7 Fixes for Canon Printer Not Turning on

When a Canon printer won’t turn on, it is due to a loose power connection, a faulty wall outlet, or an internal power supply issue. Resolving it requires verifying the power source, performing a hard power reset, or checking for internal short circuits. In this post, we’ll dive into this issue and explain the most effective solutions.
Why Your Canon Printer Does Not Turn on?
Canon printer’s won’t turn on due to the following major reasons:
- Power delivery issues: The power cord may be loose, damaged, or plugged into a defective surge protector or extension cord.
- Hardware interference: Connected USB cables or network devices can sometimes disrupt the printer’s power sequence.
- Short circuits: Leaked ink or a burned-out printhead can create a short circuit that stops the machine from powering up to prevent further damage.
- Component failure: The physical power button may be stuck, or the internal power supply board could be completely dead.
Troubleshooting Canon Printer Not Powering on
Follow these fixes if your Canon printer does not wakes up or turns on:
1. Verify Power Connections
Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet without using an extension cord or power strip, as these can fail or trigger their own breakers. Test the wall outlet with another electrical device to confirm it is actively supplying power. Ensure the power cord is seated securely in both the wall and the back of the printer.
2. Reset Canon Printer
To hard reset a Canon printer, turn the printer on. Open the Setup menu and go to Device Settings. Next, choose Reset Settings and select Reset All. For printers with basic LED buttons, turn the printer off, hold the Stop button, press the Power button 5 times, then release the buttons.
You can also disconnect all external peripherals from the printer. Remove any USB cables or network connections, as external interfaces can occasionally interfere with the printer’s power function. Press the power button firmly to ensure it is engaging properly and is not physically stuck in the chassis.
3. Check for Internal Short Circuits
Check for internal short circuits caused by the ink system. Open the printer and inspect for any leaked ink that could be shorting out the circuitry. Remove the ink cartridges completely, leave the printer unplugged for an hour, and then attempt to turn it on without the cartridges installed. If the printer powers up successfully, one of the cartridges or the printhead has short-circuited and requires replacement.
4. Do a Physical Button Inspection
If the power button is not working, press it firmly to check its movement. The button should move smoothly and click. If the button feels stuck, jammed, or doesn’t spring back, debris may be trapped in the chassis, preventing it from making contact with the internal switch.
For some Canon PIXMA and MAXIFY printer models, you can force a reset using a specific button combination. Follow these steps to make the power button work:
- Press and hold the Stop button (often a red triangle) for about 2 seconds.
- While holding the Stop button, press and hold the Power button for another 2 seconds.
- Release the Stop button while continuing to hold the Power button.
- While still holding the Power button, press the Stop button exactly 5 times.
- Release the Power button. If successful, the printer will automatically reset and start up.
5. Fix the Ghost Jam
When a Canon printer won’t turn on after a paper jam, the cause is a ghost jam. To fix it:
- Do a hard reset
- Take out the jammed paper debris carefully from printer parts
- Clear your computer’s print queue. Open the printer settings, select Open Print Queue, and choose Cancel All Documents.
- Clean the paper feed rollers. Take a lint-free cloth that is lightly dampened with water to wipe the rollers.
- The printer’s sensors don’t turn on if the front, rear, or cartridge access door isn’t clicked completely shut. So, verify the access panel.
6. Check the Power Supply Adaptors
Canon printers utilize two different power supply designs, and the troubleshooting approach depends on which one you have:
- Built-in AC Adapter: The power supply unit is located inside the printer chassis, and you only see a standard power cord connecting the back of the printer to the wall.
- External AC Adapter: Similar to a laptop charger, the printer uses a separate power “brick” that connects between the wall outlet and the printer.
Troubleshoot the power cord as follows:
- If your printer is not turning on, the physical power cord could be damaged internally (a break in the wire) even if it looks fine on the outside.
- Unplug the cord from any extension cords or power strips and plug it directly into a wall outlet to rule out a bad surge protector.
- Inspect the cord for obvious wear, tear, or crimps.
- The most definitive test is to swap the power cord. Because most Canon built-in power supplies use a standard, non-polarized figure-eight power cable (often used for gaming consoles, radios, or other small appliances), you can easily substitute a known-working cord of the same type. If the printer powers up with the substitute cord, your original cord is broken and needs to be replaced.
7. Contacting Support
If the printer remains completely unresponsive after a hard reset and outlet verification, the internal power supply or motherboard has likely failed. Contact your nearest Canon service center to request a professional hardware repair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. How do I fix my Canon printer not turning on?
To fix a Canon printer that will not turn on, perform a hard power reset. Unplug the printer’s power cord from both the back of the device and the wall outlet and wait at least two to five minutes to allow any internal charge to dissipate. Next, bypass any extension cords, power strips, or surge protectors by plugging the power cord directly into a wall outlet that you have verified is working with another appliance. Finally, ensure that no external devices, such as USB cables or Ethernet network connections, are plugged into the printer.
2. Why is my printer not powering on?
Your printer is likely not powering on due to an interruption in its power supply or a physical component failure. The most common culprits include a loose or damaged power cord, a blown circuit breaker in your home, or a faulty surge protector that is no longer delivering electricity to the unit. Additionally, the internal power supply board or the external AC adapter may have failed, which requires replacement.
Concluding Words :
Canon printer not turning on can leave average users puzzled. But with these quick fixes, you have no reason to worry. Follow them one by one according to the instructions. You can always contact professionals when you don’t have time to implement the fixes yourself. If you still have any issue you can easily connect with our Canon printer support team we are 24/7 available for your assistance.
