Why Canon Printer is Offline and How to Fix It on Mac or Windows

1. What Does “Canon Printer Offline” Mean?

When a Canon printer shows as “offline,” it means your computer cannot communicate with the printer. This doesn't always mean the printer is physically powered off—it could be on and ready—but something is preventing the connection, often due to settings, drivers, or network issues.

2. Common Reasons for Canon Printer Offline Issue

There are multiple causes for a Canon printer showing as offline:

• Loose or faulty cable connections (for USB printers)

• Wi-Fi connectivity issues (for wireless printers)

• Outdated or corrupt printer drivers

• Incorrect default printer settings

• The “Use Printer Offline” mode is enabled

• Paused print queue

• Firewall or security software blocking communication

• Paper jam or hardware issue

Identifying the exact cause will help in applying the correct solution.

3. How to Fix Canon Printer Offline on Windows

If you're using a Windows computer, follow these steps to get your Canon printer online again.

✔ Step 1: Check Physical Connections and Power

• Ensure the printer is powered ON.

• Check all USB cables (for wired connections).

• For wireless printers, make sure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC.

✔ Step 2: Set Canon Printer as Default

1. Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.

2. Go to Devices and Printers.

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

✔ Step 3: Disable "Use Printer Offline" Mode

1. In Devices and Printers, right-click your Canon printer.

2. Select See what’s printing.

3. Click Printer in the menu bar.

4. If “Use Printer Offline” is checked, click it to uncheck.

✔ Step 4: Clear Print Queue

1. From the “See what’s printing” window, click Printer > Cancel All Documents.

2. Restart the printer and try again.

✔ Step 5: Restart Print Spooler Service

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

2. Locate Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart.

3. If it's not running, choose Start.

✔ Step 6: Update or Reinstall Canon Printer Driver

1. Visit Canon's official website.

2. Search for your printer model.

3. Download and install the latest driver compatible with your Windows version.

4. You can also uninstall the current driver:

   • Open Device Manager > Printers.

   • Right-click the Canon printer and click Uninstall.

   • Reinstall using the latest driver.

✔ Step 7: Check Firewall or Antivirus Settings

• Sometimes, your security software might block communication.

• Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus and test the printer.

• If the printer comes online, add an exception rule for the Canon printer.

4. How to Fix Canon Printer Offline on Mac

For macOS users, the process is slightly different but equally straightforward.

✔ Step 1: Check Connections and Power

• Make sure the printer is ON.

• If using USB, verify the cable is firmly connected.

• If wireless, ensure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Mac.

✔ Step 2: Delete and Re-add Canon Printer

1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings (or Preferences) > Printers & Scanners.

2. Select your Canon printer and click the “-” (minus) button to remove it.

3. Then click the “+” (plus) button and add it again.

✔ Step 3: Reset Printing System

If removing and adding the printer doesn’t work:

1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

2. Right-click in the printer list (or hold Control + click).

3. Choose “Reset printing system…”.

4. Confirm your selection and re-add your printer.

✔ Step 4: Check Printer Status

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

• If the printer status says Paused, click Resume.

✔ Step 5: Update or Reinstall Canon Printer Driver

1. Visit Canon’s official support page.

2. Enter your model number and download the latest macOS-compatible driver.

3. Install it and restart your Mac.

✔ Step 6: Check for macOS Software Updates

• Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.

• Install any pending updates that may improve printing services or compatibility.

5. Additional Fixes for Both Mac and Windows

✔ Restart Your Printer

• Turn it OFF and unplug it.

• Wait for 30 seconds and plug it back in.

• Power it ON again.

✔ Check for Paper Jam or Low Ink

• A jammed paper or low ink warning may prevent the printer from going online.

• Open the printer and remove any stuck paper.

• Refill ink or replace cartridges if needed.

✔ Reconnect to Wi-Fi (for Wireless Models)

1. On the printer's screen, go to Settings > Wireless LAN Setup.

2. Choose your Wi-Fi network and re-enter the password.

✔ Try Printing from Another Device

• Attempt to print from another laptop or phone.

• If it works, the issue is likely with your original device’s configuration.

6. Preventing the Canon Printer Offline Problem

Here are some useful tips to avoid future offline issues:

• Always keep your printer’s firmware and drivers updated.

• Use a stable internet connection for wireless printers.

• Turn off the printer properly instead of unplugging it abruptly.

• Avoid keeping large numbers of documents in the print queue.

• Run regular maintenance and cleaning tasks from printer software.

7. When to Contact Canon Support

If none of the above solutions work, you may be facing:

• A hardware failure (e.g., internal circuit issues)

• Severe driver conflicts

• Firmware corruption

In such cases, contact Canon Support for expert diagnosis. Be sure to provide your printer model, operating system version, and a detailed description of the issue.

8. Final Thoughts

The Canon printer offline issue is common, but it's usually easy to fix with the right steps. Start with checking connections, resetting settings, and updating drivers. Whether you're on Windows or macOS, following the above guide should bring your printer back online in most cases.