How Do I Fix Canon Printer Offline on Windows 10/11 or Mac

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2025/08/19
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4 mins read


If your Canon printer shows offline on Windows 10/11 or Mac, check network or USB connections, set it as default, and disable “Use Printer Offline.” Restart printer, computer, and router. Updating or reinstalling drivers often resolves the issue, ensuring smooth communication between devices for seamless and uninterrupted printing tasks.

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Why Does My Canon Printer Show Offline?

When your Canon printer displays an offline status, it means the device is not able to communicate with your computer or network. This can occur due to multiple technical or configuration-related issues. Below are the most common reasons:

1. Network Connectivity Issues

A weak Wi-Fi signal or unstable internet connection can interrupt communication between the printer and the computer. Similarly, if you are using a USB connection, a loose or damaged cable can cause the printer to go offline.

2. Incorrect Settings

Sometimes, the “Use Printer Offline” option in Windows or macOS gets enabled by mistake. When this setting is active, your printer is forced into an offline mode even though it is physically connected.

3. Printer Not Set as Default

If your Canon printer is not selected as the default device, the computer may attempt to send print jobs to another printer, making Canon appear offline.

4. Driver Problems

Outdated, corrupt, or missing Canon printer drivers are one of the leading causes of offline errors. Without proper drivers, the system cannot establish smooth communication with the printer.

5. Print Spooler Errors (Windows)

On Windows systems, the Print Spooler Service manages all print jobs. If it gets stuck, crashes, or malfunctions, your Canon printer will not respond and may show as offline.

6. Power or Sleep Mode

Canon printers sometimes enter sleep or power-saving mode when idle for long periods. This may disconnect them from the network or computer, resulting in an offline status.

7. Firewall or Antivirus Block

Firewall or antivirus software may mistakenly block your Canon printer from connecting to the computer. This can prevent print jobs from being processed and force the printer into an offline state.

How to Fix Canon Printer Offline on Windows 10/11

1. Check Printer Connections

  • Make sure your Canon printer is turned on.

  • If using USB, reconnect the cable securely.

  • If using Wi-Fi, ensure the printer and PC are on the same network.

2. Set Canon Printer as Default

  1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

  2. Right-click on your Canon printer.

  3. Select Set as Default Printer.

3. Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode

  1. Go to Devices and Printers.

  2. Right-click your Canon printer.

  3. Uncheck Use Printer Offline.

4. Restart Print Spooler Service

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Locate Print Spooler.

  3. Right-click and select Restart.

5. Update or Reinstall Canon Printer Drivers

  • Visit the Canon official support website.

  • Download and install the latest drivers for your model.

  • Restart your computer and reconnect the printer.

How to Fix Canon Printer Offline on Mac

1. Check Network Connection

  • Ensure the printer and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network.

  • Restart both printer and router.

2. Remove and Re-Add Printer

  1. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Select your Canon printer and click – (minus).

  3. Add it again using the + (plus) button.

3. Reset Printing System (if needed)

  1. Open Printers & Scanners.

  2. Right-click in the left pane and choose Reset Printing System.

  3. Add the printer again.

4. Update Canon Printer Drivers

  • Download the latest drivers for Mac from Canon’s support site.

  • Install and restart the system.

5. Clear Print Queue

  • Cancel all pending print jobs.

  • Restart the printer and try printing again.

Advanced Fixes for Both Windows and Mac

  • Restart Router and Printer to refresh connections.

  • Update Operating System to ensure compatibility.

  • Disable VPN or Firewall temporarily to check if it blocks communication.

  • Use Canon IJ Network Tool to reconnect wireless printers.

  • Factory Reset Printer if all other steps fail.

Preventing Canon Printer from Going Offline

  • Keep drivers and firmware updated.

  • Always connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.

  • Restart printer and router regularly.

  • Avoid letting the printer stay idle for long periods.

FAQs: Canon Printer Offline on Windows 10/11 or Mac

Q1. Why does my Canon printer keep going offline on Windows 11?
Weak Wi-Fi, outdated drivers, or incorrect settings are common causes.

Q2. How do I get my Canon printer back online on Mac?
Remove and re-add the printer, reset the printing system, and update drivers.

Q3. What does “Use Printer Offline” mean?
It tells the computer to send print jobs to a virtual queue instead of the printer.

Q4. Can outdated drivers cause Canon printer offline errors?
Yes, outdated or corrupt drivers often lead to this issue.

Q5. Should I reset my Canon printer if it stays offline?
Yes, resetting can fix stubborn offline issues if other methods fail.

Conclusion

The Canon printer offline error on Windows 10/11 or Mac is frustrating but can be fixed by checking connections, updating drivers, resetting print settings, and ensuring network stability. With these steps, you can quickly bring your Canon printer back online and resume printing without interruptions.

 


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