How to Fix Canon Printer Offline Error? [7 Easy Fixes]

The printer does not print as always planned, as there could be technical glitches from time to time. Among Canon printers, the Offline error is the most common one, due to which you won’t be able to complete print jobs. But there are several causes you will find behind this error.

You can also perform a quick check on the electric outlet or cables connected to the devices. It is because there could be a problem with the Network or Cable printer. If everything seems alright, yet the error is still bothering the print system, try the solutions in the below guide.

Why Does Your Canon Printer Keep Going Offline?

During the error, the most common question that comes to your mind is what is the reason behind it. It is necessarily required to be aware of the issues causing and be able to fix them. Here are those:

1. Ethernet or Wireless Connection Error
2. Loose or Damaged USB Cable
3. Printer in Sleep or Pause Mode
4. Paper or Other Foreign Material Jammed Inside
5. Empty Paper Tray
6. Malware or Virus Attack
7. Incompatible Print Drivers & Software
8. Drivers Not Supported by Updated Windows

Do not fret! All these errors can be fixed without having to damage your print system.

Solutions to Fix the Offline Issue in Your Canon Printer

There are various effective methods that can assist you to get rid of the offline error within a minute. Therefore, go through the instructions and use them accordingly.

Method 1: Verify the Print System

Here, you need to check the printer for possible faults.

1. First, make sure to power on the printer.
2. Now, you have to press the Power button.
3. Then, check the power cord if the printer won't turn on.
4. If the cable is problematic, take it out and connect it again.
5. After that, tap the power button and turn it on.

If there has been a cable issue, it will resolve and will resume printing.

Method 2: Set the Printer as Default (Windows/ Mac)

Usually, when your PC is unable to recognize the print system, it shows offline. It means you have to set your printer as the default device for the PC to recognize. Here are the steps for Windows and Mac devices.

1. Choose the correct printer in the first step.
2. Then, set your model as the default device.
3. Delete the duplicate entries before printing.

Change the Default Settings on Windows

Select an operating system, and perform the following instructions:

1. Windows 8.1 and 10:
   1. Click the Windows key and R key to open the Run box.
   2. Then, enter "control printers" in the command box, and click OK.
2. In Windows 8:
   1. Go to the right edge of the screen and navigate to Search.
   2. Enter Device and Printers into the search tab. Then, select Settings and click on it.
3. Windows 7:
   1. Go to the Start menu and click on Devices & Printers.
4. Windows Vista:
   1. On your Windows screen, click on Start. Then, press the Control Panel and go to Hardware and Sound. Navigate to Printers and change the settings.
   2. Select the Printers option from the Control Panel in the Classic view.
5. For Windows XP Home Edition
   1. Navigate to Control Panel > Printers and Other Hardware > Printers and Faxes on your Windows screen.
6. For Windows XP Professional Edition
   1. First, select the Start button.
   2. On your screen, go to Printers and Faxes.
7. For Windows 2000/Me/98
   1. On the Windows screen, click on Start.
   2. Go to the Settings option, then click on Printers.

Change the Default Settings on Mac

1. Make sure to connect and power the printer.
2. Then, navigate to the Apple menu.
3. In the following menu, click on System Preferences.
4. Based on the macOS version installed:
   1. Select Printers & Scanners or Print & Scan.
5. In the drop-down menu, choose Default Printer.
6. Now, select the model you are using to change it to Default.
7. Remove duplicate copies of your printer from the Printers list.
8. Select your model from the menu and tap the [-] icon.
9. Now, remove the files and restart the print system.

Once the error is gone, start your printing again.

Method 3: Power Cycle the Printer

The power cycle method is one of the easiest and most reliable when fixing an offline issue. Power cycling the print system allows resetting the error possibilities, including lost communication.

1. First, press the Power button on your print system.
2. Then, you have to turn it off.
3. After that, disconnect the power cord from the back.
4. Wait for at least 30 seconds before connecting it again.
5. Press the power button and power it up.
6. If using a USB cable, reconnect it.
7. Resume the print jobs or scan to check if the error is gone.

Method 5: Reboot the Modem/ Router

Try to power cycle the router if there is a possibility of a connection error. Below are the steps to do it.

1. First, power off the modem/ router.
2. Then, wait for 30 seconds, and reconnect them.
   1. Note: The modem or router may need time to boot up.
3. If the router or modem were the communication barrier, the power cycle method would allow them to reset the connection.

Method 6: Reboot the Computer

Sometimes, your PC fails to establish the connection between the computer, router, and printer. Rebooting the PC will reset the communication between devices. Do the following.

1. Make sure to create backup files.
2. Then, close all the running programs or applications.
3. After that, power off the PC and reboot it.
4. Remove all the cables from the devices and the wall outlet.
5. Wait for your PC and other devices to cool off.
6. Then, connect all the cords and network.
7. Now, try printing or scanning again.

Method 7: Turn off “Use Printer Offline” Feature

If you are operating the print jobs by enabling the “Use printer offline” feature, you will face this error. Verify and change the status to fix the problem. Here is how:

1. Navigate to Start, and enter the "control panel" into the Search box.
2. Then, look for the Control Panel (Desktop app) from the list.
3. Go to the Hardware and Sound section.
4. After that, click on Devices and Printers.
5. Under the Printers section, find your model.
6. Next, right-click your model and choose “See what's printing.”
7. Tap on Printer and check if the “Use Printer Offline” feature is enabled.
8. Now, uncheck the feature to turn it off.
9. Click on Printer once again, and press Cancel All Documents.
10. Check the error by printing a test page.

These methods will help you resolve the offline printer problem for your Canon print system. If you are unable to change the offline status to online, visit our Support section and get free consultation with Fix Printer Offline’s expert..