The “Ink Absorber Full” / service required message on Canon MP638 is common after many cleaning cycles. In most cases, a counter reset restores printing.

During head cleaning, surplus ink is routed to internal absorber pads. Canon MP638 monitors this via a counter and can lock printing at a threshold.

This page is prepared for Canon MP638. 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

Finalize the Reset and Restore Printing

After service mode is enabled (if required), the waste ink counter can be reset using a supported reset procedure/software.

Important Notes

Treat the reset as a maintenance step. If your printer has extremely high usage, consider cleaning/replacing absorber pads to avoid overflow.

Download & get started

If your model does not show a service mode section, it means no matching procedure was found for its series.

If It Doesn’t Work

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

FAQ