driver, professional diagnosis is recommended.

Conclusion

Canon Printer Error 5700 is most commonly associated with paper feed problems, dirty rollers, hidden paper jams, or sensor-related issues. In many situations, carefully inspecting the paper path, cleaning the rollers, reloading the correct paper, clearing the print queue, and performing a printer reset are enough to restore normal operation. If the error persists despite these steps, the problem may involve worn mechanical components that require professional service. Regular maintenance and proper paper handling can help prevent Canon Printer Error 5700 from occurring in the future.