Check the error
Confirm that the MX868 shows a waste ink or absorber warning, not an unrelated mechanical or cartridge error.
Canon MX868 · waste ink absorber reset
Canon MX868 Resetter: Clear Waste Ink Counter
Canon MX868 error 5B00 or 1700 points to the internal waste ink tracking system. The practical fix is to prepare the printer correctly, enter its model-appropriate service mode and clear the electronic counter through a direct USB connection.
2-press service modeWindows 7–11Direct USB onlyOfficial WIC software
The download is free. One unused key completes one reset and has no expiry date before use. Orders are normally delivered automatically by email in about one minute.
Quick diagnosis
Canon MX868 reset in three controlled stages
Enter service mode
Use the 2-press sequence shown below and wait for Windows to detect the printer.
Reset and restart
Run WIC Reset Connect, keep USB stable, then switch the printer off for at least 10 seconds before normal startup.
Before using a key: the printer must have no pending jobs or unrelated errors. Use one direct USB connection and leave only the target Canon MX868 connected.
Understand the warning
Why Canon MX868 shows errors 5B00–5B04 or 1700
The Canon MX-series office all-in-one estimates how much waste ink has been collected during cleaning and maintenance. When the programmed limit is reached, the printer may display 1700 as an advance warning or stop with 5B00 and a waste ink absorber message. The reset clears that electronic counter; it does not fix an unrelated print-head, cartridge or power fault.
For this Canon model, WIC Reset Connect performs the counter operation after service mode is accepted. Do not enter the Connect key into WIC Reset Utility. Disconnect other Epson and Canon equipment, keep only the MX868 attached and wait for a clear success message before restarting.
Official developer
Use the official WIC Reset Connect download and a key intended for this workflow, with technical support available if the program returns an error.
Reset guarantee
Keep the program message and order details if a valid attempt fails. A failed attempt can be reviewed instead of repeating random steps.
No pre-use expiry
An unused activation key does not expire. One key is consumed by one completed reset on one supported printer.
Resettable Canon absorber codes: on supported models, WIC Reset Connect can clear the waste ink counter behind Canon support codes 5B00, 5B01, 5B02, 5B03 and 5B04. The exact code displayed depends on the printer and region.
Physical maintenance still matters: software resets the electronic counter only. If ink is leaking or the absorber/pads are saturated, clean or replace the maintenance components before continued printing.
Step-by-step procedure
How to put Canon MX868 into service mode
Read the complete sequence before touching the buttons. The correct count and button type are model-dependent, so the instructions below are tied to the Canon MX868.
Power off and connect USB
Turn off the Canon MX868, leave power connected, clear pending jobs and use a direct USB data cable to the Windows computer.
Hold STOP/RESET
Press and hold the STOP/RESET button. Depending on the control panel, it may show a triangle inside a circle.
Hold POWER
While STOP/RESET remains held, press and hold POWER. Wait a moment, then release STOP/RESET while continuing to hold POWER.
Press STOP/RESET 2 times
With POWER still held, press and release STOP/RESET exactly 2 times. Count deliberately; using a sequence from another Canon model can prevent service mode.
Release POWER and wait
After the final press, wait briefly and release POWER. Do not start the reset until the printer settles and Windows detects the service-mode device.
Use the complete Canon reset manual and the Canon service-mode reference.
Requirements and common mistakes
Prepare the Canon MX868 before activation
Required setup
- Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11 computer.
- Direct USB data cable connected without a hub or splitter.
- Only the target Canon MX868 connected; remove other Epson or Canon equipment.
- No pending print documents and no unrelated printer error.
- Stable power for the complete reset and restart.
- Correct model-specific service mode before opening Connect.
Avoid these failed attempts
- Do not use Wi-Fi or a network-only connection.
- Do not enter a Connect key into WIC Reset Utility.
- Do not disconnect USB or power while the program is writing.
- Do not confuse a waste ink warning with a print-head or cartridge failure.
- Do not repeat head cleaning unnecessarily after the reset.
- Save the complete message or log before asking for support.
You can also open the video instruction library or verify another model in the supported printer finder.
Troubleshooting
If the Canon MX868 reset does not start
Printer is not detected
Change to a direct motherboard USB port, remove hubs, try another data-capable cable and disconnect other Canon or Epson devices. Restart Windows if the maintenance device was not installed correctly.
The printer still shows another error
Write down the exact code and check cartridges, paper path and power status. WIC Reset Connect cannot bypass an unrelated fault that prevents the printer from reaching the required maintenance state.
The connection stopped during reset
Do not repeatedly reuse random software or button combinations. Save the log, screenshot and key details. If a valid attempt was interrupted, use the replacement-key request or contact support.
Warning returns after restart
Confirm that the program reported success and that the printer was switched off for about 10 seconds. Check the exact counter or error again rather than assuming every service message is the waste ink counter.
Frequently asked questions
Canon MX868 reset FAQ
How do I reset the Canon MX868 waste ink counter?
Prepare a direct USB connection, enter the correct 2-press service mode and run WIC Reset Connect with one valid key. Restart the printer after the success message.
Can this reset Canon MX868 errors 5B00–5B04?
The procedure is intended for waste ink absorber counter conditions associated with support codes 5B00, 5B01, 5B02, 5B03 and 5B04, plus related absorber warnings such as 1700. It does not repair a cartridge, scanner, paper-feed or print-head fault.
Can Canon MX868 be reset over Wi-Fi?
No. Service-mode communication requires a direct USB data connection to a Windows 7–11 computer.
Can I reset Canon MX868 with buttons only?
The button sequence enters service mode. WIC Reset Connect performs the electronic counter reset after Windows detects the printer.
How many STOP/RESET presses does Canon MX868 use?
The verified procedure used for this page requires 2 presses. Follow the sequence exactly and do not substitute instructions for another model.
Does an unused reset key expire?
No. An unused WIC Reset Connect key has no expiry date before use. One key completes one reset.
Does software replace the physical absorber?
No. The program clears the electronic counter. A saturated or leaking absorber must be cleaned or replaced before continued printing.
What should I save if the reset fails?
Keep the order email, key, screenshot and complete program message or log. Do not repeatedly change the procedure without recording the result.
Ready to continue?
Reset the Canon MX868 with the correct workflow
Confirm the model, connection and printer status first. Then use WIC Reset Connect with one activation key and keep the result message until the printer has restarted normally.