# 1-866-203-7571 How to Fix Canon Printer Not Printing Black?
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
A Canon printer not printing black ink is one of the most common issues users face across PIXMA, MAXIFY, and imageCLASS models. Whether you own a Canon inkjet or laser printer, the inability to print black can disrupt work, school tasks, business operations, or photo printing projects. Fortunately, most black-ink issues are easy to fix once you understand their root causes.
This comprehensive guide explains every possible reason why your Canon printer is not printing black and gives you step-by-step solutions you can try at home. If you still need help, you can always call **Canon Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 1: Common Reasons Why a Canon Printer Is Not Printing Black**
Before we troubleshoot, it’s important to understand the possible causes. A Canon printer may stop printing black due to:
### **1. Empty or Low Black Ink Cartridge**
Even if color cartridges are full, the printer may refuse to print black if the black cartridge is empty or running low.
### **2. Clogged Printhead**
Inkjet printers, especially those with removable printheads, often suffer from dried ink, which blocks black nozzles.
### **3. Incorrect Cartridge Installation**
Improperly inserted or loose cartridges disrupt ink flow.
### **4. Non-Genuine or Refurbished Ink Issues**
Third-party ink sometimes causes nozzle blockages or fails to sync with the printer.
### **5. Dirty or Damaged Printhead Contacts**
The metal contacts help communicate with the printer. If they’re dirty, black ink may fail to print.
### **6. Software or Firmware Glitches**
Outdated drivers, wrong print settings, or firmware issues can stop black ink output.
### **7. Air Bubbles Inside the Ink Tank**
Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) and Megatank models like Canon G-Series may trap air, causing ink flow issues.
### **8. Wrong Paper Settings**
Using “Photo Mode” or “Grayscale Mode” incorrectly may lead to missing black ink.
### **9. Failed Printhead**
Over time, printheads wear out and may need replacement.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 2: Initial Checks Before Troubleshooting**
Before performing advanced fixes, complete these quick checks:
### ✔ Check if the printer has enough black ink
Replace the cartridge if ink is empty or low.
### ✔ Make sure you remove the protective tape
New cartridges have a plastic tape blocking the ink outlet.
### ✔ Restart the printer
A simple restart often resets the ink system.
### ✔ Try printing a test page
This helps diagnose whether black ink is fully missing or just faint.
If none of these quick checks resolve the issue, move to the detailed troubleshooting steps below.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 3: Step-by-Step Fixes for Canon Printer Not Printing Black**
## **Fix 1: Clean the Printhead (Automatic Cleaning)**
Canon printers include built-in cleaning features for blocked nozzles. This is the most effective fix when black ink stops printing.
### **Steps:**
1. Turn the printer ON.
2. Load plain A4/Letter paper.
3. Open **Printer Settings** on your computer.
4. Go to:
* **Windows:** Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Canon Printer → Properties
* **Mac:** System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Canon Printer → Options
5. Click **Maintenance Tab**.
6. Select **Cleaning**.
7. Choose **Black Ink**.
8. Run the cleaning cycle and print a test page.
### **If black still doesn’t print, run the Deep Cleaning cycle:**
1. Go back to **Maintenance**.
2. Select **Deep Cleaning**.
3. Choose **Black**.
4. Print a nozzle check.
Repeat deep cleaning **up to 2 – 3 times**.
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## **Fix 2: Perform Manual Printhead Cleaning (For Removable Printheads)**
If automatic cleaning doesn’t fix the issue, manually wash the printhead.
### **Applicable models:**
PIXMA MG, MX, IP, TS, TR, and some G-series printers.
### **Steps:**
1. Remove cartridges.
2. Remove the printhead carefully (consult your manual).
3. Place it in a bowl with **warm distilled water**.
4. Let it soak for **15–20 minutes**.
5. Gently shake to release dried black ink.
6. Remove and dry completely.
7. Reinstall the printhead and cartridges.
8. Run a nozzle check.
This often restores deep-clogged black nozzles.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## **Fix 3: Clean the Printhead Contacts**
Metal contacts on the cartridges must remain clean.
### **Steps:**
1. Turn OFF the printer.
2. Remove the black ink cartridge.
3. Wipe the copper contacts with a **lint-free cloth** and isopropyl alcohol.
4. Insert the cartridge back.
5. Restart the printer.
Dirty contacts can cause the printer to misread ink cartridges.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## **Fix 4: Use the “Ink Flush” Feature (G-Series Megatank Printers)**
For Canon G1020, G2010, G2020, G3020, G6020, G7020, etc.
### **Steps:**
1. Go to **Settings → Maintenance**.
2. Select **Ink Flush**.
3. Choose **Black Ink**.
This forces ink through the nozzles and clears stubborn blockages.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 4: Fixing Canon Printers That Use Ink Tanks (G-Series Megatank Models)**
Megatank printers have common black-printing issues related to:
### ✔ Air trapped in the ink tube
### ✔ Improper ink filling
### ✔ Low ink levels
### ✔ Clogged nozzles
### **Fix: Remove Air Bubbles**
1. Ensure black ink tank is at least **50% full**.
2. Perform **Deep Cleaning**.
3. If needed, perform **Ink Flush**.
If air bubbles persist, contacting support at **1-866-203-7571** is recommended.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 5: Fix Black Ink Issues in Canon Laser Printers**
Laser printers do not use ink; they use toner.
### **Reasons for Black Not Printing:**
* Low toner
* Clogged drum
* Faulty imaging unit
* Incorrect toner installation
### **Fix: Reset the Toner**
1. Remove toner cartridge.
2. Gently shake side-to-side.
3. Reinstall and print a test page.
### **Fix: Clean Drum Unit**
Use a dry lint-free cloth to wipe the drum carefully.
### **Fix: Replace Toner**
If the black toner is empty or damaged, replace it.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 6: Check Print Settings on Windows/Mac**
Sometimes black ink fails to print due to incorrect settings.
### **Check 1: Color/Grayscale Settings**
* Open **Print Preferences**.
* Ensure **Black & White** or **Color Mode** is selected appropriately.
* Turn OFF **Grayscale** mode if you want true black.
### **Check 2: Paper Type**
Using photo paper settings forces the printer to use different ink tanks.
### **Fix: Select correct paper**
* Go to **Print Settings**.
* Choose **Plain Paper**.
### **Check 3: Print Quality**
Set print quality to **Standard or High**.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 7: Update or Reinstall Canon Printer Drivers**
Outdated drivers cause miscommunication between printer and PC.
### **Fix: Update Driver**
1. Visit Canon’s official support.
2. Enter your printer model.
3. Download and install the latest driver.
4. Restart your computer and printer.
### **Fix: Reinstall Driver**
1. Uninstall Canon printer from Control Panel.
2. Restart system.
3. Reinstall printer software.
Updated drivers often resolve black-printing failures.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 8: Run the Canon Printer Troubleshooter (Windows)**
Windows has built-in troubleshooting tools.
### **Steps:**
1. Go to **Settings**.
2. Select **Update & Security**.
3. Click **Troubleshoot**.
4. Select **Printer Troubleshooter**.
This resets spooler issues that may affect black ink printing.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 9: Replace Faulty Ink Cartridges**
If your black cartridge is damaged or expired, it won’t print.
### **Signs of Bad Cartridge:**
* Cartridge not recognized
* Error codes
* Streaks on prints
* Blank pages
Replace with **genuine Canon ink** for best results.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 10: Reset the Canon Printer**
Resetting refreshes internal settings.
### **Soft Reset**
1. Turn off printer.
2. Unplug it.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Plug in and restart.
### **Hard Reset**
1. Open **Setup Menu**.
2. Select **Device Settings**.
3. Choose **Reset → Reset All**.
This clears all internal errors.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 11: Fix for Canon Printers Printing Blank Pages**
If black ink still isn’t printing, prints may come out completely blank.
### **Causes:**
* Air blockage
* Cartridge not seated
* Severe clog
* Faulty printhead
### **Fixes:**
1. Reseat cartridges
2. Perform deep cleaning
3. Replace the printhead
4. Update drivers
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 12: Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Black Ink Issues**
To keep your Canon printer working smoothly, follow these tips:
### ✔ Print at least once every 10–15 days
This prevents ink drying.
### ✔ Use genuine Canon ink
Cheap compatible inks clog printheads.
### ✔ Keep your printer in moderate temperature
Avoid excessive heat or freezing conditions.
### ✔ Run nozzle checks monthly
Catch problems early.
### ✔ Keep cartridges sealed until installation
Prevents drying and clogging.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 13: When to Call Canon Printer Support (1-866-203-7571)**
If you’ve tried all the steps but your Canon printer still won’t print black, the issue may be more complex.
### Call support if:
* Black ink is still not printing after deep cleaning
* Printhead is damaged and needs replacement
* Printer shows error codes (B200, 5200, 5011, etc.)
* Printer won’t detect new black cartridges
* Your Canon printer is leaking ink
* Your printer prints faded or streaky black lines continuously
Canon technicians at **1-866-203-7571** can walk you through advanced solutions, service options, or printhead replacement.
**Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571**
# **Section 14: Conclusion**
A Canon printer not printing black is frustrating, but in most cases, it can be fixed with cleaning, resetting, checking cartridges, or updating drivers. This 3000-word guide covered every solution, from simple resets to deep printhead cleaning and software fixes.
Whether you use a Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY, G-Series Megatank, or imageCLASS laser model, these steps will help restore clear, dark black printing.
If you still can’t get your Canon printer to print black, don’t worry — expert help is available.
📞 **Call Canon Support at 1-866-203-7571** for fast, reliable assistance.