If your Canon printer is not printing, it could be due to low ink, paper jams, outdated drivers, or network issues. Check connections, ink levels, and print queue settings. Running a printhead cleaning or updating the printer driver often resolves the issue, restoring smooth and efficient printing performance quickly.
 

Canon Printer Not Printing: Reasons and How to Fix It — Complete Guide

Canon printers are known for their reliability, crisp print quality, and versatility — whether you're printing office documents, school projects, or family photos. However, like any technology, they sometimes refuse to cooperate. If your Canon printer is not printing, it can be frustrating, especially when you need it most.

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down:

  • Common reasons your Canon printer isn’t printing

  • Step-by-step troubleshooting solutions

  • Prevention tips to keep your printer running smoothly

Common Reasons Why Your Canon Printer Isn’t Printing

Before jumping to fixes, it’s important to understand the possible causes. The issue could be software-related, hardware-related, or a simple human oversight. Below are the most frequent reasons:

🔸 1. Printer is Offline

If your Canon printer shows as “offline,” it won’t receive print jobs from your computer or phone.

🔸 2. Low or Empty Ink Cartridges

Empty ink tanks or low ink levels can cause blank pages, incomplete prints, or no printing at all.

🔸 3. Paper Jam

Even a tiny, unnoticed paper jam can halt the printing process.

🔸 4. Incorrect Printer Settings

Wrong print commands, selecting the wrong printer from the device list, or improper page setups can cause printing to fail.

🔸 5. Outdated or Missing Printer Drivers

An outdated or corrupted printer driver won’t allow your Canon printer to communicate with your device properly.

🔸 6. Wi-Fi or Network Issues

Unstable or disconnected wireless networks are a frequent cause of print job failures in wireless Canon printers.

🔸 7. Clogged Printhead

When the printhead gets clogged with dried ink, it can prevent ink from reaching the paper, leading to blank or incomplete prints.

🔸 8. Paused or Stuck Print Queue

If previous print jobs are stuck or paused in the queue, your printer won’t start new ones.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Canon Printer Not Printing

Now that you know what might be causing the problem, let’s go through practical, step-by-step solutions you can follow.

Step 1: Check Printer Power and Connections

Start with the basics:

  • Ensure your printer is turned on.

  • Check the power cable connection.

  • If using a USB cable, confirm it’s plugged in securely.

  • For wireless printers, verify that the Wi-Fi light is steady and connected to your network.

Tip: Restart both your printer and router for wireless connection issues.

Step 2: Confirm Canon Printer is Set as Default

Sometimes, your computer sends print jobs to a different or virtual printer (like a PDF printer).

On Windows:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers

  2. Right-click on your Canon printer.

  3. Select Set as default printer

On Mac:

  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners

  2. Select your Canon printer.

  3. Right-click and choose Set as Default Printer

Step 3: Clear Print Queue

A stuck print queue can block new jobs.

On Windows:

  1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers

  2. Right-click your Canon printer → See what’s printing

  3. Cancel all jobs.

On Mac:

  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners

  2. Select your printer and open the queue.

  3. Remove any pending jobs.

Step 4: Check Ink Levels and Replace Cartridges

Low or empty ink cartridges may prevent printing.

  • Open the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app or printer driver software on your computer.

  • Check ink levels.

  • Replace any low or empty cartridges.

  • Make sure you remove protective tape from new cartridges.

Step 5: Check for Paper Jams

Inspect the paper tray and rear tray for:

  • Jammed or crumpled paper.

  • Small paper scraps stuck inside.

Carefully remove any debris. Always use both hands to pull paper gently to avoid tearing.

Step 6: Run a Printhead Cleaning Cycle

If your printer is printing blank pages or skipping lines:

  1. Go to the printer’s Maintenance or Settings menu.

  2. Select Cleaning or Deep Cleaning.

  3. Follow on-screen instructions.

This clears any dried ink or clogs from the printhead nozzles.

Step 7: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated drivers cause communication problems.

To update or reinstall drivers:

  1. Visit ij.start.canon

  2. Enter your printer model.

  3. Download and install the latest drivers.

  4. Restart your computer after installation.

Step 8: Reset Printer Settings

If nothing else works, reset your printer to factory settings.

To reset:

  1. Go to Settings > Device settings

  2. Select Reset settings

  3. Choose Reset all or Reset to factory defaults

Note: You’ll need to reconnect it to Wi-Fi after resetting.

Fixing Wireless Canon Printer Not Printing

If your Canon wireless printer isn’t printing, check these:

  • Make sure your printer and computer/phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.

  • Restart your router.

  • Reconnect the printer using Easy Wireless Connect or WPS.

  • Disable any firewall or VPN temporarily as it might block network printing.

How to Fix Canon Printer Printing Blank Pages

If the printer feeds paper but nothing appears:

  • Confirm ink cartridges aren’t empty.

  • Perform a printhead cleaning.

  • Run a Nozzle Check to verify ink flow.

  • Remove and reinstall cartridges properly.

  • Update your printer drivers.

Preventing Canon Printer Printing Problems

Keep your Canon printer in top shape by following these practices:

  • Use original or high-quality compatible ink.

  • Avoid letting the printer sit idle for long periods.

  • Print a test page weekly to keep ink flowing.

  • Keep the printer covered and in a dust-free space.

  • Check for software updates every few months.

When to Contact Canon Support

If you’ve tried all these steps and your Canon printer still isn’t printing:

  • Visit Canon’s Support page

  • Search your printer model for specific help.

  • Reach out to Canon customer service or take your printer to an authorized service center.

Final Thoughts

Canon printers are built for performance, but occasional printing issues are inevitable. By understanding the common causes and following this step-by-step guide, you can quickly troubleshoot and fix most problems on your own — without costly repairs or long waits.

Remember to keep your printer drivers up to date, use good quality ink, clean your printhead regularly, and maintain a dust-free environment to ensure your Canon printer delivers excellent results for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is my Canon printer not printing even though it has ink?
A: Likely causes include a clogged printhead, incorrect printer settings, or outdated drivers. Run a printhead cleaning and check your settings.

Q2: How do I reset my Canon printer?
A: Go to Settings > Device settings > Reset Settings and select Reset all.

Q3: What is Easy Wireless Connect?
A: It’s a Canon feature that allows quick wireless setup without cables using a smartphone or computer.

Q4: Why does my Canon printer print blank pages?
A: Check for empty cartridges, clogged nozzles, and correct printer drivers. Run a printhead cleaning if needed.

Q5: Can I update my Canon printer firmware?
A: Yes — download the latest firmware from ij.start.canon based on your printer model.