Canon printer not responding

How To Fix Canon Printer Not Responding Error

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Canon printers are the best wireless printers around known for high-quality printing capabilities and fewer errors. Though, still, some of the users still keep facing a Canon printer not responding to issues while printing wirelessly. When this problem occurs, the printer displays an error message that says print is not responding or the printer is offline. It becomes even more frustrating when an issue occurs without any error message, and the printer suddenly becomes unresponsive. 

If your Canon printer is not responding as well, you are at the right place. We have listed down the reasons and six different ways to fix them all without taking the expert’s assistance. Moreover, you don’t have to try all of them, just start right from the first step and leave troubleshooting when your printer becomes responsive. Let’s get started.

Why is My Canon Printer Not Responding

Technically, the Canon printer not responding error occurs when your printer has lost communication with your PC or access point (WiFi router). To revive the connection, you can simply restart all devices – the computer, Canon printer, and WiFi router. Sometimes, the following reasons also don’t allow Canon printers to respond.

  • Poor signal strength.
  • Canon connected to nearby access points.
  • Incorrect firewall configuration is blocking ports needed for communication.
  • Outdated driver issues.
  • Incorrect USB ports. 

How do I Fix Canon Printer Not Responding

You can fix the error by implementing these six troubleshooting tips. Whether you want to resolve Canon printer not responding in Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP, etc.- these fixes work with all. Moreover, you don’t have to be a tech geek to try your hands on these fixes.

Fix 1. Check Network Connections 

That’s the first thing you need to ensure before indulging in advanced troubleshooting. Here are the steps.

  • Make sure the cables on network devices like the router and modem are connected correctly.
  • You can also try to disconnect and reconnect the cables with the network devices. 
  • Make sure you are trying to connect your printer to the home or work network. Sometimes, the Canon wireless printer may detect the nearby access points, which causes it not to respond to print commands.
  • The devices (PC, router, and printer) should be placed within a six feet diameter. Users facing a Canon printer not connecting to Wi-Fi errors have highly benefited from using this simple trick.
  • If still, the Canon printer doesn’t respond or can’t connect to the WiFi, power off the printer, wait for 20 seconds, unplug the cables from your printer, and turn off your Windows or Mac device. Reconnect and restart all of them; the not responding error should resolve. 

Fix 2. Run the built-in Printer Troubleshooter

Mostly, checking the network connection resolves the printer not responding error in Canon. However, if it doesn’t work for you, you should try running the built-in troubleshooter. Here are the steps.

  • On your PC, press the Windows + S keys to open the search bar.
  • Type troubleshoot and click Troubleshoot in the results. 
  • The Settings page will open, click the Printer tab in the Troubleshoot section and click the Run the Troubleshooter button. 
  • Keep following the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting.

Fix 3. Disable the Security Firewall 

Your Canon printer may not be responding due to a third-party antivirus firewall. Sometimes, a security suite detects a threat in a secured network and prevents your Canon printer from connecting to it. To fix it, you can simply disable the firewall or antivirus security suite. 

  • Navigate to the Programs and Devices section under the Control Panel.
  • Look for the security suite installed in your system. 
  • Right-click over it and click Uninstall
  • Now restarting your system and printer will resolve the Canon print not responding error. 

Fix 4. Restart the Printer Spooler Service 

Prints Spooler is an inbuilt program in Windows that manages print jobs and sends them in an ordered queue to the printer for printing. Any error in this service may lead to a communication problem between the printer and the computer. To fix it, you need to restart the Print Spooler service by following the below steps.

  • Open the Run dialogue box by pressing the Windows + R keys together.
  • Put services.msc in the box and hit Enter on the keyboard. 
  • The services window opens, locate Print Spooler on the list. 
  • Right-click over it and click Restart in the drop-down.
  • Now check if your Canon responds or not!

Fix 5. Connect Your Printer to the Correct Printer Port

There may be a chance that you are using the wrong port to connect your printer, causing your Canon not to respond. Here are the steps you need to follow.

  1. Open the Run dialogue box by pressing the Windows + R keys together. 
  2. Type control and hit Enter on the keyboard. 
  3. The Control Panel screen will open, go to the View By section, open the drop-down and select Large Icons
  4. Tap on the Devices and Printers section. 
  5. The list of devices will open, right-click on your Canon printer, and select Properties on the drop-down list. 
  6. Click the Change Properties button. 
  7. Now you need to tap on the Ports tab. Make sure that the port has the following entries.
  • For network printers – WSD, Network, or IP in the description.                    
  • For USB printers – USB or DOT4 is in the description.                           
  1. Click Apply.
  2. Now go to General Settings, navigate to the bottom, and click the Print Test Page. 

Wait for a few seconds for your Canon to print a test page. If it still doesn’t respond, you should check your printer software and update them to the latest version. 

Fix 6. Update Canon Printer Driver

As a last resort, you must check if you are working with the latest printer drivers. Follow the below steps to fix the outdated driver issue.

  • Go to the official Canon website. 
  • Find the drivers for your Canon printer model. 
  • Download it on your PC. 
  • Open the Windows search box, type device, and click Device Manager on the source results. 
  • Locate your Canon printer on the Device Manager window, right-click on the Canon printer icon, click the Advanced tab, and click the New Driver button. 
  • Now you will be prompted to locate the Canon driver file. 
  • Click Browse my computer for driver software and select the folder that you have just downloaded. 
  • Keep following the on-screen instructions to update the printer driver.

Final Words

Tried your hands on all these troubleshooting methods to resolve the Canon printer not responding problem? Or do you feel too lazy to implement these steps? No worries! Printer Fixing Error is here to help. We have a team of Canon printer support technicians and experts who can help you get rid of this issue. Our tech support helpline is available 24/7 to help you overcome all challenges with your Canon printer. Get immediate assistance today. 

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