Canon Printer Offline on Windows and Mac

Why Is My Canon Printer Showing Offline?

An offline status generally means the computer is not currently able to use the printer normally. The cause may be a connection problem, printer error, queue problem, incorrect printer selection, or software issue.

Common areas to check include:

• Printer power and current status.
• WiFi or USB connection.
• Whether the printer and computer are on the intended network.
• Stuck or paused print jobs.
• Printer errors such as paper, ink, cover, or support-code messages.
• Printer installation and driver status.
• Whether the correct printer has been selected.

Basic Checks Before Changing Windows or Mac Settings

1. Check the Printer Power

Make sure the printer is turned on and has finished its startup process.

2. Check the Printer Display

Look for paper, ink, cover, jam, or support-code messages. Resolve any blocking printer error before continuing.

3. Check the Connection

For USB, make sure the data cable is securely connected to both the printer and computer.

For WiFi, verify that the printer is still connected to the intended wireless network.

4. Restart the Printer

If no specific hardware error is displayed, a normal restart can clear temporary communication problems.

5. Check Whether the Network Changed

If you recently changed the router, network name, password, or access point, the printer may still have the old network configuration.

How to Fix Canon Printer Offline on Windows 11

After completing the basic printer checks, use the following Windows troubleshooting steps.

Step 1: Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Microsoft recommends starting with the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app on Windows 11. It can run diagnostics and attempt to correct common printer problems.

Step 2: Check the Printer Connection

For a wireless printer, confirm that the printer and Windows computer are connected to the same intended wireless network.

If you use multiple routers, access points, extenders, or different network names, verify that the computer has not joined a different network.

Step 3: Check the Default Printer

Open:

Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners

Select the Canon printer and check whether it is the printer you intend to use. Windows also provides an option to set a printer as the default when automatic default-printer management is not controlling that selection.

Step 4: Check the Windows Print Queue

Go to:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners

Select the Canon printer and open its print queue. Check for jobs that are stuck or no longer needed. Clear failed jobs when appropriate.

Step 5: Restart the Print Spooler

The Windows Print Spooler manages print jobs. If the queue is not responding correctly, restart the service.

1. Use Windows Search and type Services.
2. Open the Services application.
3. Find Print Spooler.
4. Right-click it and select Restart.

Step 6: Remove and Reinstall the Printer

If the Canon printer remains unavailable, Windows allows you to remove the printer and add it again.

Open:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners

Select the printer, remove it, then return to Printers & scanners and use Add device after confirming that the printer is powered on and connected.

What About Canon Printer Offline on Windows 10?

Many connection, queue, spooler, and printer reinstallation checks also apply to Windows 10. However, Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, so this guide focuses primarily on Windows 11 for current Windows instructions.

If you still use Windows 10, see our dedicated Canon offline guides for the version-specific troubleshooting information available on this site.

How to Fix Canon Printer Offline on Mac

On macOS, begin with the same printer-side and connection checks before changing the printer configuration.

Step 1: Check the Canon Printer

Confirm that the printer is on, ready, and not displaying a blocking error.

Step 2: Check the Network or USB Connection

For a network printer, verify that the Mac and Canon printer can communicate over the intended network.

For USB, check the cable, port, and any adapter or hub being used.

Step 3: Open Print Centre

Apple provides Print Centre for managing printers and print jobs. It can show the printers added to the Mac and their current print jobs.

Step 4: Check for Paused Printing

In Print Centre, select the Canon printer and review its jobs. If a job or the printer queue has been paused, use the available Resume control when appropriate.

Step 5: Remove Failed Jobs

A failed or unnecessary job can be removed from the print queue. After clearing the queue, try a simple test print.

Step 6: Check the Printer in macOS Settings

Open the Mac's printer settings and confirm that the intended Canon printer is still installed. If the device was removed, the network changed, or the printer configuration is no longer valid, you may need to add the printer again.

For a dedicated Canon Mac troubleshooting guide, see: Why Is My Canon Printer Offline on Mac?

Canon Printer Connected to WiFi but Showing Offline

A printer can have wireless enabled and still be unavailable to the computer. Check the actual network connection rather than relying only on a WiFi symbol.

• Confirm the printer is connected to the intended WiFi network.
• Confirm the computer is using the intended network.
• Check whether the router or WiFi password was recently changed.
• Check whether a guest network or separate access point is isolating the devices.
• Restart network equipment when appropriate if there is a broader connectivity problem.
• Reconnect the printer to WiFi if its saved network configuration is no longer valid.

For wireless setup instructions, see: How to Connect Canon Printer to WiFi .

Canon USB Printer Showing Offline

If the Canon printer uses a direct USB connection, focus on the cable and computer connection rather than WiFi settings.

• Confirm the printer is turned on.
• Reconnect the USB data cable securely.
• Try another suitable USB port when appropriate.
• Check whether the computer recognizes the printer.
• If using an adapter or hub, check whether it is functioning correctly.
• Make sure the correct installed Canon printer is selected when printing.

Check the Canon Printer Driver and Installation

If the physical or network connection is working but the printer still cannot be used, check the printer installation and compatible software.

On Windows, Microsoft recommends checking for current printer drivers when connection or printing problems continue. Removing and reinstalling the printer can also rebuild its Windows configuration.

Do not download random printer-driver packages from unknown websites. Identify the exact Canon model and operating system before installing software.

See: Canon Printer Driver Download Guide .

Canon Printer Offline Troubleshooting Table

What Should You Avoid?

• Do not factory-reset the printer as the first offline troubleshooting step.
• Do not repeatedly reinstall drivers before checking the actual connection.
• Do not use another Canon model's reset procedure.
• Do not ignore a support code displayed on the printer.
• Do not download printer software from unverified websites.
• Do not assume every offline problem is caused by WiFi; USB, queue, software, and printer-side problems can also be involved.

Related Canon Printer Offline Guides

Final Offline Printer Checklist

• Canon printer is powered on.
• No blocking printer error is displayed.
• WiFi or USB connection is working.
• Computer and wireless printer are using the intended network.
• Correct Canon printer is selected.
• Print queue has been checked.
• Windows Print Spooler checked when applicable.
• Mac Print Centre checked when applicable.
• Printer installation and driver checked if needed.
• Test print completed after troubleshooting.