Light meaning and fix
Canon MG3500 Alarm Lamp Flashes Three Times
On the Canon MG3500 series, three orange Alarm lamp flashes can point to a closed paper output tray or a paper jam.
On the Canon MG3500 series, three orange Alarm lamp flashes can point to a closed paper output tray or a paper jam.
What it means
Canon's MG3500 error table lists three flashes for the paper output tray being closed or paper being jammed in different paper paths.
Device details
| Device type | Inkjet printer |
|---|---|
| Brand | Canon |
| Model | MG3500 Series |
| Light name | Alarm lamp |
| Light location | Printer control panel |
| Color | Orange |
| Pattern | Three flashes |
| Severity | warning |
| Last verified | 2026-05-02 |
What to do first
Open the paper output tray, clear any jammed paper, then retry printing.
- Cancel the print job if needed.
- Check whether the paper output tray is closed.
- Open the output tray fully.
- Look for jammed paper in the output slot and transport area.
- Remove jammed paper slowly so it does not tear.
- Restart the print job after the paper path is clear.
When this can be normal
This is not a normal printing state. It means the printer needs attention.
When to stop troubleshooting
Stop if paper cannot be removed safely or if the printer continues showing three flashes after the tray and paper path are clear.
Parts or products that may help
Only replace parts when the light pattern and official guidance support it. Some lights indicate setup or software states, not broken hardware.
- No replacement part is recommended from this light pattern alone. Troubleshoot the device state first.
FAQ
Does three flashes always mean paper is jammed?
Not always. Canon also lists the paper output tray being closed as a possible cause.
Should I force stuck paper out?
No. Remove it slowly to avoid tearing paper inside the printer.
Can a closed output tray cause this?
Yes. Canon lists a closed paper output tray under the three-flash Alarm lamp condition.
This guide is based on: Canon MG3500 Series Manual - If an Error Occurs.
Source type: official_manual. Confidence: verified. Last verified: 2026-05-02.
Three flashes can cover more than one paper-path condition, so check the tray and jam locations.