1688PIXMA TR4720

Canon PIXMA TR4720 error 1688: Low Ink Solution

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 error 1688 is an alert notification stating that the ink level in a cartridge is critically low. This occurs primarily if you use refilled cartridges or are near the end of a brand-new set. Why is my Canon PIXMA TR4720 showing error 1688? Because the printer chip stores the ink-empty state, it will flag the cartridge regardless of physical fill level until the cartridge is replaced with one featuring a new, full-level chip.

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Common causes

  • 1Empty Reservoir: Ink levels have legitimately reached the bottom.
  • 2Chip Retention: Refilled cartridges keep the 'empty' flag from the previous cycle.
  • 3Third-Party Cartridge: Non-genuine chips that do not communicate correctly.
  • 4Faulty Chip: Physical damage to the cartridge copper contacts.

Solutions

Quick Diagnosis

When printing stops with error 1688, verify the status monitor on your connected device. If it points to an ink level issue, this confirms the error is related to the cartridge chip memory, typical for refilled units.

Step-by-step Solution

  1. Check Status: Confirm the error 1688 on the printer panel.
  2. Bypass: Locate the 'Stop' button (marked with a red triangle). Press and hold it for at least 5 seconds.
  3. Reset: The printer will temporarily bypass the reading, allowing normal function.

Prevention and Maintenance

Always check print quality before overriding the warning. Printing with an actually empty cartridge can cause permanent damage to the thermal printhead. If you notice washed-out colors or white lines, stop printing and replace the unit.

When to Call a Technician

This is a standard consumer-level message regarding ink levels. No technician is required. If the printer refuses to bypass the error after following these steps, confirm there is no firmware conflict by checking the official Canon website for updates.

Device Technical Specs

  • Technology: Thermal Inkjet.
  • Performance: 8.8 ipm black.
  • Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi.
  • Consumable System: PG-275 / CL-276 ink cartridges with integrated chips.
  • Recommended Use: Home and student tasks.
  • Official Drivers / Firmware

Steps to follow

  1. 1

    Identify the error

    The message indicates that one ink cartridge has reached its minimum ink level.

  2. 2

    Override

    Press and hold the 'Stop' button (a red triangle icon) for 5 seconds to bypass the warning.

  3. 3

    Resume

    The printer will ignore the low ink warning and resume your printing task.

Frequently asked questions

Error 1688 indicates that the ink level has reached the minimum limit. This often appears after refilling cartridges, as the chip remembers the previous empty status.

You can continue, but avoid printing when the cartridge is completely empty to prevent the printhead from overheating and failing.

This model requires PG-275 and CL-276 ink cartridges. Recilled cartridges will always trigger this error since the chip isn't replaced.

To permanently stop the warning, you must install new, original Canon ink cartridges.