Quick Fixes - Try These First
1 Check Ink Levels
Low ink is the most common reason Canon printers stop printing.
From Printer:
Setup → Ink Levels (or check LED indicators)
From Computer:
Open Canon IJ Printer Assistant → Estimated Ink Levels
Canon Ink Cartridges
Replace low cartridges to restore printing.
2 Clear Print Queue and Restart Spooler
Stuck print jobs prevent new documents from printing.
- 1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners
- 2. Click your Canon printer → Open queue
- 3. Click Printer menu → Cancel All Documents
- 4. Press Win+R → type
services.msc→ Enter - 5. Find Print Spooler → Right-click → Restart
3 Power Cycle the Printer
A full reset clears temporary errors.
- 1. Turn off the Canon printer
- 2. Unplug the power cord from the back
- 3. Wait 60 seconds
- 4. Plug back in and turn on
- 5. Wait for initialization to complete
- 6. Try printing a test page
4 Check Printer Status
Ensure the printer is online and set as default.
- ✓ Offline mode: Open print queue → Printer menu → Uncheck "Use Printer Offline"
- ✓ Set as default: Right-click printer → Set as default printer
- ✓ Check connection: Verify WiFi or USB cable is connected
Canon Printhead Cleaning
Clogged nozzles cause missing colors, streaks, and blank pages. Here's how to clean your Canon printhead.
Standard Cleaning
From Printer Panel:
- 1. Press Setup (wrench icon)
- 2. Select Maintenance
- 3. Select Cleaning
- 4. Choose ink group (All, Black, or Color)
- 5. Press OK and wait
From Computer:
- 1. Open Canon IJ Printer Assistant Tool
- 2. Click Maintenance tab
- 3. Click Cleaning
- 4. Select ink group
- 5. Click Execute
Deep Cleaning (For Stubborn Clogs)
If standard cleaning doesn't work, try Deep Cleaning. This uses more ink but clears severe clogs.
- 1. Open Canon IJ Printer Assistant → Maintenance → Deep Cleaning
- 2. Select the problem ink group
- 3. Click Execute and wait for completion
- 4. Print a nozzle check pattern to verify
- 5. If still clogged, wait 6 hours and repeat (up to 3 times)
Note: Deep cleaning uses significant ink. Don't run it more than 3 times in 24 hours.
Printhead Cleaning Kit
For severe clogs that cleaning cycles can't fix, a printhead cleaning kit can help.
Printhead Cleaning KitCanon PIXMA Specific Issues
PIXMA Prints Blank Pages
- ✓ Check cartridges: Remove and reseat all ink cartridges firmly
- ✓ Remove tape: New cartridges have orange protective tape - remove it
- ✓ Run nozzle check: Maintenance → Print Nozzle Check Pattern
- ✓ Deep clean: If nozzle check shows gaps, run Deep Cleaning
PIXMA Paper Feed Problems
- ✓ Fan paper: Fan stack before loading to separate sheets
- ✓ Clean rollers: Run Roller Cleaning from maintenance menu
- ✓ Check paper guides: Adjust guides to touch paper edges
- ✓ Use quality paper: Avoid paper that's too thin or too thick
PIXMA WiFi Issues
- ✓ 2.4GHz only: Canon PIXMA requires 2.4GHz network (not 5GHz)
- ✓ Reset network: Setup → Device Settings → LAN Settings → Reset LAN Settings
- ✓ WPS connect: Press WPS on router, then hold WiFi button on printer
- ✓ Use Canon PRINT app: Download for easier wireless setup
Update Canon Printer Driver
Outdated drivers cause communication errors. Here's how to update.
- 1 Go to usa.canon.com/support
- 2 Search for your printer model
- 3 Download Drivers & Downloads → Full Driver & Software Package
- 4 Run the installer and follow prompts
- 5 Restart computer after installation
Completely Reinstall Driver
If updating doesn't help, uninstall the driver completely first: Settings → Apps → Canon [model] → Uninstall. Then restart and install fresh.
Common Canon Error Codes
| Error | Meaning | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 5100 | Carriage error | Check for obstructions, paper scraps inside |
| 5200 | Printhead temperature error | Turn off for 15 min, check ink levels |
| 6000 | Paper jam | Remove jammed paper, check paper path |
| B200 | Printhead error | Clean printhead, may need replacement |
| E02/E03 | Paper jam/No paper | Clear jam, reload paper correctly |
| E04/E05 | Cartridge not installed | Reseat ink cartridges |
| E13/E16 | Ink low/empty | Replace ink cartridges |
Test Your Canon Printer
Verify your fix worked with our free test pages:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Canon printer not printing?
Canon printers stop printing due to empty ink, clogged nozzles, stuck print queue, offline mode, WiFi issues, or outdated drivers. Check ink first, then clear the queue and restart Print Spooler.
How do I fix Canon printer not responding?
Power cycle the printer (unplug 60 seconds), clear print queue, restart Print Spooler, check connection, and reinstall driver if needed. Try USB if WiFi isn't working.
Why does my Canon PIXMA print blank pages?
Blank pages mean empty cartridges, tape left on new cartridges, or clogged nozzles. Check ink, remove protective tape, and run Deep Cleaning from Canon IJ Printer Assistant.
How do I clean Canon printhead?
From printer: Setup → Maintenance → Cleaning. From computer: Canon IJ Printer Assistant → Maintenance → Cleaning. For stubborn clogs, use Deep Cleaning (up to 3 times with 6-hour waits).
How do I reset my Canon printer?
Turn off, unplug 60 seconds, hold power while plugging back in for 10 seconds. For factory reset: Setup → Device Settings → Reset Settings → Reset All.