You place a document on your Canon printer, press the Scan button, and wait—but nothing happens. Your computer may display a scanner communication error, fail to detect the device, or show an unexpected message. If your Canon Printer Won't Scan, the problem may involve connectivity, scanning software, incorrect settings, or outdated drivers.
A Canon Printer Not Scanning issue can occur even when the device prints normally. Sometimes the opposite happens: your Canon Printer Won't Print, but its scanning function continues working.
This updated 2026 troubleshooting guide covers seven practical fixes for common scanning problems on compatible Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY, and other multifunction printer models.
Why Is My Canon Printer Not Scanning?
Before troubleshooting, identify whether the scanner is completely unavailable or whether the scanning application cannot communicate with it.
Common causes include:
Unstable WiFi or USB connection
Incorrect scanner selected on the computer
Missing or incompatible scanner drivers
IJ Scan Utility communication errors
Scanner already in use by another application
Incorrect document placement
Temporary Windows or macOS problems
Printer display warnings or hardware errors
The following solutions can help identify and resolve these issues.
How to Fix Canon Printer Won't Scan: 7 Solutions
Fix 1: Restart Your Canon Printer and Computer
Temporary communication problems can prevent a scanner from responding.
Start by turning off your Canon printer using its power button. Close any scanning applications running on your computer.
Restart the computer, turn the printer back on, and wait until it finishes starting.
Open your scanning application and attempt a simple scan.
If the scanner begins working, the issue may have been caused by a temporary software or connection error.
Fix 2: Check the WiFi or USB Connection
If your Canon Printer Not Scanning, verify that your computer can communicate with the device.
For wireless printers, confirm that the printer and computer are connected to the same local network.
If the wireless signal is weak, move the printer closer to the router.
For USB-connected printers, inspect the cable and reconnect it securely.
Try another working USB port if the scanner is not detected.
Avoid connecting through an unreliable USB hub while troubleshooting.
Fix 3: Select the Correct Canon Scanner
Computers with multiple installed printers or scanners may select the wrong device.
On Windows 11:
Open Settings.
Select Bluetooth & devices.
Choose Printers & scanners.
Locate your Canon multifunction printer.
Check whether the device is installed correctly.
You can also open Windows Scan, if available, and select the correct scanner.
On Mac, open System Settings and select Printers & Scanners.
Choose your Canon device and use the available scanning option.
The exact menu options depend on your operating system and printer model.
Fix 4: Troubleshoot Canon IJ Scan Utility
Canon IJ Scan Utility is scanning software available for supported Canon printers and scanners.
If the application cannot detect your printer, check whether the correct scanner is selected.
Close the utility and restart it.
For wireless scanning, verify that the appropriate network scanner is configured. Some Canon models require IJ Network Scanner Selector EX or another compatible Canon component.
If the application is missing or repeatedly displays communication errors, reinstall the software recommended for your exact printer model.
Some supported Mac models use IJ Scan Utility Lite instead.
Fix 5: Update or Reinstall Scanner Drivers
An incompatible scanner driver can cause detection failures after a computer update.
Visit Canon's official support resources and locate your printer model.
Check for scanner drivers or software compatible with your operating system.
Install the appropriate software and restart your computer if required.
For supported Windows models, Canon's MP Drivers package may include printing and scanning components.
Avoid downloading drivers from unfamiliar websites because unofficial installers may contain unwanted software.
Fix 6: Check Document Placement and Scanner Settings
Sometimes the scanner works, but the scanned document appears blank, incomplete, or incorrectly cropped.
Open the scanner cover and position the document according to the alignment markings.
Make sure the scanner glass is clean and free from dust or fingerprints.
If your printer includes an automatic document feeder, confirm that the paper is loaded correctly.
Choose suitable scan settings, including document size, color mode, and resolution.
Try scanning a single page from the flatbed glass to determine whether the issue involves the document feeder.
Fix 7: Remove and Reinstall the Canon Scanner
If your Canon Printer Won't Scan after trying the previous solutions, reinstalling the device may correct damaged scanner configuration settings.
On Windows, open Printers & scanners and locate your Canon printer.
Remove the device if appropriate, restart your computer, and install it again using compatible Canon software.
On Mac, open Printers & Scanners, remove the affected device, and add it again using a supported connection method.
After installation, open the scanning application and test the scanner.
Canon Printer Won't Scan on Windows 11
If scanning stopped after a Windows update, confirm that the scanner is still recognized.
Check whether compatible scanner software is installed and whether Windows has permission to access the scanner.
For supported devices, try Windows Scan to determine whether the issue affects only Canon's scanning application.
If one application works but another fails, review the settings or installation of the affected application.
Canon Printer Not Scanning on Mac
Mac users should first verify the printer connection through System Settings.
Open Printers & Scanners and check whether scanning is available for the selected device.
Try scanning with Image Capture, if the scanner supports it.
If Image Capture works but Canon software does not, check the compatibility and configuration of the Canon application.
Canon Printer Won't Print or Scan?
If your Canon Printer Won't Print and also refuses to scan, the problem may involve the connection, device configuration, or a printer error.
Check the printer display for warning messages.
Confirm that the computer recognizes the correct device.
If both functions fail simultaneously, troubleshoot the shared connection before reinstalling separate printing and scanning software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Canon printer printing but not scanning?
Printing and scanning may use different software components. A missing scanner driver, incorrect scanner selection, or scanning application error can prevent scanning while printing continues working.
Why is IJ Scan Utility not detecting my Canon printer?
The selected scanner may be incorrect, the network connection may be unavailable, or compatible scanning software may be missing.
How do I get my Canon printer to scan again?
Restart the printer, verify the connection, select the correct scanner, and test with a compatible scanning application.
Can I scan without Canon IJ Scan Utility?
Some Canon scanners support Windows Scan, macOS Image Capture, or other compatible applications. Availability depends on the printer model.
Final Thoughts
A Canon Printer Won't Scan error does not always indicate hardware damage. Many scanning failures result from communication problems, incorrect scanner selection, or incompatible software.
If your Canon Printer Not Scanning, begin with the connection and scanning application before reinstalling drivers.
If your Canon Printer Won't Print as well, check the printer's overall status and network configuration.
For persistent problems, consult Canon's official troubleshooting instructions for your specific printer model.
Disclaimer: This is an independent troubleshooting guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Canon. Scanner features and setup instructions vary by model and operating system.