If your Canon printer refuses to scan when an ink cartridge is empty or missing, this is a known limitation on many Canon inkjet models, especially in the PIXMA and MAXIFY series. The message may state:
- “Ink has run out. Replace the ink cartridge.”
- “Cannot scan. Ink cartridge is empty or missing.”
- “Support Code: 1688, 1660, U163, U041, U140, or 1403”
While scanning does not physically use ink, some Canon printers intentionally block all functions, including scanning, when ink levels are too low or not recognized.
Why This Happens
Canon inkjet printers often perform a cartridge check at startup, and will lock all functions, including scanning, for the following reasons:
- To prevent printhead damage due to lack of ink
- To enforce cartridge recognition, especially with third-party or refilled cartridges
- Due to firmware restrictions that block operation with empty or non-genuine ink
Workarounds and Fixes
1. Bypass the Ink Detection Warning (If Allowed)
For some models, you can override the ink warning and enable scanning (and even printing in some cases).
When prompted:
- Press and hold the “Stop/Reset” or “Resume” button on the printer for 5–10 seconds
- The warning should disappear, and ink level monitoring will be disabled for that cartridge
- Try scanning again
Note: This works on many PIXMA models, but not all. It does not restore printing, only disables the warning for other functions like scanning.
2. Temporarily Replace the Empty Cartridge
- If you have a used or partially filled cartridge, insert it even if it’s nearly empty
- The printer may allow scanning once it detects a valid cartridge
- After scanning, you can remove the cartridge if needed
3. Use Canon Software to Scan from the Computer
Sometimes, scanning via software works even when scanning from the printer’s panel is blocked.
Try:
- Canon IJ Scan Utility (PIXMA/MAXIFY)
- Canon MF Scan Utility (imageCLASS/imageRUNNER)
- Open the software on your computer and attempt to scan from there
This bypasses the printer’s control panel, which may enforce the ink check more strictly.
4. Use an All-Black or Grayscale Setting (If Printing is Also Blocked)
If the printer blocks printing and scanning due to a color cartridge being empty, some models allow limited use by:
- Changing print settings to Black Ink Only
- Disabling Color Printing in your driver preferences
However, this does not always restore scanning, especially when a required cartridge is fully empty.
5. Update Firmware (If Applicable)
In some cases, Canon has released firmware updates that adjust cartridge detection behavior.
- Visit Canon Support
- Search for your printer model
- Download and install any available firmware update
- Restart the printer and test scanning
When Scanning Without Ink Is Not Possible
For many Canon inkjet printers, scanning simply will not function if:
- Any required ink cartridge is completely empty or not recognized
- A cartridge is missing or incorrectly installed
- A third-party or refilled cartridge triggers a lockout error
In these cases, Canon disables scanning by design, and the only solution is to:
- Replace the empty cartridge
- Or override the warning (if your model supports it)
When to Contact Canon Support
Contact Canon support if:
- You’re using genuine ink but scanning is still blocked
- The printer fails to recognize a new cartridge
- You’re unsure whether your model supports bypassing the ink check
- The printer shows a support code preventing all operations
Canon can help confirm whether your model requires ink to scan, and may offer model-specific steps to resolve the issue.