Canon Printer Cannot Print Test Page

by

If your Canon printer cannot print a test page, it indicates a deeper issue with printer communication, driver installation, connection type, or hardware functionality. This guide walks through the most effective steps to identify and fix the problem, covering USB, Wi-Fi, and networked Canon printers such as PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS, and imageRUNNER models.

1. Confirm the Printer Is Turned On and Ready
  • Make sure the printer is powered on and the display (if available) shows no error messages.
  • Look for blinking lights, “offline”, “paper jam”, or “low ink” warnings.
  • Load plain paper into the correct tray.

2. Check Printer Connection (USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet)

USB Connection:
  • Try a different USB cable and port directly on the computer.
  • Avoid USB hubs or extenders.
  • If the printer doesn’t respond, the USB connection may be faulty.

Wi-Fi Connection:
  • Ensure both the printer and computer are on the same wireless network.
  • Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer to confirm connection status.
  • Ping the printer’s IP address from your computer.

Wired (Ethernet) Connection:
  • Make sure the LAN cable is securely connected.
  • Check network LEDs and router configuration.

3. Try Printing from the Printer Itself

Some Canon printers let you print internal reports or test pages without using a computer.

Examples:
  • Maintenance > Print Nozzle Check Pattern
  • Maintenance > Print Test Page
  • Settings > Reports > Printer Information Page

If these pages also fail to print, the issue is likely hardware-related.

4. Use Operating System to Print Test Page

On Windows:
  1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers
  2. Right-click your Canon printer > Printer Properties
  3. Click Print Test Page

If the test page fails:

  • Check if the printer shows as offline or paused.
  • Click See What’s Printing and clear the queue.

On macOS:
  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
  2. Select your Canon printer > Open Print Queue
  3. Send a print job or test document

5. Check Driver Installation

Incorrect or corrupted drivers are a common cause of test page failures.

Reinstall Canon Drivers:
  1. Go to Canon Support
  2. Enter your printer model
  3. Download and install the latest driver for your operating system
  4. Restart your computer after installation

Ensure you’re using the correct driver type:

  • UFR II, PCL, or PS for business models
  • IJ Series for PIXMA/MAXIFY inkjet printers

6. Run the Printer Troubleshooter (Windows)
  1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters
  2. Click Printer > Run
  3. Let Windows detect and resolve common printer issues

7. Disable Offline Mode or Pause Mode

Windows:
  • Go to Devices and Printers
  • Right-click the Canon printer > See What’s Printing
  • In the Printer menu, uncheck:
    • Use Printer Offline
    • Pause Printing

8. Clear the Print Queue
  1. Open the print queue window
  2. Cancel or delete all stuck jobs
  3. Restart the printer
  4. Try printing the test page again

9. Reset Printer Settings

If the printer’s internal settings are misconfigured, a reset can resolve the issue.

Steps:
  1. On the printer, go to Settings > Device Settings > Reset Settings
  2. Choose Reset All Settings or Reset Printer Settings
  3. Reconnect the printer and retry

10. Perform a Firmware Update (Optional)

An outdated firmware version may cause communication issues or print failures.

  1. Visit Canon’s support site
  2. Enter your printer model
  3. Download and install the latest firmware update
  4. Follow instructions for applying it via USB or network

11. Try Printing from Another Device
  • Try printing a test page from another computer or mobile device using the Canon PRINT app.
  • If it works, the issue is isolated to the original computer’s software or configuration.

12. When to Contact Canon Support

Contact Canon if:

  • The printer fails to print even internal test pages
  • The printhead or internal hardware may be defective
  • The issue persists after reinstalling drivers and resetting the printer
  • You see error codes or warning lights on the control panel

Canon support can provide further diagnostics, printhead checks, or recommend service or warranty options if needed.

Related Posts: