If your Canon printer is not printing (Dial: 1-888-272-8868 USA), it could be due to low ink, paper jams, outdated drivers, or connection issues. Check ink levels, clear paper paths, update or reinstall drivers, and ensure proper connectivity. Restart the printer and computer to resolve temporary glitches for smooth printing performance.
 

Canon Printer Not Printing: What Are the Reasons Why and How to Fix It

Canon printers are known for their performance, reliability, and print quality. However, like any electronic device, they can occasionally run into issues. One of the most common problems users face is the Canon printer not printing, despite appearing to be properly connected and powered on. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of an important task.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the reasons why your Canon printer might not be printing and provide step-by-step solutions to get it working again.

Introduction

Canon printers are widely used at home, in schools, and in offices. They come in various models, such as inkjet, laser, and all-in-one printers, offering advanced features for both basic and professional printing needs. Despite their quality, Canon printers may sometimes stop printing. This article will help you understand why and how to resolve this problem with detailed fixes.

Common Reasons Why Canon Printer is Not Printing

Here are the most frequent causes of a Canon printer not printing:

Low or Empty Ink/Toner

The most common issue is low or empty ink cartridges. Some Canon printers stop printing altogether if any of the cartridges are out of ink, even if you’re printing black-and-white.

Clogged Print Head

Ink can dry out over time, especially if you don’t use your printer regularly. This causes the print head to clog, resulting in poor or no output.

Printer Offline

Your Canon printer may show as “offline” on your computer due to connection issues, wrong settings, or power problems.

Outdated or Corrupted Drivers

Printer drivers act as a bridge between your computer and the printer. If the driver is outdated, missing, or corrupted, your Canon printer may not respond.

Paper Jams or Feed Issues

Paper jams, incorrect paper loading, or problems with the paper tray can halt printing operations.

Wrong Paper Settings

Incorrect paper type, size, or orientation settings can prevent the printer from functioning properly.

Connectivity Issues (USB/Wi-Fi)

Loose cables, damaged USB ports, or unstable Wi-Fi connections can interrupt communication between the printer and computer or mobile device.

Print Queue Problems

A stuck print job or a long queue can prevent new jobs from being processed.

Software or Firmware Glitches

Temporary software glitches or outdated firmware on the printer can interfere with normal operation.

Incorrect Printer Configuration

If your computer is not set to the default Canon printer, your print commands may go to a different or nonexistent printer.

How to Fix Canon Printer Not Printing

Now, let's look at how to troubleshoot and fix each of these problems.

Check Ink/Toner Levels

Steps:

  • Open the Canon printer software or check the printer’s LCD screen.

  • Navigate to “Maintenance” > “Ink Level Information.”

  • Replace low or empty cartridges with genuine Canon ink.

  • After replacing, print a test page.

Clean the Print Head

Automatic Cleaning:

  • Use the Canon software on your PC.

  • Go to Devices and Printers > Right-click on your printer > Printing Preferences.

  • Choose Maintenance > Deep Cleaning.

  • Follow the prompts.

Manual Cleaning:

  • Remove the ink cartridges.

  • Use a lint-free cloth and distilled water to gently clean the print head.

  • Let it dry and reinstall.

Set Printer to Online Mode

Steps for Windows:

  • Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

  • Right-click on your Canon printer.

  • Click “See What’s Printing.”

  • Click “Printer” on the top menu and uncheck “Use Printer Offline.”

Steps for Mac:

  • Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

  • Select your Canon printer and click “Open Print Queue.”

  • Click Resume Printer if paused.

Update/Reinstall Printer Drivers

Steps:

  • Visit the official Canon support website.

  • Download the latest driver for your model and operating system.

  • Uninstall the old driver from Device Manager (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac).

  • Install the new driver and restart your computer.

Clear Paper Jams

Steps:

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it.

  • Open all accessible panels and remove any jammed paper carefully.

  • Check the input tray and rollers for debris or dust.

  • Plug the printer back in and test it.

Check Printer Settings

Steps:

  • Make sure the paper size, type, and orientation match the loaded paper.

  • Check if draft mode is enabled (which may skip color or quality output).

  • In your application, click Print Settings and ensure they’re correctly configured.

Reset Printer Spooler (Windows)

Steps:

  • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  • Scroll down to Print Spooler, right-click and select Stop.

  • Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, and delete all files.

  • Go back to services and Start the spooler.

Troubleshoot Connectivity

USB Connection:

  • Try a different USB cable or port.

  • Ensure the cable is securely connected.

  • Avoid using USB hubs.

Wi-Fi Connection:

  • Check if the printer is connected to the correct network.

  • Restart your router and printer.

  • On the printer’s LCD screen, go to Wi-Fi Settings > Network Status.

Reconnect Wi-Fi:

  • Press Menu > Wireless Setup Wizard.

  • Select your network and enter the password.

  • Print a Network Configuration Page to confirm connectivity.

Perform Factory Reset

Steps:

  • Press the Setup or Menu button on your printer.

  • Navigate to Device Settings > Reset > Reset All Settings.

  • Confirm the reset.

  • Reconfigure your Wi-Fi and preferences.

Cancel All Print Jobs and Restart

Steps:

  • Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

  • Right-click your Canon printer and select “See What’s Printing.”

  • Click Printer > Cancel All Documents.

  • Restart both your computer and printer.

Printer Maintenance Tips

To prevent future printing issues, follow these tips:

  • Print regularly to avoid dried ink.

  • Use genuine Canon ink and paper.

  • Keep the printer clean, especially the rollers and cartridges.

  • Update firmware when prompted.

  • Avoid exposing your printer to dust, moisture, or direct sunlight.

  • Turn off the printer properly instead of unplugging it.

When to Contact Canon Support

If none of the above solutions work, it may be time to contact Canon customer support or visit an authorized service center. Here are some signs that require professional help:

  • Hardware malfunction or internal damage.

  • Repeated error codes you can’t clear.

  • Burning smells or strange noises.

  • Firmware crashes or software that won’t respond.

You can reach Canon support via:

Conclusion

A Canon printer not printing can be due to several factors—ranging from simple paper jams and low ink to more complex software or hardware issues. With the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can usually identify and fix the problem yourself without needing professional repair.

Keep your printer maintained, regularly update drivers and firmware, and always use genuine Canon supplies for the best performance. If your Canon printer still refuses to print, don’t hesitate to contact Canon support for a thorough diagnosis.

By following this guide, you'll not only resolve your current printing issue but also minimize the chances of facing similar problems in the future.