In this guide
B200 is not the same as a low-ink warning or a cartridge-not-recognized code. Canon’s own PIXMA manual tells the user to power the machine off, disconnect it from power, and contact a service center. That short instruction matters: repeated power cycling, opening a hot print mechanism, or washing electronics can turn a diagnosable fault into liquid or electrical damage.
Confirm B200 before choosing a repair path
| What you see | What it changes | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| B200 on the printer or computer | Canon service-level printer error | Power off, unplug, document |
| E04/E05 or cartridge not recognized | Cartridge seating or compatibility path | Use the cartridge guide |
| E13/E16 or ink has run out | Ink status path | Follow the exact model prompt |
| Streaks but no B200 | Print-quality maintenance path | Nozzle check and supported cleaning |
Record the model, display, and timing
Photograph the complete message and find the model label, such as PIXMA MX, MG, TS, G, or PRO followed by its full number. Note whether B200 appeared at startup, during a print, after a cartridge change, or after a paper jam. Canon support pages are model-specific; advice for a removable-head printer can be unsafe or impossible on a model with a different ink system.
Use one controlled power-down
- Cancel any print job from the computer or phone if the queue still responds.
- Turn the printer off with its Power button.
- Disconnect the power cord from the printer or outlet as the model manual directs.
- Leave the printer closed and allow it to cool before moving it.
- Check Canon’s error finder or support page using the full model and B200.
On Canon models with fax memory, the manual warns that disconnecting power can delete stored faxes. If the machine is used for business faxing, document pending jobs and consult the exact manual before unplugging. This detail is often missing from generic B200 lists.
Do not confuse cartridges with proof of cause
A B200 message appearing after an ink change creates a useful timeline, but it does not prove the new cartridge caused the hardware error. Keep the packaging and cartridge names for support. Do not repeatedly swap tanks while the printer is reporting B200, and do not force the carriage by hand.
If the actual display says E04 or E05, follow the Canon FINE cartridge recognition guide. For E13 or E16, use the Canon ink-status guide. Treating those codes separately prevents unnecessary print-head or main-board service.
Why we do not recommend print-head washing
Search results commonly suggest removing the print head, rinsing it, taping contacts, or powering the printer with covers open. Canon’s B200 user instruction does not prescribe those procedures. Ink residue and cleaning liquid near electrical contacts can cause corrosion or shorts, and some heads are not user-removable. Opening the printer can also affect warranty or service eligibility.
Decide between service and replacement
Ask Canon or an authorized provider for the diagnostic fee, parts estimate, warranty on the repair, and whether the model still receives parts. Compare that total with a replacement printer that uses ink you can obtain locally. Include the value of unopened compatible supplies, duplexing, scanning, fax, and the cost of migrating workflows; do not compare purchase price alone.
If the printer is simply offline with no B200, use the Canon offline Wi-Fi and queue guide. A network queue problem can coexist with a printer error, but clearing Windows jobs cannot repair B200.
What to send Canon support
- Full PIXMA model and serial number, shared privately.
- Photo of B200 and any blinking lamp pattern.
- When it first appeared and the last successful print.
- Recent paper jam, cartridge change, move, or power event.
- Country, warranty status, and whether the unit stores faxes.
Frequently asked questions
Does B200 always mean the print head is bad?
Canon’s public instruction calls it an error requiring service; it does not let a user identify one failed part from the code alone.
Should I buy new cartridges first?
No. Cartridge codes have separate paths, and buying supplies does not confirm or clear a B200 hardware error.
Can I keep restarting until it prints?
No. Record the code, perform the controlled shutdown, and use model-specific service guidance instead of repeated cycles.
Sources and review
- Canon PIXMA manual: B200 action
- Canon USA knowledge base: B200 service instruction
- Canon USA: model-specific error code finder
Reviewed by the SMSM Hub editorial team on July 23, 2026. Service options and fax-memory behavior vary by model and market.