If your Canon printer is not printing (dial +1-888-272-8868 USA), check for low ink levels, paper jams, or connectivity issues. Ensure drivers are updated and the correct printer is selected. Restart both printer and computer. Perform a nozzle check and cleaning. If issues persist, reinstall the printer or contact Canon support for further assistance.
 

Canon Printer Not Printing: Causes and Fixes

Canon printers are widely respected for their quality, durability, and performance. However, like any electronic device, they can occasionally face issues. One of the most frustrating problems users encounter is when their Canon printer refuses to print. Whether it's completely unresponsive, prints blank pages, or gives error messages, this issue can disrupt your daily workflow. In this comprehensive 2500-word guide, we'll explore the reasons behind the Canon printer not printing and provide practical solutions to get your printer back up and running.

Common Signs of Printing Problems

Before diving into causes and fixes, identify the specific symptoms your Canon printer is displaying:

  • Printer powers on but doesn’t print

  • Prints blank pages

  • Makes noises but no print output

  • Print job gets stuck in queue

  • Color or black ink is missing

  • Only partial document gets printed

  • "Printer Offline" error

  • "No paper" or "Out of Ink" error despite having supplies

Identifying the symptom helps narrow down the underlying cause.

3. Primary Reasons Why Canon Printers Fail to Print

Let’s explore the most common reasons why your Canon printer might not be printing:

  • Empty or low ink/toner cartridges

  • Clogged print heads or nozzles

  • Printer not properly connected to the computer or network

  • Incorrect printer settings

  • Outdated or corrupt printer drivers

  • Paper jams or misloaded paper

  • Printer set to offline mode

  • Print queue errors or paused print jobs

  • Hardware failure or firmware issues

4. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Here’s a detailed guide to help you fix your Canon printer that isn’t printing:

A. Basic Checks

  1. Ensure the printer is turned on.
    Look for power lights or display activity.

  2. Check for error messages on the printer’s LCD screen (e.g., paper jam, out of ink).

  3. Make sure paper is loaded properly in the input tray.

B. Check Connection Type

For USB Printers:

  • Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and your computer.

  • Try using a different USB port or cable.

For Wireless Printers:

  • Check that the printer is connected to the correct WiFi network.

  • Ensure the network is stable and has internet access.

For Ethernet Printers:

  • Verify that the LAN cable is properly connected and the network is active.

C. Confirm Default Printer Settings

On Windows:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

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

  3. Ensure it’s not grayed out or labeled as "Offline."

On macOS:

  1. Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Select your Canon printer as the default.

D. Restart Devices

  1. Turn off the printer, unplug it, and wait 1 minute.

  2. Restart your computer.

  3. Power the printer back on and retry printing.

E. Check for Paper Jams or Tray Issues

  • Open all printer access panels and check for jammed paper.

  • Remove any crumpled or misaligned sheets.

  • Reload paper correctly and ensure it meets the required size/type.

F. Inspect Ink or Toner Levels

  • Open the printer’s control panel or use Canon software to check ink levels.

  • If ink is low, replace the cartridge(s).

  • After replacement, realign the cartridges using the printer’s software.

G. Perform Nozzle Check and Print Head Cleaning

  1. Open the Canon printer utility or use the printer’s control panel.

  2. Perform a Nozzle Check to detect blockages.

  3. Run the Cleaning or Deep Cleaning function to clear clogged heads.

Note: Avoid over-cleaning, as it can waste ink.

H. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Windows:

  1. Go to Device Manager > Printers.

  2. Right-click your Canon printer and choose Update Driver.

  3. Or, uninstall the printer and download the latest driver from Canon’s website.

macOS:

  1. Remove the printer from Printers & Scanners.

  2. Download the latest drivers from Canon’s official site.

  3. Re-add the printer.

I. Check Print Queue and Clear Errors

  1. Open the print queue via Devices and Printers.

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

  3. Cancel all jobs and restart the print spooler:

    • Press Win + R, type services.msc.

    • Locate Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.

J. Resolve Wireless Connectivity Issues

  1. Move the printer closer to the router.

  2. Ensure the printer is on the 2.4 GHz band, not 5 GHz.

  3. Reconnect to the WiFi via the printer’s settings or Canon PRINT app.

  4. Disable VPN/firewall temporarily if the printer is not discoverable.

5. Fixes for Specific Scenarios

A. Canon Printer Printing Blank Pages

Causes:

  • Empty ink cartridges

  • Clogged print heads

  • Improper installation of cartridges

  • Incorrect page formatting

Fixes:

  • Replace or refill cartridges.

  • Run print head cleaning.

  • Reinstall cartridges.

  • Ensure you're printing from the correct software/application.

B. Printer Not Printing Black Ink

Causes:

  • Low black ink level

  • Clogged black nozzle

  • Cartridge not recognized

Fixes:

  • Replace black cartridge.

  • Run nozzle check and clean black ink head.

  • Reseat cartridge.

C. Canon Printer Offline but Connected

Fixes:

  • Set the printer as default.

  • Disable “Use Printer Offline” in printer settings.

  • Restart the print spooler.

D. Slow Printing or Partial Printing

Causes:

  • Driver conflict

  • Low memory on the system

  • Poor network connection

Fixes:

  • Update drivers.

  • Try wired connection.

  • Print documents as PDF first.

6. Canon Printer Not Printing from Mobile Devices

When printing via smartphones or tablets:

  • Ensure both printer and device are on the same WiFi network.

  • Use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app.

  • Enable AirPrint (iOS) or Mopria (Android) if available.

  • Check app permissions for storage or network access.

  • Restart both printer and mobile device.

7. Canon Software Tools for Troubleshooting

Canon offers helpful software for diagnosing and resolving issues:

  • Canon IJ Network Tool: For checking and configuring network settings.

  • My Printer Utility: Helps you check status, perform maintenance, and fix errors.

  • Easy-PhotoPrint Editor: For advanced printing needs and templates.

Make sure these tools are updated to the latest version for optimal performance.

8. When to Seek Professional Help

If all troubleshooting fails, it might indicate a hardware failure. Seek Canon support if:

  • Print head is permanently clogged

  • The printer shows persistent error codes

  • Ink leaks or mechanical noises occur

  • LCD display is unresponsive

  • Repeated WiFi disconnections

Contact Canon’s customer service or visit a Canon-authorized service center.

9. Preventive Tips to Avoid Printing Issues

  1. Print regularly to prevent ink from drying and clogging nozzles.

  2. Keep the firmware and drivers updated.

  3. Use genuine Canon ink cartridges.

  4. Store the printer in a dust-free, ventilated environment.

  5. Turn off the printer properly using the power button.

  6. Perform periodic nozzle checks and head cleanings.

  7. Keep the paper tray loaded and covered to prevent moisture and dust.

  8. Use compatible paper sizes and quality to avoid jams.

10. Final Thoughts

A Canon printer that’s not printing can be a temporary hiccup or a sign of deeper hardware issues. In most cases, however, simple troubleshooting steps—checking ink levels, clearing the queue, updating drivers, or cleaning the print heads—can resolve the problem. Knowing the exact symptoms and applying the right fix can save time and restore productivity quickly.