How to Get Canon PIXMA Printer Online From Computer? (Easy Steps)

Karen Boccino
Sep 23
4 min read

A Canon PIXMA Printer may go offline for many reasons, such as connectivity issues, outdated printer drivers, incorrect settings, or other common causes. When this happens, the printer may display a “printer offline” error on the screen or the connected computer. In some models, the Wi-Fi light may turn off, indicating an offline issue.

If you are experiencing this problem, I am going to walk you through some of the best ways to bring yo

ur printer back online. As an IT student, I often help friends and family fix printer-related issues, and I enjoy troubleshooting and solving technical problems myself.

In this guide, I will share the same easy methods I personally use whenever my Canon PIXMA Printer goes offline. So, let’s get started with the solutions.

Method 1: Check Printer’s Connections

A Canon PIXMA printer usually goes offline due to connectivity problems. Whether you use USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi, check the connection.

Check whether the printer is powered on at the power outlet.
Ensure that the USB cables are tightly connected to the printer and the device.
In the case of Ethernet, check if the Ethernet cable is well connected to the devices.
If you’re using a Wi-Fi connection, check if your printer is connected to a network from its display.

If the connection has any problem, reconnect the Canon printer and check if it comes back online.

Method 2: Restart Your Printer and Device

A technical glitch within the printer or the computer may cause the printer to go offline. Hence, restarting these devices can fix the problem.

Restart the Printer

Unplug the printer’s power cord from the electric outlet.
Turn off the printer by pressing its power button.
After waiting for 1–2 minutes, plug the printer’s power cord back into the wall outlet.
Turn on the Canon PIXMA printer by pressing the power button.

Restart the Computer

Click the Windows icon on the taskbar.
Click the power button, and select Restart.

Let the computer restart completely. Generally, a restart resolves many issues, and it can also fix the printer offline issue. But if it doesn’t work, check out the next methods.

Method 3: Restart the Print Spooler Service

The print spooler is a program on Windows computers that works as a communicator between the printer and the computer. If there is any issue with this feature, the printer may show errors. Here’s how to restart it:

Press the Windows key on your keyboard, then type “Settings” in the search bar.
Scroll down and locate Print Spooler and right-click on it.
Click Properties, and select the Stop button.
Wait for 5 seconds, and then select the Start option.

Check if the printer still shows as offline. If not, check the next method. However, restarting the print spooler often fixes the minor to major issues.

Method 4: Update the Printer Drivers

Printer drivers are essential for printers to function properly. This software helps a Canon PIXMA printer understand the print commands and print seamlessly. The printer may go offline if you don’t update it. Check how to update these drivers for a Canon printer.

Downloading

Open an internet browser and navigate to usa.canon.com/support.
Search for your Canon printer model in the search field.
Click the Software and Drives option under the Downloads section.
Select your operating system using the drop-down list.
Choose a suitable printer driver package, and tap on Download next to it.

The driver file will be saved on your computer as an .exe file.

Installing

Go to your computer’s Downloads folder.
Locate the driver’s file, and double-click on it.
Select Yes to let this application make changes to your PC.
Perform the steps shown on your screen to complete the installation.

That’s how you can update the printer drivers to get the Canon PIXMA printer back online.

Wrapping Up

In a nutshell, a Canon PIXMA printer can get back online by fixing its connections, updating printer drivers, and restarting the print spooler service. I always recommend these methods as they work best for a printer offline issue. In terms of suggestions, I would say always make sure your printer is properly connected to cables, the internet, and a power source. Plus, always update the printer drivers to avoid frequent issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get My Canon Printer Back Online?

If your printer is offline, it won’t print and respond to any commands. Use the given methods to get it back online:

Verify the printer’s connectivity
Update the printer drivers
Check printer settings.
Restart the print spooler service on Windows.

What Does “Printer Offline” Mean?

A printer going offline means that it’s not connected to a network or a computer, whether you’re using Windows or Mac. As a result, it doesn’t respond to the print commands sent from a device. During this error, the printer shows a “printer offline” message on the display, or the Wi-Fi light on the printer may turn off. In this situation, you need to reconnect the wireless network to the printer.

Why Does My Canon Printer Go Offline?

When the printer goes offline, it shows a “printer offline” error message on its display or the device. Your printer may go offline due to these reasons: