The Canon G3012 (part of the G3010 series) is a workhorse printer, but many of its most powerful maintenance tools are hidden behind a simple “Setup” button (the wrench icon). Whether you need to fix faded prints using an Ink Flush, reset your Wi-Fi settings, or prepare the printer for a move, knowing the right code is essential.
This guide breaks down every known function available in the Canon G3012 Setup Mode so you can maintain your printer like a pro.
How to Enter Setup Mode on Canon G3012
Before using any of the codes below, you must enter Setup Mode:
- Make sure the printer is turned on.
- Press the Setup button (the button with the wrench and screwdriver icon).
- You will see the Setup icon and a number (usually “1”) appear on the LCD screen.
Once in this mode, use the + button to scroll to the code number you need, then press the Black or Color button to execute the command.
1. How to Print a Nozzle Check Pattern
If your prints are coming out faint or have white streaks, your print head nozzles might be clogged. A nozzle check pattern will help you diagnose the issue.
- Code: 1
- Action: Press the Setup button (verify “1” appears), then press Black or Color.
- Result: The printer prints a test grid. Inspect it for missing lines to decide if cleaning is needed.
2. How to Clean the Print Head
If the nozzle check (Code 1) reveals gaps or streaks, run a standard print head cleaning.
- Code: 2
- Action: Press the + button until “2” appears, then press Black or Color.
- Result: The printer will clean the print head for about 1 minute.
3. How to Perform Deep Print Head Cleaning
If standard cleaning doesn’t fix your print quality issues, try a Deep Cleaning. Note that this consumes more ink than standard cleaning.
- Code: 3
- Action: Press the + button until “3” appears, then press Black or Color.
- Result: The cleaning process takes about 3 minutes.
4. How to Prepare Canon G3012 for Transport (Transport Mode)
Crucial Step: Never unplug or tilt your printer without doing this first. This mode caps the print head to prevent leaks and drying during moving.
- Code: 4
- Action: Press the + button until “4” appears, then press Black or Color.
- Next Step: Once the operation finishes and the ON lamp turns off, you can safely unplug the power cord.
5. How to Align the Print Head Automatically
If your vertical lines are crooked or colors are misaligned, use this auto-alignment feature. You will need a sheet of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper.
- Code: 5
- Action: Press the + button until “5” appears, then press Black or Color.
- Result: An alignment sheet will print. You must then load this sheet on the platen glass and press a button to complete the scan and adjustment.
7. How to Print Head Alignment Values
Use this if you want to see the current manual head position adjustment values stored in the printer.
- Code: 7
- Action: Press the + button until “7” appears, then press Black or Color.
8. How to Clean Paper Feed Rollers
If paper isn’t feeding correctly or is getting jammed, the rollers may be dirty or have paper powder attached.
- Code:
- Action: Remove paper from the rear tray. Press the + button until “8” appears, then press Black or Color.
- Step 2: After the rollers stop rotating, load 3 sheets of plain paper and run the code again to finish cleaning.
9. How to Clean the Inside of the Printer (Bottom Plate)
If your printouts have ink smudges on the back, the inside of the printer may be dirty.
- Code: 9
- Action: Fold an A4 sheet in half widthwise, unfold it, and load it into the rear tray. Press the + button until “9” appears, then press Black or Color.
10. How to Perform an Ink Flush (Ink Tank Cleaning)
If your prints are significantly faded or specific colors (like Cyan, Yellow, or Magenta) are missing entirely even after cleaning, use the Ink Flush. This is a powerful maintenance function.
- Warning: Ink Flush consumes a great amount of ink. Ensure your remaining ink level is sufficient before running this to avoid printer failure.
- Code: 10
- Action: Press the + button until “10” appears, then press Black or Color.
13. How to Reset Network Settings (Factory Default)
Use this to erase all network settings if you are selling the printer or changing your router environment completely27.
- Code: 13
- Action: Press the + button until “13” appears, then press Black or Color.
- Result: All network settings are initialized.
14. How to Reset Ink Level Count
If you refill your ink tanks, you may need to reset the internal ink counter if the remaining ink notification was enabled30.
- Code: 14
- Action: Press the + button until “14” appears, then press Black or Color.
- Note: Only do this when ink tanks are full to ensure accuracy.
15. How to Disable Ink Level Notifications
If you prefer to visually check your ink levels and stop the printer’s digital warnings, use this code.
- Code: 15
- Action: Press the + button until “15” appears.
- Press Black to disable the notification.
- Press Color to enable the notification.
17. How to Switch Page Size Between A4 and Letter
The printer defaults to A4 or Letter size depending on the region. You can toggle this setting manually.
- Code: 17
- Action: Press the + button until “17” appears.
- Press Black to select A4 size.
- Press Color to select Letter size.
19. How to Disable Auto Power Off
By default, the printer turns off automatically after a period of inactivity. Use this to keep it on.
- Code: 19
- Action: Press the + button until “19” appears, then press Black.
- Result: The Auto Power Off setting is disabled.
C. How to Factory Reset All Settings
This performs a full initialization of the printer, reverting settings like the administrator password and network configs to default42424242.
- Code: C
- Action: Press the + button until “C” appears, then press Black or Color.
- Warning: This erases all settings; you will need to redo setup.
Summary of Canon G3012 Setup Codes
| LCD Code | Function Name | Action (After selecting Code) |
| 1 | Nozzle Check | Press Black or Color |
| 2 | Print Head Cleaning | Press Black or Color |
| 3 | Deep Cleaning | Press Black or Color |
| 4 | Transport Mode (Prepare to Move) | Press Black or Color |
| 5 | Auto Print Head Alignment | Press Black or Color |
| 7 | Print Alignment Values | Press Black or Color |
| 8 | Paper Feed Roller Cleaning | Press Black or Color |
| 9 | Bottom Plate Cleaning | Press Black or Color |
| 10 | Ink Flush / System Cleaning | Press Black or Color |
| 13 | Reset Network Settings | Press Black or Color |
| 14 | Reset Ink Level Count | Press Black or Color |
| 15 | Disable/Enable Ink Notification | Press Black (Disable) / Color (Enable) |
| 17 | Switch Page Size (A4/Letter) | Press Black (A4) / Color (Letter) |
| 19 | Disable Auto Power Off | Press Black |
| C | Factory Reset All Settings | Press Black or Color |
