Why Won’t My Canon Printer Scan?
When a Canon printer refuses to scan, the cause is usually a missing driver, the wrong utility, a blocked network path, or a simple panel error. This guide walks through the exact steps to restore scanning: confirm the connection, install the IJ Scan Utility, pick the right source, clear queued jobs, and test from both the printer and your computer.
Check the Basics
Make sure the printer is powered on, shows no error codes, and the scanner lid or ADF is closed properly. Load a sheet in the ADF if you plan to scan from it. If the panel displays a support code, clear it first; scanning will not start while an error is active.
Confirm Network or USB Connection
If you use Wi-Fi, print a network status page and confirm the printer is connected to the same network as your computer. Avoid guest networks and disable VPN while troubleshooting. For USB, ensure the cable is firmly connected and try a direct port on the computer (no hubs). If you recently changed Wi-Fi passwords, reconnect the printer before scanning.
Install the Right Software
Download and install the Canon driver package for your model, including the IJ Scan Utility (or MF Scan Utility for laser/MF models). Generic OS drivers often omit scanning components. After installation, launch the scan utility once so it registers the device. On Windows, choose the network or USB version of your printer in the utility list; on macOS, ensure you added the printer using the Canon driver, not just AirPrint.
Select the Correct Scanner Entry
Canon devices often install multiple entries (USB, network, WSD). In IJ Scan Utility, open Preferences and select the entry that matches your current connection. Mismatched entries cause “scanner not found” even when printing works. If you added the printer by IP, pick the entry that shows that IP address.
Run a Test Scan from the Printer
Use the printer panel to scan to a computer or email, depending on your model. Choose your computer name from the list; if it doesn’t appear, the printer and computer might be on different subnets or blocked by a firewall. A successful panel-initiated scan proves the hardware is fine and narrows the issue to software on the computer.
Check Firewall and Security Software
Firewalls can block the scan service even while printing succeeds. Temporarily disable third-party security tools and ensure Canon scan services are allowed. On Windows, allow IJ Scan Utility through Windows Defender Firewall for private networks. On macOS, check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Firewall Options and allow the Canon app.
Fix TWAIN/WIA Issues on Windows
If the scan utility opens but applications cannot scan, ensure the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service is running. Restart it from Services. Reinstall the Canon driver if TWAIN/WIA drivers are missing. For WSD devices, consider adding the printer by IP and reinstalling with the IJ Network Tool to stabilize discovery.
Resolve Offline or Stalled Queues
Remove old Canon entries from Printers & scanners, reboot, and re-add the printer with the Canon driver. Clear any pending scan jobs in the IJ Scan Utility or on the panel. If the device was added as AirPrint only, delete and re-add with the Canon driver to restore full scan support.
Check ADF vs. Flatbed Settings
In the scan utility, choose the correct source (ADF or flatbed). If the ADF pulls pages but nothing appears, clean the ADF glass and rollers with a lint-free cloth. For flatbed scans with lines or bands, clean the platen glass and the thin strip glass (if present) to remove dust causing streaks.
Update Firmware
Use Canon's update tool or the printer's panel to install firmware updates. Updates can improve network scanning reliability and fix bugs that cause intermittent “scanner not responding.” Power-cycle the printer after updating.
Advanced Network Tips
Reserve the printer's IP in your router to prevent discovery drop-offs. If you use VLANs, allow mDNS/Bonjour and Canon scan traffic between the printer and computer. Avoid guest networks with client isolation. Keep VPN off during scanning; it can reroute traffic away from the local subnet and make the scanner appear offline.\n
Quick Recovery Checklist
- Clear panel errors and confirm Wi-Fi/USB connection.
- Install the Canon driver with IJ Scan Utility or MF Scan Utility.
- Select the correct scanner entry in Preferences (USB vs. network/IP).
- Disable VPN/firewall temporarily; ensure WIA service runs on Windows.
- Re-add the printer with the Canon driver if it was AirPrint-only.
- Clean ADF/flatbed glass and rollers; choose the right source.
Follow these steps and your Canon printer should start scanning again, reliably sending documents to your Mac or PC without repeated errors.