You’re in a hurry to print an important document, you click "Print," and suddenly a message appears—"Canon printer is offline." It’s frustrating, confusing, and usually happens when you need the printer the most. But what does “offline” even mean? Why does your Canon printer go offline when it’s physically turned on and ready? Most importantly, how do you fix it?
You're not alone if you're thinking, "Why is the Canon printer saying offline?" This is one of the most common issues Canon users face. The good news is that, with a few simple actions, it can generally be fixed. Whether you're using a Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY, or imageCLASS model, this offline issue can be caused by a range of things—from connectivity problems to wrong default settings. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into why your Canon printer might show up as offline and how you can get it back online without stress. And if nothing works, just call +1 (855) 520-3770 for expert help.
Printer and computer aren’t on the same Wi-Fi network
"Use Printer Offline" mode is selected for the printer.
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers
Connection issues (USB, wireless, or Ethernet)
The wrong Canon printer is set as the default
A glitch in the print spooler or queue
Firewall or antivirus interference
So if your Canon printer says offline, it’s not necessarily broken — it’s just “disconnected” from your system in some way.
1. Wrong Default Printer Setting
If your computer has multiple printers installed, the wrong one might be set as the default. This can confuse the system and cause your Canon printer to appear offline.
2. Printer Set to Work in “Offline Mode”
Sometimes, the printer is manually or automatically set to "Use Printer Offline." This stops it from communicating with your PC, even if it’s on.
3. Network Connection Issues
Wireless printers can lose connection to Wi-Fi networks, especially after a power outage or router reset. If your Canon printer isn’t connected to the same network as your computer, it may appear offline.
4. USB or Cable Problems
Loose or faulty USB cables can also cause the printer to be recognized as offline.
5. Driver Issues
Outdated or missing Canon printer drivers often cause the printer to become unresponsive or appear offline. If you updated your system or changed computers recently, this could be the cause.
6. Stuck Print Queue or Spooler Error
A jammed print queue or corrupted spooler service can make the printer go offline until the queue is cleared.
7. Antivirus or Firewall Blocking Connection
Some security software can block communication between the printer and computer.
If you're unsure about any of these, calling +1 (855) 520-3770 can help you figure it out.
If your Canon printer is showing as offline, try these steps one by one. After each step, check to see if the printer comes back online.
Step 1: Set Canon as the Default Printer
Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers
You can select "Set as default printer" by performing a right-click on your Canon printer.
Step 2: Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode
Your Canon printer can be right-clicked, and then Check out what's printing.
Click Printer in the top menu
Make sure Use Printer Offline is unchecked
Step 3: Restart the Printer and Computer
Turn off both your printer and computer
Unplug the printer for 30 seconds
Plug it back in and restart both devices
Step 4: Check Network Connection
Verify that the computer and printer are connected to the same wireless network.
To verify the connection, print a network setup sheet from the printer.
Reconnect Wi-Fi if necessary using the Canon printer's settings menu
Step 5: Reinstall or Update Canon Drivers
Go to Canon’s official website
Download the latest drivers for your exact printer model
Install and restart your computer
Alternatively, give +1 (855) 520-3770 a call, and someone will assist you through the process step-by-step.
Step 6: Clear Print Queue
Go to Devices and Printers > Canon Printer > See what’s printing
Cancel all documents
Restart the printer
Step 7: Restart Print Spooler Service
Press Windows + R, type services.msc
Find Print Spooler
Right-click and choose Restart
If all else fails, you can always dial +1 (855) 520-3770 and get real help for your Canon printer.
Regularly update your Canon printer drivers
Avoid turning off your Wi-Fi router abruptly
Use a static IP address for your printer
Set Canon as the default printer permanently
Use the Canon Print App for seamless wireless communication
Avoid using multiple printers on the same network unless necessary
And if anything goes wrong again, save the number +1 (855) 520-3770 and get instant help.
Why does my Canon printer keep going offline repeatedly?
This usually happens due to unstable Wi-Fi, outdated drivers, or default printer settings. Call +1 (855) 520-3770 to get guided help.
How do I reset my Canon printer network settings?
Go to the printer’s settings menu and select Reset network settings. If you're not sure how, dial +1 (855) 520-3770.
Will reinstalling the printer fix the offline issue?
Often, yes. Removing and reinstalling the printer can resolve driver or communication problems.
What if my printer works with USB but not Wi-Fi?
It could be a router or IP issue. Get real-time help at +1 (855) 520-3770.
Can a firmware update fix this issue?
Yes, sometimes firmware updates resolve offline bugs. You can update via Canon’s official website or get help by calling +1 (855) 520-3770.
Seeing your Canon printer go offline doesn’t always mean it’s broken. Most of the time, the issue lies in the communication between your device and your printer. From network issues to incorrect settings, the offline error can have multiple causes—but fortunately, just as many solutions.