Canon MG5240 Ink Absorber Full Reset

The “Ink Absorber Full” / service required message on Canon MG5240 is common after many cleaning cycles. In most cases, a counter reset restores printing.

Ink absorber pads store waste ink during normal operation. Canon firmware tracks this using a software counter and may stop printing when it reaches the limit.

This page is prepared for Canon MG5240. Service mode instructions are shown only when a matching series procedure is known.

Common Symptoms

• 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 MG5240

Some Canon series require entering service mode before the ink absorber counter can be reset.

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.

Perform the Waste Ink Counter Reset

Once the counter is cleared, Canon MG5240 should exit the locked state and printing should resume normally.

Maintenance Reminder

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

Download & get started

Use a reliable USB connection and follow the steps in order.

Common Fixes

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

Frequently Asked Questions