How to Fix a Canon Printer in Error State

What Does "Canon Printer in Error State" Mean?

"Printer in error state" is a general status rather than one single Canon error code. It indicates that printing cannot continue normally until the underlying problem is resolved.

The cause may be related to the physical printer, its connection, the Windows print system, or the printer software.

Common areas to check include:

• Paper supply or a paper jam.
• An open or improperly closed printer cover.
• An ink-related warning.
• A USB connection problem.
• A lost WiFi or network connection.
• A stuck print job.
• An offline or unavailable printer.
• A printer driver problem.
• A specific Canon support code.

1. Check for a Canon Support Code First

Before changing Windows settings, look at the printer display, indicator lights, and any message shown on your computer.

If the printer provides a specific Canon support code, troubleshoot that code rather than treating the problem only as a generic error state.

For example, the troubleshooting process for a paper-related code can be very different from the process for a hardware-related or ink-related code.

2. Check the Printer for Basic Problems

Inspect the printer itself before reinstalling software or changing advanced settings.

Check the Paper

Make sure suitable paper is loaded correctly and that the paper guides are positioned properly.

Check for a Paper Jam

If the printer reports a jam, stop printing and follow the jam-removal procedure appropriate for your model. Check accessible paper paths for jammed or torn paper.

See: How to Clear a Canon Printer Paper Jam .

Check the Covers

Make sure any cover or access panel that was opened for paper or ink access is properly closed.

Check Ink-Related Messages

Look for an ink, cartridge, or print-system message on the printer. Do not assume every error-state message means that the driver is damaged.

3. Restart the Canon Printer

If no specific instruction on the printer tells you otherwise, a normal restart can clear some temporary communication or processing problems.

1. Turn the printer off normally.
2. Disconnect its power if appropriate for your model and situation.
3. Wait briefly.
4. Reconnect the power.
5. Turn the printer on.
6. Wait until startup is complete before sending a new print job.

Do not repeatedly power-cycle a printer that shows smoke, unusual heat, a burning smell, sparking, or visible electrical damage. Stop using it and follow appropriate service guidance.

4. Check the Printer Connection

Once the printer itself appears ready, verify its connection to the computer.

For a USB Printer

• Make sure the USB cable is securely connected.
• Check whether Windows detects the printer.
• If practical, reconnect the cable directly to the computer rather than through an unreliable hub or adapter.
• Check the cable for obvious physical damage.

For a WiFi Printer

• Confirm the printer is connected to the intended wireless network.
• Confirm the computer has network access.
• If you have multiple network names, verify the printer and computer are using the intended network.
• Check whether the printer lost its WiFi connection after a router or password change.

For wireless problems, see: Canon Printer Won't Connect to WiFi .

5. Check the Windows Print Queue

A failed or stuck print job can prevent later jobs from printing.

On current Windows systems, open:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners

Select your Canon printer and open its print queue. If failed or unnecessary jobs are stuck, cancel them and try printing a fresh document.

If the queue repeatedly freezes, the Windows Print Spooler may also require troubleshooting.

6. Check Whether the Canon Printer Is Offline

Error state and offline status are related in some situations, but they are not identical messages.

Check the printer's status in Windows and make sure you are sending the document to the correct Canon printer.

If Windows specifically reports the device as offline, use the dedicated troubleshooting guide: How to Fix Canon Printer Offline .

7. Make Sure the Correct Printer Is Selected

Multiple printer entries can appear on a computer, especially after reinstallations or connection changes.

Before printing, open the application's print window and confirm that the intended Canon printer is selected.

If another printer, an old duplicate entry, or a virtual printer is selected, your document may not reach the physical Canon printer you expect.

8. Check the Canon Printer Driver

If the printer is physically ready and properly connected but Windows still cannot print, check the installed printer software and driver.

A missing, incompatible, or damaged driver can interfere with communication between Windows and the printer.

Start by checking whether Windows recognizes the correct printer. If driver repair or reinstallation is necessary, use software intended for the exact printer model and operating system.

See: How to Update Canon Printer Driver and Canon Printer Driver Guide .

9. Remove and Re-add the Printer if Necessary

If Windows continues to show an incorrect or broken printer configuration, removing and adding the printer again can rebuild its Windows device configuration.

In Windows 11, go to:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners

Select the affected printer and review the available device options. If you decide to remove it, make sure you know how the printer connects before doing so, because you will need to add it again.

For a network printer, confirm that it is connected to the network before attempting to add it again.

10. Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 11 provides printer diagnostics through the Get Help troubleshooting experience. This can help identify some Windows-side printer problems.

Use it after basic physical and connection checks, especially when the printer itself does not display a specific hardware or support-code error.

11. Restart the Print Spooler When Jobs Stay Stuck

The Print Spooler is the Windows service that manages print jobs. If print jobs repeatedly freeze or remain in the queue, restarting the service may help.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Press Enter.
4. Find Print Spooler.
5. Right-click it and select Restart.

After the service restarts, check the queue and test printing again.

Should You Factory Reset the Canon Printer?

A factory reset should not be the first response to a generic printer error state.

A reset can remove network or customized settings without correcting the actual cause of a paper jam, open cover, hardware support code, connection problem, or Windows print-queue issue.

Use a reset only when it is appropriate for the exact problem and printer model.

Canon Printer Error State Troubleshooting Table

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Reinstalling drivers before checking the error shown on the printer.
• Ignoring a specific Canon support code.
• Assuming every error state is a WiFi problem.
• Repeatedly sending print jobs into a stuck queue.
• Performing a factory reset as the first fix.
• Following reset sequences intended for a different Canon model.
• Opening or dismantling internal electrical components.

Related Canon Troubleshooting Guides

Final Error-State Checklist

• Printer is powered on normally.
• No specific support code has been overlooked.
• Paper is loaded correctly.
• No paper jam is present.
• Printer covers are properly closed.
• No unresolved ink or cartridge message is shown.
• USB or WiFi connection is working.
• Correct Canon printer is selected.
• Print queue has been checked.
• Printer is not unexpectedly offline.
• Windows printer diagnostics have been checked when appropriate.
• Driver troubleshooting has been performed only if needed.