Canon G3400 Reset «2026 Update»
How to Reset Your Canon PIXMA G3400: A Complete Guide Canon PIXMA G3400
has suddenly stopped working, flashing its orange lights or displaying the dreaded 5B00 error code
, you aren't alone. This usually happens when the internal waste ink counter (often called the "ink absorber" or "pampers") reaches its limit.
While this error sounds serious, you can often fix it yourself. This guide covers how to perform a manual reset, enter service mode, and get back to printing. Understanding the 5B00 Error
The G3400 doesn't actually have a sensor in the ink pads; it uses a mathematical counter to estimate when they are full. When it hits 100%, the printer locks down to prevent potential ink leakage. A reset clears this digital counter so you can resume printing. JustAnswer Step 1: Entering Service Mode
To perform any deep reset, you must first put the printer into Service Mode . Follow these steps precisely: the printer, but keep it plugged in. Press and hold the Stop/Cancel (red triangle) button. While still holding , press and hold the button held, and release the
(some users report 6 times works better for certain G3400 firmware) while still holding Release the button. The green light should flash and then stay steady. Step 2: Resetting the Waste Ink Counter
Once the green light is stable and the printer is in Service Mode, you can manually reset the counter:
Complete Guide to Canon PIXMA G3400 Reset: Fixing Errors & Ink Issues
The Canon PIXMA G3400 is a reliable MegaTank printer, but technical glitches like the 5B00 error (ink absorber full) or P07 error can bring your productivity to a halt. Resetting your printer is often the quickest way to resolve these issues without a costly trip to a service center. canon g3400 reset
This guide covers everything from a simple factory reset to advanced service mode procedures for ink counter issues. 1. How to Perform a Factory Reset
A factory reset is best for clearing network problems, Wi-Fi glitches, or minor system errors. Method 1: Using Printer Buttons (Button-Only Models) If your model lacks an LCD screen, use this sequence: Turn on the printer. Press and hold the Stop button (red triangle). Count the Alarm lamp flashes: 24 flashes: Resets all machine settings. 23 flashes: Resets network/Wi-Fi settings only.
Release the button once the lamp has flashed the correct number of times. Method 2: Using the Setup Menu
If your G3400 has a small display or you are using the Canon IJ Printer Utility:
Whether you're facing a stubborn "ink absorber full" error ( ) or just need to clear your network settings, resetting a Canon PIXMA G3400
usually involves a specific sequence of button presses to enter Service Mode
Here is a breakdown of the most effective reset methods for this model. 1. The "Deep Reset" (Service Mode)
This is the standard procedure to resolve hardware-level lockouts, such as the 5B00 error (Support Code for a full ink absorber).
: Turn the printer off, but keep it plugged into the power source. Hold Stop + Power : Press and hold the Stop button (red triangle icon), then immediately press and hold the Power button Release Stop How to Reset Your Canon PIXMA G3400: A
: While still holding the Power button, release the Stop button. The 5-Press Sequence : While holding Power, press the Stop button Release All
: Release the Power button. The green light will flash for a moment and then stay solid, indicating the printer is in Service Mode Reset Counter : Once in Service Mode, press the Stop button 5 times , followed by the Power button 1 time . The printer should print a page showing to confirm the counter reset. 2. Resetting Wireless/Network Settings
If your printer isn't connecting to Wi-Fi, you can restore its network defaults without a full hardware reset. The Flash Method : Press and hold the Stop button until the Alarm lamp flashes , then release it. The Settings Menu (if available): Navigate through the Canon Setup Menu Device Settings Reset Setting JustAnswer 3. Hard Reset for General Errors
If the printer is just acting "glitchy" (not responding or stuck in a loop), try a hard power cycle: the power cable while the printer is still on. Hold the Power button for 30 seconds to drain remaining electricity. Plug it back in and power on as normal. MnogoChernil ⚠️ Important Maintenance Note If you reset the ink absorber counter
(Error 5B00), it's highly recommended to physically clean or replace the waste ink pads. The reset tells the software the pads are empty, but if they are physically saturated, they could eventually leak and damage the internal electronics. You can find replacement pads on sites like AliExpress MnogoChernil Does your printer have a specific Support Code Error Message on the screen right now?
Resetting your Canon PIXMA G3400 is a common maintenance task, typically required to clear the 5B00 error (full ink absorber) or to restore factory settings for network troubleshooting. How to Reset the Ink Absorber (Error 5B00)
The 5B00 error indicates that the waste ink counter has reached its limit. You can reset this manually by entering Service Mode: Enter Service Mode: Turn off the printer but keep it plugged in. Press and hold the Stop button (red triangle icon). While holding Stop, press and hold the Power button.
Release the Stop button, then press it 5 times while still holding the Power button.
Release both buttons. Wait for the green power light to stop flashing and stay solid. Execute the Reset: Press the Stop button 5 times. Diagnosis: Your physical pad is flooded
Press the Power button once. The printer will reset the internal counter and may print a page showing D=000.0, confirming the reset. Turn the printer off and then back on to exit Service Mode. Factory Reset (Settings & Network)
If you need to wipe all custom settings, such as Wi-Fi configurations or passwords, use these button combinations:
Initialize Network Settings: Press and hold the Stop button until the Alarm lamp flashes 23 times, then release it.
Full Hardware Reset: Press and hold the Stop button until the Alarm lamp flashes 24 times, then release it. This restores all machine settings to their original factory defaults. Resetting After Ink Filling
If you have just refilled the ink tanks and are seeing air bubbles in the tubes, you can trigger a system-wide ink flush:
The Canon PIXMA G3400 is a refillable ink tank printer. A "reset" typically refers to resetting its ink level detection after refilling the tanks, or performing a factory reset for error codes.
Here is the feature breakdown for resetting the G3400:
"I reset, but the error came back in a week"
- Diagnosis: Your physical pad is flooded. The printer re-senses the saturation quickly.
- Fix: You need the external waste tank (Part 7) or a new pad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Enter Service Mode
- Turn off the printer. Ensure it is connected via USB.
- Hold down the Stop/Reset button (the triangle inside a circle).
- While holding Stop/Reset, press and hold the Power button.
- Keep holding the Power button, but release the Stop/Reset button.
- While still holding the Power button, press the Stop/Reset button 5 times.
- Release the Power button.
- The green power light will flash and then stay solid. You are now in Service Mode.
Step 2: Run the Service Tool
- Extract the Service Tool (it is usually a .exe file called
ST_480.exeor similar). - Right-click the .exe file and select "Run as Administrator."
- Select your USB port from the dropdown menu at the top (usually "USB001" or similar).
- Look for a button labeled "Waste Ink Counter" or "Absorber Counter" .
- Click the "Set" or "Main" button next to the counter. (There are usually two: Main and Platen. Reset Main first).
- A progress bar will appear. The printer will make grinding noises for 10 seconds. This is normal.
- You should see a message: "A function was finished."
Step 3: Exit Service Mode
- Turn off the Canon G3400 using the power button.
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Turn the printer back on normally.
- The orange error light should be gone. Your printer is reset.
Step 1: Entering Service Mode
- Ensure the printer is powered off but plugged into the mains.
- Press and hold the Stop/Reset button.
- While holding Stop/Reset, press and hold the Power button. (Hold both buttons simultaneously).
- Release the Stop/Reset button while keeping the Power button held down.
- Press the Stop/Reset button 5 times. (You must do this rhythmically while holding Power).
- Release the Power button.
- The printer will enter Service Mode. The power light will usually flash or turn solid green, and the LCD (if applicable) may display "Idle."
Steps without PC:
- Turn on printer.
- Press and hold Resume/Cancel button for 15 seconds until power light flashes 3 times.
- Release — all network settings are erased.
What You Need:
- A Windows PC (Windows 10 or 11). This rarely works on Mac.
- A USB cable (Do not use WiFi for this procedure).
- The Canon Service Tool executable file (Download from a reputable tech forum).
Step-by-step:
- Download a compatible service tool (search for
Canon G3400 service tool 5B00). - Turn off the printer.
- Enter Service Mode:
- Hold Stop (red triangle) button.
- Press and hold Power button (don’t release Power yet).
- Release Stop button.
- Press Stop button 5 times (quickly).
- Release Power button.
- Lights will flash green → printer is in Service Mode.
- Connect via USB (do not use Wi-Fi for this step).
- Open the Service Tool → select G3400 model.
- Click “Main” (for waste ink counter) or “EEPROM clear”.
- Click “Set” or “Reset”.
- Turn printer off/on → error should be gone.
Full EEPROM reset (via Service Tool):
- Use Service Mode → EEPROM tab → “Clear all user settings”.
- This also resets ink counters (but not waste ink pad counter separately).
