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If your Canon printer shows Offline on Mac (Call USA/CA: +1-888-272-8868), you’re not alone. This is a common issue that can prevent you from printing anything at all—frustrating, especially when you need a document printed quickly. The good news is that this problem is usually easy to fix once you understand what's causing it.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons your Canon printer might show as offline on a Mac, and how to get it back online and working properly.
When your Mac says your Canon printer is “offline,” it means that your computer can’t communicate with the printer. This doesn't always mean the printer is turned off—it could also mean there's a software, network, or connection issue.
If you're using a wireless Canon printer, any disruption to your Wi-Fi signal or router can cause your Mac to lose contact with the printer.
Fix:
For USB-connected printers, a faulty cable or port can prevent communication.
Fix:
Your printer may go into power-saving mode or may have shut down automatically.
Fix:
Sometimes, the print queue gets stuck, or a paused job prevents new documents from printing.
Fix:
An outdated or incompatible Canon driver may cause connectivity problems, especially after a macOS update.
Fix:
Sometimes macOS adds duplicate printer entries. You may be sending the job to an inactive one.
Fix:
If none of the above work:
A Canon printer showing “Offline” on a Mac is usually a temporary and fixable issue. Whether it’s a network glitch, driver problem, or simple miscommunication, these steps can help restore normal printing functionality and get you back to work in no time.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons your Canon printer might show as offline on a Mac, and how to get it back online and working properly.
What Does “Printer Offline” Mean?
When your Mac says your Canon printer is “offline,” it means that your computer can’t communicate with the printer. This doesn't always mean the printer is turned off—it could also mean there's a software, network, or connection issue.
Common Reasons a Canon Printer Goes Offline on Mac
1. Poor Wi-Fi or Network Connection
If you're using a wireless Canon printer, any disruption to your Wi-Fi signal or router can cause your Mac to lose contact with the printer.
Fix:
- Make sure both your Mac and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Restart your router and printer.
- Reconnect your printer to Wi-Fi via its control panel.
2. USB Connection Problems
For USB-connected printers, a faulty cable or port can prevent communication.
Fix:
- Try a different USB port or cable.
- Unplug and replug the printer into your Mac.
- Restart both devices.
3. Printer Is in Sleep Mode or Turned Off
Your printer may go into power-saving mode or may have shut down automatically.
Fix:
- Wake the printer by pressing the power button or opening the paper tray.
- Check for any flashing error lights on the printer’s display.
4. macOS Printer Queue Issue
Sometimes, the print queue gets stuck, or a paused job prevents new documents from printing.
Fix:
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
- Select your Canon printer, then click Open Print Queue.
- Cancel or resume any paused print jobs.
- Click Resume Printer if it’s paused.
5. Outdated or Corrupted Printer Driver
An outdated or incompatible Canon driver may cause connectivity problems, especially after a macOS update.
Fix:
- Go to Canon’s official support page
- Download the latest driver for your printer model and macOS version
- Install it, then restart your Mac and printer
6. Multiple Printer Instances
Sometimes macOS adds duplicate printer entries. You may be sending the job to an inactive one.
Fix:
- Go to Printers & Scanners
- Delete any extra or grayed-out versions of your Canon printer
- Re-add your printer using the “+” button
Final Steps
If none of the above work:
- Remove the printer entirely and reinstall it in Printers & Scanners
- Check for macOS software updates
- Reset the printing system (right-click in Printers & Scanners > Reset printing system)
- Contact Canon support if the issue persists
Conclusion
A Canon printer showing “Offline” on a Mac is usually a temporary and fixable issue. Whether it’s a network glitch, driver problem, or simple miscommunication, these steps can help restore normal printing functionality and get you back to work in no time.