A Canon printer won’t print (Call USA/CA: +1-8O1-878-6858) can be a major inconvenience, whether you’re at home, school, or in the office. This issue is common and can occur due to hardware problems, software errors, or network issues. The good news is that most problems can be fixed easily if you know the right steps.
This complete guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the Canon printer won’t print problem on Windows, Mac, and wireless setups, covering both USB and network connections.
Understanding why your Canon printer won’t print helps you identify the right solution. Common reasons include:
Printer not properly connected to the computer
Printer set to offline mode
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers
Paper jams or empty ink cartridges
Network issues for wireless printing
Print spooler or software errors
By identifying the root cause, you can fix the problem efficiently.
Before diving into software fixes, verify the physical setup:
Ensure the printer is turned on
Check that it’s properly connected to your computer via USB or Wi-Fi
Make sure there is paper in the tray
Confirm ink or toner cartridges are installed and not empty
Many times, a simple setup check resolves the Canon printer won’t print issue.
Restarting devices can often fix temporary glitches:
Turn off the Canon printer
Shut down your computer
Unplug the printer for 2–3 minutes
Turn everything back on
This simple step resolves minor communication issues between the printer and computer.
Your computer may be sending print jobs to a different printer. Setting your Canon printer as default can help:
Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers
Right-click your Canon printer
Select Set as Default Printer
Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
Select your Canon printer
Set it as default
This ensures all print commands go to your Canon printer.
If your Canon printer is showing offline, your computer cannot send print jobs.
Open Devices and Printers
Right-click your Canon printer
Click See what’s printing
Uncheck Use Printer Offline
Open Printers & Scanners and make sure your Canon printer status shows Online
A printer appearing offline is one of the main reasons your Canon printer won’t print.
Stuck print jobs can block new documents from printing:
Open Devices and Printers (Windows) or Printers & Scanners (Mac)
Right-click your Canon printer and select See what’s printing
Cancel all pending print jobs
Restart the printer
Clearing the print queue often resolves the Canon printer won’t print problem.
Outdated or corrupted drivers are a frequent cause of printing problems:
Go to ij.start.canon and download the latest drivers for your printer model
Open the downloaded file and follow installation instructions
Restart your computer
If updating does not work:
Uninstall the printer from your system
Reinstall the latest driver
Updated drivers ensure proper communication between your computer and printer.
Make sure the USB cable is firmly connected
Try a different USB port
Replace the cable if damaged
Ensure your printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network
Restart your router and printer
Assign a static IP address if necessary
A stable connection is essential for fixing the Canon printer won’t print issue.
The print spooler manages print jobs. If it malfunctions, your printer may stop printing:
Press Windows + R and type services.msc
Find Print Spooler in the list
Right-click and select Restart
Try printing again
Restarting the spooler often resolves printing errors.
Physical issues can prevent printing:
Open the printer and check for paper jams
Make sure all cartridges are installed properly
Replace empty or low cartridges
Close all panels securely
A printer will refuse to print if it detects hardware issues, causing the Canon printer won’t print problem.
Resetting your Canon printer can resolve persistent problems:
Turn on the printer
Access Settings on the printer display
Select Reset or Restore Factory Settings
Reconnect the printer to your computer or network
A reset often fixes stubborn issues that prevent printing.
Canon printers and operating systems offer troubleshooting tools:
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
Select Printer and click Run
Reset the printing system or re-add the printer
Using the troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix common problems causing the Canon printer won’t print issue.
If your printer is wireless, you may encounter Canon printer won’t print due to Internet or network issues:
Ensure the printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer
Check signal strength and restart your router if needed
Disable VPNs or firewalls temporarily
Assign a static IP address to avoid conflicts
Resolving wireless issues often restores printing functionality.
Keep printer drivers updated
Avoid moving the printer during printing
Use genuine Canon ink cartridges
Restart the printer occasionally
Maintain a stable network connection for wireless printing
Preventive steps reduce the chances of encountering printing problems in the future.
If your Canon printer won’t print after trying all steps:
There may be a hardware issue
Network modules or internal components might be damaged
Professional support may be necessary
Canon support can provide advanced troubleshooting, repair guidance, or replacement if needed.
A Canon printer won’t print problem can disrupt your workflow, but most issues are easily solvable. From checking connections and clearing print queues to updating drivers and resetting the printer, these step-by-step solutions cover nearly every scenario.