A Canon printer not printing due to connectivity issues, outdated drivers, or empty cartridges. Check cable connections, restart the printer, and update drivers. Ensure the printer is set as default and not in offline mode. Run the printer troubleshooter. Clean print heads if print quality issues persist. [Dial +1-801-878-6858 USA]
Canon printers are widely used for their reliability and quality, but like any device, they can sometimes encounter issues. One of the most common problems users face is when a Canon printer stops printing. This issue can be caused by various factors, including connectivity issues, outdated drivers, incorrect settings, or even hardware malfunctions. In this guide, we will provide a detailed, step-by-step approach to diagnosing and resolving this problem on both Windows and Mac computers.
Before diving into troubleshooting steps, it's essential to understand the common causes of a Canon printer Setup failing to print. These include:
USB cable disconnection: A loose or faulty USB cable can prevent communication between the printer and the computer.
Wi-Fi connectivity problems: If your printer is wireless, network disruptions or weak signals can prevent printing.
Incorrect network selection: The printer and computer must be connected to the same network.
Printer drivers act as a bridge between the operating system and the printer. If outdated or corrupted, they can cause printing issues.
If the printer is set to "Offline" or "Paused" mode, it will not print until the settings are changed.
A paper jam can halt printing until cleared.
Low or empty ink cartridges may prevent the printer from working properly.
A clogged print queue with too many pending jobs can cause the printer to freeze.
A faulty print head, worn-out components, or internal errors can cause the printer to stop functioning.
Now that we know the potential causes, let's explore solutions to fix a Canon printer that is not printing.
For USB Printers:
Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer.
Try using a different USB cable to rule out cable issues.
Connect the printer to another USB port on the computer.
For Wireless Printers:
Verify that the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
Restart the router and printer to refresh the network connection.
Move the printer closer to the router to improve the signal.
If the printer is not set as the default, it may not print.
On Windows:
Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
Right-click on your Canon printer and select Set as default printer.
On Mac:
Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
Select your Canon printer and ensure it is set as the default.
Open the printer cover and check for any paper jams. Remove jammed paper carefully.
Ensure the ink cartridges have enough ink. Replace any empty cartridges.
A simple restart can resolve many technical glitches.
Turn off the printer and unplug it for 5 minutes.
Restart your computer.
Power on the printer and try printing again.
A stuck print queue can prevent new jobs from being processed.
On Windows:
Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
Right-click on your Canon printer and select See what's printing.
Click Cancel all documents.
On Mac:
Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
Select your Canon printer and click Open Print Queue.
Click Cancel all print jobs.
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause printing issues.
On Windows:
Open Device Manager.
Expand Printers and right-click on your Canon printer.
Select Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.
Alternatively, visit the Canon official website, download the latest drivers, and install them manually.
On Mac:
Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
Select your printer and click Remove Printer.
Reinstall the printer by clicking Add Printer.
If the printer is set to offline mode, it won't print.
On Windows:
Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
Right-click your Canon printer and select See what's printing.
Click Printer in the top menu and uncheck Use Printer Offline.
On Mac:
Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
Select the printer and ensure it is online.
On Windows:
Open Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot.
Click Additional troubleshooters → Printer.
Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix issues.
On Mac:
Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
Select the printer and click Open Print Queue.
Check for error messages and follow the recommended actions.
If none of the above steps work, a factory reset may be required.
Press and hold the Stop or Reset button on the printer for 5 seconds.
Release the button when the printer starts resetting.
Reconnect the printer to your computer and test printing.
To avoid future printing issues, follow these best practices:
Regularly Update Drivers – Ensure your printer drivers are always up to date.
Maintain the Printer – Clean the print heads and perform regular maintenance.
Use Genuine Ink Cartridges – Non-genuine ink can cause print quality issues.
Monitor Ink and Paper Levels – Keep extra cartridges and paper on hand.
Keep the Printer Firmware Updated – Check Canon's website for firmware updates.
If the printer still does not work after following these troubleshooting steps, it may be a hardware issue. Contact Canon Support if:
The printer is displaying persistent error codes.
The print head is faulty or needs replacement.
The printer does not turn on or respond.
A Canon printer not printing can be frustrating, but most issues can be resolved through simple troubleshooting steps. By checking connections, clearing the print queue, updating drivers, and maintaining the printer regularly, you can ensure smooth operation. If the problem persists, contacting Canon support for professional assistance is the best course of action.
A Canon printer may fail to print black even when the ink cartridge is full due to clogged printheads, incorrect printer settings, or firmware issues. In this article, we will explore the possible causes and solutions to resolve this issue.
Clogged Printheads – Dried ink can block the printhead, preventing black ink from being used.
Incorrect Printer Settings – The printer might be set to "Grayscale" or "Color only," ignoring black ink.
Air Bubbles in Ink Cartridge – Air pockets can prevent ink from reaching the printhead.
Outdated Printer Drivers – Old or corrupt drivers can lead to printing issues.
Firmware Issues – A printer firmware bug may stop black ink from printing.
Open the printer settings on your computer.
Navigate to Maintenance → Cleaning → Deep Cleaning.
Run a test print to check if black ink prints.
Remove the ink cartridges.
Take out the printhead and soak it in warm water for 10 minutes.
Dry completely before reinstalling.
Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
Right-click the Canon printer and select Printing Preferences.
Ensure black ink is not disabled.
Visit the Canon support website to download the latest drivers.
Uninstall the current printer driver and install the new one.
If the issue persists, a firmware update or professional service may be required.
If your Canon printer prints only partial pages or cuts off text, several factors could be causing the problem, such as paper size settings, low ink levels, or print spooler errors.
Incorrect Paper Size Settings – Mismatched settings can cause cropping.
Clogged Printheads – Can result in incomplete prints.
Low Ink or Toner – Ink shortages can disrupt printing.
Software Conflicts – Corrupted print jobs can interrupt page completion.
Open Printing Preferences → Paper Size.
Ensure the selected size matches the paper in the tray.
Use the built-in Deep Cleaning function from printer settings.
Open Run (Win + R) and type services.msc.
Find Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.
Replace any low or empty ink cartridges.
After these steps, test print a document to ensure full-page printing.
A Canon printer failing to print in color is usually caused by settings issues, clogged nozzles, or empty ink cartridges. Let’s explore solutions to restore color printing.
Color Printing Disabled – The printer may be set to grayscale mode.
Clogged Color Nozzles – Ink blockages can prevent color output.
Empty or Expired Cartridges – Color cartridges may be low or expired.
Driver or Firmware Issues – Outdated software can cause color printing problems.
Open Printing Preferences and ensure Print in Grayscale is unchecked.
Go to Maintenance → Nozzle Check.
If gaps appear, perform Deep Cleaning.
Open the printer cover and replace any low or expired ink cartridges.
Download the latest drivers from the Canon support page and install them.
If color printing still doesn’t work, a printer reset or professional service may be needed.
If your Canon printer refuses to print black, it could be due to ink clogs, air bubbles, or incorrect settings.
Printhead Blockage – Dried ink can clog the nozzle.
Incorrect Printer Settings – The printer may not be using black ink.
Ink Flow Issues – Air bubbles can prevent black ink from reaching the printhead.
Open Printer Properties → Maintenance → Deep Cleaning.
Remove the printhead and soak it in warm water for 10 minutes.
Remove and reinstall black ink cartridges securely.
Visit Canon’s website to update printer firmware and drivers.
After following these steps, try printing a test page.
Wireless printing issues from a smartphone can occur due to network problems, outdated Canon apps, or incorrect printer settings.
Printer Not Connected to Wi-Fi – The printer must be on the same network as the phone.
Incorrect Printer Selection – The wrong printer may be selected.
Outdated Canon Print App – Older versions may not function properly.
AirPrint or Cloud Print Issues – Apple’s AirPrint or Google Cloud Print may need troubleshooting.
Check Wi-Fi settings on both devices.
Power cycle both the router and printer to refresh the connection.
Ensure the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app is up to date.
Remove and re-add the printer in the Canon app.
Go to Settings → Printers & Scanners and enable AirPrint.