A Canon printer not connecting to computer can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you need to print documents urgently. Whether you’re using a USB cable or a wireless setup, there are several reasons this issue may occur—from outdated drivers and loose connections to incorrect settings or network problems.

This guide walks you through the most effective solutions for fixing connection issues between your Canon printer and computer, whether you’re on Windows or macOS.

 


Common Causes of Canon Printer Connection Problems

Before jumping into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand what might be causing the problem:

  • Faulty or loose USB cables

  • Outdated or corrupted printer drivers

  • Printer not set as default

  • Network connectivity issues (for Wi-Fi printers)

  • Incorrect printer settings or offline mode

  • Firewall or antivirus blocking printer connection

  • Software glitches or operating system updates

 

Step-by-Step Fixes for Canon Printer Connection Issues

Below are comprehensive solutions tailored for both USB and wireless Canon printer users.

 

1. Check the Physical Connection (USB Users)

If your Canon printer uses a USB cable, follow these steps:

  • Ensure the USB cable is firmly plugged into both the printer and the computer.

  • Try a different USB port on your PC or Mac.

  • Use another USB cable to rule out cable damage.

  • Avoid using USB hubs—connect directly to the computer.

Why this works: Loose or damaged cables are among the most common reasons for printers not connecting.

 

2. Verify Wireless Connection (Wi-Fi Printers)

If you’re using a wireless Canon printer, it must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.

Steps to check:

  • On the printer control panel, go to Network Settings.

  • Select Wireless LAN setup > Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.

  • Choose your network and enter the correct password.

  • Print a Network Configuration Page to verify connection.

Tip: If the signal is weak, move the printer closer to the router.

 

3. Set the Canon Printer as Default

If your computer is sending print jobs to another device, your Canon printer may seem unresponsive.

On Windows:

  1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

  2. Right-click on your Canon printer.

  3. Click Set as default printer.

On macOS:

  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Select your Canon printer under “Default printer.”

Why this helps: Ensures all print jobs are sent to the correct device.

 


 

4. Restart Canon Printer and Computer

A simple reboot can often clear out temporary software glitches:

  • Turn off your Canon printer.

  • Shut down your computer.

  • Unplug both devices for 1–2 minutes.

  • Plug back in and power them on.

Then try printing again.

 

5. Reinstall or Update Canon Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent proper communication between the printer and your system.

On Windows:

  1. Open Device Manager > Printers.

  2. Right-click your Canon printer > Click Update driver.

  3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

Or download the latest driver from Canon's official support page.

On Mac:

  • Visit System Preferences > Software Update to check for macOS updates.

  • Or download Canon drivers from their support website.

Pro Tip: Always uninstall old drivers before installing new ones to avoid conflicts.

 

6. Remove and Re-add the Printer

Sometimes the system doesn’t recognize the printer due to misconfiguration. Removing and re-adding it helps reset the connection.

On Windows:

  1. Go to Devices and Printers.

  2. Right-click your Canon printer > Click Remove device.

  3. Click Add a printer and follow the setup instructions.

On macOS:

  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Click the – (minus) button to remove the Canon printer.

  3. Click the + (plus) button to re-add it.

 

7. Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily

Security software might block the connection between your Canon printer and computer.

  • Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus.

  • Try reconnecting the printer.

  • If it works, add your printer as an exception in your firewall settings.

Caution: Don’t keep security software disabled for long. Enable it immediately after testing.

 

8. Reset Network Settings on Canon Printer

If your wireless Canon printer isn’t connecting, reset its network configuration:

  1. On the printer, go to Settings > Device Settings > Reset Settings.

  2. Choose Reset LAN settings or Reset all settings.

  3. Reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi using the Wireless Setup Wizard.

This clears previous configurations that may cause conflicts.

 

9. Check for Error Messages or Paper Jams

Sometimes, a physical issue like a paper jam, low ink, or an error code can prevent the printer from connecting.

  • Look at the printer’s display panel.

  • Resolve any visible errors.

  • Restart the device after fixing the issue.

 

Bonus: Use Canon's Software Tools

Canon offers helpful software utilities such as:

  • Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App: Useful for wireless setup and maintenance.

  • IJ Network Tool: For configuring network settings.

  • My Printer Utility (Windows): Diagnoses connection problems and offers quick fixes.

These tools are available on Canon’s support website and are specific to your printer model.

 

📞 When to Contact Canon Support

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your Canon printer still won’t connect to your computer, it’s time to get help:

  • Visit the Canon USA Support 

  • Call their customer support line or use the live chat feature

  • Provide your printer model and error message (if any)

They can offer deeper troubleshooting or suggest repair/replacement if it’s a hardware issue.

 

Conclusion

When your Canon printer isn't connecting to your computer, don’t panic. Most connection issues—whether due to faulty cables, outdated drivers, or wireless setup errors—can be fixed with a few simple steps. From checking cables and Wi-Fi connections to updating drivers and resetting the printer, the solutions in this guide cover every scenario for both Windows and Mac users.

Regular maintenance and keeping your system updated can also help prevent future issues. And when all else fails, Canon’s customer support is just a call or click away.