Canon lists 1688 as an ink-out condition. The printer may block normal printing to prevent unreliable output or protect the print system.
What 1688 means
Canon lists 1688 as an ink-out condition. The printer may block normal printing to prevent unreliable output or protect the print system.
What you may notice
- Printing stops
- The Alarm lamp flashes repeatedly
- A cartridge warning appears
- One color is missing or very faint
Most likely causes
- 01A cartridge is empty
- 02A cartridge was not recognized
- 03Protective tape remains
- 04The cartridge is incompatible or damaged
Safe checks, in order
Start with the simplest non-invasive check. Stop as soon as the error clears; repeated resets can hide a condition without correcting it.
Identify the cartridge
Use the display or computer message to determine which cartridge needs attention.
Open the access cover
Wait for the holder to stop at the replacement position.
Replace as directed
Use a compatible cartridge, remove the specified protective material, and seat it until it locks.
Close and align
Close the cover and complete any alignment the printer requests.
Know where to stop
Do not touch electrical contacts or print-head nozzles. Keep ink away from eyes and fabrics.
When to call a technician or support
Seek support if a new compatible cartridge is not recognized or the holder does not move to the replacement position.
When you call, have the exact product or vehicle model, model year where relevant, the complete code or symbol, and when it appeared.
Where this information came from
We use the manufacturer's current published guidance as the starting point, then organize it into a safer, beginner-friendly sequence.
Canon PIXMA manual — error and support-code table Source last checked August 16, 2026. Manufacturer instructions and model manuals take priority over this independent summary.