Printers · Repair guide

How to fix a Canon printer that is not working

9 fixes, easiest first3 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Turn the Canon printer off and on, check its screen for a support code, then make sure the Canon driver is the default printer and Use Printer Offline is not checked. For Wi-Fi printers, run Canon's Wi-Fi Connection Assistant to find and repair the connection.

What it means

When a Canon printer stops working, the cause is usually a lost Wi-Fi connection, Windows holding jobs because the printer is set offline, the wrong driver set as default, or an error shown as a support code on the printer. Canon provides its own tools for these, including Wi-Fi Connection Assistant for network problems and the MP Drivers package for printing.

Common causes

  • The printer lost its Wi-Fi connection or is on a different network
  • Use Printer Offline is turned on in Windows
  • A different or duplicate printer driver is set as default
  • An error such as a paper or ink tank problem, shown as a support code
  • An outdated or badly installed MP Drivers package
  • Scan software that stopped working after a Windows upgrade

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Turn the printer off and onEasy

  1. Turn the Canon printer off with its power button and wait until the power light goes out.
  2. Turn it back on and wait until it is ready.
  3. Try printing again.

Why it helps: Canon lists a power cycle as the first check when the printer shows offline or cannot communicate.

02Read the support code on the printerEasy

  1. Look at the printer's screen or the message on your computer for a support code. For example, on many Canon models 1660 means the ink tank cannot be recognized.
  2. Search the code together with your printer series name in the Canon online manual for your model.
  3. Follow the steps it gives, such as reloading paper or reseating an ink tank.
  4. Codes differ between models, so always check the manual for your exact series.

Why it helps: Canon printers stop printing until the error behind the support code is cleared.

03Check the Wi-Fi or USB connectionEasy

  1. Wi-Fi: make sure the computer or phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
  2. Restart your router by unplugging it for about 30 seconds, then turn the printer back on once the internet is working.
  3. USB: check both ends of the cable and plug it straight into the computer, not into a hub.

Why it helps: A Canon printer that cannot be reached on the network shows as offline.

04Make sure the right Canon driver is the default printerEasy

  1. Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. If your Canon printer is listed more than once, use the one whose name matches your printer model.
  3. Select it and select Set as default.
  4. If Set as default is missing, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer, then try again.

Why it helps: Canon says the printer name and driver name must match and the correct one must be the default.

05Turn off Use Printer OfflineEasy

  1. Windows 11: in Printers & scanners, select your Canon printer, then Printing preferences or Print settings, open the Maintenance tab and select View Printer Status.
  2. In the Canon IJ Status Monitor, select Display Print Queue, then open the Printer menu.
  3. If Use Printer Offline has a check mark, select it to remove the check mark.

Why it helps: With this setting on, Windows keeps every job waiting even when the printer is ready.

06If you use Wi-Fi, run Wi-Fi Connection AssistantEasy

  1. Download Wi-Fi Connection Assistant for Windows or Mac from the Canon support site for your region.
  2. Install and open it, then let it search for your printer.
  3. Use it to diagnose and repair the printer's network connection, following the on-screen steps.

Why it helps: It is Canon's own tool for finding and fixing network connection problems between the computer and printer.

07Check the printer from your phone with the Canon PRINT appEasy

  1. Install the Canon PRINT app from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Add your printer and check its status and ink levels in the app.
  3. If the phone can print but the computer cannot, the printer and network are working and the problem is on the computer.

Why it helps: It quickly shows whether the printer itself is reachable and ready.

08Restart the computerEasy

  1. Save your work and close open apps.
  2. Select Start > Power > Restart.
  3. Try printing again once Windows has fully started.

Why it helps: A restart reloads the print service and the Canon driver after the changes above.

09Reinstall the Canon MP Drivers and scan softwareMedium

  1. Unplug the USB cable if you use one.
  2. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the Canon MP Drivers for your printer, select More options (...) and choose Uninstall.
  3. If scanning also fails, uninstall Canon IJ Scan Utility the same way.
  4. Restart the computer. Canon notes to choose Restart, not Shut down.
  5. Download the latest MP Drivers and IJ Scan Utility for your exact model from Canon's support site and install them.

Why it helps: Canon says an outdated or badly installed driver can stop printing, and scan software may need reinstalling after a Windows upgrade.

Check it's fixed

  • The Canon printer shows as ready, not offline, in Printers & scanners.
  • No support code shows on the printer's screen.
  • A test page prints from the computer and from the Canon PRINT app.

When to get help

If the same support code keeps returning, the printer shows a hardware error, or it will not print even over a direct USB cable after reinstalling MP Drivers, contact Canon support with your model and serial number.

Questions

What does a Canon support code mean?

It is Canon's code for a specific error, such as paper, ink tank or hardware problems. The meaning depends on the model, so look it up in the online manual for your printer series.

Why does my Canon printer say the ink tank cannot be recognized?

Canon says the ink tank may not be installed properly or may not be compatible with the printer. Reseat it, check the tank number, and see the ink cartridge guide on this site.

Which Canon app should I use on my phone?

Canon's current app is Canon PRINT for iPhone, iPad and Android. It can set up the printer, print, scan and show ink levels.

Is Wi-Fi Connection Assistant for Mac too?

Yes. Canon offers Wi-Fi Connection Assistant for both Windows and Mac on its support download pages.

Related fixes

How to fix a printer that says offlineTurn the printer off, unplug it for 30 seconds, then turn it back on and restart your computer and router. Make sure the printer and computeHow to fix a printer that won't printCheck the printer for paper, ink, jams and error messages, then restart it and your computer. Make sure you picked the right printer, cancelHow to fix a printer that won't connect to Wi-FiRestart the printer and router, move the printer closer to the router, then run the wireless setup on the printer and pick your network and How to fix a printer that is not recognizing an ink cartridgeCheck that the cartridge number matches your printer, remove all packaging and tape, then take the cartridge out and push it back in slowly How to fix a scanner that is not workingRestart the scanner and computer, make sure they are connected by a direct USB cable or to the same Wi-Fi network, then check that the scann

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