by All Canon Printers are the most reputable printer brand for high-quality print output, and security. But even the smartest of the smart can fall into pitfalls. The Canon Printer Error U052 is one of the most annoying errors users encounter. This Error typically appears as: “The type of print head is incorrect” or “Print head is not installed” Now, in this article, we’ll describe to you the most common reasons for the U052 error and the proper steps to fix it. If all of those don’t work for you, then it could be a good time to contact Canon customer support for professional help.
Read: How To Fix Canon Printer Error Code 1688
What is the Canon Printer Error U052?
The U052 error is primarily associated with the print head assembly. Canon printers have many intricate components, and the print head is the one that places the ink on the page. What Causes “Printhead Error”? Here is when the printer is unable to detect a proper or workable print head. Common causes include:
- Improper installation of the print head
- This can be due to debris, moisture, or dried ink on any of the contacts
- Print head units that are defective or incompatible.
- Internal hardware issues.
You’re going to need these tools and materials
- A clean, lint-free cloth.
- A small flashlight or a bright light is needed to inspect the inside of the printer.
- Protective gloves (optional) to keep the ink from getting on hands.
- Genuine Canon ink cartridges (for compatibility guarantee).
How to Resolve Canon Printer Error U052 Every Step-by-Step Solution
1- Power Cycle the Printer
A simple restart is the first thing to try before you take more complex steps.
- Switch off your Canon printer and remove the power cable.
- Wait another 60 seconds to help drain any residual power.
- Reconnect the printer’s power supply and turn it on.
Check if the error no longer exists. Again, sometimes it’s just a simple reboot that can fix small electronic bugs.
2- Take off the Print Head and Reinstall It
If the Print head is, then you have to check the Print head itself.
- Open the printer’s upper cover or ink access panel to gain access to and expose the print head carriage.
- Take your ink cartridges out carefully and set them aside in a clean location.
- If your model features a print head latch, release it (refer to your printer manual for your specific model).
- This is where you are going to pull the print head out.
- Check for dirt, debris or even dried ink on the gold contacts, then clean them gently with a lint-free cloth.
- Insert the print head back into the carriage until it is properly seated
- Reinstall the ink cartridges and close the printer’s cover.
3- Clean the Contacts
Dirty or blocked electrical connections can cause the printer and print head to have communication problems.
- Power down the printer and disconnect from the wall outlet.
- Remove the print head and gently rub the gold contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth.
- Likewise, clean the matching required contacts within the printer.
- You want to ensure that no fibers or debris remain.
- Replace the print head and cartridges, and then switch the printer on again.
4- Ensure there are no Incompatible Ink Cartridges Installed
It cannot read them correctly, which can sometimes cause one of the Canon Printer Error U052 errors when you are using third-party or refilled cartridges. If possible:
- Remove existing ink cartridges.
- Install genuine Canon ink cartridges.
- Next, turn off the printer power it back on, and check if the error persists or not.
5- Printer Firmware Update or Reset
Firmware bugs can cause odd errors. The first thing to do is to go to the official Canon page and check if you own a model of a printer for which there is a firmware update.
- Follow the instructions from Canon to download and install the update.
- When this is done, reset the printer by following the instructions in the printer’s user manual after the update.
Seek Professional Assistance
If you have done all of the above and none have helped, the print head may be damaged or near its life expectancy. In some cases, there may be a better way forward through professional help. However, because this is a Canon printer error, you may want to contact Canon customer service, if that is your third-party of choice for printer issues. They can give you a professional diagnosis and they may be able to guide you through print head replacement or recommend an in-service.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to face the Canon printer Error U052 when it appears, but this is typically a problem with the process of elimination a simple problem that has a basic solution with some troubleshooting steps before throwing in the towel on the printer, namely cleaning and reseating the print head, checking for ink cartridge compatibility and checking for firmware updates. If none of the above are helpful, consider contacting a professional for support. Your first point of contact should be Canon’s support, but if you’ve had dealings with or purchased support plans from Canon in the past, then dialing up Canon customer support might be another way to achieve some results. After a little bit of tweaking and guidance, you’ll be back to smooth printing again and in no time.