Canon Printer Error 1702 is a maintenance-related warning that typically indicates the printer’s waste ink absorber is nearing its service limit or requires attention. While the printer may continue working for some time, ignoring this error can eventually prevent printing altogether. Fortunately, many cases can be resolved through basic troubleshooting, maintenance, or by resetting the printer after addressing the underlying issue.

In this guide, you’ll learn what Canon Printer Error 1702 means, its common causes, step-by-step troubleshooting methods, when to reset the printer, and how to prevent the error from appearing again.

What Is Canon Printer Error 1702?

Canon Printer Error 1702 is a maintenance warning generated by the printer’s internal monitoring system. Canon inkjet printers use a waste ink absorber (also called the ink absorber pad) to collect excess ink produced during print head cleaning and maintenance cycles.

As the printer estimates that the absorber is becoming full, it displays Error 1702 to notify the user that maintenance may soon be required.

Unlike paper jams or cartridge errors, this warning is related to long-term printer maintenance rather than an immediate hardware failure.

Common Causes of Canon Printer Error 1702

Several factors can trigger Canon printer error 1702.

The most common causes include:

• Waste ink absorber approaching its capacity
• Frequent automatic print head cleaning
• Heavy printing over a long period
• Internal maintenance counter reaching its limit
• Interrupted maintenance cycles
• Firmware or software glitches
• Improper printer shutdowns

In many cases, the printer continues printing while displaying the warning, but repeated use without maintenance may eventually trigger a more serious ink absorber error.

Signs That Your Canon Printer Has Error 1702

Besides the error message itself, you may notice other symptoms.

Common signs include:

• A maintenance warning appears on the printer screen
• Canon printer software displays Error 1702
• Printing pauses unexpectedly
• Printer requests maintenance
• Frequent cleaning cycles
• Slower printer startup
• Warning messages in Canon printer software

If multiple maintenance warnings appear together, further inspection may be required.

How to Fix Canon Printer Error 1702

Start with the simplest troubleshooting methods before considering advanced repairs.

Restart the printer.

Temporary software glitches can sometimes trigger maintenance warnings.

Follow these steps:

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

Check whether the warning disappears after restarting.

Check for Pending Print Jobs

A stalled print queue may occasionally interfere with printer operations.

On Windows:

1. Open Printers & Scanners.
2. Select your Canon printer.
3. Open the print queue.
4. Cancel any stuck documents.

On macOS:

1. Open Printers & Scanners.
2. Select your Canon printer.
3. Clear pending print jobs.

Restart the printer after clearing the queue.

Update Canon printer drivers.

Outdated printer drivers can contribute to communication problems.

Update:

• Canon printer driver
• Printer firmware
• Canon maintenance software

Installing the latest software helps improve printer stability and compatibility with newer operating systems.

Perform Printer Maintenance

Use the printer’s built-in maintenance features.

Recommended maintenance includes:

• Nozzle Check
• Print Head Cleaning
• Deep Cleaning (only if necessary)
• Print Head Alignment

Avoid running unnecessary cleaning cycles, as they consume ink and increase waste ink accumulation.

Understanding the Waste Ink Absorber

Every inkjet printer generates excess ink during cleaning operations.

Instead of allowing ink to leak inside the printer, Canon directs it into absorbent pads located inside the printer.

Over time, these pads collect thousands of tiny amounts of waste ink. Since the printer cannot directly measure the physical ink level, it estimates absorber usage through an internal maintenance counter.

Once the estimated limit approaches, the printer displays Error 1702 as a warning.

Can You Reset Canon Printer Error 1702?

Many users search for a reset procedure immediately after seeing Error 1702.

However, resetting the internal maintenance counter without servicing or replacing the waste ink absorber is not recommended. Doing so may cause ink overflow if the absorber is actually saturated.

If maintenance has already been completed, a service reset may be appropriate according to Canon’s service procedures.

For printers that continue displaying the warning after maintenance, professional servicing is usually the safest option.

When Should You Replace the Waste Ink Absorber?

Replacement is generally recommended when:

• The printer repeatedly shows maintenance warnings.
• Printing quality begins to decline.
• Canon diagnostics indicate absorber capacity has been reached.
• The printer displays more severe ink absorber errors in addition to Error 1702.

Because accessing the absorber requires partial printer disassembly on many Canon models, replacement is often performed by an authorized service technician.

Tips to Prevent Canon Printer Error 1702

Although waste ink accumulation is normal, you can reduce how quickly it occurs.

Best practices include:

• Print regularly to prevent clogged nozzles.
• Avoid unnecessary deep cleaning cycles.
• Use high-quality ink cartridges.
• Turn off the printer properly.
• Keep printer firmware updated.
• Perform routine maintenance only when needed.
• Store the printer in a clean, dust-free environment.

These habits help extend the lifespan of both the printhead and waste ink absorber.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many users accidentally make the problem worse.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Ignoring maintenance warnings for extended periods
• Resetting the maintenance counter without servicing the absorber
• Running repeated deep cleaning cycles
• Using incompatible ink cartridges
• Disconnecting power while the printer is operating
• Attempting complex repairs without proper guidance

Proper maintenance is always safer than repeated resets.

Quick Answers

Is Canon Printer Error 1702 serious?

Not immediately. It is generally a maintenance warning indicating the waste ink absorber is approaching its estimated capacity.

Can I continue printing?

Many Canon printers allow continued printing temporarily after Error 1702 appears, but maintenance should not be postponed indefinitely.

Will resetting the printer remove Error 1702?

A basic restart may clear temporary software glitches, but it will not reset the maintenance counter if the absorber has genuinely reached its service limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Canon printer error 1702?

The error is usually caused by the printer estimating that the waste ink absorber is nearing its maximum capacity.

Does Error 1702 mean my printer is broken?

No. It is typically a maintenance warning rather than a hardware failure.

Can I fix Error 1702 at home?

Basic troubleshooting such as restarting the printer, updating drivers, and performing routine maintenance can help. If the waste ink absorber is full, professional servicing may be required.

How long can I keep using my printer after Error 1702 appears?

It depends on the printer model and remaining absorber capacity. Some printers continue working temporarily, while others may eventually stop printing until serviced.

Does replacing ink cartridges fix Error 1702?

No. The error is related to the waste ink absorber, not the ink cartridges themselves.

Conclusion

Canon Printer Error 1702 is an early maintenance warning designed to protect your printer from waste ink overflow. In most cases, the issue is linked to the waste ink absorber approaching its estimated capacity rather than an immediate hardware fault. By understanding the causes, performing routine maintenance, updating printer software, and seeking professional service when necessary, you can keep your Canon printer operating reliably and avoid more serious maintenance errors in the future.