Canon Printer Not Printing? Here’s How to Fix It Step-by-Step

Your Canon printer not printing or might suddenly stop printing due to several common reasons: connectivity issues, driver problems, empty ink cartridges, incorrect settings, or hardware faults. The good news is that most of these problems are easy to fix at home with some basic troubleshooting. Follow the steps below to resolve the issue and get your printer working again.

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Step 1: Check for Basic Hardware Issues

Ensure the Printer Is Powered On

Make sure your printer is turned on and the display panel lights up. If it’s unresponsive, try plugging it into another power outlet and check the power cord.

Check USB or Wireless Connection

If using a USB connection, ensure the cable is securely connected to both the printer and computer. For wireless setups, confirm the Wi-Fi LED is lit and stable.

Inspect for Paper Jams or Empty Trays

Open the printer and inspect for any jammed paper. Also, ensure there is paper loaded correctly in the tray. A paper jam or empty tray can halt printing without any error message.

Step 2: Verify Ink or Toner Levels

Check Ink Cartridge Status on Printer Display

Navigate through the printer's control panel to check ink or toner levels. Some Canon models also display a warning when levels are critically low.

Replace Empty or Dried Ink Cartridges

If any cartridge is low or empty, replace it. Sometimes, even a slightly dried ink cartridge can block printing entirely.

Step 3: Set the Canon Printer as Default

How to Set Canon as Default Printer on Windows

1. Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners

2. Select your Canon printer > Click Manage

3. Click Set as default

How to Set Canon as Default on Mac

1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners

2. Choose your Canon printer from the list

3. Right-click and select Set as Default

Step 4: Clear the Print Queue

Cancel All Documents in the Print Queue (Windows)

1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers

2. Right-click your Canon printer > See what's printing

3. Cancel all documents

Clear Print Queue on Mac

1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners

2. Select your printer > Click Open Print Queue

3. Cancel all active or pending jobs

Step 5: Restart Printer and Computer

Power Cycle the Canon Printer

Turn off your printer, unplug it from the wall, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back in and restart.

Reboot Your Computer or Device

Restart your computer or smartphone. This can refresh system settings and help reestablish connection with the printer.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

How to Update Canon Printer Driver Manually

1. Visit Canon’s official support site

2. Enter your printer model and download the latest drivers

3. Install and restart your computer

Uninstall and Reinstall Canon Printer Driver

On Windows:

• Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program

• Remove Canon drivers and reinstall fresh ones from Canon’s site

On Mac:

• Delete the Canon printer from Printers & Scanners

• Re-add it and download the latest drivers when prompted

Step 7: Run the Built-in Printer Troubleshooter

Using Printer Troubleshooter on Windows

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot

2. Choose Printer, and click Run the troubleshooter

Using System Preferences Diagnostic on Mac

Use Apple's diagnostics by selecting the printer and clicking Options & Supplies > Utility > Open Printer Utility

Step 8: Check for Network or Wi-Fi Issues

Reconnect to Wi-Fi Network

Ensure the Canon printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi. Use the printer display to navigate to the network settings and reconnect if needed.

Ensure Printer and Computer Are on the Same Network

For wireless printing, both your computer and printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Mismatched networks cause print jobs to fail.

Step 9: Perform a Test Print

How to Print a Test Page on Canon Printer

1. On Windows, go to Devices and Printers, right-click your Canon printer > Printer Properties > Print Test Page

2. On the printer, navigate to Maintenance > Print Test Page

If the test page prints, your issue may be application-specific.

Step 10: Reset Canon Printer to Default Settings

When and How to Perform a Factory Reset

If none of the above steps work, reset your printer:

1. Go to Setup > Device Settings

2. Choose Reset Setting > Reset All
   This will restore factory settings, removing any problematic configurations.

Additional Tips

Ensure You’re Using Genuine Canon Cartridges

Using non-genuine cartridges may cause detection issues or error messages.

Avoid Third-Party Ink Issues

Third-party inks may clog nozzles or provide inconsistent print quality.

Use Canon Official Support Tools or Apps

Download Canon’s PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app for mobile troubleshooting and monitoring.

When to Contact Canon Customer Support

Signs You Need Professional Help

• Printer makes abnormal noises

• All steps fail

• Hardware error codes appear on the screen

Warranty and Repair Options

Check Canon’s warranty terms or take the printer to an authorized service center if it’s under warranty.

Conclusion: Get Your Canon Printer Printing Again

A Canon printer that won’t print can be frustrating, but by methodically checking hardware, ink levels, software settings, and drivers, most issues can be resolved at home. Always keep your drivers up to date and perform regular maintenance to avoid future printing issues.

FAQs – Canon Printer Not Printing

Why Is My Canon Printer Not Printing Even with Full Ink?

The print head might be clogged, or the printer may not detect ink properly. Try cleaning the print head or reinstalling the cartridge.

How Do I Fix a Canon Printer Not Printing Black Ink?

Check for dried black ink, perform a nozzle check and clean the print head via printer settings.

What If My Canon Printer Is Connected but Not Responding?

Restart your printer and PC, clear the print queue, and ensure no pending jobs are blocking printing.

Should I Reset My Printer or Reinstall Drivers First?

Try reinstalling drivers first. If that doesn’t work, a factory reset might be needed.

Can a Software Update Fix My Canon Printing Problem?

Yes, outdated firmware or drivers can cause compatibility issues. Updating them can resolve many printing problems.

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