Canon printers work effectively almost always. But sometimes, they will malfunction due to reasons like faulty settings and obsolete drivers. If you find your Canon printer not printing, you can take some decisive measures. They include checking the cartridges, and paper problems, updating the printer drivers, and inspecting the connection status.
These techniques fix different issues that prevent the printer from responding to your commands. If you’ve been trying to fix this issue but haven’t found success, this article will help you out. Find out the best resolutions to make your Canon printer respond and work optimally.
1. Examine the Connection Between Your PC and Printer
One of the most basic reasons why the printer isn’t printing is that it isn’t connected to your printer. So, ensure that your PC and the printer are firmly connected before moving on to other measures. Check for these things.
● Ensure that your printer and computer are powered on.
● The status LED light should be lit.
● Check whether the printer is plugged into an active working outlet.
● The power switches should be on.
● If you use a USB cable connection, find out whether the cable is linked correctly.
● You must replug it if it is loose.
● If you have a wireless Canon printer, check whether the device’s connection between your router and PC is secure.
2. Change Canon Printer Settings
Your printer should be the default machine taking commands from your computer. If it isn’t set as one, you can change the settings.
● In the Control Panel, find ‘Devices and Printers.’
● If you find the printer not being the default device, right-tap on its name.
● Now, choose the ‘Set as default’ option.
● See whether the printer shows a green checkmark beside it.
● If it does, it means it is set as default, and you can use it to print.
3. Turn off the Use Printer Offline Option
Windows users facing the issue of Canon printer not printing color should find out whether they have the Use Printer Offline option enabled. If it is turned on, you will certainly find problems in printing.
● Access the ‘Start’ menu on your PC.
● Navigate to ‘Control Panel.’
● Here, choose the ‘Hardware and Sound’ section.
● After that, pick ‘Devices and Printers.’
● Go to ‘Printers’ and right-tap on the problematic Canon printer.
● Now, hit ‘See what’s printing.’
● Choose ‘Printer.’
● Check whether there is a tick beside ‘Use Printer Offline.’
● Remove it if you see it.
● Tap ‘Printer’ followed by ‘Cancel all documents.’
● Finally, take a test print.
4. Find if There Are Problems with the Security Program
Sometimes, problems with the firewall can interfere with the printer’s performance. If your firewall is disturbing the printing, disable it.
● Input Windows Defender Firewall on your Windows search bar and access its result.
● Select ‘Turn Windows Firewall on or off.’
● Turn off the firewall. Do it on private and public networks.
● Hit ‘OK’ to apply the new changes.
● Try printing again.
5. Remove the Stuck Print Jobs
Canon printers won’t print if there are pending jobs stuck in the print queue. In this case, you should clear the queue and then see if your printer starts printing.
● In Control Panel, input ‘services.msc.’
● Go to ‘Print Spooler.’
● Right-tap it and choose the ‘Stop’ option.
● In the Run box, input ‘spool.’
● Now, hit Enter.
● Launch the Printers folder.
● Erase everything present here.
● Access the Services windows and right-tap ‘Printer Spooler.’
● Select ‘Start.’
● Give a print command. You will no longer face any printing issues.
6. Get a Canon Printer Driver Update
Drivers play a vital role in the entire printing process. So, updating them regularly is essential if you want smooth printing. To update your Canon printer driver:
● Head to Windows search.
● Here, access the Run box.
● In this box, input ‘devmgmt.msc.’
● Press Enter to go to the print queue.
● Right-tap on the Canon printer that isn’t printing.
● Locate the ‘Update Driver’ option from the list and choose it.
● Choose the option saying ‘Check for automatically updated driver program.’
● Abide by the directions on your Windows screen to finish this process.
7. Power Cycle Your Canon Printer
Power cycling is one of the simplest ways to get past Canon printer offline or not responding issues. It resets errors and fixes lost communication.
● Firstly, switch off your printer using the ‘Power’ button.
● After that, disconnect the cord of the printer from its back.
● Do not connect it immediately. Do so after about 30 seconds.
● Now, hit the ‘Power’ button of the device to turn it on.
● When the device is turned on and is Ready, try printing.
8. Reboot Your Router
Sometimes, your router or modem cannot communicate with the connected devices. So, you must power recycle it.
● Disconnect your router from its power source.
● After waiting for 30 seconds, reconnect those devices.
● It may take the router or modem several minutes to boot up.
● After the connection establishes, there should not be any problem with the communication between your devices.
● Your Canon printer will start printing.
Summing up
Use these troubleshooting techniques whenever you find your Canon printer not printing. They will restore the lost link between your printer and the computer. Seek the advice of an expert if these resolutions do not give the intended result.