When your Canon printer cannot detect paper, it usually means the paper sensors are dirty or faulty, the paper isn’t loaded correctly, or there’s a hardware or firmware issue. This guide walks you through troubleshooting steps to fix the issue across Canon printer models like PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS, and imageRUNNER.
Check Paper Loading
Properly Load Paper in the Tray
- Ensure paper is aligned neatly and inserted fully into the tray.
- The paper should not be curled, wrinkled, or damp.
- Adjust the paper guides so they lightly touch the paper edges-not too tight or too loose.
Do Not Overload the Tray
- Make sure you stay within the paper capacity limits.
- Overloading can cause false “no paper” or “paper jam” errors.
Use Supported Paper Types
- Check the printer’s manual for supported paper sizes and types.
- Avoid using very thick, glossy, or incompatible specialty paper unless specifically supported.
Clean the Paper Feed Rollers and Sensors
Use Built-in Maintenance Functions (if available)
On many Canon printers:
- Go to Settings > Maintenance > Roller Cleaning.
- Follow the prompts-insert plain A4 or Letter-size paper if required.
- Repeat the cleaning process 2–3 times if needed.
Manually Clean Paper Feed Rollers
If the built-in cleaning doesn’t help:
- Turn off the printer and unplug it.
- Open the rear or front paper path (depending on model).
- Use a lint-free cloth dampened with water to gently wipe the rollers.
- Rotate the rollers manually if accessible.
- Let them dry completely before powering the printer back on.
Reset the Printer
Power Cycle the Printer
- Turn off the printer and unplug it for 30–60 seconds.
- Plug it back in and restart.
- Try printing again to see if the error clears.
Reset to Factory Defaults (if needed)
- Go to Settings > Device Settings > Reset Settings > Reset All or Reset Paper Settings.
- After reset, reload paper and try printing again.
Check for Obstructions or Jammed Sensors
Remove Paper Jam or Foreign Objects
- Open all paper paths and trays.
- Check for any bits of paper, labels, or debris near rollers or sensors.
- Even small scraps can trigger paper detection errors.
Use a Flashlight if Needed
- Inspect hard-to-see areas like the rear feed path or cassette tray.
Confirm the Correct Paper Source is Selected
Check Printer Settings
- On the printer’s control panel or during printing, verify the selected paper source (e.g., Rear Tray, Cassette).
- If the wrong tray is selected and it’s empty, the printer may say “no paper.”
On the Computer
- When printing from a PC or Mac, open the print dialog box.
- Ensure the correct paper feed source and paper size/type are selected in the driver.
Update Firmware and Drivers
Update Printer Firmware
- Visit the Canon Support Site.
- Download and install the latest firmware for your printer model.
- Follow instructions carefully, especially for USB-only models.
Update or Reinstall Printer Driver
- Update the driver on your Windows or macOS system.
- Outdated drivers can cause paper handling errors or wrong tray assignments.
Use Canon PRINT App or Utility Software
- The Canon PRINT app (for mobile setup) or IJ Printer Assistant Tool (Windows) lets you run maintenance like roller cleaning and printer status checks.
- Use these tools to test paper feeding and check for software-related issues.
Hardware Failure Warning Signs
If the printer still cannot detect paper after all troubleshooting steps:
- The paper sensor may be malfunctioning.
- Feed rollers may be worn out or detached internally.
- The paper tray sensor switch may be broken.
When to Contact Canon Support
Contact Canon support if:
- Paper is loaded correctly but consistently not detected.
- You’ve cleaned rollers and reset settings with no success.
- The issue persists after firmware and driver updates.
- You’re getting recurring error codes like 1003, 1007, or E03.
Canon support can assist with diagnostics and warranty repair or guide you to a service center if hardware repair is needed.