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How to Reset Canon Pixma Printer

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through the different ways to reset a Canon Pixma printer, from clearing a paper jam and canceling a stuck print job to performing a full factory reset that restores network and print settings. You’ll learn the exact button sequences for most current models, what each reset does, and how to avoid common mistakes that can leave the printer in an error state.

What You’ll Need

  • Your Canon Pixma printer (any model)
  • Access to the printer’s control panel (buttons or touchscreen)
  • A computer or mobile device connected to the same network (for network reset confirmation)
  • Paper loaded in the rear or front tray (for some reset procedures)
  • USB cable (only if you plan to reset via the printer’s service mode, which is not covered here)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Soft Reset (Cancel Current Job)

Use this when the printer is frozen, showing an error like “Printer offline,” or stuck on a print job.

  1. Press the Stop or Cancel button (the red circle with a triangle) on the printer’s control panel. Hold it for about 3 seconds.
  2. If the printer has a touchscreen, tap Cancel or Stop on the display.
  3. Wait for the printer to finish canceling the job. This may take up to 30 seconds.
  4. If nothing happens, press the Power button to turn the printer off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.

Method 2: Clear Paper Jam or Internal Error

If the printer reports a paper jam or an internal error, a simple reset often clears it.

  1. Turn off the printer using the Power button.
  2. Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer. Wait at least 60 seconds.
  3. While the printer is unplugged, open the front cover and the rear access door. Remove any jammed paper, staples, or foreign objects. Check the rollers for debris.
  4. Close all covers and doors.
  5. Plug the power cord back in.
  6. Turn the printer on. The error should be cleared.

Method 3: Network Reset (Wi-Fi / Ethernet)

Use this when the printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi, or you need to change networks.

  1. On the printer’s control panel, press the Setup button (wrench icon) or navigate to Settings on the touchscreen.
  2. Go to Device settings → LAN settings → Wireless LAN setup (or Network).
  3. Select Restore default settings or Reset LAN settings.
  4. Confirm the reset when prompted. The printer will restart its network interface.
  5. After the reset, you’ll need to reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi network using the printer’s setup wizard or the Canon PRINT app.

Method 4: Factory Reset (All Settings)

This restores the printer to its out-of-the-box state, clearing all settings including network, scan, and fax (if applicable).

  1. Press the Setup button (wrench icon) on the printer.
  2. Navigate to Device settings → Reset → Reset all (or Factory reset).
  3. Confirm the reset when the screen asks for confirmation. The printer will restart.
  4. After restart, the printer will be in its default state. You’ll need to reinstall the printer driver and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

Method 5: Ink Counter Reset (for Refilled Cartridges)

Some models allow resetting the ink level counter after refilling. This is not a full reset but is often needed when the printer refuses to print with refilled cartridges.

  1. Open the front cover to access the ink cartridges.
  2. Press and hold the Resume/Cancel button (the red triangle) for 5–10 seconds until the power light blinks.
  3. Close the cover. The ink counter may reset. This works on some models like the MG2500 series.
  4. If the printer still shows low ink, you may need to use the Canon IJ Printer Assistant Tool (on Windows) to reset the counter.

Common Mistakes

  • Not unplugging before clearing jams: Always unplug the printer before reaching inside to avoid electric shock or damaging the print head.
  • Using the wrong reset method: A network reset won’t fix a paper jam. Choose the correct reset for your problem.
  • Skipping the confirmation step: Many resets require you to press a button or tap “OK” to confirm. If you skip it, the reset may not happen.
  • Resetting while a print job is active: Always cancel or wait for the job to finish before resetting, or you may corrupt the print spooler.
  • Not reconnecting to Wi-Fi after a network reset: After a network reset, the printer forgets your Wi-Fi password. You must re-enter it.

Tips

  • Before doing a full factory reset, try the simpler soft reset or jam clear first—it often solves the problem.
  • If the printer is unresponsive, hold the Power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then restart.
  • After a network reset, use the Canon PRINT app (iOS/Android) to reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi easily.
  • Keep the printer’s firmware updated. Sometimes a reset issue is fixed by a firmware update from Canon’s website.
  • If you refill ink cartridges, note that the printer’s ink level indicator may not be accurate; that’s normal.

Troubleshooting

If the reset doesn’t work:

  • Check the power source: Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet, not a surge protector or power strip, which can cause power fluctuations.
  • Try a different USB cable or port: If you’re using a USB connection, a faulty cable can cause communication errors.
  • Reinstall the printer driver: Uninstall the driver from your computer, then download the latest driver from Canon’s website and install it again.
  • Check for firmware updates: Visit Canon’s support page for your model and install any available firmware updates.
  • If the printer still shows an error after a factory reset: The issue may be hardware-related (e.g., a defective print head or main board). Contact Canon support or a certified technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will a factory reset delete my scan settings?
Yes, a factory reset clears all settings, including scan preferences, network settings, and any custom shortcuts.

2. How do I reset the ink level on my Canon Pixma?
For most models, you can reset the ink counter by opening the front cover, holding the Resume/Cancel button for 5–10 seconds until the power light blinks, then closing the cover. This works best with refilled cartridges.

3. My printer says “Printer offline” even after a reset. What now?
Reinstall the printer driver on your computer, and make sure the printer is set as the default printer. Also, check that the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.

4. Can I reset the printer without the power button?
Yes, you can unplug the printer for 60 seconds and plug it back in. This acts as a hard reset and clears temporary errors.

5. How do I reset the network settings on my Canon Pixma without a touchscreen?
Use the Setup button (wrench icon) to navigate to Device settings → LAN settings → Reset LAN settings. Confirm with the OK button.

6. Will resetting the printer fix a paper jam that won’t clear?
Sometimes. If the jam is stubborn, unplug the printer, gently remove any paper you can see, and then plug it back in. If the error persists, the jam may be deeper—open the rear access door and check the rollers.

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