Canon printers are known for their ease of use, solid print quality and reliable performance. However like any device, they can sometimes experience issues that require a reset. Whether your Canon printer is displaying an error message, refusing to connect to Wi-Fi or not responding properly to print jobs, performing a reset can often solve the problem. This guide will help you understand the different types of resets available and how to carry them out safely.
Resetting a Canon printer can mean a number of things. You might perform a soft reset to clear the memory, a network reset to fix Wi-Fi problems or a full factory reset to restore all settings to their original state. Knowing which one to use depends on the issue you are trying to fix.
Why Reset Your Canon Printer?
There are several common reasons why a user might need to reset their Canon printer. It could be because of a paper jam error that will not clear even after the paper is removed. It could be because the printer is stuck in an offline mode or has a wireless connection issue. Sometimes after changing ink cartridges or updating firmware, the printer may start acting unusually.
A reset can refresh the internal system, clear corrupted data or remove incorrect settings. It is a useful tool for troubleshooting and restoring normal operation without having to call support or take the printer apart.
Soft Reset: The Simple First Step
A soft reset is the easiest and quickest method to try. This simply turns the printer off and back on again which can resolve minor glitches.
To perform a soft reset, press the power button on the printer to switch it off. Wait for about thirty seconds then press the power button again to turn it back on. If your model has a plug, you can also turn it off at the wall and unplug it for a short period before reconnecting it.
This basic reset clears the printer’s temporary memory and is often enough to resolve stalled print jobs or communication errors between the printer and your computer.
Network Settings Reset
If your Canon printer is having trouble connecting to your wireless network or if you have changed your router, you may need to reset the network settings. This will erase any saved Wi-Fi networks and return the printer to its default wireless state.
On most Canon models, start by pressing the Setup button (usually marked with a spanner or gear icon). Navigate to the Device Settings menu using the arrow keys. Then select Reset Settings and choose Reset LAN Settings or Reset Network Settings depending on your printer model.
You will be asked to confirm the reset. Once confirmed, the printer will erase all previous network configurations. You can then reconnect it to your Wi-Fi by following the standard wireless setup process.
Factory Reset: Returning to Original Settings
If your printer is showing persistent problems that cannot be solved with a soft or network reset, you may want to perform a full factory reset. This will delete all settings including print preferences, wireless connections and any stored data. It restores the printer to the condition it was in when you first took it out of the box.
To perform a factory reset, press the Menu or Setup button depending on your model. Use the navigation buttons to find Device Settings then scroll to Reset Settings. Select Reset All or Reset Settings then confirm your choice.
The printer may restart automatically once the reset is complete. You will then need to set it up again from scratch including language preferences, date and time and wireless network.
Resetting Canon Ink Cartridge Memory
In some cases, especially with older models or compatible cartridges, your printer may fail to recognise a new cartridge or continue to show it as empty. This may require resetting the cartridge memory.
Although Canon does not officially support this method, many users find success by holding down the Stop/Reset button on the printer for around 10 seconds after inserting a new cartridge. This bypasses the low ink warning and allows printing to continue. However, this should only be used when you are confident the cartridge contains ink.
Troubleshooting After Reset
Once your printer has been reset, you may need to reinstall drivers or reconfigure your settings. Make sure your printer is listed as the default on your computer and that you have the correct driver installed. You can download the latest driver from Canon’s UK support website.
For Wi-Fi printers, reconnect to your wireless network using the correct SSID and password. If you are using a mobile device, you may need to re-pair the printer with Canon PRINT or AirPrint depending on your setup.
Check the print quality by running a test page or nozzle check. This will confirm that the reset has not affected ink flow or print head alignment.
When a Reset Does Not Help
If you have tried all the reset options and the printer is still not functioning correctly, there may be a deeper hardware fault or internal error. In this case, contact Canon’s customer support for further assistance. Be ready to provide the model number, a description of the problem and the steps you have already tried.
Canon printers often come with a one or two-year warranty which may cover repairs or replacements depending on the issue.
Final Thoughts
Resetting a Canon printer is a useful and often necessary step for solving common problems such as connectivity issues, error messages or unresponsive behaviour. Whether you choose a soft reset, a network reset or a full factory reset, following the correct process can get your printer working again without stress. Always take care to back up any important settings before performing a factory reset and remember to reinstall drivers if needed. With the right approach, your Canon printer will be back up and running in no time.