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Canon Printer Offline on Mac, Windows 10, and Windows 11: Fix It

If your Canon printer appears offline on Mac, Windows 10, or Windows 11, start by restarting your devices, verifying your WiFi connection, and setting the printer as the default.
Canon Printer Offline on Mac and Windows.jpg
If your , it can interrupt your workflow. This problem is often caused by connection issues, outdated drivers, print spooler errors, or network problems. In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step solutions to help your Canon printer come back online quickly.
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Why Does My Canon Printer Show Offline?

Before applying fixes, understanding why your Canon printer appears offline is essential. Identifying the cause ensures you apply the correct solution. Here are the main reasons:

1. Loose or Faulty Connections

A common cause of offline status is poor connectivity.
USB Cable Issues: Damaged or improperly connected cables can block communication between your printer and computer.
Unstable WiFi Signals: Wireless printers require a stable network. Distance from the router, interference from walls, microwaves, or other devices can make the printer go offline.

2. Printer Not Set as Default

If another printer is set as default, your Canon printer may appear offline even when it’s powered on.
Windows: Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Right-click Canon printer → Set as Default Printer
Mac: System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → Select Canon printer → Set as Default
Setting your Canon printer as default ensures all print jobs are sent to it, reducing offline errors.

3. Outdated Drivers or Firmware

Drivers: Old drivers may not support Windows 10, Windows 11, or macOS.
Firmware: Firmware updates fix bugs and improve connectivity.

4. Print Spooler Service Issues

The print spooler manages print jobs. If it malfunctions, the printer may appear offline.
Signs:
Jobs stuck in the print queue
Printer repeatedly going offline

5. Network Problems

Network-related issues can also cause offline errors:
IP Conflicts: Multiple devices using the same IP can prevent communication.
Weak WiFi: Low signal strength causes intermittent offline status.
Incorrect Network Settings: Wrong SSID or password prevents connection.

6. Power Saving Mode

Some Canon printers enter sleep mode after inactivity, which can make them appear offline.
Wake the printer using the Power or Resume button
Adjust sleep timer in printer settings to avoid frequent offline occurrences

7. Firewall or Antivirus Restrictions

Security software can block communication between your printer and computer.
Solution:
Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus
If the printer works, add it as an exception in the software

Step-by-Step Fixes for Canon Printer Offline

Fix Canon Printer Offline on Windows 10/11

1. Restart Devices

Turn off your printer, PC, and router
Wait 30 seconds
Restart all devices and reconnect

2. Check Physical Connections

USB Printers: Ensure cables are securely connected
Wireless Printers: Confirm WiFi is stable and strong
Ethernet: Check that cables are not damaged

3. Set Canon Printer as Default

Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Right-click printer → Set as Default
Uncheck Use Printer Offline

4. Update or Reinstall Drivers

Visit
Download the latest driver for your model
Install and restart PC

5. Restart Print Spooler Service

Press Windows + R, type services.msc → Enter
Find Print Spooler, right-click → Restart

6. Check Firewall & Antivirus

Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus
If successful, whitelist the Canon printer

7. Assign a Static IP Address

Print network configuration page from printer
Note router IP range
Assign a static IP in printer settings
Re-add printer with new IP

8. Reinstall Printer

Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Remove Device
Restart PC → Add Printer → Wireless/Network printer

9. Disable SNMP Status

Devices and Printers → Right-click Canon → Printer Properties → Ports → Configure Port → Uncheck SNMP Status Enabled → OK

Fix Canon Printer Offline on Mac

1. Check Connections

Ensure the printer is connected via WiFi, USB, or Ethernet. Restart router and printer if necessary.

2. Reset Printing System

System Preferences → Printers & Scanners
Right-click → Reset Printing System
Re-add Canon printer

3. Set Printer as Default

System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → Default Printer → Select Canon

4. Update Drivers

Visit Canon Support for macOS drivers
Install updates and restart Mac

5. Remove and Re-add Printer

Printers & Scanners → Select Canon → – to remove → + to add

6. Reset Network Settings on Printer

Setup → Device Settings → Reset Settings → Reset Network Settings
Reconnect to WiFi

Fix Canon Printer Offline on Windows 11

Restart printer, PC, and router
Reconnect printer to WiFi via control panel or WPS
Update drivers via Settings → Windows Update → Optional Updates
Run Printer Troubleshooter: Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other Troubleshooters → Printer → Run
Reinstall printer: Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners → Remove → Add Device
Ensure Use Printer Offline is unchecked

Common Error Messages

“Printer is not responding”
“Canon printer offline”
“Printer driver unavailable”
“Cannot communicate with the printer”
These indicate driver, connection, or spooler issues.

Preventive Tips

Keep Canon drivers and firmware updated
Place printer near WiFi router
Avoid multiple printers on same network
Restart router and printer weekly
Use official Canon drivers

When to Contact Canon Support

If your Canon printer remains offline after all fixes, it may be a hardware issue such as a faulty WiFi card. Contact Canon Support at 1-801-878-6858 for expert 24/7 assistance.

FAQs

1. Why does my Canon printer keep going offline on Windows 10? Outdated drivers or print spooler issues. Update drivers and restart spooler.
2. Can I fix offline issues on Mac without reinstalling? Yes, reset the printing system, update drivers, or set the printer as default.
3. Does Windows 11 have Canon printer compatibility issues? No, but the latest drivers are recommended.
4. How do I reset network settings on my Canon printer? Setup → Device Settings → Reset Settings → Reset Network Settings
5. What if my Canon printer won’t come online after troubleshooting? Contact Canon Support at 1-801-878-6858.

Final Thoughts

Canon printer offline errors on Mac, Windows 10, and Windows 11 are common but easily fixable. By checking connections, updating drivers, restarting the print spooler, and re-adding the printer, you can restore seamless printing and prevent future interruptions.
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