Canon MG3500 Ink Absorber Full Reset

Canon MG3500 can lock printing when the waste ink (ink absorber) counter hits a predefined threshold. This guide explains how to reset it.

During head cleaning, surplus ink is routed to internal absorber pads. Canon MG3500 monitors this via a counter and can lock printing at a threshold.

This page is prepared for Canon MG3500. Service mode instructions are shown only when a matching series procedure is known.

What You May Notice

• Service / maintenance warning on the screen or driver
• Printer refuses to print even with ink available
• Blinking lights and queued jobs fail
• Error reappears after restart

How to Enter Service Mode on Canon MG3500

To access maintenance functions, Canon MG3500 may need to be placed in service mode first.

1. Turn the printer OFF.
2. Press and hold Stop/Reset.
3. While holding Stop/Reset, press and hold Power.
4. Release Stop/Reset (keep holding Power).
5. Press Stop/Reset 6 times.
6. Release Power — the printer should enter service mode.

If it doesn’t work, repeat the sequence carefully. The press count depends on the series.

Reset the Ink Absorber Counter

Once the counter is cleared, Canon MG3500 should exit the locked state and printing should resume normally.

Important Notes

If absorber pads are truly saturated, ignoring maintenance can lead to ink leakage inside the printer. The counter reset only removes the software lock.

Need a reset solution?

If your model does not show a service mode section, it means no matching procedure was found for its series.

Common Fixes

• Close other Canon printer utilities while resetting.
• Try a different USB cable/port if using PC software.
• Power-cycle the printer and try again.
• Repeat the service mode steps carefully (timing matters).
• Use the correct Stop/Reset press count for your series.

Frequently Asked Questions