If your Canon printer shows offline on Mac, Windows 10, or Windows 11, it can disrupt your workflow. Offline status often results from loose connections, network issues, outdated drivers, or print spooler errors. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step solutions to restore your Canon printer to working order.

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Why Does My Canon Printer Show Offline?

Understanding the root cause is essential before attempting fixes. Here are the main reasons your Canon printer may appear offline:

1. Loose or Faulty Connections

  • USB Cable Issues: Damaged or poorly connected USB cables can interrupt communication between the printer and your computer.

  • Unstable WiFi Signals: Wireless printers require a stable connection. Distance from the router or interference from other devices can disconnect the printer.

2. Printer Not Set as Default

If another printer is set as the default, your Canon printer may appear offline.

  • 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

3. Outdated Drivers or Firmware

  • Drivers: Old drivers may not support the latest Windows or macOS versions.

  • Firmware: Firmware updates fix bugs and improve connectivity.

4. Print Spooler Service Issues

The print spooler manages print jobs. Errors in the spooler may cause offline status.

Signs:

  • Jobs stuck in the queue

  • Printer repeatedly going offline

5. Network Problems

  • IP Conflicts: Multiple devices using the same IP can block printer communication.

  • Weak WiFi: Low signal strength causes intermittent offline status.

  • Incorrect Network Settings: Wrong SSID or password prevents connection.

6. Power Saving Mode

Canon printers may enter sleep mode after inactivity, appearing offline.

  • Wake the printer via the Power or Resume button

  • Adjust the sleep timer to prevent frequent offline occurrences

7. Firewall or Antivirus Restrictions

Security software can block printer communication.

Solution: Temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus and test the printer. If successful, add the printer as an exception.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Canon Printer Offline

On Windows 10/11

1. Restart Devices

  • Turn off printer, computer, and router

  • Wait 30 seconds, then restart all devices

  • Reconnect the printer

2. Check Physical Connections

  • USB printers: ensure the cable is secure

  • Wireless printers: ensure WiFi is strong

  • Ethernet: check for cable damage

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 Canon Drivers

  • Visit Canon Support

  • Download the latest drivers compatible with Windows 10/11

  • Install and restart PC

5. Restart Print Spooler Service

  • Windows + R → type services.msc → Enter

  • Find Print Spooler, right-click → Restart

6. Check Firewall & Antivirus

  • Temporarily disable security software

  • Whitelist the printer if it works

7. Assign a Static IP Address

  • Print network configuration page

  • Note router IP range

  • Assign a static IP via printer settings

  • Re-add printer with new IP

8. Reinstall Printer

  • Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Remove Device

  • Restart PC → Add Printer → Wireless or network printer

9. Disable SNMP Status

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

On Mac

1. Check Connections

Ensure WiFi, USB, or Ethernet connections are stable. 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 Canon 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 WiFi

Additional Tips for Windows 11

  • Restart printer and PC, then reconnect WiFi

  • Use Windows Update → Optional Updates to install latest Canon drivers

  • Run Windows 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 in printer queue

Common Error Messages

  • “Printer is not responding”

  • “Canon printer offline”

  • “Printer driver unavailable”

  • “Cannot communicate with the printer”

These indicate driver, connection, or spooler problems.

Preventive Tips

  • Keep Canon drivers and firmware updated

  • Place printer close to WiFi router

  • Avoid using multiple printers on the same network

  • Restart router and printer weekly

  • Use original Canon drivers, not third-party software

When to Contact Canon Support

If offline issues persist, it may be a hardware problem such as a faulty WiFi card. Contact Canon Support at 1-801-878-6858 USA for 24/7 expert 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 service.

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 latest drivers may be required.

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 for professional assistance.

Final Thoughts

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