Canon printers are known for their reliability and high-quality output, but like all technology, they sometimes run into issues. One of the most common and frustrating problems is when your Canon printer is not printing at all—no error message, no page output, or just blank pages.
Whether you’re using a PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS, or i-SENSYS model, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the most effective ways to fix your Canon printer not printing when it refuses to print.
Before diving into settings and software, eliminate the most obvious causes:
Is the printer turned on? Make sure it’s powered up and there are no blinking error lights.
Paper loaded? Double-check the paper tray and make sure the paper is not jammed.
Ink/Toner Levels: Replace any empty cartridges or toners. Some Canon printers won't print at all if a cartridge is completely dry.
Check the display panel for any warnings like “No Paper,” “Low Ink,” or “Cartridge Not Recognized.”
A broken connection is one of the top reasons your Canon printer won’t print.
🔌 USB Printer:
Ensure the cable is properly connected to both printer and PC.
Try a different USB port or cable.
Avoid USB hubs; connect directly to your computer.
📶 Wi-Fi Printer:
Ensure the printer is connected to the same network as your device.
Use the printer’s control panel to check the network status.
If needed, reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi using WPS or manual setup.
📡 Ethernet:
Confirm the Ethernet cable is securely plugged in.
Look for a blinking green light at the back of the printer.
If the printer is offline, you may see a gray or faded icon on your computer instead of a normal status.
Sometimes, your computer sends the print job to the wrong printer (like "Microsoft Print to PDF").
On Windows:
Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
Click your Canon printer.
Select Manage > Set as default.
On macOS:
Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
Right-click (or Control-click) the Canon printer and set it as the default.
A stuck or failed job can halt all subsequent print jobs.
Windows:
Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Right-click your Canon printer > See what’s printing.
Cancel all documents.
macOS:
Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
Select your printer and click Open Print Queue.
Cancel pending jobs.
Then restart the printer and try printing again.
For Windows:
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Select Printer, then run the tool.
For Canon Printers:
On the printer screen or in the Canon Utility software, run:
Nozzle check
Print head cleaning
Alignment tools
These resolve issues like blank pages, missing text, or color smudges.
Outdated or incompatible drivers often cause printing problems—especially after a system update.
Visit Canon's official support site.
Enter your model and download the latest drivers.
Uninstall the existing printer driver on your computer.
Restart your computer.
Reinstall the driver and reconnect your printer.
If you're using macOS, make sure your printer supports the latest version (macOS Sonoma or later).
If the issue persists, a full reset can often fix deep-rooted configuration issues.
On the printer, go to Setup > Device Settings > Reset > Reset All Settings.
Confirm and wait for the printer to restart.
Reconnect to your network if using Wi-Fi.
Add the printer back to your computer or Canon app.
Now test if everything is working:
On Windows: Go to Devices > Your Printer > Manage > Print a Test Page.
On macOS: System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Canon Printer > Options > Test Page.
If the test page prints successfully, you’ve resolved the issue.
This could be due to:
Empty or misaligned ink cartridges
Clogged printhead
Software glitches
Third-party cartridge incompatibility
Run a nozzle check and perform printhead cleaning from the printer’s maintenance menu.
This means the printer isn’t communicating with your computer. To fix:
Check network/USB connection
Set the Canon printer as the default
Restart both printer and computer
Yes! Use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app for iOS and Android to print wirelessly. Make sure your printer and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Check that:
You removed all protective tape from the cartridge
The cartridge is fully seated
The printer recognizes the new ink
If it still doesn’t print, try cleaning the print head via the maintenance menu.
Canon recommends using genuine ink for optimal performance. Some third-party inks may work, but they can cause:
Recognition errors
Poor print quality
Warranty voids
Canon Printer Not Printing issues are frustrating—but not unbeatable. Whether it’s a connection problem, driver issue, or just a clogged nozzle, this guide offers step-by-step solutions to get your Canon printer printing again.
Start with the basics, check your connections, clear the queue, and update your drivers. If all else fails, reset the printer to factory settings. With these steps, most Canon printing issues can be solved without a service call.