Canon imageCLASS printers are direct about toner: "Toner cartridge is low. Prepare a new cartridge", then "Toner cartridge has reached end of lifetime", and on some models a stop unless you tell them otherwise. The messages come from the cartridge chip's page estimate. This guide covers the messages, the settings that control them, and what to do at each stage on the 137, 045/046, 054/055 and 047/051-class cartridges.
The messages in order
| Message | Estimated level | Printer behavior (default) |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare a new toner cartridge / Toner low | about 10–20% | Prints normally |
| Toner is running out / End of lifetime approaching | a few percent | Prints; quality may drop |
| Toner cartridge has reached end of lifetime / Replace | estimate at zero | Continues or stops depending on the setting below |
| Cartridge cannot be recognized / Non-Canon cartridge | — | Chip not read or not genuine; see below |
Keep printing when toner is low
Menu → Function Settings (older: Preferences / Printer Settings) → Printer → Action When Toner Cartridge Is Low (some models: Continue Printing When Amount in Cartridge Is Low) → Continue Printing. With this set, the printer prints until you see fading. Leave it on in an office; set it to Display Error only where every page must be perfect.
Change when the warning appears
Menu → Adjustment/Maintenance (or Preferences) → Display Timing for Cartridge Preparation → choose the percentage. A higher percentage gives more time to order. Useful for printers far from the person who orders supplies.
After installing a new cartridge
A genuine Canon cartridge with a fresh chip resets the level automatically. If the panel still shows low:
- Open the front cover, remove the cartridge, check that the orange drum cover and sealing tape are removed and the chip contacts are clean.
- Reinstall until it clicks; close the cover; wait for the printer to run its check.
- Power off, wait 30 seconds, power on.
- Print the counter report (Menu → Output Report → Check Counter) to see the cartridge level.
If the level is still wrong and the cartridge was bought as genuine, check the Canon security label on the box; a refilled cartridge with the old chip reports the old level and there is no way to fix that.
Stretching the last pages
Remove the cartridge, hold it level and rock it gently five or six times; Canon's own manuals describe this. Expect a few dozen extra pages. Use Toner Save for drafts. Do not attempt chip resets; current imageCLASS firmware verifies the chip and a tampered one gives "Cartridge cannot be recognized".
Which cartridge and how many pages
- imageCLASS MF232w/MF244dw/MF247dw/LBP151dw: Canon 137, about 2,400 pages.
- Color MF632/MF634/LBP612/LBP613: 045 (1,400 black) or 045H.
- Color MF641/MF644/MF642/LBP622: 054 (1,500 black) or 054H.
- Mono MF260 series / LBP161–LBP162: 047 (1,600), with the 049 drum unit.
For any other imageCLASS or LBP model, the printer cartridge finder lists the exact cartridge and drum.
Genuine cartridges mentioned in this guide
- Canon 137 Toner Cartridge
- Canon 045 Toner Cartridge
- Canon 054 Toner Cartridge
- Canon 047 Toner Cartridge
Related guides
- Canon imageCLASS Toner Guide: 045, 046, 054, 055 & More
- Canon 045 vs 045H Toner: Yields, Printers & Cost Per Page
- Canon 054 vs 054H Toner: Yields, Printers & Cost Per Page
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep printing when my Canon says toner is low?
Menu > Function Settings (or Preferences) > Printer > 'Action When Toner Cartridge Is Low' or 'Continue Printing When Amount in Cartridge Is Low' — set to Continue. The printer prints until quality drops.
Why does my Canon still say toner low after installing a new cartridge?
Either the printer did not detect the change (remove and reinstall, then power cycle) or the cartridge is a refill with its old chip. A new genuine Canon cartridge resets the counter automatically.
Can I change when the Canon toner low message appears?
Yes on most imageCLASS models: Adjustment/Maintenance > 'Display Timing for Cartridge Preparation' (or 'Prepare Cartridge' timing) lets you set the percentage at which the warning shows.
