Canon printers are widely used for home, office, and professional printing tasks due to their reliability and high-quality output. However, many users encounter situations where their Canon printer refuses to print, causing frustration and workflow delays. This comprehensive guide explains the common reasons why a Canon printer won’t print and provides step-by-step solutions for both Windows and Mac users.

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Why Canon Printer Won’t Print

Understanding the root cause is the first step in resolving printing issues. Common reasons include:

1. Connectivity Problems

   1. Printer may be disconnected from Wi-Fi or USB.

   2. Network issues can prevent printing for wireless printers.

2. Paper Jam or Empty Tray

   1. Printers cannot operate if there is a paper jam or the tray is empty.

3. Outdated or Corrupt Drivers

   1. Missing or outdated drivers can prevent the computer from communicating with the printer.

4. Printer Offline or Paused

   1. Printer may be set to Use Printer Offline mode.

   2. Pending print jobs may pause the printer queue.

5. Ink Cartridge Issues

   1. Low or empty cartridges, improper installation, or clogged nozzles can stop printing.

6. Software or OS Conflicts

   1. Windows or Mac updates may temporarily disrupt printing functionality.

7. Firewall or Antivirus Restrictions

   1. Security software can block communication between printer and computer.

Step-by-Step Fix for Canon Printer Won’t Print on Windows

If your Canon printer won’t print on Windows 10 or 11, follow these steps:

1. Check Printer Connection

1. Ensure the printer is powered on and connected via USB or Wi-Fi.

2. For wireless printers, verify both printer and PC are on the same network.

2. Clear Pending Print Jobs

1. Press Windows + R, type control printers, and press Enter.

2. Right-click your Canon printer > See what's printing > Cancel all documents.

3. Set Printer Online

1. In See what’s printing, click Printer from the menu and uncheck Use Printer Offline.

4. Restart Printer and Computer

1. Power off the printer and computer for 30 seconds.

2. Turn them back on to resolve temporary glitches.

5. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

1. Open Device Manager > Printers, right-click your Canon printer, and select Update Driver.

2. If that fails, uninstall the printer and reinstall the latest driver from Canon Official Website.

6. Run Windows Troubleshooter

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners > select your printer > Manage > Run the troubleshooter.

2. Follow on-screen instructions.

7. Check Firewall and Antivirus

1. Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus software to see if it resolves printing issues.

Step-by-Step Fix for Canon Printer Won’t Print on Mac

For Mac users, these steps help resolve printing problems:

1. Check Printer and Network Connection

1. Ensure the printer is on and connected via Wi-Fi or USB.

2. Wireless printers must be on the same network as your Mac.

2. Clear Print Queue

1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

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

3. Reset Printing System

1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

2. Right-click (or Ctrl + click) in the printer list > Reset Printing System.

3. Re-add your printer using + > Add Printer.

4. Update or Reinstall Drivers

1. Download the latest drivers from Canon Support.

2. Install and configure the printer again.

5. Check Ink Cartridges

1. Ensure cartridges are properly installed and not empty.

2. Clean clogged nozzles using Maintenance > Cleaning on the printer menu.

Additional Tips for Smooth Printing

1. Always keep your printer firmware updated.

2. Use genuine Canon cartridges to avoid errors.

3. Avoid frequent changes in network or computer settings.

4. Regularly restart your printer and router for better performance.

FAQs About Canon Printer Not Printing

Q1: Why does my Canon printer show online but won’t print?
A1: This can be caused by pending print jobs, driver issues, or firewall interference. Clear the queue and update drivers.

Q2: Can low ink prevent printing?
A2: Yes, printers often refuse to print if ink cartridges are low or empty. Replace or refill cartridges.

Q3: How do I know if my printer driver is outdated?
A3: If printing fails after updates or system changes, check Canon’s official website for the latest driver version.

Q4: Will resetting the printing system on Mac fix printing issues?
A4: Yes, resetting the printing system clears all printer settings and allows reconfiguration, often resolving printing errors.

Q5: What should I do if my Canon printer still won’t print?
A5: Contact Canon USA Support at 1-800-OK-CANON (1-801-878-6858) for professional assistance.

Conclusion

Canon printers are designed to be reliable, but issues like not printing can occur due to driver problems, connectivity issues, or hardware faults. Following the above steps for Windows and Mac usually resolves most problems. For persistent issues, Canon support provides expert guidance to restore printing functionality quickly.