ErrorCodeDoctor
Canon · Printer (PIXMA)

Canon Printer (PIXMA) 1682 / 1684 / 1686 / 1688 / 168A error code

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: $10–$30 · Duration: 5m

Support codes 1682, 1684, 1686, 1688, or 168A on your Canon PIXMA printer mean the ink cartridge cannot be recognized. Code 1686 or 1688 typically means the ink may have run out. Canon recommends using genuine Canon ink cartridges for best results. If you choose to continue printing with a non-genuine or potentially empty cartridge you can press the Stop/Reset button or OK to dismiss the warning, but print quality or printer function may be impaired.

Common causes

  • The ink cartridge is empty or running very low
  • A non-genuine or third-party ink cartridge is installed that cannot be recognized
  • An incompatible ink cartridge was installed

How to fix it

  1. 1

    Replace the cartridge with a new genuine Canon ink cartridge compatible with your model

  2. 2

    If you want to continue printing despite the warning press the Stop/Reset button to dismiss it — note that print quality may be affected

  3. 3

    If 168A appears the ink cartridge is not installed correctly — remove and reinstall it

Related Canon Printer (PIXMA) error codes

1

1000

The printer has run out of paper in the rear tray or cassette

easy
2

1003

No paper is loaded in the selected paper source

easy
3

1200

The printer cover or operation panel is open

easy
4

1300 / 1303 / 1304 / 1309 / 1310

Paper is jammed in the printer

easy

1682 / 1684 / 1686 / 1688 / 168A error — frequently asked questions

What does the 1682 / 1684 / 1686 / 1688 / 168A error mean on a Canon printer (pixma)?

The ink cartridge cannot be recognized — may be empty, incompatible, or non-genuine

What causes the 1682 / 1684 / 1686 / 1688 / 168A error?

The 1682 / 1684 / 1686 / 1688 / 168A error is usually caused by: The ink cartridge is empty or running very low; A non-genuine or third-party ink cartridge is installed that cannot be recognized; An incompatible ink cartridge was installed.

Can I fix the 1682 / 1684 / 1686 / 1688 / 168A error myself?

Yes — this is rated an easy fix that most people can do themselves, typically in 5m.

How much does it cost to fix the 1682 / 1684 / 1686 / 1688 / 168A error?

Fixing the 1682 / 1684 / 1686 / 1688 / 168A error on a Canon printer (pixma) typically costs $10–$30, depending on parts and whether you do it yourself or hire a technician.

Is it safe to keep using my printer (pixma) with the 1682 / 1684 / 1686 / 1688 / 168A error?

In most cases yes, but it's best to address the 1682 / 1684 / 1686 / 1688 / 168A error soon — see the fix steps below to resolve it.