If your Canon printer is not printing  (Dial +1-888-272-8868 USA), it could be due to connectivity issues, outdated drivers, empty ink cartridges, or print queue errors. Check cables, restart the printer, clear the queue, and update drivers. Running the built-in troubleshooter or reinstalling the printer can also help resolve the issue efficiently.
 

Canon Printer Not Printing? How to Fix It Step-by-Step

Canon printers are renowned for their print quality, ease of use, and reliability. However, like all technology, they can sometimes run into issues—one of the most common being the printer not printing at all. Whether you're trying to print an important document or a school assignment, encountering this issue can be frustrating.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through a step-by-step process to diagnose and resolve the "Canon Printer Not Printing" problem effectively. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the tools and knowledge to fix it yourself, without needing a technician.

1. Understanding the Problem

When your Canon printer refuses to print, it could mean the command isn’t reaching the printer, or the printer is unable to carry out the command. This could stem from hardware glitches, driver issues, software conflicts, or user settings.

To fix the issue efficiently, it’s important to systematically test different components until the root cause is found.

2. Common Reasons Canon Printer Won’t Print

Before diving into the fixes, understanding potential causes can help you identify the issue faster. Common reasons include:

  • Loose or faulty USB or power cables

  • Printer set to “Offline” or not as the default

  • Clogged or empty ink cartridges

  • Paper jams or tray issues

  • Outdated or corrupt drivers

  • Network issues (for wireless printers)

  • Print queue errors

  • Recent OS updates disrupting functionality

3. Preliminary Checks

Before troubleshooting, make sure of the following:

  • The printer is turned ON.

  • There are no warning lights or error codes displayed.

  • The printer is properly connected to your computer or Wi-Fi.

  • You’re printing to the correct printer.

Once verified, proceed with the step-by-step guide.

4. Step-by-Step Fixes

Step 1: Check Printer Connections

For USB Printers:

  • Make sure the USB cable is properly connected to both the computer and the printer.

  • Try plugging it into a different USB port.

For Wireless Printers:

  • Ensure the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

  • Restart the router and printer if necessary.

For Network Printers:

  • Ping the printer IP address from your PC to verify connection.

Step 2: Ensure Printer is Set as Default

  1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

  2. Right-click your Canon printer and choose Set as default printer.

  3. Try printing again.

Step 3: Restart Print Spooler Service

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Locate Print Spooler.

  3. Right-click and choose Restart.

  4. Retry printing.

Step 4: Check for Error Messages

Canon printers often display error codes (e.g., E02, P03). Refer to your printer’s manual or the Canon support site to decode and resolve them.

Step 5: Perform a Hard Reset

  1. Turn off the printer.

  2. Unplug it from the power source.

  3. Wait 60 seconds.

  4. Plug it back in and turn it on.

  5. Try printing.

Step 6: Clear Print Queue

  1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

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

  3. Cancel all pending print jobs.

  4. Retry printing.

Step 7: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can lead to printing issues.

To update:

  1. Visit the Canon support website.

  2. Download the latest driver for your model and OS.

  3. Install and restart your system.

To reinstall:

  1. Go to Device Manager > Printers.

  2. Right-click Canon printer > Uninstall device.

  3. Restart PC and reinstall the driver.

Step 8: Check Ink/Toner Levels

  • Use the printer’s onboard menu or Canon's software to check ink levels.

  • If any cartridge is empty, replace it.

  • If a cartridge is clogged, run a cleaning cycle from printer settings.

Step 9: Run Printer Troubleshooter (Windows)

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

  2. Select Printer and click Run the troubleshooter.

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 10: Check Print Settings

Incorrect print settings can prevent printing.

  1. Go to File > Print in your application.

  2. Make sure the correct printer is selected.

  3. Check if the number of copies is set to “0”.

  4. Verify that you haven’t chosen “Print to PDF” or “Save as XPS” by mistake.

Step 11: Try Printing from Another Device

If the printer works from another device, the issue lies with your computer. If it doesn't work from any device, the issue is with the printer.

5. Special Cases

Canon Wireless Printer Not Printing

  • Ensure Wi-Fi signal is strong and not overloaded.

  • Reconnect printer to Wi-Fi using WPS or manual setup.

  • Assign a static IP to avoid network conflicts.

Canon Printer Not Printing After Windows/Mac Update

  • Windows/Mac updates may conflict with printer drivers.

  • Reinstall or update your printer drivers.

  • Roll back the update if the issue started immediately after.

Canon Printer Not Printing from Phone

  • Make sure both phone and printer are on the same network.

  • Use Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app for wireless printing.

  • Check permissions (iOS/Android) for printing.

6. When to Contact Canon Support

If you’ve tried all the above steps and your Canon printer still won’t print, it may indicate a deeper hardware issue like:

  • Faulty printhead

  • Damaged logic board

  • Wireless module failure

  • Internal sensor issues

Reach out to Canon Support or an authorized repair center if:

  • You see persistent error codes.

  • The printer makes strange noises or fails to initialize.

  • The device is under warranty.

7. Preventive Measures

Avoid future printing problems by following these tips:

  • Regularly update your printer firmware and drivers.

  • Use genuine Canon ink and recommended paper.

  • Print a test page weekly to avoid ink drying.

  • Store the printer in a dust-free, dry environment.

  • Use a UPS or voltage stabilizer to prevent power damage.

  • Clean your printer’s interior and rollers monthly.

8. Conclusion

A Canon printer that won’t print can be due to a wide range of causes, from something as simple as an unplugged cable to more complex issues like driver corruption or hardware malfunction. However, most problems can be fixed with a methodical, step-by-step approach like the one laid out in this guide.

Start with the basics—check power, cables, and default settings—before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting like updating drivers or resetting the printer. If all else fails, Canon's support team or a certified technician can help you get back to printing.