Canon Printer Offline? Here’s How to Fix It on Windows & Mac

If you're trying to print a document and your Canon printer keeps showing as "offline," you're not alone. This is a common issue faced by many users and can be both frustrating and confusing. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to get your Canon printer back online and running smoothly again.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the causes of the "Canon printer offline" message and provide effective troubleshooting methods to resolve the issue. If you need immediate assistance, feel free to call our Canon support line at 1-801-896-1366.

What Does "Printer Offline" Mean?

When your Canon printer is labeled as "offline," it means that your computer is unable to communicate with the printer. This could be due to a number of reasons including network connectivity issues, outdated drivers, settings errors, or hardware malfunctions.

Before jumping into technical fixes, it's helpful to understand the potential causes behind this issue.

Common Causes of Canon Printer Going Offline

Here are some of the most frequent reasons a Canon printer may show as offline:

• Loose or unplugged cables
• Wi-Fi disconnection or unstable connection
• Outdated or corrupted printer drivers
• Incorrect printer settings
• Windows or macOS bugs or glitches
• Multiple printers installed with similar names
• Pending print jobs causing a freeze

Once you’ve identified the likely cause, you can start troubleshooting accordingly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Canon Printer Offline

1. Check Physical Connections

Start with the basics. Ensure that your Canon printer is properly connected to your computer or network:

• If you're using a USB connection, make sure the cable is securely plugged into both your printer and your computer.
• For wireless printers, check that the printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
• Power cycle the printer: Turn it off, unplug it for a few minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on.

If you're still seeing the offline status, proceed to the next steps.

2. Set the Canon Printer as Default

Sometimes, your computer may be trying to connect to the wrong printer.

On Windows:

1. Go to Control Panel> Devices and Printers
2. Find your Canon printer on the list
3. Right-click on it and select Set as default printer
4. You’ll see a green checkmark indicating it's now your default printer

On Mac:

1. Open System Preferences> Printers & Scanners
2. Select your Canon printer
3. Click the Default Printer dropdown and choose your Canon model

3. Restart the Print Spooler Service (Windows Only)

The Print Spooler is a service that manages all print jobs. If it becomes unresponsive, your printer may show offline.

Here’s how to restart it:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog
2. Type services.msc and hit Enter
3. Scroll down and find Print Spooler
4. Right-click and select Restart

4. Remove and Reinstall the Printer

Sometimes removing and reinstalling the printer can resolve offline errors.

On Windows:

1. Go to Devices and Printers
2. Right-click your Canon printer and select Remove device
3. Re-add it by clicking Add a printer

On Mac:

1. Open Printers & Scanners
2. Select your Canon printer and click the minus (-) sign
3. Click the plus (+) to re-add it

5. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can often lead to offline errors.

How to Update on Windows:

1. Go to Device Manager
2. Find Printers, expand the list, and right-click your Canon printer
3. Choose Update driver> Search automatically

Alternatively, you can visit the Canon official website and download the latest drivers for your model.

How to Update on Mac:

macOS generally updates printer drivers automatically with system updates. Go to System Preferences> Software Update to check.

6. Check the Printer Status on the Canon Software

Canon offers its own utility software (like Canon IJ Network Tool or Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY) that can help diagnose and fix issues.

• Launch the software and look for your printer
• If it shows offline, follow the prompts to reconnect or troubleshoot

7. Disable "Use Printer Offline" Mode (Windows)

1. Go to Control Panel> Devices and Printers
2. Right-click your Canon printer and select See what’s printing
3. Click Printer on the top menu
4. Make sure Use Printer Offline is not checked

8. Reset Network Settings (for Wireless Printers)

If your Canon printer is connected wirelessly and showing offline, reset its network settings and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

To reset:

• Press the Settings or Menu button on the printer
• Navigate to Device Settings> Reset Settings> LAN Settings Only
• Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi using the Wireless LAN Setup

Refer to your printer's user manual for model-specific instructions.

9. Check for IP Address Conflicts

Sometimes two devices on your network may be assigned the same IP address, causing connectivity issues.

• Print a Network Configuration Page from your Canon printer
• Check if the IP address matches what's listed in your computer’s printer settings
• If needed, assign a static IP to your printer through your router or printer settings

10. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking Printer

Your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking the connection between your printer and your PC. Try temporarily disabling them and check if the printer comes online.

If the printer is working fine after this, add it to the list of trusted devices in your firewall or antivirus settings.

Still Stuck? Call Canon Printer Support at 1-801-896-1366

If none of the above methods resolved your Canon printer offline issue, don’t worry — help is just a phone call away. Our certified printer experts are available to provide one-on-one troubleshooting and support.

Whether you're dealing with software issues or Wi-Fi setup problems, we can help.

Call Now: 1-801-896-1366 (Available 24/7 for all Canon printer models)

Pro Tips to Prevent Canon Printer from Going Offline

• Keep your printer’s firmware and drivers up to date
• Use a stable Wi-Fi connection or wired connection whenever possible
• Avoid turning off the printer suddenly during print jobs
• Clear old print jobs regularly to prevent software clogs
• Place the printer close to the Wi-Fi router for better signal strength

Conclusion

A Canon printer showing as offline can disrupt your workflow, but thankfully, it's a solvable problem. From checking basic connections to reinstalling drivers and resetting network settings, the steps outlined above should help get your printer back online.

If you’re in a hurry or just want expert help, our Canon professional support team is ready to assist you. Just give us a call at 1-801-896-1366, and we’ll help you fix your Canon printer in no time.

FAQs

• How do I get my Canon printer to go back online?

Start by checking the printer’s connection to your computer or Wi-Fi network. Ensure it's turned on and properly connected. On Windows, go to Devices and Printers, right-click your Canon printer, and select "Use Printer Online" if it's set to offline. You may also need to restart the print spooler, update drivers, or set the printer as default. For wireless models, reconnect to the correct Wi-Fi network through the printer’s settings menu.

• Why is my Canon printer showing offline?

Your Canon printer may show as offline due to connectivity issues, incorrect settings, or outdated drivers. Common causes include a loose cable, Wi-Fi disconnection, the printer not being set as default, or the "Use Printer Offline" mode being enabled on your computer.

• How do I reconnect my Canon printer to the internet?

To reconnect your Canon printer to the internet, go to the printer’s settings menu and select Wireless LAN Setup. Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the correct password. Once connected, the printer should display a confirmation message or signal strength icon.

• Will my Canon printer work with Windows 11?

Yes, most Canon printers are compatible with Windows 11. You may need to install the latest drivers from Canon’s official website to ensure full functionality. Always check your printer model’s support page for Windows 11 compatibility.

• How do I reboot my Canon printer?

To reboot your Canon printer, turn it off using the power button, unplug it from the power source, wait about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. This simple reset can often resolve minor issues.

Get reliable help with your Canon printer by calling our support team at 1-801-896-1366. Whether you need assistance with setup, driver installation, or connectivity issues, our Canon Printer Support is available 24/7 to handle your technical needs.