If your Canon MG3100 suddenly refuses to print and shows a maintenance or service warning, the ink absorber counter may have reached its limit.

During head cleaning, surplus ink is routed to internal absorber pads. Canon MG3100 monitors this via a counter and can lock printing at a threshold.

This page is prepared for Canon MG3100. Service mode instructions are shown only when a matching series procedure is known.

Typical Signs

• ‘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 MG3100

If your Canon MG3100 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 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.

Maintenance Reminder

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

Need a reset solution?

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

Common Fixes

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