Canon printer not responding-how to fix?
Dealing with a Canon printer that’s not responding can be quite a frustration, especially when you’ve got a pressing print job. This common problem, often due to connection issues, outdated drivers, or hardware malfunctions can lead to delays and decreased productivity. Luckily, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to bring your Canon printer back to life. These solutions are generally straightforward, ensuring you’ll be back in print in no time.
Checking The Printer Connection
Your Canon printer may fail to respond due to an unstable or incorrect connection. Ensure your printer’s plugged in and turned on, then check your connection. If you use a wired connection, ensure the USB or Ethernet cable is securely fixed.
For wireless connections, which are prevalent in the Canon PIXMA series, ensure the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Most Canon printers have an indicator light for Wi-Fi. If it’s flickering or off, it’s likely you have a connectivity issue.
Updating or Reinstalling Printer Drivers
Another common reason why your Canon printer isn’t responding could be outdated or corrupted printer drivers. Most operating systems auto-update drivers, but manual updating is also an option. Canon’s official website has a range of up-to-date drivers for their printers.
To manually update, navigate to the ‘devices and printers’ section on your computer, select the Canon printer, and choose to update its drivers. If the problem persists, you may need to uninstall the drivers and reinstall them.
For those using the Canon PIXMA MG7520 or a similar series, you can easily access software and drivers directly from Canon’s online resources.
Resetting The Canon Printer
Resetting your Canon printer is another solution to the “Canon printer not responding” issue. Here’s how:
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
3. Wait for about 5-10 minutes.
4. Plug the power cord back in and turn on the printer.
It is worth noting that resetting will bring the printer back to its factory settings.
Clearing Pending Print Jobs
In some instances, a stuck print order may cause your Canon printer not to respond. To solve this problem, go to the ‘print queue’, cancel all pending tasks, and then attempt to print again.
The Canon MX series printers are especially prone to this issue; however, the problem is simple to solve.
Checking Hardware Issues
If you’ve tried all the above and your Canon printer is still not responding, it may have a hardware issue. Common hardware issues include paper jams or running out of ink. Take a minute to check your printer physically.
While the best course of action for serious hardware issues is contacting Canon customer service or consulting with a professional, minor issues such as paper jams can be rectified at home.
A stalled Canon printer doesn’t mean the end of productivity. With simple steps, you can get your device up and running again. As this guide shows, resolving the ‘Canon printer not responding’ issue can be as simple as re-establishing a stable connection, clearing print jobs, updating drivers, resetting, or checking for hardware issues.
