Steps to Fix Canon Printer Won't Scan

[canon]

A Canon printer that prints but won't scan often points to a software issue.

• Check Connection: Ensure the USB or Wi-Fi link is stable.
• Restart: Power cycle the printer and computer.
• Drivers/Utility: The scanner driver is likely corrupted or outdated. Reinstall the latest Canon IJ Scan Utility software from the official Canon website.
• Firewall: Temporarily disable your firewall, as it may be blocking the scanner's communication port.​

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Comprehensive Guide: Fixing Your Canon Printer That Won't Scan​

It's a common frustration: your Canon multifunction printer is printing perfectly, but the scanner function suddenly stops working. This usually points to a communication or software issue, not a hardware failure. Follow this comprehensive troubleshooting guide to get your Canon scanner back in action.

1. The Essential First Steps (The Power Cycle)​

Before diving into complex settings, start with the basics. This simple reset can resolve many temporary glitches.

• Restart Everything:
  • Turn off your Canon printer.
  • Unplug the printer's power cord for at least 60 seconds to ensure a full hardware reset.
  • Restart your computer (PC or Mac).
  • Plug the printer back in and power it on.
• Check Physical Connections:
  • USB: Ensure the USB cable is firmly plugged into both the printer and a primary USB port on your computer. Try a different USB cable or port to rule out a faulty connection.
  • Wi-Fi/Network: Confirm that both your printer and computer are connected to the same network (SSID). Weak Wi-Fi can cause scanning to fail even if printing works. Power cycle your Wi-Fi router.
    

2. Troubleshooting Software and Drivers (The Most Common Culprit)​

Outdated or corrupted scanner drivers are the most frequent cause of scanning failures.

A. Update or Reinstall Drivers​

1. Uninstall Existing Software:
   • Go to your computer's Control Panel (Windows) or System Settings (Mac).
   • Find Programs and Features or Apps and Features and uninstall any existing Canon printer and scanning software (e.g., Canon IJ Scan Utility, MP Drivers).
2. Download Latest Drivers:
   • Go to the official Canon support website.
   • Enter your exact printer model number.
   • Select your correct Operating System (e.g., Windows 11 64-bit or macOS Sonoma).
   • Download the Full Driver & Software Package or the dedicated Scan Utility/ScanGear driver.
3. Install: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Important: Connect the printer only when prompted during the installation process.
   

B. Use the Correct Scan Utility​

Canon printers require their dedicated software to scan, such as:

• Canon IJ Scan Utility (or IJ Scan Utility Lite on Mac)
• Canon My Image Garden (for older models)

Try starting the scan directly from this Canon application on your computer, rather than pressing the physical scan button on the printer. Ensure the correct printer model is selected within the utility's settings.

3. Operating System and Security Checks​

Your computer's built-in features may be interfering with the scanner.

A. Check Firewall and Antivirus​

Security software can mistake the incoming scan data as a threat and block communication.

• Temporarily Disable: Disable your Windows Defender Firewall or third-party antivirus program briefly and attempt a scan.
• Create an Exception: If the scan works after disabling it, you must add the Canon scanning software (like Scan Utility.exe or ScanGear) as a trusted exception in your firewall/antivirus settings.
  

B. Run the Windows Troubleshooter (Windows Users)​

1. Go to Settings $\to$ Update & Security (or System in Windows 11) $\to$ Troubleshoot.
2. Select Additional troubleshooters.
3. Run the troubleshooter for Printer or Hardware and Devices.
   

C. Verify Printer Status (Mac Users)​

1. Go to System Settings $\to$ Printers & Scanners.
2. Select your Canon printer. If the status is "Idle," it's ready. If it's "Offline" or "Paused," right-click it (or use the options menu) to try and resume or set it to "Use Printer Online."
3. You can also try clicking Open Scanner here to force the connection.
   

4. Advanced & Last Resort Solutions​

If the standard steps fail, consider these more technical fixes:

• Check the WIA Service (Windows): The Windows Imaging Acquisition (WIA) service manages scanner communication.
  • Press $\text{Win} + \text{R}$, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  • Find Windows Image Acquisition (WIA), right-click it, and ensure it is set to Automatic and is currently Running. Restart the service if necessary.
• Factory Reset the Printer: Consult your printer's manual for the specific procedure to perform a factory reset. This clears all network settings and stored data, forcing you to set it up as if it were new.
• Try the Windows Scan App: If you are using Windows 10/11, search the Microsoft Store for the free Windows Scan app. Sometimes this universal app can detect and communicate with the scanner even when Canon's utility cannot.

If you have tried all of these steps and the Canon printer still won't scan, there may be an internal hardware failure with the scanner unit itself.