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How to Fix Canon Printer Offline on Mac and Windows

To fix a Canon printer offline on Mac or Windows, check the printer’s connection, restart both devices, and ensure it’s set as the default printer. Update or reinstall drivers if needed. On Windows, disable “Use Printer Offline” mode. On Mac, reset the printing system and re-add the Canon printer.

July 22, 2025

What if You Are in a Rush to Print Some Important Documents?

And your Canon printer shows “Offline”?

Frustrating, isn’t it?

This issue is quite common—and avoidable. Understanding the problem before jumping to fixes is key. In this guide, we’ll break down the causes and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve the Canon Printer Offline error on both Windows and Mac systems.

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Why is My Canon Printer Offline? The Possible Cause

Your Canon printer might go offline due to:

How to Fix Canon Printer Offline: Initial Checks

1. Check Cable Connections

  • Ensure the USB or Ethernet cable is securely connected.

  • Try using a different port or replacing the cable.

2. Check Wi-Fi Connection

  • Place your printer close to the router.

  • Make sure both the printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.

  • Restart the printer and router.

3. Inspect for Error Messages

  • Look for blinking lights or alerts on the printer’s display.

  • Clear paper jams or refill ink if necessary.

4. Restart Devices

  • Power cycle your Canon printer and your computer.

  • After rebooting, try printing a test page.

Why is My Canon Printer Offline: Fixing Major Issues

Let’s break it down by OS.

Fix Canon Printer Offline in Windows

Solution 1: Refresh Printer Configuration

To Remove and Reinstall the Printer:

  • Open Printers & Scanners from the Windows search bar.

  • Remove your Canon printer.

  • Reconnect it via USB or Wi-Fi and click Add a Printer or Scanner.

Solution 2: Set as Default Printer

  • Go to Printers & Scanners.

  • Select your Canon printer.

  • Click Open Queue, then Printer > Set as Default.

Solution 3: Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode

  • Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

  • Right-click your Canon printer.

  • Select See What’s Printing > Printer menu.

  • Uncheck Use Printer Offline.

Solution 4: Clear Stuck Print Jobs

  • Open your printer queue from Printers & Scanners.

  • Cancel all pending documents.

Solution 5: Restart Print Spooler Service

  • Open Run (Win + R) > type services.msc.

  • Right-click Print Spooler > Restart.

Solution 6: Update Printer Driver

  • Open Device Manager > Printers.

  • Right-click Canon printer > Update Driver > Search Automatically.

Fix Canon Printer Offline in Mac

Solution 1: Refresh Printer Configuration

  • Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

  • Remove your Canon printer (click the “-” icon).

  • Re-add it using the “+” button and follow on-screen steps.

Solution 2: Set as Default Printer

  • Go to Printers & Scanners.

  • Choose your Canon printer and click Set Default Printer.

Solution 3: Disable “Use Printer Offline”

  • Open Print Queue > Printer Menu.

  • Click Resume if it says paused/offline.

Solution 4: Clear Print Queue

  • Open Print Queue from Printers & Scanners.

  • Cancel individual or all jobs.

Solution 5: Reset Printing System

  • Control-click in the printer list > Reset Printing System.

  • Confirm and re-add your printer.

Solution 6: Update Printer Driver

  • Go to System Preferences > Software Update.

  • Install updates related to your Canon printer.

Troubleshooting Canon Printer Offline Issues

Common Errors and Fixes:

  • Printer Not Detected: Check power, cables, or Wi-Fi connection.

  • Incorrect Network Credentials: Re-enter your Wi-Fi password during printer setup.

  • Print Jobs Stuck: Clear print queue and restart printer.

  • Driver Errors: Download latest drivers from Canon's official website.

  • Offline Mode Enabled: Disable “Use Printer Offline” as shown above.

Why Wireless Printing Is a Game-Changer

  • Mobility: Print from anywhere on your network.

  • No Cable Clutter: Wireless means cleaner workspace.

  • Multiple Device Support: Connects easily with smartphones, tablets, and multiple computers.

Benefits of Canon Wireless Printer Setup

  • Reliable performance with quality printing

  • Easy mobile and cloud integration

  • User-friendly Canon software utilities

Final Thoughts

Fixing the Canon Printer Offline error doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you’re using Windows or Mac, the steps above can help you restore your printer’s functionality. If the problem persists, it may indicate a hardware issue. In that case, contact Canon support or a certified technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is my Canon printer offline?

  • Network issues

  • Faulty or loose cables

  • Stuck print jobs

  • Enabled offline mode

  • Outdated drivers

2. How do I bring my Canon printer back online?

  • Restart printer and computer

  • Check all connections

  • Update drivers

  • Set Canon as default printer

3. Why does my Canon printer keep going offline?

  • Unstable Wi-Fi

  • IP address conflicts

  • Outdated printer software

  • Auto-sleep settings