Canon Printer Error B200: Complete Fix Guide

Quick Fix

Canon printer error B200? Turn off printer, open the cover, and move the print head to the center. Clean the print head contacts with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Remove and reseat all ink cartridges. Close cover and turn on. If error persists, the print head may need replacement.

What Is Canon Error B200?

Error B200 on Canon PIXMA printers indicates a print head malfunction. The printer detects abnormal temperature or voltage from the print head. This can be caused by clogged nozzles, faulty cartridges, electrical issues, or a failing print head that needs replacement.

Method 1: Power Cycle with Cover Open

Reset the print head position.

1. Turn off the printer
2. Open the printer cover
3. Wait for print head to move to center
4. Unplug printer from power
5. Wait 5 minutes
6. Plug in and turn on with cover still open
7. Close cover when print head moves

Method 2: Remove and Reseat Cartridges

Poor cartridge contact causes B200.

1. Open printer cover
2. Remove all ink cartridges
3. Inspect cartridge contacts for ink or debris
4. Clean contacts with dry lint-free cloth
5. Reinstall cartridges firmly until they click
6. Close cover and test

Method 3: Clean Print Head Contacts

Dirty contacts cause communication errors.

1. Remove all cartridges
2. Lift print head latch to release print head
3. Remove print head carefully
4. Clean gold contacts with isopropyl alcohol
5. Clean contacts in printer where head sits
6. Let dry completely before reinstalling

Method 4: Run Print Head Cleaning

Clogged nozzles trigger B200.

1. If printer works temporarily, go to maintenance
2. Select Deep Cleaning
3. Run cleaning cycle 2-3 times
4. Print a nozzle check pattern
5. Check if all colors print correctly

Method 5: Try Different Cartridges

Faulty cartridge can cause B200.

1. Remove the color cartridges, leave only black
2. Try printing in black only
3. If it works, one color cartridge is bad
4. Try new genuine Canon cartridges
5. Third-party cartridges often cause B200

Method 6: Soak the Print Head

Dissolve dried ink clogs.

1. Remove print head from printer
2. Fill shallow dish with warm distilled water
3. Place print head nozzles down in water
4. Soak for 4-8 hours or overnight
5. Dry completely with lint-free cloth
6. Reinstall and test

Method 7: Check for Ink Overflow

Excess ink causes electrical issues.

1. Open printer and inspect inside
2. Look for ink puddles or spills
3. Clean excess ink with paper towels
4. Check waste ink absorber pad
5. Replace absorber if saturated

Method 8: Update Printer Firmware

Firmware bugs can trigger false B200.

1. Download Canon IJ Printer Assistant
2. Connect printer via USB (not WiFi)
3. Check for firmware updates
4. Install any available updates
5. Restart printer

Method 9: Replace Print Head

Failing print head is common cause.

1. Confirm print head model number (eg. QY6-0082)
2. Purchase replacement from Canon or third party
3. Cost typically $30-80
4. Remove old print head
5. Install new one and run alignment

Method 10: Factory Reset Printer

Clear all settings and errors.

1. Turn off printer
2. Hold Stop/Reset button
3. While holding, press Power button
4. Release Stop after 5 seconds, keep holding Power
5. Press Stop 5 times, then release Power
6. Wait for reset to complete

FAQ

Is Canon B200 error fixable?

Yes, in most cases. Start with cleaning the print head and cartridge contacts. About 60% of B200 errors are fixed by cleaning. If cleaning fails, replacing the print head (around $50) usually resolves it.

Can I use my Canon printer with B200 error?

No, the printer won’t function with B200 displayed. The error must be resolved before printing. Some users report temporarily bypassing by holding certain buttons, but this doesn’t fix the underlying issue.

Why did my Canon printer suddenly show B200?

B200 often appears after not using the printer for a while (dried ink), after installing new cartridges (especially non-Canon), or when the print head reaches end of life. Regular printing prevents ink drying.