Canon Printer Won't Scan: How Do I Fix It

In the digital interconnected world, we depend on printing devices to make all printing tasks easier. But what if your Canon printer won’t scan? Calm down!! Are you facing a host of problems? Really want to get back to your normal life? If yes, this blog post is a one-stop-solution for you. Once you have an in-depth look at this blog, you will be aware of the reliable solutions to get rid of this annoying issue.

Looking for trustworthy tips on how to prevent scanning issues from happening? All you need to do is delve into this post. So, whether you are dealing with a broken printing device or a malfunctioning printer, keep reading this blog post carefully to get helpful advice. This way, you will also be familiar with key factors responsible for this issue.

So, you need not to let this issue hold your back. Do just one thing that walks through this guide so that you will be able to get your scanner working again. Let’s have an in-depth look into this guide to know more details……..

Common Reasons Why Your Canon Printer Won’t Scan

Are you not aware of the causes for the Canon printer won’t scan issue? If yes, it is crucial for you to understand the key factors responsible for this issue. Let’s have an eye on the key details given below –

Connectivity Issues –

If your printer is not perfectly connected to your computer device via Wi-Fi or USB, scanning will not work.

Outdated or Corrupt Drivers –

If the scanner driver is outdated or missing, it can prevent the scanning function from working.

Incorrect Scanner Settings –

Due to wrong scan settings, your printer may stop from scanning.

Firewall or Antivirus Blocking the Scan –

Sometimes, security software can block the scanning process.

Paper Jam or Hardware Malfunction –

If there is a paper jam or hardware issue, there is a possibility of the failure of scanning.

Scanner Not Recognized by Computer –

Just because of the system errors, the computer may not detect your scanner.

How to Fix Canon Printer Won’t Scan Issue

Are you eager to eliminate the Canon printer won’t scan issue? If yes, it is absolutely the right time. Now, you are aware of the reasons for the problem you are already encountering. So, you are required to go through the solutions for the same. Let’s have a glance at the credible solutions to nip this issue in the bud…..

1. Check the Printer’s Connection

At the beginning of the troubleshooting procedure, you are required to check the connectivity.

For Wired Connections:

In the first step, you need to ensure that the USB cable is properly connected to both the printer and computer.
Next, you can try to use a different USB port or cable.

For Wireless Connections:

First of all, make sure your printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Now, restart your router and printer. It will be helpful to you to refresh the network connection.
After that, print a network configuration page from the printer. This way, you can confirm connectivity.

2. Restart the Printer and Computer

In some cases, just with a simple restart you can also resolve minor software or communication glitches. For this, you have to follow the steps given below –

Initially, turn off your Canon printer.
Next, unplug it from the power source.
Thereafter, shut down your computer.
Later on, wait for 2-3 minutes and then turn both devices back on.
Finally, try scanning again.

3. Verify the Scanner is Set as Default

Is your Canon printer not scanning? If so, it is possible that it is not set as the default scanner on your computer.

For Windows:

To kick-start the process, open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
In the next step, right-click on your Canon printer and choose Set as Default Printer.
Last but not least, try scanning again with the use of the Windows Fax and Scan tool.

For Mac:

On the other hand, for Mac devices you need to go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
Now, click on your Canon printer.
After that, you need to make sure that it’s set as the default.
Thereafter, open Image Capture and try to scan.

4. Update or Reinstall the Canon Printer Drivers

Suffering from the Canon printer won’t scan problems? If so, outdated or corrupt printer drivers could be the main cause. In such a situation, it is better for you to upgrade or reinstall your Canon printer driver.

To Update Drivers Manually (Windows):

In the first step, open Device Manager (Press Win + X, then select Device Manager).
Now, expand Imaging Devices or Printers.
Later on, right-click on your Canon printer.
Then, you can select the Update Driver.
Lastly, choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.

To Reinstall Drivers (Windows & Mac):

To kick-start the reinstallation procedure, you have to uninstall the Canon printer drivers from your system.
In this step, visit Canon’s official website.
After that, download the latest drivers.
Finally, it is time to install the updated drivers and restart your computer.

5. Check the Scanner Software

Now, it’s necessary for you to confirm that the Canon IJ Scan Utility or the Canon ScanGear Tool is properly installed. It will be helpful to you to know that they are working properly.

Suppose, if the software is missing, you can download and install it from Canon’s official website.
Now, open the Canon IJ Scan Utility and cross-check if the scan function works manually.

6. Run the Windows Troubleshooter (For Windows Users)

Don’t you want to encounter Canon printer won’t scan problems more? If so, you are the luckiest one to be here. Once you have an eye on this step, you will know that Windows has a built-in troubleshooting tool. With the help of this tool you can surely fix all scanner issues. Let’s have an eye on the steps mentioned below for the same-

Initially, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Now, click on Additional Troubleshooters.
In the next step, select Printer and run the troubleshooter.
After that, follow the on-screen instructions so that you can fix any detected issues.

7. Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

There is a possibility that firewalls or security software may block the scanning function, if you are suffering from this issue, you have to make efforts to disable your firewall and antivirus. You have to do it temporarily so that you can see if scanning works.

Note: Do you find yourself unable to disable the security software? Can’t you fix the scanning issue? If yes, it is worth adding an exception for the Canon scanning software in your firewall settings. This will be helpful to you to resolve the Canon printer won’t scan issues more quickly.

8. Reset the Printer to Factory Settings

If none of the above given steps help you to resolve the issue, you can reset the printer. It will help you to resolve deeper configuration issues.

To Reset Your Canon Printer:

In the first step, press the Setup button on the printer.
Now, navigate to Device Settings > Reset Settings.
After that, select Reset All and confirm the action.
Once you complete the reset, reconnect your printer and set it up again.

9. Try Scanning Using a Different Device

Don’t you know whether the issue is with your printer or your computer? Want to know about it? If so, you can try to scan with the use of a different device. For this, you have to follow the steps given below –

First of all, you need to try scanning from another computer or mobile device. You can do it with the use of the Canon PRINT app.
If you find that the scanning works on another device, it means that the issue is with your computer’s settings or drivers.

Final Thoughts

To be precise, it is clear that with the help of the right troubleshooting steps, you can overcome the Canon printer won’t scan issues. You can initiate the process by checking the connection. After that, you have to confirm that you have installed the correct drivers and software. In Spite of following these steps, you can reset your printer or even seek professional support from Canon. Finally, you can get back to scanning documents more easily.

Troubleshooting Guide To Resolve Canon Printer Won’t Scan Issue