A Canon printer won’t scan can be a frustrating problem, especially when you need to digitize documents quickly. Whether you're using a Canon all-in-one printer at home or in the office, scanning problems often stem from software conflicts, connection issues, or outdated drivers.
This guide will walk you through step-by-step fixes to resolve the issue when your Canon printer won't scan, along with some frequently asked questions to help you prevent the problem in the future.
Before jumping into fixes canon printer won't scan, it helps to understand what might be causing the issue. Common reasons include:
Connectivity problems (Wi-Fi, USB, or network)
Outdated or missing drivers
Firewall or antivirus interference
Incorrect scan settings or software errors
Canon IJ Network Scan Utility not running
Printer not recognized by your device
Multifunction printer set up incorrectly
The most basic but crucial step is ensuring the printer is properly connected.
For USB:
Make sure the cable is firmly plugged in.
Try a different USB port.
Use a known working cable if available.
For Wi-Fi:
Ensure both the printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Restart your router and printer.
Check your printer's control panel to verify the wireless connection status.
For Ethernet (Wired network):
Confirm the cable is securely connected to both printer and router.
Check the printer's IP address and ensure it's reachable from your PC.
Sometimes, a simple reboot can clear communication errors. Power off both devices completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn them back on. This refresh can solve temporary scanning glitches.
Outdated or corrupted drivers often prevent scanning.
How to update drivers:
Visit Canon’s official support page.
Enter your printer model (e.g., Canon PIXMA MG3620).
Download and install the latest driver and software packages.
You may also need to uninstall old drivers:
On Windows, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Right-click the printer > Remove device.
Reinstall using the latest drivers.
The Canon IJ Network Scan Utility is essential for enabling scan functions on Canon all-in-one printers, especially over Wi-Fi.
Steps:
Make sure it’s installed (check your Canon software folder).
Open the utility manually if scans fail.
If it's missing, download it from Canon's support site.
If you have multiple imaging devices installed, your computer might be trying to scan using the wrong one.
Windows:
Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Make sure your Canon printer is listed as the default scanner.
macOS:
Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
Select your Canon printer and ensure the scanner function is enabled.
Instead of using Windows Fax & Scan or Preview (Mac), use Canon's dedicated apps:
Canon IJ Scan Utility
Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY (mobile)
These are more reliable for Canon devices and allow advanced scan settings.
Sometimes security software can block the communication between your scanner and device, especially on networked setups.
Try this:
Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus.
Attempt to scan again.
If it works, add exceptions for Canon software in your firewall settings.
Ensure you have the correct:
Scan source (e.g., flatbed or document feeder)
File type (PDF, JPG, etc.)
Destination folder (ensure you have write access)
Misconfigured settings can make it seem like nothing is happening when, in fact, the scan is failing silently.
Outdated versions of Windows or macOS may lack support for the latest Canon scanning features.
What to do:
Check for OS updates.
After updating, reinstall the Canon printer software if needed.
If none of the above works, resetting the printer to factory defaults can resolve software or firmware conflicts.
Steps:
Go to Setup > Device Settings > Reset Settings > Reset All (may vary by model).
Reconnect your printer and reinstall software.
The scanner may be turned off, disconnected, or blocked by security software. Ensure it’s powered on, properly connected, and recognized in your computer’s device list. Also, restart the Canon IJ Network Scan Utility.
Yes, many Canon all-in-one models support wireless scanning. Ensure the printer and device are on the same network, and use Canon’s official software or app for best results.
This usually indicates a software or driver issue. The print function may work with basic drivers, but scanning requires Canon-specific software and utilities.
It's a software application that enables scanning functions on Canon multifunction printers. Without it, you may not be able to access scan settings or start scans from your computer.
Use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app available on iOS and Android. It allows wireless scanning, saving, and sharing directly from your Canon printer.
Make sure the document is placed correctly on the scanner glass or in the document feeder. Also, check your scan settings for size and resolution issues.
No. As long as your printer and device are on the same local network, or connected via USB, scanning can work without internet access.
When your Canon printer won’t scan, it’s often due to simple issues like network settings, software conflicts, or outdated drivers. By methodically checking connections, updating software, and using Canon’s official tools, you can usually fix the problem in minutes.
If you've tried everything and the problem persists, consider contacting Canon Printer Support or visiting a certified service center for further help.