Introduction
My Struggle with a Canon Printer Offline Problem
I never thought a printer could give me so much stress—until one morning when my Canon printer suddenly went offline. It said printer offline every time I tried to print something. Whether I was on Windows 11 or my MacBook, the same frustrating message appeared.
I Googled everything—canon printer not connecting “why is my canon printer offline windows 11”, and even Canon support USA. But the results were either too technical or too confusing.After an hour of frustration, I finally found a quick and easy fix—and guess what? It worked in under 5 minutes. I’m sharing that exact solution here, using clear, simple steps so you can solve it too, without needing a degree in IT.
I searched everything on Google—Canon printer not connecting to “why is my Canon printer offline Windows 11,” and even Canon USA support. But the results were either too technical or too confusing. After an hour of frustration, I finally found a quick and easy solution—and guess what? It worked in less than 5 minutes. I’m sharing that exact solution here at PrinterFixSupport, using clear, simple steps so that you too can fix it, without needing a degree in IT.
I’m so grateful to PrinterFixSupport
Why Your Canon Printer Is Offline (Even When It’s Turned On)
Before we jump into the fix, let’s look at why your Canon printer keeps going offline, especially on Windows 10/11 and Mac.
1. Loose or Disconnected Cables
If you’re using a USB connection, your cable might be loose or damaged.
2. Wi-Fi Disconnection
For wireless printers, a weak Wi-Fi signal or network change can break the connection.
3. Wrong Printer Settings
Your system may be trying to print to a “virtual” or offline printer instead of the real one.
4. Outdated or Corrupt Drivers
Outdated drivers cause your computer to stop recognizing the printer properly.
5. Printer Queue Errors
Too many pending or stuck print jobs can make your printer go offline.
How I Fixed My Canon Printer Offline Issue in 5 Minutes (Step-by-Step)
This printer offline fix works for most Canon printer models, including Canon MX920, PIXMA, G-Series, and more. I’ve tried it on both Windows 11 and Mac, and it worked like magic.
Important: Make sure your Canon printer is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi as your computer.
For Windows 10/11 Users:
Step 1: Restart Everything
- Turn off your printer.
- Shut down your PC.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Turn both back on.
Why? It resets minor bugs or glitches in both devices.
Step 2: Set Canon Printer as Default
- Go to Settings Devices Printers & scanners.
- Click on your Canon printer name.
- Click Manage > Set as default.
Worked for me instantly on Windows 11!
Step 3: Clear Print Queue
- Go to Control Panel Devices and Printers.
- Right-click your Canon printer.
- Select See what’s printing.
Cancel all print jobs.
Step 4: Uncheck Use Printer Offline
- In the same window, click Printer at the top.
- Make sure Use Printer Offline is NOT checked.
For Mac Users:
Step 1: Restart Everything
Same as Windows. Turn both devices off and on again.
Step 2: Reset Printing System
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
- Right-click (or Control + click) on the printer list.
- Select Reset printing system.
- Re-add your Canon printer.
I used this method to fix Canon printer offline on Mac in under 5 minutes.
Step 3: Check Network Settings
Make sure your printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. You can usually see this on your printer’s display screen.
Step 4: Delete and Re-add Printer
- Click the button to remove the Canon printer.
- Click the to add it again.
- Select the correct model (e.g., Canon MX920).
What If These Steps Don’t Work?
Sometimes, the issue may go deeper. If your Canon printer still won’t connect or keeps going offline, try these extra tips:
🔄 Update or Reinstall Drivers
Go to the official Canon Support USA site or the Canon UK site and download the latest drivers for your model.
Search using your printer’s name (e.g., Canon PIXMA G6020) and operating system.
Use Canon’s Troubleshooting Tool
Canon provides a Printer Diagnostic Tool that can automatically detect and fix issues. Visit:
- USA: https://www.usa.canon.com/support
- UK: https://www.canon.co.uk/support
Contact Canon Support
If all else fails, you can reach out directly to Canon Support USA or the UK help desk. They offer phone, chat, and email support.
Disclaimer
This blog post is based on personal experience and publicly available information. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Canon. For official help and up-to-date drivers, always visit the Canon support website.