How to Fix Canon Printer Not Printing? (Full Guide)

I have worked with various printer brands for years, and troubleshooting has become second nature to me. During an important project, my Canon printer suddenly stopped working, prompting me to troubleshoot the issue. I pressed the print button a couple of times, but nothing happened. However, I had an idea of what the root cause of the problem could be, so I relied on my years of experience and began troubleshooting. Ultimately, I was able to fix my Canon printer and continue with my project.

Do you also own a Canon printer? Are you facing the same trouble? If so, then take a look at the solutions I’ve shared here. But first, you need to figure out what’s causing the "Canon printer not printing" issue. Let’s discuss that first to help you better understand.

Main Causes for Canon Printer Not Printing

Users often experience problems with their Canon printers not printing. Some easy troubleshooting steps can help resolve this, but it's important to know what's causing the issue.

Many underlying causes can hinder your printer from working at all. Some of the most common ones are:

Clogged Printhead or Low Ink Levels

The printer may produce results that appear faded or streaky. A clogged or dried printhead can cause faded or streaky prints. Regular cleaning helps maintain quality.

Blank Page Printing

Blank pages are a clear indication that your printer is having a problem. If your Canon printer is giving blank pages, inspect and clean the printer's internal components, like the print head and nozzle.

Printer Turns Unresponsive

Disable the 'Use Printer Offline' option in your computer's printer settings, as this may cause the printer to become unresponsive. You can also restart the printer spooler service or cancel all documents before performing a test print.

Power Cord Problem

If your printer is not powering on after you press the power button, it may be due to a connection problem. Check your power cord connections, test the outlet, and see whether you’ve switched on.

Outdated Drivers

Printer drivers are the essential component through which the printer communicates with your computer system. If the drivers are outdated or corrupted, your printer may not respond to print commands at all.

Solutions for Troubleshooting Canon Printer Not Printing Issue

For a beginner, it may be difficult to fix the Canon printer that is not printing properly. But, only if you know what to do, it is not as hard as you think. With the correct steps, it can be easier to troubleshoot. Let us take a quick look at the best solutions for the printer not printing issue:

Solution 1: Clean Ink Cartridges

Step 1: Get some warm water in a bowl, your ink cartridges, and a dry paper towel.

Step 2: Dip the contact head of the ink cartridge in warm water for 10 seconds.

Step 3: Wipe the printhead with a dry paper towel until the colors are precise and visible.

Solution 2: Check the Default Printer

Step 1: Click on search and open the Control Panel.

Step 2: Click on Hardware and Sound and the Devices and Printers option.

Step 3: Right-click on the name of your printer.

Step 4: From the drop-down, click on the “Set as default printer.”

Solution 3: Check the Printer Status

Step 1: Go to the Control Panel on your system and click on Devices and Printers.

Step 2: Right-click on your printer's name and click "See what’s printing.”

Step 3: Click on Printer, then uncheck the box next to Use Printer Offline.

Solution 4: Cancel All Print Jobs

Step 1: Search the Control Panel and then open it on your computer.

Step 2: After that, open Hardware and Sound.

Step 3: Click on Devices and Printers.

Step 4: Right-click on the printer and click the "See what’s printing” option.

Step 5: A new screen will open. Click the Printer, then click “Cancel All Documents.”

Step 6: After that, click the Windows button and select Restart.

Solution 5: Restart Print Spooler Service

Step 1: On your PC, open the Run box by pressing the Windows and R keys at the same time.

Step 2: Open the Run dialog, type “services.msc,” and press OK.

Step 3: A long list of options will appear. Scroll down, right-click on the Print Spooler, and select “Restart.”

Solution 6: Check Firewall Settings

Step 1: Restart both your printer and Wi-Fi router.

Step 2: Click Windows Start on your PC and click on Settings (gear icon).

Step 3: On the left-hand side, select “Network & internet.”

Step 4: Navigate to Advanced network settings.

Step 5: Under Related settings, click on “Windows Firewall.”

Step 6: Check for any Firewall software settings that might block the printer from establishing a network connection.

Solution 7: Uninstall & Reinstall Printer Driver

Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog. In the Run box, enter devmgmt.msc and click OK.

Step 2: Scroll and expand Printers, then right-click on the printer and select Uninstall device.

Step 3: In the Uninstall device window, check the "Delete the printer driver for this device” box and click Uninstall.

Step 4: Now, select the power button and click on Restart.

Step 5: After restarting, open your web browser and go to the official Canon website to download and install the latest printer driver.

Seeing blank pages coming out of your Canon printer? Try any of the above fixes to get everything working smoothly on your printer.

How to Prevent Common Printing Issues With a Canon Printer?

A Canon printer not printing can happen without a warning. But, if you do not want the problem to occur again, you must adhere to these smart preventive tips:

Do Routine Maintenance

For routine maintenance, you must run cleaning and nozzle checks regularly to prevent printhead clogs.

Don’t Leave Your Printer Off for Long Periods

Leaving your printer out of use for longer periods can also cause problems, such as dried ink and a clogged printhead. It is recommended that you use it at least once a week.

Only Use Official Canon Ink and Paper

Use original ink cartridges and suggested paper types. This will maintain your print quality and lessen the chances of technical glitches.

Turn Off the Printer Properly

Always use the printer's power button to turn it off properly, which prevents internal damage and ensures its longevity and optimal performance.

Always Keep Firmware Up-To-Date

You can check Canon's official website or use their utility tool to update your printer’s firmware for enhanced performance and bug fixes.

Perform Regular Cleaning of Print Queue

Pending print jobs may overload your printer. Do not let that happen; always clear stuck print queues to avoid printing delays or errors.

   Frequently Asked Questions

Question

How to Remove Paper Pieces Stuck in Canon Printer Rollers?

The paper feeds in reverse to a position where it can be removed from the sheet feeder at the rear of your printer. But, sometimes, it doesn't do so. If that happens, you must perform this step again.

Turn the roll paper knob and roll up the roll paper. Take out the paper carefully, and press the roll paper button to clear the error light.

Question

What to Do if Canon Printer Is Showing Offline Status?

If your Canon printer is showing an offline status, you need to first figure out the root cause. The printer offline issue can occur because of outdated drivers, a jammed print queue, or incorrect printer settings. To fix the problem, do a quick restart, check for available driver updates, and check that your printer is set as the default printer.

Question

Can Resetting Help Fix a Canon Printer That Is Not Printing?

Resetting the printer can help fix several problems, including printing errors. Perform a soft reset by pressing the Stop button for a few seconds. The soft reset can clear up temporary data and resolve minor glitches. In case of severe problems, perform a hard reset to return the printer to its factory settings. Just unplug the power cord from the printer, hold the power button for a few seconds when it is unplugged, and then release it. Plug the power cord back in and power on the printer after a minute.

Source: How to Fix Canon Printer Not Printing