Can you keep using it?
Can you keep using it?
Contact customer support if any of these apply
- !1688 returns after cartridges have been reseated or replaced.
- !The printer repeatedly flags cartridge problems across multiple replacements.
What to check first
Step-by-step checks
- 1
Safe first step
Press and hold Stop for at least five seconds if you need to continue printing with the remaining ink.
Start with the official recovery step before moving on to parts or deeper servicing.
- 2
Consumable check
Open the cover and replace any cartridge the printer identifies as empty.
- 3
Consumable check
Reinstall the cartridges carefully before retrying the job.
Background
What this message usually means
Canon uses support code 1688 when the TS4000 series detects an issue with one or more ink cartridges. The official guidance is either to disable ink-remaining detection with a five-second Stop-button press or to replace the cartridge that the printer reports as empty.
Before the message
What users usually notice first
Messages like this often appear after the printer fails one of its normal startup, supply, or paper-path checks and cannot return to ready state cleanly.
Diagnosis
Likely causes
An ink cartridge is empty or nearly empty.
The printer flagged a cartridge issue during ink-remaining detection.
A cartridge was not seated cleanly after installation.
Service
When service or replacement is more likely
- -Canon notes that continuing to print with low ink can reduce image quality.
Avoid wrong turns
Common misreads of this message
- -Treating the message like a confirmed failed part instead of a support clue about which system has stopped the printer.
- -Assuming any supply-related wording means the next step is automatically to buy a cartridge, toner, drum, or printhead.
See also
Related codes in this family
Explore more
More Canon printer families
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Boundary
When to stop troubleshooting and move to support
Use the message once to classify the problem, then move to support if the printer still cannot return to ready after the first safe checks.
Keep browsing
Where to go next
Source notes
Canon's TS4000 1688 page says the printer detected a cartridge issue and offers either a five-second Stop-button workaround or cartridge replacement.
Built from the TS4000-series support-code index and the individual TS4000 pages for the codes below. Canon wording can vary slightly by region, but the meanings are family-level Canon guidance.
Printer error codes can vary a little by firmware, region, and exact model variant. Use this guide as a family-level starting point and stop if the next step would require disassembly or service-mode changes.
Known family variants: TS4020, TS4025, TS4040, TS4050
Last reviewed: 2026-04-12
Reference: Open reference