Canon Printer Finisher Cannot Be Used

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If your Canon printer displays the message “Finisher cannot be used”, it means that the external finisher (stapler, sorter, booklet maker, etc.) is not functioning correctly or is not being recognized by the printer. This is common on Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE and other enterprise-class multifunction devices that use optional finishers.

This guide outlines the causes and solutions to get the finisher back online and working.

1. What Is a Finisher?

A finisher is an optional hardware attachment for high-end Canon multifunction printers that can:

  • Staple documents
  • Sort and collate output
  • Punch holes
  • Create booklets

The message “Finisher cannot be used” disables these advanced output functions, although basic printing may still work.

2. Common Causes of This Error
Cause Description
Loose or misaligned finisher Physically not connected correctly to the printer
Firmware or driver issue The printer doesn’t detect the finisher correctly
Configuration mismatch Finisher not enabled in the printer or driver settings
Jammed or offline finisher A paper jam or offline condition has disabled the finisher
Unsupported job settings Job requires features not available or supported by the attached finisher
Electrical fault The finisher’s internal controller is not responding

3. Power Cycle the Printer and Finisher
  1. Turn off the printer completely.
  2. Unplug the power cable from both the printer and the wall.
  3. Wait 30–60 seconds.
  4. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
  5. Wait for it to initialize and check if the finisher is detected.

This clears temporary hardware recognition glitches.

4. Check Physical Connection of the Finisher
  • Make sure the finisher is securely attached to the main body of the printer.
  • Look for:
    • Loose screws or clips
    • Gaps between the printer and the finisher module
    • Bent metal guides or misaligned connection points

Reseat the Finisher
  1. Power off the printer
  2. Detach and reconnect the finisher module
  3. Power the printer back on and test

5. Check the Printer’s Internal Settings

Access Admin Settings:
  1. Go to Settings/Registration on the control panel
  2. Navigate to:
    Function Settings > Printer > Output Settings
    or
    Preferences > Output Settings / Finisher Settings
  3. Ensure the finisher is enabled and recognized

Some models require manual configuration of installed accessories.

6. Check for Paper Jams or Errors in the Finisher
  • Open the finisher’s front and rear panels
  • Look for any:
    • Paper jams
    • Stuck staples
    • Loose rollers or debris
  • Clear all issues, close the doors properly, and try again

The printer will disable the finisher if it detects an unresolved internal error.

7. Update Firmware and Printer Driver

Update Firmware:
  1. Go to Canon Support
  2. Enter your printer model (e.g., imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5535i)
  3. Download the latest firmware update
  4. Follow Canon’s instructions to install it via USB or network

Update Driver:
  1. Also download the latest UFR II, PCL, or PS driver
  2. Reinstall on your PC or Mac and reconfigure finishers in the driver settings

8. Configure the Finisher in the Print Driver (Windows/Mac)

Windows:
  1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers
  2. Right-click your Canon printer > Printer Properties
  3. Under Device Settings, make sure the finisher is selected/enabled
  4. If needed, click Auto Detect or set it manually

macOS:
  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
  2. Select your Canon printer > Options & Supplies > Options
  3. Enable the correct finisher type in the hardware list

9. Run a Test Job with Basic Finishing

Try printing a small document with:

  • Stapling enabled
  • Collate or offset sorting

Check if the finisher activates and completes the job.

10. When to Contact Canon Support

Contact Canon support or your dealer if:

  • The printer still says “Finisher cannot be used” after resets
  • The finisher isn’t detected at all in system settings
  • There’s a hardware fault or error code (e.g., E602, E733, E804)
  • The device is under warranty or service contract

Canon technicians can perform hardware diagnostics or replace faulty modules if needed.

Optional: Use the Printer Without the Finisher

If urgent, you can disable the finisher and still print using:

  • Main output tray
  • Bypassing finishing options (no staple, sort, etc.)
  • Change output options in your driver or on the control panel