Canon B200 Error: What It Is and How to Fix It

Updated June 20, 2019

It can be incredibly frustrating when you need to print something important and an error code pops up. One of the most feared Canon printer errors is B200, which can indicate a potentially catastrophic error with the device.

Don't go junking it immediately, however; printers are expensive, and there are a few methods to try to fix the error before you start shopping for a new printer.

What Causes the Canon B200 Error?

At its most basic level, the B200 error indicates a faulty print head. A print head is the part that actually distributes the ink from the cartridges onto the paper, meaning it's one of the most important parts in the entire printer.

Print heads are notoriously problematic, especially on cheaper printers, so a B200 error means there's some problem with the print head the printer is reading as a catastrophic error.

How Can I Fix the Canon B200 Error?

There are several things you can do to try to fix a faulty print head. Try these fixes before you go replacing your entire device.

Reset printer. Unplug your printer and leave it disconnected for at least 30 minutes. Sometimes a good reset will do the trick, as it allows the printer to cool down and reset everything to its proper position when you turn it back on.
Remove any obstructions. There's a possibility something is disrupting the connection to your printer head. Open the door of your printer and the print head should move so you have access to it. Carefully disconnect it and lift it out of the printer.

There's usually a lever on the printer head you press to remove it.
Clean printer head using your PC's printer maintenance options.
Manually clean print head. Use either pure alcohol or a non oil-based cleaner to clean the gold contacts on the print head. Use a microfiber cloth to rub the cleaner onto the contacts, then let it sit out a bit to dry completely before reconnecting.

Print heads are very fragile - handle with care!
Remove old ink. There may be hardened ink trapped inside the print head. Run it under hot tap water until the water comes out clean. Dab it dry with a paper towel, then reinsert the head into the printer.
Re-install your printer drivers. Find your device on the official Canon support page and follow the directions for updating your drivers.
Try a new ink cartridge. Faulty cartridges rarely trigger this error, but it can happen. Refer to your user manual for this process regarding your specific device.
If none of the above methods work, then the B200 error is probably accurate. It is time to go shopping for a new printer.

While it's possible to find the part you need and install it, the cost of a new print head will run you about the same as buying an entirely new printer.