A Canon printer may stop printing (Call USA/CA: +1-8O1-878-6858) due to several common issues, including connection problems, outdated drivers, low ink, or clogged print heads. First, check that the printer is powered on, properly connected (USB or Wi-Fi), and set as the default printer. Clear any stuck print jobs in the print queue and restart both the printer and your computer. Verify ink or toner levels and run a print head cleaning if prints come out blank or streaky. Updating or reinstalling the printer driver can also resolve communication errors. If problems persist, reset the printer’s network settings or perform a factory reset.
Canon printer is showing an error, printing blank pages, staying offline, or refusing to respond at all, the issue is usually fixable with a few systematic troubleshooting steps. This comprehensive guide walks you through each step required to identify the cause and apply an effective solution.
The simplest causes are often overlooked. Before moving into advanced troubleshooting canon printer not printing, confirm all physical connections:
Power Cable:
Make sure the power cable is firmly connected to the printer and the wall socket. Check if the power light is on.
USB Cable (for wired printers):
Inspect the cable for damage and ensure it is tightly connected to both your printer and computer. Try switching USB ports.
Network/Wi-Fi Connections (for wireless printers):
Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled on the printer.
Verify that your printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Try moving the printer closer to your router to strengthen the signal.
If any of these elements are loose or disconnected, fixing them may resolve the issue canon printer not printing immediately.
A simple restart can clear temporary bugs:
Turn off the printer completely.
Unplug it from the power source for 30 seconds.
Restart your computer or mobile device.
Plug the printer back in and power it on.
This resets the printer’s internal memory and clears minor glitches that may be preventing printing.
Most modern Canon printers provide onscreen alerts that indicate the cause of the problem. Look for canon printer not printing:
Paper jams
Low ink or toner
Empty paper tray
Cartridge not recognized
Maintenance errors like U163, E02, E03, 5B00, etc.
Consult your printer manual or online Canon documentation for meanings of specific error codes and follow the recommended steps to fix them.
Sometimes your computer sends print jobs to the wrong or offline printer.
Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers
Right-click your Canon printer
Select Set as Default Printer
Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners
Select your Canon printer
Click Default printer
This ensures your print job is directed to the correct device.
A stuck print job is a common reason canon printer stop responding.
Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers
Right-click your Canon printer → See what’s printing
From the menu, choose Cancel All Documents
Restart the printer
Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners
Select your printer → Open Print Queue
Cancel all print jobs
Clearing the queue resets communication between your computer and printer.
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause printing failures.
Open Device Manager
Expand Printers
Right-click your Canon model → Update driver
Uninstall your Canon printer from your computer
Visit the official Canon website
Download the latest drivers for your specific printer model
Reinstall and reconnect the printer
For Mac users, updating macOS automatically updates most printer drivers.
Canon printers may stop printing if ink is extremely low or cartridges are not seated properly.
Open the printer cover and gently remove each cartridge.
Verify the ink levels from the printer display or Canon software.
Reinsert the cartridges firmly until they click into place.
Replace any cartridge that is empty or not recognized.
If your printer uses toner, shake the toner cartridge lightly to redistribute the powder before reinstalling it.
If your canon printer is printing blank or streaky pages, clogged print heads may be the issue.
Open the Canon Printer Utility on your computer.
Select Maintenance or Tools.
Run Print Head Cleaning or Deep Cleaning.
If automatic cleaning doesn't resolve the issue canon printer not printing, remove the print head and gently clean it with a lint-free cloth and warm water. Let it dry completely before reinstalling.
Wireless connectivity issues can prevent your printer from receiving print jobs.
Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer menu.
Confirm the IP address is valid.
On your computer, open the printer properties and verify the IP address matches.
If the IP changed (common after router resets), remove and re-add the printer.
You can also try resetting the Wi-Fi settings on the printer and reconnecting it to your network.
If your canon printer is stuck in “Offline” mode, it will not print.
Go to Devices and Printers
Right-click your Canon printer → See what’s printing
Make sure Use Printer Offline is unchecked
Simply remove the printer and add it again to refresh its connection.
If none of the steps above work, reset the printer to factory settings. This clears all network settings, errors, and customized preferences.
Steps vary by model, but typically:
Open Setup or Settings
Select Device Settings
Choose Reset or Reset to Factory Defaults
Reconfigure Wi-Fi and reinstall drivers afterward.
Canon printers can stop printing for many reasons—connection issues, outdated drivers, print queue errors, low ink, or clogged print heads. By following this step-by-step guide, you can usually identify and fix the issue without professional help. However, if your printer still refuses to work after trying all these solutions, it may require service from Canon Printer Support or a certified technician.