If your Canon printer not printing (1-888-272-8868), check for paper jams, low ink levels, or outdated drivers. Ensure the printer is properly connected to your computer or Wi-Fi. Restart the printer and device. 
 

Canon Printer Not Printing: Reasons and How to Fix It

Canon printers are renowned for their reliability and performance, whether used in homes or businesses. However, like all technology, they’re not immune to problems. One of the most frustrating issues users face is when their Canon printer stops printing — despite being connected, powered on, and seemingly functional. This comprehensive guide explores the various reasons why a Canon printer might not print and provides step-by-step solutions for each possible issue.

Common Reasons Why Canon Printers Stop Printing

Before diving into the fixes, it's essential to understand the potential causes. These issues can be related to hardware, software, or connectivity problems. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Empty or Faulty Ink/Toner Cartridges

Even if the ink levels appear fine, dried-out or faulty cartridges can prevent printing.

2. Print Jobs Stuck in the Queue

Multiple print jobs stuck in the queue can block new documents from printing.

3. Connection Problems

Your printer may be disconnected from the Wi-Fi network or computer.

4. Driver Issues

Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can hinder communication between your computer and the printer.

5. Incorrect Printer Settings

Sometimes the wrong printer is selected as the default, or settings prevent documents from being processed.

6. Firmware or Software Glitches

Temporary bugs in the printer's firmware or system software can cause malfunctions.

7. Paper Jams or Mechanical Errors

Physical obstructions like paper jams or hardware malfunctions can stop printing.

8. Clogged Print Head

This is especially common with inkjet printers that haven’t been used for a while.

9. Operating System Conflicts

Windows or macOS updates may lead to incompatibility with printer drivers.

How to Fix Canon Printer Not Printing

Let’s go through the most effective solutions, starting from basic checks to advanced troubleshooting.

1. Check the Power and Cable Connections

Steps:

  • Ensure the printer is turned on and the power cable is plugged in securely.

  • If using a USB connection, unplug and replug the cable.

  • For wireless connections, confirm your printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

  • Restart both the printer and the computer.

Tip: Use the printer’s control panel to check wireless signal strength or reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.

2. Check for Error Messages on the Printer

Modern Canon printers display error codes or blinking lights. Refer to the user manual or Canon’s official website to decode these alerts. Common error codes like E03 (paper jam) or E05 (cartridge issue) can give you immediate clues.

3. Check Ink or Toner Levels

Steps:

  • On your computer, go to “Devices and Printers” (Windows) or “Printers & Scanners” (Mac).

  • Select your Canon printer and look for “Supply Levels.”

  • If cartridges are empty or near empty, replace them.

Warning: Refilled cartridges sometimes don't register properly. Use genuine Canon ink when possible.

4. Run the Printer’s Built-In Diagnostic Tools

Most Canon printers have tools to:

  • Clean print heads

  • Align cartridges

  • Perform test prints

How to Access:

  • Use the Canon printer’s control panel or companion app (Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY).

  • Run a “Nozzle Check” and “Print Head Cleaning” cycle.

If test prints work but your computer’s documents don’t print, the issue likely lies with the software or settings.

5. Clear the Print Queue

A jammed print queue can freeze all print jobs.

Windows:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

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

  3. Click Printer > Cancel All Documents.

Mac:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Select your Canon printer > Open Print Queue > Cancel jobs.

Then try printing again.

6. Set Your Canon Printer as Default

Windows:

  • Go to Devices and Printers.

  • Right-click your Canon printer > Set as Default Printer.

Mac:

  • Go to Printers & Scanners.

  • Set the Canon printer as default under “Default printer.”

7. Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver

Drivers act as the translator between your printer and computer. Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause communication issues.

To update on Windows:

  1. Open Device Manager.

  2. Expand Printers, right-click on your Canon device > Update driver.

To reinstall:

  1. Uninstall the printer from Devices and Printers.

  2. Visit the official Canon Support website to download the latest drivers.

  3. Install and restart your computer.

Mac Users:

  • Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > delete the printer.

  • Re-add it or install updated drivers from Canon’s support site.

8. Check Wireless Network and IP Address Conflicts

If your Canon printer is wireless, ensure it’s properly connected to the Wi-Fi network.

Steps:

  • Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer settings.

  • Compare the IP address listed with your computer’s network.

  • Reconnect the printer using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) or manually through the printer menu.

You can also access the printer through its IP in a browser to check the status.

9. Reset the Canon Printer

Resetting your printer clears minor glitches.

Soft Reset:

  1. Turn off the printer.

  2. Unplug it for 2-3 minutes.

  3. Plug it back in and turn it on.

Factory Reset (use with caution):

  • Go to Setup > Device Settings > Reset Settings > Reset All on the printer’s control panel.

  • Follow the prompts.

Note: This will remove saved Wi-Fi credentials and preferences.

10. Check for Firmware Updates

Canon releases firmware updates to fix known bugs and enhance performance.

How to check:

  • Visit the Canon support website, find your model, and look under “Firmware.”

  • Follow the instructions to download and update your device.

Some printers allow OTA (over-the-air) updates directly from the control panel or mobile app.

11. Clean the Print Head Manually (Advanced)

If your printer prints blank pages or streaky text, the print head might be clogged.

Automatic cleaning:

  • Use the control panel or Canon utility software to run a cleaning cycle.

Manual cleaning:

  1. Remove the cartridges and print head (refer to the manual).

  2. Soak the print head in warm water or isopropyl alcohol.

  3. Let it dry completely before reinstalling.

Note: Proceed with caution. Improper cleaning may damage the print head.

12. Resolve OS Compatibility Issues

Recent OS updates can cause driver or communication conflicts.

Fix:

  • Reinstall updated Canon drivers compatible with the latest OS.

  • Disable any third-party firewall or antivirus temporarily to test if they’re blocking the print job.

13. Use Canon Mobile Apps or Web Interface

If printing from a PC doesn’t work, try mobile printing:

  • Install Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app.

  • Print a document or photo from your phone to check functionality.

You can also access the printer’s web interface by entering its IP address in a browser.

14. Try Printing from Another Device

To isolate the issue:

  • Attempt to print from another laptop or phone.

  • If it prints successfully, the problem lies with the original device’s settings or drivers.

15. Check for Third-Party Conflicts

Software like VPNs, firewalls, or print management tools can interfere with printing.

Fix:

  • Temporarily disable such programs and try printing.

  • Ensure your Canon printer is whitelisted in your firewall settings.

When to Contact Canon Support

If none of the above solutions work, you may have a hardware issue such as:

  • Faulty motherboard

  • Broken print head

  • Damaged ink sensor

  • Network card failure

In such cases, reach out to Canon’s official support or take your printer to an authorized service center.

Preventive Tips to Avoid Printing Issues

  1. Regularly Use the Printer: Prevent ink from drying by printing at least once a week.

  2. Keep Software Up to Date: Regularly check for driver and firmware updates.

  3. Use High-Quality Paper and Ink: Avoid using incompatible cartridges or subpar paper.

  4. Protect from Dust: Keep your printer covered when not in use.

  5. Restart After Power Surges: If your home experiences a power outage, restart the printer and check for errors.

Conclusion

A Canon printer that suddenly stops printing can stem from a variety of issues — from simple print queue overloads to hardware failures. Thankfully, most problems are solvable with some basic troubleshooting. This guide outlined the most common causes and provided actionable fixes to restore your printer’s functionality.

Remember to check everything from physical connections and ink levels to software configurations and driver compatibility. If all else fails, Canon's support team is just a call or click away. A proactive maintenance routine can also keep future issues at bay, ensuring your Canon printer works smoothly for years to come.