Canon Printer Error Code E14 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The E14 error means one or more ink cartridges in your Canon printer are not being recognized. The printer cannot read the cartridge's electronic chip. This is usually caused by dirty contacts, an improperly installed cartridge, or a defective cartridge.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA TS3500 Series
Canon PIXMA MG2500 Series
Canon PIXMA TR4700 Series
Canon PIXMA TS5300 Series
Canon PIXMA G7000 Series

Common Causes

The ink cartridge is not seated properly in its slot and the contacts are not making good connection
The electronic contacts on the cartridge or inside the printer are dirty with dried ink or dust
The cartridge's electronic chip is damaged or scratched from handling
A protective tape or cap was not fully removed from the cartridge before installing it
The cartridge is defective — it arrived from the store with a faulty chip

How to Fix It

Open the printer cover and wait for the carriage to move to the center. Remove all ink cartridges.

Handle the cartridges carefully — do not touch the gold or copper contacts with your fingers.
Check each cartridge for any remaining protective tape or orange caps. Remove anything that is still covering the contacts or ink outlets.

New cartridges come with tape over the contacts and a cap over the ink outlet. Both must be removed.
Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water to gently wipe the gold or copper contacts on each cartridge.

Do not use rubbing alcohol or paper towels — alcohol can damage the chip and paper towels leave fibers.
Also clean the matching contacts inside the printer's cartridge slots using the same method.

These are small metal pins or pads inside each slot that touch the cartridge contacts.
Let everything dry for two minutes, then reinstall each cartridge firmly until you hear a click. Close the cover and check if the error clears.

If one specific cartridge keeps causing the error, try replacing it with a new genuine Canon cartridge.

When to Call a Professional

The E14 error is almost always fixable at home by cleaning contacts or replacing the cartridge. If genuine Canon cartridges still trigger E14 after cleaning, the cartridge slot inside the printer may be damaged. A technician can repair or replace the carriage for $40 to $80.

Frequently Asked Questions

I just bought this cartridge and it shows E14. Is it defective?

Not necessarily. First make sure you removed all protective tape and orange caps from the cartridge. Then clean the contacts and reinstall it firmly. If it still shows E14, the cartridge may indeed be defective — return it for a replacement.

Why does the E14 error come back after I reinstall the cartridge?

The contacts may still be dirty, or the cartridge is not clicking fully into place. Try cleaning both the cartridge contacts and the printer slot contacts again. If the problem persists with the same cartridge, it is likely a faulty chip.

Is E14 the same as E04?

They are very similar. Both mean the printer cannot detect or read a cartridge. The exact code depends on which cartridge slot is affected and your printer model. The troubleshooting steps are the same for both errors.