How to Fix Canon Printer Offline Error (Updated Guide)
Seeing the Canon Printer Offline (Call USA/CA: +1-8O1-878-6858) message can be confusing and frustrating—especially when your printer is powered on, connected, and seemingly ready to print. This issue affects many Canon printers, including PIXMA, MAXIFY, and image CLASS models, and can occur on Windows or macOS systems.
The good news? In most cases, the Canon printer offline error is caused by connection issues, incorrect settings, outdated drivers, or print queue problems—all of which can be fixed without professional repair.
This updated guide walks you through step-by-step solutions for canon printer offline, starting with quick checks and progressing to advanced troubleshooting methods. Follow the steps in order to bring your Canon printer back online efficiently.
What Does Canon Printer Offline Mean?
When your Canon printer offline (Call USA/CA: +1-8O1-878-6858), it means your computer cannot communicate with the printer—even if the printer itself is turned on.
This can happen due to:
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Network connection problems
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Incorrect printer settings
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Outdated or corrupted drivers
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Windows or macOS system errors
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Stuck print jobs
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IP address changes on Wi-Fi networks
Understanding the root cause helps prevent the issue from happening again.
Common Causes of Canon Printer Offline Error
Before fixing the canon printer offline (Call USA/CA: +1-8O1-878-6858) issue, it’s helpful to know what typically causes it:
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Printer not set as default
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Printer set to “Use Printer Offline”
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Weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection
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Printer connected to a different network
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Corrupted print queue
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Outdated printer drivers
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Firewall or security software blocking communication
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Incorrect IP address configuration
Now let’s move on to the solutions.
Step 1: Perform Basic Checks (Do Not Skip)
Many users overlook simple fixes canon printer offline that resolve the problem instantly.
Check Printer Power
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Make sure the printer is turned ON
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Look for any blinking lights or error messages
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Restart the printer by turning it off, unplugging it for 30 seconds, then turning it back on
Check Connections
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For USB printers: Ensure the cable is securely connected
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For wireless printers: Confirm the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer
Restart your computer, printer, and router to refresh all connections.
Step 2: Set Canon Printer as Default Printer
If another canon printer is set as default, your Canon printer may appear offline.
On Windows
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Open Control Panel
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Click Devices and Printers
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Right-click your Canon printer
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Select Set as default printer
A green checkmark should appear on your Canon printer icon.
On macOS
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Open System Settings
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Select Printers & Scanners
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Choose your Canon printer
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Set it as the default printer
Step 3: Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode (Windows)
Windows sometimes automatically switches printers to canon printer offline mode.
Steps:
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Open Devices and Printers
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Right-click your Canon printer
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Click See what’s printing
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Select Printer from the top menu
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Uncheck Use Printer Offline
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Also ensure Pause Printing is unchecked
Close the window and try printing again.
Step 4: Clear the Print Queue
A stuck or corrupted print job can block communication and cause canon printer offline status.
On Windows
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Go to Devices and Printers
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Right-click the Canon printer → See what’s printing
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Click Printer → Cancel All Documents
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Restart the printer
On macOS
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Open Printers & Scanners
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Select your Canon printer
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Click Open Print Queue
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Cancel all print jobs
Once cleared, send a new print job to test.
Step 5: Restart Print Spooler Service (Windows)
The Print Spooler manages all print jobs. If it stops working, canon printers may show offline.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R
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Type
services.mscand press Enter -
Locate Print Spooler
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Right-click → Restart
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Set Startup Type to Automatic
Close Services and retry printing.
Step 6: Check Wi-Fi Network and IP Address
Wireless Canon printers often go offline due to IP address changes.
Confirm Network Connection
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Make sure both printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
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Avoid guest networks or Wi-Fi extenders during setup
Assign Manual IP Address (Advanced Fix)
This prevents future Canon printer offline issues.
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Print a Network Configuration Page
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Note the printer’s IP address
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Open Devices and Printers
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Right-click Canon printer → Printer Properties
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Go to Ports
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Select Standard TCP/IP Port
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Enter the printer’s IP address manually
This stabilizes the connection.
Step 7: Remove and Re-Add the Canon Printer
Reinstalling the printer refreshes system communication.
On Windows
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Open Devices and Printers
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Right-click Canon printer → Remove device
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Restart your computer
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Click Add a printer
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Follow setup instructions
On macOS
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Open Printers & Scanners
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Select the Canon printer
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Click the – button
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Restart your Mac
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Click + to add the printer again
Step 8: Update or Reinstall Canon Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers are a major cause of canon printer offline (Call USA/CA: +1-8O1-878-6858) errors.
Update Drivers (Windows)
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Open Device Manager
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Expand Printers
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Right-click Canon printer
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Select Update driver
Reinstall Drivers (Recommended)
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Uninstall existing Canon printer software
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Restart your system
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Download the latest driver from Canon’s official support site
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Install and reconnect the printer
macOS users should ensure the system is fully updated.
Step 9: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Security software can block printer communication.
What to Do:
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Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus
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Try printing
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If successful, add printer software as an exception
Always re-enable security software after testing.
Step 10: Run Built-In Troubleshooters
Windows Printer Troubleshooter
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Open Settings
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Go to System → Troubleshoot
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Select Printer
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Run the troubleshooter
Canon Printer Utility (macOS)
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Open Canon Utilities
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Run diagnostic and connectivity checks
These tools automatically fix common issues.
Step 11: Check Printer Hardware and Paper Jams
Even hidden paper jams can cause canon printer offline status.
Check:
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Paper tray
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Rear access door
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Output tray
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Cartridge area
Remove jammed paper gently and reload correctly.
Step 12: Reset the Canon Printer (Last Resort)
If nothing works, a factory reset may help canon printer offline.
General Reset Steps:
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Turn off the printer
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Hold Stop/Cancel
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Turn printer on while holding the button
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Release when lights blink
(Reset steps vary by model—check the manual.)
How to Prevent Canon Printer Offline Issues
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Keep printer drivers updated
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Avoid frequently changing Wi-Fi networks
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Use a static IP address
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Restart printer weekly
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Use genuine ink cartridges
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Keep firmware up to date
When to Contact Canon Support
Contact Canon support (Call USA/CA: +1-8O1-878-6858) if:
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Printer repeatedly canon printer offline
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Error codes persist
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Canon Printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi
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Hardware failure is suspected
Have ready:
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Printer model number
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Operating system
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Error message or code
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Why does my Canon printer keep going offline?
Ans. This is usually caused by unstable Wi-Fi, outdated drivers, or incorrect printer settings.
Q. Can I fix Canon printer offline without reinstalling?
Ans. Yes, in many cases clearing the print queue, restarting the spooler, or disabling offline mode solves the issue.
Q. Does Windows 11 cause Canon printer offline errors?
Ans. Windows updates can affect drivers, but updating or reinstalling Canon drivers usually fixes the problem.
Final Thoughts
The Canon printer offline error (Call USA/CA: +1-8O1-878-6858) is common but rarely serious. By following this updated step-by-step guide, you can restore your printer’s online status and prevent the issue from returning. Most fixes take only a few minutes and require no technical expertise.


