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Are you having trouble with your Canon printer? Worry no more! This beginner's guide will help you with common Canon printer problems. Say goodbye to your Canon printer not printing issues in no time!

In this guide, we will discuss the following:


What is a Canon Printer?

Canon printers are a brand of printing devices manufactured by Canon Inc., a Japanese multinational corporation. Canon offers a wide range of printers, including inkjet printers, laser printers, all-in-one printers (which can print, scan, copy, and sometimes fax), and large-format printers for professional and personal use. These printers are known for their quality, performance, and advanced features, making Canon a popular home and office printing choice.

But sometimes, these printers can have issues like not printing correctly. So, how can you make it work again? Let's find out how!


How to Find a Canon Printer Model?

To properly troubleshoot and repair your Canon printer, you must know first the exact type of Canon printer you have. Let's help you find and know your printer's model from the methods below:

  • Method 1: Examine the Printer. Inspect your printer carefully. The model name or number can be found on the printer's exterior, often on the front, top, near the control panel, or inside the cartridge holder.
  • Method 2: Check the User Manual. If you haven't found it in the first option, look inside your printer's user manual for the model name and number. It's usually listed there.
  • Method 3: Online Help. If you can't locate it on the printer, visit Canon's official website or follow this guide on how to find printer name on your printer.

Canon Printer Not Printing: Causes and Fixes

Have you ever wondered why is your Canon printer not printing as it should? Let's discuss the most common Canon printer issues and how to fix them. We'll explore the reasons behind these issues and provide simple solutions to get your printer working smoothly again. Here are some:

1. Canon Printer Offline Issue

One of the most common Canon printer problems that may cause your Canon printer to stop printing is when your printer goes offline. When this happens, always check the basics, like a loose power cable, before troubleshooting further.

A. Canon Printer Not Connecting to Computer

Your printer can go offline when your printer fails to connect to your computer properly, either wired or wirelessly.

Wired Connection:
  • Check Cables. Ensure the USB or Ethernet cable is securely connected between the printer and the computer.
  • USB Port. Try using a different USB port on your computer.
  • Restart Devices. Turn off both the printer and computer, then turn them back on to refresh both systems.
Wireless Connection:
  • Network Check. Confirm that the printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Restart Router. Power cycle your router and check for improved connectivity.
  • Printer Settings. Access the printer settings to verify the wireless connection.

B. Printer's Sleep Mode

Printers have a sleep mode to save energy when they're not active. This makes them slower to respond and can sometimes render your printer offline. To fix this:

  • Wake-Up Methods. Press any button on the printer, send a print job, or access the printer's control panel to wake it from sleep mode.
  • Adjust Sleep Settings. Modify the printer's sleep settings through the control panel or printer software.
  • Power Cycling. Turn the printer off and then back on to reset it and exit sleep mode.

2. Canon Printer Not Printing Due to Paper Jams

Paper jam is among those annoying Canon printer problems that will cause your Canon printer not printing, especially when in the middle of a hurried print job. When your Canon printer gets stuck with paper, don't panic! Here's how you can fix it:

  1. Step 1: Turn Off the Printer. First, switch off your printer to be safe.
  2. Step 2: Open it Up. Open your printer's cover carefully to get to the paper jam.
  3. Step 3: Take Out the Tray. If the paper jam is in the tray, remove the paper tray from the printer.
  4. Step 4: Gently Pull the Paper. If you see the jammed paper, pull it out slowly in the direction it normally moves. Be gentle to avoid tearing the paper.
  5. Step 5: Check for Small Bits. Look for any tiny pieces of paper or debris and remove them.
  6. Step 6: Put it Back and Test. After clearing the jam, put the paper tray back, close the printer, and turn it on. Ensure you also properly load paper into the tray to avoid another paper jam. Print a test page to make sure it's working fine now.

3. Empty Paper Tray or Not Firmly Closed

Your printer won't print if your Canon printer is indicating that the paper tray is empty or not firmly closed. You may follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

  1. Step 1: Check Paper Tray. Ensure that the paper tray is loaded with the correct type and size of paper. Adjust the paper guides to fit the paper size properly.
  2. Step 2: Reload Paper. If the paper tray is empty, reload it with a stack of paper. Make sure the paper is not curled, folded, or damaged.
  3. Step 3: Close Paper Tray Securely. Double-check that the paper tray is firmly closed after loading the paper. Ensure that no obstructions are preventing the tray from closing properly.

4. Canon Printer Ink not Recognized

There are times when your Canon printer doesn't recognize the ink cartridges. When that happens, you may follow these steps to fix it:

  1. Step 1: Restart Printer. Turn off the printer, unplug it for a few minutes, and plug it in again. Turn it back on.
  2. Step 2: Check Compatibility. Ensure you're using ink cartridges that work with your Canon printer model.
  3. Step 3: Take Out and Put Back. Turn off the printer and remove the ink cartridges. Look for any protective film and remove it properly.
  4. Step 4: Clean Contacts. Gently clean the metal parts on the cartridges with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in water.
  5. Step 5: Put Back. Put the cartridges back in correctly.
  6. Step 6: Replace Cartridges. If the problem persists, consider replacing old or damaged cartridges with new Canon ones.

Canon Printer Problems: Other Common Issues

Were you able to identify and fix your issue from the above Canon printer problems? If not, don't worry! We've got you covered with additional solutions to tackle persistent printer issues, ensuring you find the right approach to fix your Canon printer properly. You'll be back to printing seamlessly in no time!

1. Blurry or Faded Prints

If your Canon printer is producing blurry or faded prints, it's time to take action:

  • Check the ink or toner levels and replace them if necessary.
  • Run the printer's built-in maintenance tools to clean the printhead.
  • Adjust the print quality settings in your computer's print dialog.
  • If the problem persists, consider replacing the ink or toner cartridges.

2. Canon Printer Noisy Printing Issue

If your Canon printer is making a lot of noise while printing, here are some areas you need to check:

  • Proper Placement. Ensure the printer is on a flat, stable surface without wobbling or tilting. This can reduce noise.
  • Check for Foreign Objects. Open the printer cover and check for foreign objects like paper scraps or debris. Remove them if you find any.
  • Quality Paper. Use good quality, smooth paper that is suitable for your printer. Low-quality or wrinkled paper can cause noise.
  • Ink or Toner Cartridge. Make sure the ink or toner cartridges are properly installed and not loose. Check for any damaged cartridges.
  • Printer Settings. Adjust the printer settings to use "quiet mode" if your printer has this option. It may reduce noise, but printing might be slower.
  • Professional Service. Consider having a professional technician check your printer for mechanical problems if the noise continues.

3. Slow Printing Speed

A slow printer can test your patience, but there are ways to improve its speed:

  • Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for faster data transfer.
  • Reduce the print quality for draft or quick prints.
  • Clear the print queue and cancel unnecessary print jobs.
  • Update your printer drivers to the latest version.

4. Canon Scanner Not Working

If your Canon scanner is not working, you can try these to fix it:

  • Check Connections. Make sure the scanner is properly connected to your computer. Double-check the USB or Wi-Fi connection.
  • Paper and Settings. Verify that there's paper loaded correctly in the scanner and that the settings for scan resolution and type are appropriate.
  • Power On and Off. Turn off the scanner, wait a moment, and turn it back on. Sometimes, this can resolve minor issues.
  • Restart Your Computer. Restart your computer as well, as it can refresh the connection between the scanner and the computer.
  • Software Check. Ensure you have the correct scanner software installed on your computer. If not, download and install it from the Canon website.

How to Scan on a Canon Printer?

  1. Step 1: Turn on your Canon printer
  2. Step 2: Start the Canon IJ Scan Utility on your computer. You should be able to download it from the CD or DVD that comes with your printer. You can also try to download it from the Canon driver downloads site.
  3. Step 3: Open the scanner lid, place your document to be scanned on the platen/scanner glass, and close the lid. Make sure the platen is clean before putting the paper.
  4. Step 4: With the document on the platen glass, press ScanGear on the Canon IJ Scan Utility to start scanning.
  5. Step 5: Click the Preview button to check for changes and set the desired saving point.
  6. Step 6: Click Scan.

Parting Words

Ready to fix those Canon printer problems? With the proper knowledge and solutions, you can tackle them effectively. From paper jams to blurry prints and connectivity issues, this guide has provided helpful Canon printer troubleshooting steps to keep your Canon printer in shape. Say goodbye to Canon printer not printing frustrations and enjoy smooth, trouble-free printing with your Canon printer!

Key takeaways:
  • Canon printers are a popular choice for home and office printing, but sometimes, they can experience issues like not printing correctly.
  • To troubleshoot and repair your Canon printer, you must know your printer's exact type or model. You may check the exterior part of your printer, the user manual that came with it, or by visiting Canon's official website.
  • Common Canon printer problems include paper jams, WiFi not connecting, ink not recognized, not connecting to the computer, offline issues, scanner not working, noisy printing issues, blurry or faded prints, and slow printing speed.

If you need help with ink or have questions about your orders, our friendly team is here to assist you. You can call us for free at 1-833-465-6888. Our helpful support staff is available from Monday to Friday, 6am-4pm PT. We're here to ensure your printing goes smoothly and is a pleasant experience.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I print from my mobile device to a Canon printer?

Yes, you can print from your mobile device to a Canon printer. Many Canon printers are compatible with mobile printing. You can easily do this by downloading the Canon PRINT app on your mobile device or using the built-in mobile printing options available on some Canon printers.

2. What are compatible and remanufactured Canon ink and toner cartridges?

Canon remanufactured ink cartridges are thoroughly inspected before refilling with ink or toner powder. It is the chosen alternative to original cartridges. Reusing the original cartridges enables manufacturers to sell them at a lower price.

On the other hand, Canon-compatible cartridges are brand new and produced by a third-party company. The goal is to meet the standards of the genuine ones or exceed them. There is no need to worry about its performance since it is made to match your printer model and to work just like the original cartridges.

3. Does printing with third-party ink or toner void Canon printer warranties?

We understand that you may feel hesitant to use other types of cartridges. Printer companies make you believe it will void your warranty if you choose other alternatives. Take note that using compatible or remanufactured cartridges will not void your warranty according to the MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY IMPROVEMENT ACT, United States Code Annotated Title 15 Commerce Trade Chapter 50, Consumer Product Warranties 15 Sections 2302.

4. How long does Canon ink last?

Generally, ink and toner cartridges have the same shelf life of two years when unopened, regardless of the brand. However, once you open the cartridge, you should consume it within six months. The ink tends to dry up if not used within the recommended period. It is also vital to ensure a good storage area for your Canon cartridges to last long. Avoid putting them directly under artificial or natural light. Check our article on how to store ink cartridges and toner cartridges to preserve their shelf life.

5. Why are there streaks on my printed pages?

Clogged printheads or low ink levels often cause streaks on your printed pages in your Canon printer. To resolve this issue, use your printer's built-in cleaning function to clear clogged printheads. If your ink cartridges run low, refill or replace them with new ones to ensure consistent print quality and eliminate streaks.