Canon Printer Error Code E19 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E19 means paper is jammed in the automatic duplex printing unit. Duplex printing flips the page over to print on both sides. When paper gets stuck during the flip, E19 appears.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG7720
Canon PIXMA MG6820
Canon PIXMA TS9120
Canon PIXMA TS8320
Canon PIXMA MX922

Common Causes

The paper being used is too thick or stiff for duplex printing
The paper was slightly curled or damp and caught in the reversal mechanism
A multi-feed occurred and two pages entered the duplex unit at once
The duplex cover or tray was bumped open during a print job
The duplex roller mechanism has worn out and is not handling the paper flip correctly

How to Fix It

Turn the printer off right away. Do not try to print anything else while the jam is present.

Running the printer with a jammed duplex unit can damage the paper transport mechanism.
Open the rear cover or duplex access panel on the back of the printer.

On most Canon PIXMA models, there is a separate rear tray or panel for duplex access.
Gently pull out any jammed paper from the duplex area. Pull slowly and evenly.

If paper tears, remove every scrap. Even a tiny piece will cause E19 to return.
Also check the main paper path at the front of the printer — paper sometimes backs up there too.

Open the front cover and look for any paper that was not fully fed.
Close all covers, power the printer on, and try printing a single-sided page first.

If single-sided printing works fine, try duplex again with a fresh sheet of standard weight paper.

When to Call a Professional

If clearing the jam does not resolve E19, the duplex roller assembly may be worn. This repair involves removing the duplex unit and replacing rollers. Expect to pay $50 to $100 at a Canon service center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any paper thickness for duplex printing?

No. Duplex printing works best with paper between 75 and 90 gsm. Heavier cardstock or photo paper often causes jams in the duplex unit. Check Canon's specifications for your model to see the recommended paper weight.

E19 only happens on the second side of a two-sided print. Is that normal?

Yes, E19 specifically affects the second pass through the printer. The paper is being flipped over and fed back in, which is where the jam occurs. This is why single-sided printing on the same paper may work fine.

My printer worked fine for months and now suddenly gets E19 every time. Why?

The duplex rollers wear out over time, especially with heavy use. As the rubber wears, it loses grip and starts mishandling the paper during the flip. Cleaning the rollers with a damp cloth may help temporarily, but eventually they may need replacement.