If your Canon printer not printing wirelessly, you’re not alone. Many users face this issue even when the printer appears connected to Wi-Fi. Whether your Canon printer won’t print, shows online but does nothing, or prints blank pages, this guide will walk you through proven solutions step by step.
Why Is My Canon Printer Not Printing Wirelessly?
When a Canon printer isn’t printing, the problem is usually related to: Wi-Fi connectivity issues Incorrect printer settings Driver or software problems Printer stuck offline IP address or network conflicts Let’s fix these one by one.
Step 1: Check Your Wireless Connection
The most common reason a Canon printer is not printing is an unstable or incorrect Wi-Fi connection.
What to do:
- Ensure your printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
- Restart your router, printer, and computer
- Check the printer’s LCD screen for a Wi-Fi icon or connection error
Tip: If your router uses both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, connect the printer to 2.4GHz, as many Canon models don’t support 5GHz.
Step 2: Make Sure the Canon Printer Is Set as Default
If your Canon printer won’t print, it might not be selected as the default printer.
On Windows:
- Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers
- Right-click your Canon printer
- Select Set as Default Printer
On Mac:
- Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners
- Select your Canon printer
- Set it as the default device
Step 3: Check Printer Status (Online vs Offline)
A printer showing “Offline” is a major reason a Canon printer isn’t printing.
Fix offline status:
Open Devices and Printers Right-click your Canon printer Click See what’s printing Select Printer from the menu Uncheck Use Printer Offline and Pause Printing
Step 4: Clear the Print Queue
A stuck print job can block all new jobs and make it seem like your Canon printer is not printing.
Steps:
Open the print queue Cancel or delete all pending documents Restart the printer Try printing again
Step 5: Update or Reinstall Canon Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers often cause wireless printing issues.
Solution:
Uninstall the current Canon printer driver Restart your computer Download and install the latest driver compatible with your OS Re-add the printer wirelessly This step fixes many cases where a Canon printer won’t print after an update.
Step 6: Reconnect the Canon Printer to Wi-Fi
If your network settings changed, the printer may still be connected to the old network.
Reconnect wirelessly:
Reset the printer’s network settings Run Canon Wireless Setup from your computer Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password Wait for confirmation Once completed, test print a document.
Step 7: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily
Security software may block communication between your printer and computer.
Try this: Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus Send a test print If successful, add the printer software to allowed apps
Step 8: Check Ink and Print Head Status
Sometimes the issue isn’t wireless at all.
If your Canon printer isn’t printing or prints blank pages: Check ink levels Run Print Head Cleaning from printer maintenance settings Align the print head if required
Step 9: Assign a Static IP Address (Advanced Fix)
If your Canon printer keeps going offline, assigning a static IP can help.
Why it helps: Prevents IP conflicts Maintains stable wireless communication You can do this through your router’s settings or Canon printer network configuration.
Step 10: Perform a Printer Reset
As a last resort: Power off the printer Unplug it for 5 minutes Plug it back in and restart Reconnect to Wi-Fi and test print This often resolves persistent Canon printer not printing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why is my Canon printer connected to Wi-Fi but not printing?
Even if connected, issues like incorrect drivers, offline status, or blocked print queues can cause your Canon printer not printing. Updating drivers and checking printer status usually fixes this.
Q2. How do I fix a Canon printer that won’t print wirelessly?
Restart all devices, reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi, set it as the default printer, and reinstall drivers. These steps resolve most cases where a Canon printer won’t print.
Q3. Why does my Canon printer keep going offline?
This usually happens due to IP address changes or weak Wi-Fi signals. Assigning a static IP and improving signal strength can prevent the issue.
Q4. Can antivirus software stop my Canon printer from printing?
Yes. Firewalls or antivirus programs may block printer communication, making it seem like your Canon printer isn’t printing. Temporarily disabling them helps identify the issue.
Q5. What should I do if my Canon printer prints blank pages?
Check ink levels, clean the print head, and ensure genuine Canon cartridges are installed.
Q6. Do I need to reset my Canon printer if it’s not printing?
A reset is recommended only after other troubleshooting steps fail. It can fix stubborn wireless and software-related issues.
Final Thoughts
When your Canon printer is not printing wirelessly, the solution is usually simpler than it seems. Most problems are caused by Wi-Fi issues, driver errors, or incorrect settings—not hardware failure. By following this step-by-step guide, you can quickly fix the issue and get back to printing without professional help.