The “Ink Absorber Full” / service required message on Canon G3800 is common after many cleaning cycles. In most cases, a counter reset restores printing.

Inside Canon printers, absorber pads collect excess ink from cleaning and maintenance cycles. The printer uses an internal counter to estimate pad saturation.

This page is prepared for Canon G3800. Service mode instructions are shown only when a matching series procedure is known.

Common Symptoms

• ‘Ink Absorber Full’ / ‘Service Required’ message
• Support/service code (varies by series)
• Printing blocked after cleaning cycles
• Reset required to continue printing

How to Enter Service Mode on Canon G3800

If your Canon G3800 supports service mode reset, follow the steps below before performing the counter 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 5 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.

Clear the Ink Absorber / Waste Ink Counter

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

Before You Continue

Resetting the counter does not physically clean the absorber pads. For heavy usage, pads may eventually need cleaning or replacement.

Download & get started

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

Common Fixes

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