How to Resolve Canon Printer Won’t Print Issue - Easy Steps

Mills Stanley Updated by Mills Stanley

Canon Printer Won't Print

When your Canon printer suddenly stops printing, it can be a frustrating experience, especially if you rely on it for important tasks. Fortunately, most issues can be resolved with some troubleshooting. This guide will walk you through the steps to identify and fix common problems that cause a Canon printer to stop printing.

Common Reasons Why Your Canon Printer Won’t Print

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it's important to understand the common reasons why your Canon printer might not be printing:

  1. Connection Issues:
    • The printer may not be properly connected to your computer or network, leading to communication failures.
  2. Outdated or Corrupted Drivers:
    • Printer drivers that are outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with your operating system can prevent printing.
  3. Print Queue Problems:
    • A stalled or corrupted print queue can block new print jobs from being processed.
  4. Paper Jams or Empty Paper Tray:
    • Physical issues like paper jams or an empty paper tray can stop the printer from functioning.
  5. Low or Empty Ink Cartridges:
    • If the ink cartridges are low or empty, the printer may refuse to print.
  6. Software Conflicts:
    • Conflicts with other software on your computer can interfere with the printing process.
  7. Firewall or Security Settings:
    • Firewalls, antivirus programs, or other security settings may block the printer from communicating with your computer.
  8. Printer Settings Issues:
    • Incorrect printer settings, such as selecting the wrong printer or print mode, can cause the printer to stop working.
  9. Operating System Issues:
    • Recent updates to your operating system might introduce compatibility issues with your printer.
  10. Hardware Malfunctions:
    • Mechanical problems within the printer, such as a faulty print head, can cause it to stop printing.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before proceeding with more detailed troubleshooting, here are some quick fixes that may resolve the issue:

  1. Restart Your Printer and Computer:
    • Power off your printer and computer, wait for a minute, and then turn them back on. This simple step can resolve temporary glitches.
  2. Check Connections:
    • Ensure that all cables are securely connected. If you’re using a USB connection, try a different USB port or cable. For wireless connections, make sure your printer and computer are on the same network.
  3. Check the Print Queue:
    • Open the print queue on your computer and check for any stalled or paused print jobs. Clear the queue and try printing again.
  4. Verify Printer Status:
    • Ensure that your printer is set as the default printer and that it’s not set to "Offline" mode. On Windows, go to "Devices and Printers," right-click on your printer, and select "Set as default printer."

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps

If the quick fixes didn’t solve the problem, follow these detailed troubleshooting steps:

Step 1: Check the Connection
  • USB Connection:
    • If you’re using a USB connection, ensure the cable is properly connected to both the printer and your computer. Try using a different USB port on your computer or a different cable to rule out connection issues.
  • Wireless Connection:
    • For wireless printers, make sure your printer is connected to the correct WiFi network. You can usually check the network status on the printer’s control panel. If necessary, reconnect the printer to your WiFi network by selecting the network and entering the password.
  • Ethernet Connection:
    • If your printer is connected via Ethernet, check the cable and ensure it’s securely connected to both the printer and the router. Test the cable with another device to rule out cable issues.
Step 2: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
  • Uninstall Old Drivers:
    • If the current drivers are outdated or corrupted, uninstall them from your computer. On Windows, go to the Device Manager, find the printer under "Printers," right-click, and select "Uninstall device." On a Mac, go to "System Preferences" > "Printers & Scanners," select your printer, and click the minus sign to remove it.
  • Download the Latest Drivers:
    • Visit the Canon website, search for your printer model, and download the latest drivers compatible with your operating system. Install the new drivers and restart your computer.
  • Reinstall the Printer:
    • After updating the drivers, reinstall the printer on your computer. On Windows, go to "Devices and Printers" in the Control Panel, select "Add a printer," and follow the prompts. On a Mac, go to "Printers & Scanners" in "System Preferences" and add the printer again.
Step 3: Check the Print Queue and Printer Status
  • Clear the Print Queue:
    • Open the print queue on your computer. If you see any pending print jobs that are stuck or paused, clear them. On Windows, you can do this by right-clicking on the print job and selecting "Cancel." On a Mac, you can clear the queue from "Printers & Scanners" in "System Preferences."
  • Set the Printer as Default:
    • Ensure that your Canon printer is set as the default printer. On Windows, go to "Devices and Printers," right-click on your printer, and select "Set as default printer." On a Mac, go to "Printers & Scanners" in "System Preferences," and set the Canon printer as the default.
  • Check Printer Status:
    • Verify that the printer is not set to "Offline" or "Paused" mode. On Windows, right-click on your printer in "Devices and Printers" and ensure "Use Printer Offline" is unchecked. On a Mac, check the printer's status in "Printers & Scanners."
Step 4: Check for Paper Jams and Ink Levels
  • Clear Paper Jams:
    • Paper jams can prevent the printer from functioning. Open the printer cover and check for any stuck paper. Carefully remove any jammed paper, making sure not to tear it. After clearing the jam, close the printer cover and try printing again.
  • Check Paper Tray:
    • Ensure that the paper tray is loaded with paper and that the paper is properly aligned. The printer won’t print if there is no paper in the tray or if the paper is not correctly aligned.
  • Check Ink or Toner Levels:
    • Low or empty ink cartridges can stop the printer from printing. On your printer’s control panel or in the printer software on your computer, check the ink or toner levels. Replace any cartridges that are low or empty.
  • Replace Ink Cartridges:
    • If your printer indicates low ink levels, replace the ink cartridges with new ones. Make sure to use the correct type of cartridge for your printer model.
Step 5: Resolve Software Conflicts
  • Disable Conflicting Software:
    • Some third-party applications can interfere with the printing process. Temporarily disable or uninstall any unnecessary software, especially third-party printing or security software, to see if it resolves the issue.
  • Restart the Print Spooler Service:
    • On Windows, the Print Spooler service manages print jobs. If this service is not running or is stuck, it can cause printing issues. To restart the service, press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find "Print Spooler," right-click, and select "Restart."
  • Use Clean Boot Mode:
    • Perform a clean boot to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you determine if a background program is interfering with the printing process. If the printer works in clean boot mode, gradually re-enable startup programs to identify the culprit.
Step 6: Adjust Firewall and Security Settings
  • Temporarily Disable Firewall:
    • Firewalls can sometimes block communication between your computer and the printer. Temporarily disable your firewall to see if it resolves the issue. If the printer works with the firewall disabled, add the printer to the firewall’s list of allowed devices.
  • Allow Printer Through Antivirus:
    • Some antivirus programs have strict security settings that can block the printer. Check your antivirus settings and add the printer as an exception.
  • Check Network Discovery Settings:
    • Ensure that network discovery is enabled on your computer. This allows your computer to detect devices on the same network. On Windows, go to "Control Panel" > "Network and Sharing Center" > "Change advanced sharing settings," and make sure "Turn on network discovery" is selected.
Step 7: Resolve Printer Settings Issues
  • Check Printer Preferences:
    • Open the printer preferences on your computer and ensure that the settings are correct. For example, check that the correct paper size, print quality, and paper source are selected.
  • Reset Printer Settings:
    • If you’ve made changes to the printer settings that might have caused the issue, try resetting the printer settings to their default values. This option is usually available in the printer’s control panel or in the printer software on your computer.
  • Run the Printer Troubleshooter:
    • On Windows, you can run the built-in printer troubleshooter. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Troubleshoot" > "Additional troubleshooters," and select "Printer." Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix any issues.
Step 8: Resolve Operating System Compatibility Issues
  • Check for OS Compatibility:
    • Ensure that your operating system is compatible with the printer drivers. Visit Canon’s website to check for compatibility information. If your OS is not supported, consider upgrading your OS or using the printer with a compatible device.
  • Install the Latest OS Updates:
    • Sometimes, installing the latest OS updates can resolve compatibility issues. Check for updates on your computer and install any available updates.
  • Use Compatibility Mode:
    • If the printer software isn’t compatible with your current OS, try running it in compatibility mode. Right-click the software icon, select "Properties," go to the "Compatibility" tab, and choose a compatible OS version.

Advanced Solutions

If the standard troubleshooting steps didn’t resolve the issue, consider these advanced solutions:

Step 1: Perform a Factory Reset on the Printer
  • Reset Printer to Factory Settings:
    • Performing a factory reset can resolve persistent issues. This process will reset all settings to their default values. Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on how to perform a factory reset.
Step 2: Use a Different Computer or Device
  • Test with Another Computer:
    • Connect the printer to a different computer or device to see if the issue persists. If the printer works on another computer, the problem might be with your original computer’s settings or software.
  • Print from a Mobile Device:
    • If your printer supports mobile printing, try printing from a smartphone or tablet using a compatible app, such as Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY. This can help determine if the issue is with your computer or the printer itself.
Step 3: Contact Canon Support
  • Reach Out to Canon Support:
    • If you’ve tried everything and your Canon printer still won’t print, it might be time to contact Canon’s customer support. They can provide additional troubleshooting steps or arrange for a repair if needed.

Conclusion

When your Canon printer won’t print, it’s often due to a simple issue like a connection problem, outdated drivers, or a clogged print queue. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to identify and fix the problem. Whether it’s a quick fix or a more detailed solution, addressing these common issues will help restore your printer’s functionality.

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