A Canon printer showing Offline is a common issue that can be frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of an important print job. The offline error typically means the printer is not communicating properly with the computer or network. Fortunately, this issue can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting steps.

This guide will walk you through the top 7 proven ways to fix Canon printer offline errors, whether you're using Windows or macOS.

 


 

1. Check Physical Connections and Power

Before diving into software settings, start by verifying that the printer is physically connected and powered on:

  • USB Cable Users: Ensure the cable is firmly connected to both the printer and your computer. Try a different USB port or cable if needed.

  • Wireless Users: Make sure the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. A flashing or amber Wi-Fi light may indicate disconnection.

  • Power Cycle: Turn off the printer, unplug it for 1–2 minutes, then plug it back in and restart. Also, reboot your computer and router if you’re using a wireless connection.

Why it works: Loose cables or temporary glitches in power can cause communication failures, which lead to offline errors.

 

2. Set Canon Printer as Default

Sometimes, Windows or macOS selects another printer as the default, causing the Canon device to show offline.

On Windows:

  1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

  2. Right-click on your Canon printer and select Set as default printer.

  3. If another printer has a green checkmark, remove it.

On Mac:

  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Select your Canon printer from the list.

  3. Click Default Printer and choose your Canon printer.

Why it works: Setting your Canon printer as default ensures your print jobs go to the right device.

 

3. Disable Use Printer Offline Mode

Windows sometimes switches a printer to “Use Printer Offline” mode due to connection problems.

To turn it off:

  1. Go to Devices and Printers.

  2. Right-click your Canon printer > Click See what's printing.

  3. In the new window, click Printer on the top menu.

  4. Make sure Use Printer Offline is unchecked.

Why it works: This setting prevents print jobs from being sent to a non-responsive printer.

 

4. Restart Print Spooler Service (Windows Only)

The print spooler manages the printing process in Windows. If it crashes, your printer might appear offline.

To restart it:

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

  2. Scroll down and find Print Spooler.

  3. Right-click it > Select Restart.

  4. Wait a few seconds and try printing again.

Why it works: Restarting the spooler clears out any stuck print jobs or service issues.

 


 

5. Reconnect to Wi-Fi (for Wireless Printers)

Your Canon printer may show offline if it’s disconnected from the network.

Steps to reconnect:

  1. On the printer control panel, navigate to Network Settings or Wireless Setup.

  2. Select Wi-Fi Setup Wizard or Wireless LAN Setup.

  3. Choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

You can also use the Canon PRINT app on your smartphone to help configure the wireless connection.

Why it works: Restoring the wireless connection allows your printer to reappear on your network and reconnect with your devices.

 

6. Update or Reinstall Canon Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause offline errors. Always make sure your drivers are up to date.

On Windows:

  1. Go to Device Manager > Printers.

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

  3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Alternatively, visit the Canon Support website to download the latest driver manually.

On Mac:

  • macOS usually installs drivers automatically, but you can manually update them by going to System Preferences > Software Update.

Why it works: Updated drivers ensure smooth communication between your OS and the printer.

 

7. Remove and Re-Add the Printer

If all else fails, removing and re-adding your Canon printer can reset the connection and fix offline errors.

On Windows:

  1. Open Devices and Printers.

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

  3. Click Add a printer and follow the prompts to reinstall.

On Mac:

  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Select your Canon printer > Click the minus (-) icon to remove it.

  3. Click the plus (+) icon to re-add the printer.

Why it works: This clears out any configuration errors or glitches that could cause offline status.

 

Bonus Tips: Still Offline?

If none of the steps above work, try these:

  • Check for Firmware Updates: Some Canon printers can receive firmware updates that resolve bugs and connectivity issues.

  • Firewall/Security Software: Disable your firewall or antivirus temporarily to see if it's blocking communication.

  • Use Canon's Online Troubleshooter: Canon offers guided troubleshooting tools on their support page for specific models.

 

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a Canon printer offline error can be annoying, but it's typically a simple fix once you identify the cause. Whether it’s a network issue, driver glitch, or incorrect setting, these top 7 solutions will help you bring your Canon printer back online quickly.

If the issue persists after trying all these steps, consider contacting Canon Customer Support for personalized assistance. Their team can walk you through advanced diagnostics or provide service options if necessary