Error U052 – This type of print head is incorrect in Windows 10/11 Fix

Many of the Canon printer users face error –  U052 This type of print head is incorrect. It is common among the canon users and easy to solve, just follow our solutions and your error will be resolved.

The error U052 – This type of print head is incorrect happens in two scenarios: first when you have installed the print head but it is not working properly or improper installation of the print head. Second, when you have not installed a print head in the printer. We have gathered solutions for both cases, follow the steps below.

Solution 1 – Error with print head installed

STEP 1: Open the lid of the printer to get access to the printer’s cartridge and print head. The cartridge will automatically come up when you open the lid.



STEP 2: Before going ahead cut off the power supply of the printer. Now, make sure that the lever on the right of the cartridge cradle is lifted up, otherwise, it will move if you touch it.

STEP 3: Remove all the ink cartridges from the slots. Removing the ink cartridges will expose the black colored print head. 

STEP 4: Now, remove the print head gently from the printer. To remove the print head grab it from the slots of cartridge and gently pull up, it will come out.

STEP 5: Do a basic cleaning of the print head after pulling it out from the printer.

STEP 6: Re-insert print head and the ink cartridges, double-check that everything is in the place as it was before.

STEP 7: Close the lid and switch on after plugging it in.

Connect the printer after completing the process and print out a page to check that error is resolved or not.

Solution 2 – Error without print head installed

STEP 1: Switch off and plug out the printer from the power supply.

STEP 2: Open the lid of the printer. If slots of the ink cartridge and ink heads are empty then they will be in the middle front.

STEP 3: First install the print head into the slot, make sure that it fits properly.

STEP 4: Install all the ink cartridges one by one, close the lever, and make sure that everything is closed properly and there is no empty slot.

STEP 5: Close the lid and then switch on the printer after connecting it to the power supply.

STEP 6: Connect it to the computer and test print a page.

Solution 3 – For printers without lid

Modern printers that have a document scanner on top do not have a lid and have different configuration so the upper methods do not work. If you have that type of printer follow this method.

STEP 1: Switch on the Printer.

STEP 2: Hold the paper output tray and pull it out gently.

STEP 3: Open the main document scanner cover, make sure you do not touch any button.

STEP 4: Open the ink cover and wait till the print head stops moving.

STEP 5: Remove all the ink tanks one by one by pressing the lever and then lifting it up.  

STEP 6: Press Stop button until the print head stops moving.

STEP 7: Remove the inner cover placed below the ink tanks and push it all the way down.

STEP 8: Pull out the carriage tray, you will find it a little stiff but it will slide down if you apply a little force. 

STEP 9: Print head will come out a little with the carriage tray, hold the central tab between your index and middle finger fingers. Pull gently it will come out of the printer easily. 



STEP 10: To re-insert the printer head, hold it upright above the cartridge tray and push it inside gently. The green circuit board will be facing you if you are doing it right.

STEP 11: After setting the print head properly, push the tray inside.

STEP 12: Close the inner cover.

STEP 13: Insert all the inks in their respective slots.

STEP 14: Close the ink cover and the main cover.

Test print a paper to check that printer is working fine. This should solve your print head error, let us know in comments if you face are facing any difficulty while following methods.