Canon MG6890 Ink Absorber Full Reset

The “Ink Absorber Full” / service required message on Canon MG6890 is common after many cleaning cycles. In most cases, a counter reset restores printing.

During head cleaning, surplus ink is routed to internal absorber pads. Canon MG6890 monitors this via a counter and can lock printing at a threshold.

This page is prepared for Canon MG6890. 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 MG6890

To access maintenance functions, Canon MG6890 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.

Finalize the Reset and Restore Printing

Completing the reset clears the internal ink absorber counter stored in printer memory and restores normal operation.

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?

For best results, avoid rushing button presses—consistent timing matters.

If It Doesn’t Work

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

Frequently Asked Questions