Your Canon printer is powered on, connected to WiFi, and has ink — but Windows or Mac says it's "Offline." This is the most common Canon printer issue and usually means your computer has lost communication with the printer. Here's how to get it back online.
Fix 1: Uncheck "Use Printer Offline" (Windows)
- Open Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners
- Select your Canon printer
- Click Open print queue
- Click Printer in the menu bar
- Uncheck "Use Printer Offline" if it's checked
- Also click "Cancel All Documents" to clear stuck print jobs
Fix 2: Restart Print Spooler Service
- Press Win + R → type services.msc → Enter
- Find Print Spooler in the list
- Right-click → Stop
- Wait 10 seconds
- Right-click → Start
Also clear stuck files: Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files in that folder (while spooler is stopped), then restart the spooler.
Fix 3: Check WiFi Connection
- On the Canon printer, go to Settings → LAN Settings → WiFi — check if it's connected
- Make sure the printer and your computer are on the same WiFi network
- If printer shows "Not connected," reconnect: WiFi Setup → Easy wireless connect
- Use 2.4 GHz band — most Canon printers don't support 5 GHz WiFi
- Try printing the Network Configuration Page from the printer to see current IP and connection status
Fix 4: Set Canon as Default Printer
- Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners
- Turn OFF "Let Windows manage my default printer"
- Select your Canon printer → click Set as default
- This prevents Windows from switching to "Microsoft Print to PDF" or another printer
Fix 5: Assign a Static IP Address
If your Canon goes offline every time the router restarts, the IP address is changing. Fix this permanently:
- On the Canon printer: Settings → LAN Settings → WiFi → Advanced → TCP/IP Settings
- Change from Auto (DHCP) to Manual
- Set IP: 192.168.1.200 (or any unused IP on your network)
- Subnet: 255.255.255.0
- Gateway: Your router's IP (usually 192.168.1.1)
- On your computer: remove old Canon printer → add printer using the new static IP
Fix 6: Update or Reinstall Canon Driver
- Go to canon.com/support → enter your model number
- Download the latest full driver + MP Drivers package
- Uninstall current driver: Settings → Apps → Canon → Uninstall
- Restart computer
- Install the downloaded driver
- During setup, select Wireless LAN Connection
Fix 7: Fix on Mac
- Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners
- If Canon shows yellow warning icon, click Resume
- If that doesn't work: right-click the printer list → Reset printing system
- Re-add the Canon printer: click + → select your Canon from the list
- Make sure Canon driver (not "Generic PostScript") is selected
Fix 8: Power Cycle Everything
Turn off Canon printer → turn off computer → unplug the router for 30 seconds → plug router back in → wait for full connection → turn on printer → turn on computer. This forces fresh network associations and often resolves persistent offline issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Canon printer keep going offline?
Common causes: (1) WiFi connection dropped — printer and computer must be on the same network, (2) 'Use Printer Offline' checkbox accidentally enabled in Windows, (3) Print spooler service stopped or stuck, (4) Outdated or corrupted printer driver, (5) IP address conflict — printer's IP changed after router reboot, (6) Power saving mode puts printer to sleep and it doesn't wake properly.
How do I get my Canon printer back online in Windows 11?
Quick fix: Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers → select Canon printer → Open print queue → Printer menu → UNCHECK 'Use Printer Offline.' If already unchecked, restart the Print Spooler service: Win+R → services.msc → find Print Spooler → right-click → Restart.
Canon printer offline on Mac — how to fix?
Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners → select Canon printer → if it shows a yellow warning, click 'Resume' or remove and re-add the printer. Also try: reset the printing system (right-click printer list → Reset printing system), then add the printer again.
Should I use USB or WiFi for Canon printer?
USB is more reliable — no network issues, no offline problems. WiFi is more convenient for multiple devices. If your Canon keeps going offline on WiFi, try: (1) Assign a static IP to the printer, (2) Place printer closer to the router, (3) Use 2.4 GHz band (not 5 GHz), (4) Consider USB for the primary computer and WiFi for others.
How do I assign a static IP to my Canon printer?
On the printer: Settings → LAN Settings → WiFi → Advanced → TCP/IP Settings → set to Manual → enter IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.200), subnet 255.255.255.0, gateway (your router IP). This prevents the IP from changing after router restarts, which is a major cause of 'offline' status.
Canon Still Offline?
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