Your canon printer is offline but connected can be perplexing. Despite being properly connected to your computer or network, the printer refuses to go online, causing inconvenience and disruption to your printing tasks. However, by following a systematic troubleshooting process, you can resolve this issue and get your Canon printer back online. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to troubleshoot the "Offline but Connected" status on your Canon printer, enabling you to resume printing smoothly.
Step 1: Verify Physical Connections
Ensure that all the cables connecting your Canon printer to your computer or network are securely plugged in. Check the USB cable or Ethernet cable if using a wired connection. For wireless connections, ensure that the printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Consider restarting both the printer and your computer to establish a fresh connection.
Step 2: Check Printer Status and Restart
On your computer, open the Control Panel and navigate to the "Devices and Printers" or "Printers & Scanners" section. Locate your Canon printer and check its status. If it shows as "Offline," right-click on the printer icon and select "See what's printing." In the print queue window, click on "Printer" and uncheck the "Use Printer Offline" option if it is checked. Restart the printer and check if it goes online.
Step 3: Restart Print Spooler
Service Sometimes, issues with the print spooler service can cause the offline status on your Canon printer. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "services.msc" and press Enter to open the Services window. Scroll down to locate the "Print Spooler" service. Right-click on it and select "Restart" to restart the service. This action may help resolve any spooler-related issues.
Step 4: Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can contribute to the offline status of your Canon printer. Visit the Canon website and navigate to the "Support" or "Drivers" section. Enter your printer model and download the latest drivers compatible with your operating system. Install the drivers following the provided instructions. Updating the drivers can address any compatibility issues and improve the printer's performance.
Step 5: Set Printer as Default
Open the Control Panel and go to the "Devices and Printers" or "Printers & Scanners" section. Right-click on your Canon printer and select "Set as Default Printer." This action ensures that your computer recognizes the Canon printer as the primary printing device.
Step 6: Restart Router or Network Devices
If your Canon printer is connected wirelessly to a network, consider restarting your router or network devices. Unplug the power cords from the devices, wait for a few seconds, and then plug them back in. Allow the devices to restart and establish a stable connection. Once done, check if your Canon printer goes online.
Step 7: Disable Firewall or Antivirus
Firewalls or antivirus programs on your computer can sometimes interfere with the printer's connectivity. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software and check if the Canon printer goes online. If it does, adjust the firewall or antivirus settings to allow communication with the printer.
Step 8: Reinstall Printer Software
If all else fails, consider reinstalling the canon pixma mg2520 setup printer software on your computer. Open the Control Panel and navigate to the "Programs" or "Programs and Features" section. Locate the Canon printer software and select "Uninstall." Follow the prompts to remove the software completely. Then, visit the Canon website, download the latest software for your printer model, and reinstall it on your computer.