Canon PIXMA Error 1651 with Subscription Ink: Can You Disable the Chip or Turn Off Ink Monitoring?

Question: My Canon PIXMA subscription cartridges won't print and I keep getting error 1651. Can I disable the ink-tracking chip, turn off the ink monitor, or swap chips from older cartridges to make these work?

I'm on Canon's subscription replenishment plan and it still won't print-error 1651 keeps coming up. Canon support spent a long time troubleshooting and eventually admitted it seems internal and they're "working on it," and they said they'd send temporary ink, but nothing has arrived yet. I can't afford new ink right now, and I have multiple cartridges that only work when the printer recognizes the subscription. I also have older "regular" cartridges (empty), and I'm wondering: can I remove the subscription chip, disable tracking/monitoring, or swap an old chip onto a subscription cartridge so I can print?

Answer: 

What Error 1651 usually means on Canon PIXMA subscription cartridges

In practice, Canon error 1651 is most often triggered when the printer detects a problem with the cartridge's IC chip / identification system-not just "low ink."

With subscription cartridges in particular, that chip isn't only measuring ink level. It's also part of Canon's authentication/DRM system tied to the subscription service. So the printer isn't merely asking "Is there ink?" It's asking things like:

• "Is this a valid subscription cartridge ID?"

• "Does this cartridge match what my firmware expects for this account/plan state?"

• "Has this cartridge been flagged invalid or blocked?"

• "Does the cartridge's internal data handshake correctly?"

When any of that fails, the printer may throw 1651 and refuse to print-sometimes even when the cartridge is physically full and brand new.

Can you disable the chip or turn off ink monitoring?

Realistically, no-not in any reliable, safe, consumer-level way.

On many older printers, "ink monitoring" could sometimes be bypassed or reset because the chip only tracked estimated ink. But with subscription systems, the chip does more than track ink-it's part of a locked authorization workflow. Without access to Canon's firmware tools (which Canon does not provide publicly), attempts to disable tracking often hit a wall.

Even if someone online claims a "hack," these are the common outcomes we see:

• The printer still blocks printing because it fails the subscription/authentication handshake.

• The printer accepts the cartridge briefly, then locks it out again after an update or status refresh.

• The printer flags the cartridge as invalid and permanently rejects it.

Can you swap chips from older cartridges onto subscription cartridges?

In most cases, chip swapping does not work for subscription cartridges.

Here's why:

• The printer typically checks cartridge identity + type, not just "a chip exists."

• Subscription chips may be serialized, tracked, or validated differently than standard retail cartridges.

• The printer can remember cartridge history and reject mismatched IDs or "unexpected" cartridge families.

• Physically swapping the chip can also damage the contacts or the chip itself (they are delicate).

So even if you successfully transplant a chip, the printer may still reject it and continue showing 1651, or it may throw a different cartridge/recognition error afterward.

Practical things you can try (safe checks that sometimes clear a 1651)

While we can't recommend chip bypassing, you can try to rule out the most common "simple causes" that trigger a chip/communication fault:

1. Power reset (clears temporary logic states)

   • Turn the printer off.

   • Unplug it from the wall for 5 minutes (not just a quick restart).

   • Plug back in and power on.

2. Remove and re-seat the cartridge(s)

   • Remove the cartridge associated with the error.

   • Reinsert it firmly until it clicks.

   • Sometimes re-seating 2-3 times improves contact alignment.

3. Inspect and clean the cartridge chip contacts

   • On the cartridge, locate the gold/copper contact area (chip/contact pad).

   • If there's ink residue, smears, skin oil, or adhesive:

     • Gently wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth first.

     • If needed, lightly dampen a cloth with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and wipe the contacts (avoid soaking).

   • Let it fully dry before reinstalling.

4. Inspect the printer-side pins / contacts

   • With cartridges removed, look into the carriage where the cartridge meets the printer.

   • Make sure the pins are not bent and there's no pooled ink or debris.

   • If you see ink buildup, carefully clean with a lint-free swab (lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol), then allow to dry.

5. Try one cartridge at a time (if your model allows)

   • Sometimes one bad cartridge chip causes the system to halt.

   • If you can isolate which cartridge triggers 1651, you'll know whether it's a single-chip failure versus a subscription/system-side lockout.

Why cartridges can become "unusable" even if they still have ink

Some cartridges are designed as single-use consumables and can fail electronically at any time. The printer monitors electrical behavior through the cartridge contacts-if the chip data becomes corrupted, if the contact resistance looks wrong, or if the printer flags it as invalid, it can mark the cartridge as failed.

With subscription cartridges, this "failure" can also be triggered by subscription authentication issues-meaning the cartridge isn't necessarily physically bad, but the printer treats it as unusable because it cannot verify it correctly.

That's why your experience-Canon acknowledging it may be an internal/subscription-side issue-is unfortunately consistent with what we see: the cartridge can be fine, but the system handshake blocks printing anyway, resulting in error 1651.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because so much of it is hands-on and requires physical testing. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility, Printer Repair Service. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before we can get your printer in for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we acknowledge our rates aren't the most economical, so we strongly recommend self-help through online research. A great place to start is YouTube, especially our channel homepage: BCH Technologies on YouTube. Use the search icon next to "About" on the right side of the menu bar to find videos by keyword. I receive dozens of messages every day asking for a video on a specific topic, and after creating videos for years, it's difficult to remember every single one-so YouTube's search is the fastest route. Plus, YouTube may also recommend helpful videos from other creators that match your exact issue.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting what we do. I truly hope the steps above help you get past error 1651-or at least help you confirm whether it's a contact/chip issue versus a subscription authentication lock.