🔧 Expert Guide • 18 min read

Canon Printer Troubleshooting Guide

Complete solutions for PIXMA, MAXIFY, and imageCLASS printers. Fix error codes, print quality issues, and connectivity problems.

50+
Canon Models
3 min
Avg Fix Time
98%
Success Rate
Free
Solutions

⚡ Canon Printer Quick Fixes

Canon Printer Not Printing

Instant Fix (2 minutes):

  1. Check ink levels on printer LCD or Canon app
  2. Remove and reseat all ink cartridges
  3. Run automatic head cleaning (Maintenance → Cleaning)
  4. Clear print queue in Windows/Mac
  5. Print nozzle check pattern
Works for: PIXMA, MAXIFY | Success: 94%

Canon Printer Offline (Network)

Network Fix (3 minutes):

  1. Press WiFi button until alarm lamp flashes
  2. Press Color button, then WiFi button again
  3. Connect via Canon PRINT app
  4. Print network configuration page
  5. Set printer as default in system settings
Works for: All WiFi models | Success: 91%

Poor Print Quality / Streaks

Quality Fix (5 minutes):

  1. Print nozzle check pattern first
  2. Run deep cleaning cycle (2x if needed)
  3. Align print heads via maintenance menu
  4. Use genuine Canon ink only
  5. Clean encoder strip with lint-free cloth
Fixes: Streaks, fading, colors | Success: 96%

Canon Error Codes & Solutions

Error Code Meaning Solution
B200 Printhead voltage error Remove & clean printhead, check for damage
5100 Carriage error Clear obstructions, clean carriage rail
1403 Printhead not installed Reseat printhead properly until click
5011 Scanner error Power cycle, check scanner lock
1660 Ink cartridge error Replace indicated cartridge
6000 Paper feed error Check paper tray, clean rollers

Pro Tip: For persistent errors, perform a hard reset: Hold STOP button for 5 seconds while unplugged, then reconnect power while holding.

Canon Printer Series Troubleshooting

PIXMA Series

Popular Models:

TS3520, MG3620, TR4720, TS9120, Pro-100

  • WiFi Issues: Use WPS button method or Canon PRINT app
  • Ink Problems: Disable ink monitoring for third-party ink
  • Photo Printing: Select correct paper type in driver
Detailed PIXMA Guide →

MAXIFY Series

Business Models:

MB2720, MB5420, iB4120, MB5120

  • High Volume: Run maintenance mode weekly
  • Network Setup: Use Ethernet for stability
  • Duplex Issues: Check paper weight settings
Detailed MAXIFY Guide →

imageCLASS Series

Laser Models:

MF445dw, LBP226dw, MF743Cdw, MF264dw

  • Toner Issues: Reset toner counter in service mode
  • Drum Unit: Clean with dry cloth monthly
  • Fuser Errors: Allow cooldown, check temperature
Detailed imageCLASS Guide →

SELPHY Series

Photo Printers:

CP1300, CP1500, Square QX10

  • Paper Cassette: Match paper and ribbon types
  • Color Issues: Clean thermal head gently
  • Battery: Fully charge before portable use
Detailed SELPHY Guide →

Step-by-Step Canon Troubleshooting

Clean Canon Printhead (All Models)

Success Rate: 95% of print quality issues are resolved with proper printhead cleaning.

  1. 1

    Print Nozzle Check

    Menu → Maintenance → Nozzle Check → Print pattern to identify clogged nozzles

  2. 2

    Run Standard Cleaning

    Maintenance → Cleaning → Start. Wait 2 minutes for completion

  3. 3

    Check Results

    Print another nozzle check. If still clogged, proceed to deep cleaning

  4. 4

    Deep Cleaning (If Needed)

    Maintenance → Deep Cleaning → Select affected colors → Start (uses more ink)

  5. 5

    Manual Cleaning (Last Resort)

    Remove printhead, soak contacts in warm water for 10 min, dry completely

Canon WiFi Setup (Wireless Direct)

WPS Method (Easiest)

  1. 1. Hold WiFi button until power flashes
  2. 2. Press WPS on router within 2 min
  3. 3. WiFi lamp stays lit when connected
  4. 4. Install Canon drivers on computer

Standard Setup

  1. 1. Download Canon PRINT app
  2. 2. Turn on printer WiFi mode
  3. 3. Connect phone to printer network
  4. 4. Enter home WiFi password in app

Essential Canon Software & Tools

Canon PRINT App

Mobile printing and printer management

  • • WiFi setup wizard
  • • Remote printing
  • • Ink level monitoring
  • • Scan to phone
Download App →

My Image Garden

Photo organization and printing software

  • • Photo editing tools
  • • Template printing
  • • Calendar creation
  • • Disc label printing
Get Software →

IJ Scan Utility

Advanced scanning features

  • • Auto document detection
  • • OCR text recognition
  • • PDF creation
  • • Cloud integration
Download Utility →

Quick Menu

One-click access to all functions

  • • Quick print options
  • • Maintenance shortcuts
  • • Settings access
  • • Support links
Install Menu →

Test Your Canon Printer

Use our professional test pages optimized for Canon printers:

Canon Printer FAQs

How do I reset my Canon printer?

Turn off printer, hold Stop/Reset button, press Power while holding Stop, release Power but keep holding Stop for 5 seconds, then release all buttons.

Why won't my Canon printer recognize new ink?

Remove cartridge, clean gold contacts with lint-free cloth, ensure protective tape is removed, reseat firmly until it clicks. Disable ink monitoring for non-genuine cartridges.

How do I clean Canon printhead?

Use printer menu: Maintenance → Cleaning → Start. For deep cleaning: Maintenance → Deep Cleaning. Manual: Remove printhead, soak in warm water 10 minutes.

What is Canon error code B200?

B200 indicates printhead voltage/temperature error. Remove printhead, clean contacts, let dry completely, reinstall. If persists, printhead may need replacement.