Canon printer is a user-friendly device, but sometimes, it encounters glitches and fails to take different print commands. It happens because of ink cartridge issues, weak network connectivity, incorrect printer settings, and hardware issues. However, if you know the right way to troubleshoot, the issue of Canon printer not printing can be easily resolved. Keep reading as we understand this problem and describe its major solutions.

Why Canon Printer Won’t Print?

The major causes for Canon printer not printing include too many print jobs, paper jams, low ink, improper cartridge installation, and lack of connection between the printer and computer. Sometimes, the printer fails to print after you update the Windows OS version. So, you need to look into all these causes and apply appropriate fixes. These causes lead to the following printing issues:

•   Canon printer not printing black
•   Canon printer not printing color
•   Canon printer not printing full page
•   Canon printer not printing dark enough

 

How to Diagnose a Canon Printer Problem?

When your Canon printer won’t print, use the following troubleshooting steps to diagnose the root cause:

•   Firstly, turn on the printer. Look for any error lights. These come with warning messages on the screen.
•   Confirm that there is sufficient ink in the printer’s cartridge.
•   The paper tray should also be loaded correctly. Check the printer’s manual to understand how to correctly load the tray with paper.
•   If using a USB cable, ensure its connection between the Canon printer and the computer.
•   If you own a wireless Canon printer, inspect the network connection. Do so by printing a network configuration page.

 

Troubleshoot Canon Printer Not Printing Properly

There are various ways to run Canon printer troubleshooting when it is not printing black or dark enough. Use the following techniques:

 

Check Paper Quality and Adjust Gradation

Replace old paper and ensure that the new one is not damp or of poor quality. This affects the clarity of the output. Also, adjust the paper gradation. It optimizes reproducibility for color printing. The new gradation adjustment information remains in the Canon printer until the next time you do it.

•   Go to the printer’s home screen and choose Adjustment.
•   Then choose Adjust Image Quality followed by Auto Adjust Gradation.
•   Select Full Adjust and see whether the size and type of paper shown on the screen is loaded in the printer.
•   Select OK.
•   Confirm it and select Start to print an adjustment image.
•   Open the feeder after the screen displayed during printing goes away.
•   Place the adjustment image on it.
•   Close it and choose Start scanning.
•   Open the feeder and remove the first adjustment image. Keep the second adjustment image on the platen glass with the print side facing down.
•   Close the feeder and choose Start scanning.

 

Clean the Fixing Assembly

If the fixing assembly of the Canon printer is dirty, the printout will be smudged. To clean the assembly, perform the following procedure:

•   Select Menu on the printer’s Home screen.
•   Select Adjustment/Maintenance followed by Maintenance.
•   Select Clean Fixing Assembly (Reduce Paper Back Side Stain).
•   See to it that the size and type of paper displayed on the screen are loaded.
•   Select OK and then Start.
•   When a message appears notifying that cleaning is done, hit the home screen button.

 

Check the Ink Cartridge Status

Another check to do when a Canon printer won’t print is to confirm if any ink cartridges are low or empty. Canon printers may display “Low Ink” warnings on their screens or via software notifications. If a cartridge is empty, replace it with a new one.

 

Print a Nozzle Check Pattern

When the Canon printer is not printing black, print a nozzle check pattern to see what colors you are having issues with.

•   Turn on the printer.
•   Load a sheet of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper in the tray.
•   Pull out the paper output tray and the extension.
•   Hold down the ON/RESUME button. Do this until the POWER lamp flashes green twice, and then release it immediately.
•   The nozzle check pattern will get printed.
•   If there are missing lines or horizontal lines in the pattern, clean the printhead.
•   Open Control Panel
•   Tap the Devices and Printers option.
•   Right-click on your printer and choose Properties.
•   Select Device Settings followed by Properties and then Printhead.
•   Tap Services and then Clean Printhead.

 

Check Paper Settings

If your Canon printer is not printing full pages, check the margin and paper settings.

•   Canon printers cannot print a margin of 1/4″ (5 mm) or less around the edge of paper or 3/8″ (10 mm) or less around the edge of envelopes. Ensure that the document has margins for printing.
•   Part of a document might not print if the paper guides are too tight or too loose.
•   Condensation happens when the temperature in the area where the machine is situated varies quickly, which can lead to text and image fading or bleeding.
•   The machine’s internal condensation will be eliminated if you have turned on the Control Condensation option. Temperature changes may cause condensation to be removed automatically.

 

Restart Print Spooler

The print spooler manages the print queue in your system. When it fails, print jobs get stuck and the printer does not respond. So, restarting this service helps resolve these glitches.

•   Go to the Services section from the Windows taskbar.
•   Find the print spooler service and right-click it.
•   Find the option to restart the service.

 

Ensure That You Have Chosen the Right Printer

If you have chosen the wrong printer in your Windows or Mac system, no number of commands you give will make the printer print. So, use these steps to make your current printer default.

•   Select Start in your Windows system, followed by Settings.
•   Navigate to Bluetooth & devices.
•   Click Printers & scanners.
•   Choose your printer and set it as default.

 

Update Your Canon Printer Driver

The printer driver’s role in the communication between your computer and printer is immense. If your printer won’t print properly, update the current drivers as follows:

•   Go to Device Manager.
•   Find your printer. It will be under the Print Queues section.
•   Right-tap on your Canon printer.
•   Tap Search automatically for updated driver software.
•   In the end, restart your computer.

 

Resolve Canon Printer Not Printing from Phone

If you cannot connect your printer to your phone and print, use the following troubleshooting instructions:

•   Verify that the Android phone is linked to the same 2.4 GHz wifi network.  Install the Canon Print Service or MOPRIA Print Service from the Google Play Store in its place if you are already using the Default Print Service. 
•   To see if a firmware update is available for your printer model, visit Canon’s support website.
•   Make sure the PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app (or any other Canon software) is up to date if you’re using it.
•   Ensure your Canon printer supports mobile printing features, like AirPrint for iOS devices or a compatible protocol for Android phone.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

 

1. Why is my Canon printer not printing even though it has ink?

If the printhead inside the Canon printer is clogged or has dried ink, it will not print. Clean the printhead to remove dirt. Ensure that you have removed the protective tape from cartridges and that they are correctly installed.

 

2. Why is my printer connected but not printing?

Ensure that your USB cable is securely connected. If using Wi-Fi, check that the connection is stable. You can also change between USB and Wi-Fi to isolate connectivity issues. The printer should be set as default.

 

3. Where is the reset button on a Canon printer?

Turn off the printer. Press and hold the Stop button for 3 seconds. Press and hold the Power button while still holding Stop. Now, release Stop but keep Power pressed. Press Stop 5 times while holding Power, then release all buttons.

 

Conclusion :

Now you are armed with Canon printer troubleshooting that will serve you in various ways. Follow the solutions one by one and restart your printer to check whether the printer can print. If your issue is not resolved, contact Canon printer customer service.