Canon MG3620 BK Orange Light? – Learn How to Fix

Finn Wheatley Updated on
canon mg3620 bk orange light

Have you encountered the dreaded Canon MG3620 BK orange light? Don’t worry!

The flashing orange light on the operation panel often indicates an error with your printer. Depending on the cause of the error, it will flash in different patterns. 

To resolve your Canon MG3620 orange light error, you must check if there’s enough paper in the input tray. You also want to replace any cartridges that are out of ink so your printer starts working again.

Now, let’s work together to troubleshoot the issue you’re facing. 

Quick Solutions to Canon MG3620 Flashing Orange Light

a quick solutions to canon mg3620 flashing orange light

To fix the Canon MG3620 BK orange light error, you need to identify the cause of the problem.

Once you determine that, follow these troubleshooting steps:

#1: Make Sure There’s Enough Paper in the Tray

If you’re experiencing the orange light error, it’s likely due to your printer running out of paper.

Feeding issues can also cause this, and that’s why you want to ensure you have enough paper in the tray and they’re loaded correctly. 

  1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
  2. Open the front tray and extend it fully. 
  3. Load your paper in portrait orientation with the print side facing down. 
  4. Align the paper correctly and slide it in until it stops.
  5. Adjust the paper guides so they fit snugly around the paper stack.
  6. Plug in the printer and turn it on.
  7. Press the Black or Color button to resume printing.
Note: Before printing, align the paper correctly and adjust the printer settings for better-quality prints. 

#2: Match the Paper Size Setting with the Paper in the Tray

match the paper size settings

A mismatch between the paper size setting on your computer or device and the paper size loaded in the tray will also cause an error.

To resolve this, ensure that the two settings match before printing again. 

For Windows Users:

  1. Open the document or file you want to print.
  2. Select Print from the File menu or press Ctrl+P.
  3. Select your printer model in the print dialog box.
  4. Click Preferences, then Page Setup. 
  5. Under Page Size, select the same size as the paper loaded in the tray.
  6. Click OK to save your settings.
  7. Close the window and click Print. 

For Mac Users:

  1. Open the document or file you want to print. 
  2. Select Print from the File menu or press Command+P.
  3. Select your printer model in the print dialog box.
  4. Click Show Details, then Paper Handling.
  5. Under Paper Size, select the same size as the paper loaded in the tray.
  6. Click Print to start printing.  

#3: Verify Cartridges are Installed Correctly

verify if cartridges are installed

If you repeatedly see the orange light error message, the cartridges may not be properly installed.

They may have become loose, so double-check that they are firmly in place. To fix this, verify and reseat the cartridges if necessary.

  1. Turn on the printer and open the paper output cover. 
  2. Push up the ink cartridge lock lever.
  3. If the cartridges are not installed properly, remove them. 
  4. Then, install them again.
  5. Close the paper output cover.
  6. Press the Black or Color button to resume printing.

Here’s how to remove and install the cartridges:

  1. Hold the cartridge by its sides.
  2. Twist the orange cap to remove it.
  3. Insert the cartridge into the slot at an angle.
  4. Push down on the cartridge until you hear a click.
Note: The color cartridge should go into the left slot and the black cartridge into the right. 

#4: Check Ink Levels and Replace Depleted Cartridges

check the ink levels

Another possible reason for the Canon MG3620 orange light error is low or empty ink cartridges.

To resolve this, check your ink levels and replace any depleted cartridges with new ones. This should help get your printer back up and running smoothly. 

How to check ink levels

  1. Go to your computer’s Start Menu.
  2. Open the Canon IJ Printer Utility.
  3. Click on Ink Level Information.
  4. Check the ink level indicators for each cartridge. 
  5. If any are low or empty, replace them with new ones.

How to replace a cartridge

  1. Turn on the printer and open the paper output cover.
  2. Push up the ink cartridge lock lever to release the cartridge.
  3. Pull out the cartridge and dispose of it properly.
  4. Take out a new cartridge and remove the protective orange cap.
  5. Insert the new cartridge into the right slot. 
  6. Push it down until it clicks or the lock lever locks.
  7. Close the paper output cover.
  8. Press the Black or Color button to resume printing. 
Pro Tip: Replace the cartridge once the ink level reaches around 20% to ensure your printer runs smoothly. If you are printing something important, replace the cartridge earlier than that. 

#5: Remove the Paper Jam

remove the paper jam

If you’re seeing the orange light, it could also be due to a paper jam. To resolve this, carefully and gently remove any jammed paper from the paper output slot, inside the machine, or during automatic duplex printing. 

Paper is Jammed in the Paper Output Slot

  1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  2. Open the paper output tray and fully extend it.
  3. Carefully pull out any jammed paper.
  4. Plug in the printer and turn it on.
  5. Press the Black or Color button to resume printing.

Paper is Jammed inside the Machine

  1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  2. Open the paper output cover.
  3. Remove any jammed paper inside the machine.
  4. Plug in the printer and turn it on.
  5. Press the Black or Color button to resume printing.

Paper is Jammed During Automatic Duplex Printing

  1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  2. Pull out any jammed paper in the rear tray or front of the machine.
  3. Open the transport unit cover and pull out the remaining paper inside.
  4. Close the transport unit cover.
  5. Plug in the printer and turn it on.
  6. Press the Black or Color button to resume printing. 

Whenever you’re removing paper jams, you want to make sure that you hold both sides of the stuck paper firmly and gently pull it out.

You don’t want to tear it, which will compound your issue.

Pro Tip: If you cannot pull out the jammed paper, lift the transport unit cover with your finger and pull out the paper slowly.  

#6: Clean Your Printer’s Timing or Encoder Strip

clean the printers timing

The timing or encoder strip is a transparent plastic that helps control the movement of the printhead.

It runs across the printer’s width, where dust and dirt often accumulate and cause errors. To fix this, gently clean the strip with a soft cloth.

  1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  2. Open the paper output cover.
  3. Locate the timing or encoder strip behind the metal rail.
  4. Moisten a soft cloth with water and squeeze out any excess moisture.
  5. Gently wipe along both sides of the strip.
  6. Close the paper output cover and plug in the printer.
  7. Turn it on and press the Black or Color button to resume printing.
Note: Do not use alcohol or other solvents, as they may damage the strip. Also, be careful not to touch the metal rail or printhead with your fingers or cloth to avoid damage or malfunction.  

#7: Update Your Printer’s Firmware

update the printer firmware

Sometimes, the firmware may become outdated or corrupted and cause errors. To fix this, you must wirelessly update your printer’s firmware to the latest version. 

  1. Enter your printer’s IP address on a browser address bar.
  2. Go to the Remote UI.
  3. Select Firmware Update from the Menu.
  4. Select Check Current Version to see if you need an update.
  5. If there is an update, select Install Update.
  6. Wait for the update process to complete.

The quickest way to find your printer’s IP address is through Command Prompt. Simply type netstat -r, then press Enter. You’ll see all devices connected to your network, including your printers.

#8: Reset Printer to Factory Settings

If none of the above solutions works, reset your printer to its factory settings. Note that this will erase all data and settings on your printer. 

reset your printer factory settings
  1. Plug in and turn on your printer.
  2. Press Stop until the alarm flashes 17 times.
  3. Press Stop again quickly.
  4. Wait for the printer to turn off and on
Note: This will delete WiFi network settings, so you must set up your connections again after resetting your printer.

Canon MG3620 BK Orange Light: Wrap-Up

Low ink levels and paper jams are the common reasons for the Canon MG3620 BK orange light error. But, we listed eight solutions you can use based on your problem’s cause.

The best ones are replacing ink cartridges and clearing paper jams. For more troubleshooting steps on other Canon printer issues, visit our blog! 

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