Canon Printer in Error State
When Windows or macOS says your Canon printer is “in error state,” it usually means the printer is paused by a hardware fault, a stalled queue, or a broken network path. Because the message is generic, the best fix is a structured checklist: clear physical errors first, reset the printer, verify the network connection, then repair the driver and port. This guide applies to PIXMA, MAXIFY, and imageCLASS models.
1) Check the Printer Panel for a Real Error
Look at the Canon display or lights. If you see a support code (paper jam, ink out, cover open, carriage error), fix that first. Remove jammed paper, reseat cartridges, and close all doors firmly. Many Canon printers won’t accept new jobs until the panel is clear.
2) Power Reset
Turn the printer off and unplug it for 60 seconds. Plug it directly into a wall outlet (not a loose strip) and power on. This clears transient logic stalls and re‑homes the carriage.
3) Clear Obstructions and Carriage Issues
Open the cover and check for scraps, labels, or dried ink in the carriage path. On inkjets, gently slide the carriage by hand with the printer unplugged—movement should be smooth. Clean rails with a lint‑free cloth if sticky. If your model shows 5100‑series carriage errors, also clean the encoder strip carefully.
4) Reseat Ink Tanks / Toner
Reseat each ink tank until it clicks. Make sure vent tape is removed from new cartridges. For lasers, remove the toner and drum, rock gently to redistribute toner, and reinstall. A mis‑seated cartridge can throw a hardware error that surfaces as “error state” on the computer.
5) Verify Wi‑Fi or Ethernet Connection
Print a network status or LAN details page from the printer menu and note the IP address. Confirm the printer is on the same network as your computer and phone. Most PIXMA models prefer 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi. Avoid guest networks with client isolation, and disable VPN during troubleshooting.
6) Fix Ports and Offline Status on Windows
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the Canon printer, and open its queue. Cancel stuck jobs, then uncheck Use Printer Offline. Open Printer properties > Ports and ensure the selected port matches the current IP (from your network page) or a Canon BJNP port. If it points to an old IP, add a new Standard TCP/IP port. Restart the Print Spooler or reboot.
7) Fix on macOS
In System Settings > Printers & Scanners, remove the printer and re‑add it. Choose the Canon driver (not just AirPrint) if available. If discovery fails, add by IP using protocol IPP and the printer’s IP address. Clear any pending jobs in the macOS queue.
8) Reinstall Canon Drivers
If the printer still shows error state after hardware clearing and port repair, remove it entirely and reinstall the latest Canon driver package. Generic OS drivers can misinterpret status signals. Reinstalling refreshes the device monitor and fixes corrupt queues.
9) Firmware Update
Use Canon’s maintenance software or the Embedded Web Server (IP in a browser) to check firmware. Updates often improve Wi‑Fi stability and fix error‑state bugs. Apply updates on stable power and do not interrupt the printer during the process.
10) Stabilize the Connection
Create a DHCP reservation for the printer in your router so its IP does not change. Keep the printer within strong signal range and near the main mesh node if you use mesh Wi‑Fi. Avoid band steering confusion by pairing on 2.4 GHz during setup.
11) USB as a Diagnostic Tool
If Wi‑Fi printing keeps failing or the computer still reports an error state, connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable and print a test page. If USB works, the hardware is fine and the problem is almost certainly network/port related—focus on IP reservations, router isolation settings, and reinstalling the network driver. If USB also fails, return to panel errors and supply checks.\n
12) Multifunction Scan Holds
On all‑in‑one models, a scan or ADF error can also trigger “error state.” Clean the scanner glass and ADF strip, make sure the lid is fully closed, and reinstall Canon’s IJ Scan Utility or MF Scan Utility. If panel scans work but computer scans fail, allow Canon scan services through your firewall and verify the scanner entry matches your connection type.\n
When the Error State Is Hardware Failure
If the printer repeatedly returns to a specific support code (B200 printhead fault, 6xxx paper feed failures, scanner errors) after cleaning and reseating supplies, a hardware component may be failing. At that point, compare the cost of printhead/drum replacement to a new printer, especially for older PIXMA models.
Quick Recovery Checklist
- Clear panel errors, jams, and carriage obstructions.
- Power reset using a wall outlet.
- Print network/LAN details and verify the correct IP.
- Fix Windows/macOS ports and clear offline status.
- Reinstall Canon drivers if queues remain corrupt.
- Reserve the IP and update firmware for stability.
In most cases, a Canon “printer in error state” is a solvable mix of a small hardware hold and a stale driver port. Work through the steps above and you should be back to printing quickly.