Canon Printer Won't Scan? 10 Proven Fixes That Actually Work

If your Canon printer won't scan, the printer may still print normally while the scanner fails to communicate with your computer. You may see a scanner connection error, the scanning software may not detect the device, or nothing may happen when you try to start a scan.

A Canon printer not scanning does not necessarily mean the scanner hardware has failed. USB or WiFi communication problems, incorrect scanner selection, outdated software, computer detection problems, or temporary device errors can all prevent scanning. Follow the troubleshooting steps below before resetting the printer or reinstalling everything.

Why Won't My Canon Printer Scan?

If your Canon scanner is not working, first determine whether the problem affects the entire printer or only its scanning function. For example, if the printer can print documents but cannot scan, basic printer communication may be working while the scanner or scanning software needs attention.

Common causes include:

• The Canon printer or scanner is not detected by the computer.
• The USB connection is loose or unavailable.
• The printer has lost its WiFi connection.
• The wrong scanner is selected in the scanning application.
• Canon scanning software is missing or not working correctly.
• The computer and printer cannot communicate over the network.
• The printer or computer needs to be restarted.
• Scanner software or drivers need attention.

How to Fix a Canon Printer That Won't Scan

Work through these solutions one at a time. After each major change, try a simple scan. If scanning starts working again, you do not need to continue changing other settings.

1. Check the Canon Printer and Scanner Status

Make sure the Canon printer is switched on and has completed its startup process. Check the control panel or status lights for an error that needs attention.

Place the document correctly on the scanner glass or in the document feeder if your model provides one. Close the scanner cover properly before testing the scan again.

2. Restart the Canon Printer and Computer

Turn the Canon printer off normally and restart your computer. After the computer has fully restarted, turn the printer back on and allow it to become ready.

Then open your scanning application and try a simple scan. Restarting both devices can clear temporary communication problems without requiring more advanced changes.

3. Check the USB Connection

If you scan through USB, make sure the cable is securely connected to both the Canon printer and computer. Disconnect and reconnect the cable if necessary, then allow the computer time to detect the device.

If the Canon printer scanner is not detected, check the physical connection before reinstalling scanner software. A loose or unreliable connection can prevent scanning even when the printer appears powered on.

4. Check the WiFi Connection

For wireless scanning, verify that the Canon printer is connected to the intended WiFi network. Also check that your computer is connected to a network that allows it to communicate with the printer.

If your Canon printer won't scan over WiFi because it cannot join the wireless network, follow our Canon Printer Won't Connect to WiFi guide before troubleshooting the scanning application.

5. Make Sure the Correct Scanner Is Selected

If multiple printers or scanners have previously been installed on the computer, your scanning application may be trying to communicate with an old or unavailable device.

Open the scanner selection or device settings available in your scanning application and make sure the correct Canon scanner is selected. Remove unnecessary duplicate entries only when you are certain they are no longer required.

6. Check Canon Scanning Software

Some Canon printer models use Canon-provided scanning software for additional scan functions. If your model requires such software, make sure the appropriate application for your exact printer and operating system is installed.

If you need to download or reinstall Canon scanning software, use Canon's official resources for your exact printer model. Avoid unknown third-party software and driver download websites.

7. Check Whether the Computer Detects the Canon Printer

If the Canon printer won't scan to computer, check whether the computer can detect the printer or scanner at all.

If the device does not appear in the computer's printer, scanner, or device settings, focus on the USB or network connection first. For additional computer detection checks, see our Printer Not Connecting to Computer guide.

8. Check Scanner Software and Drivers

If the connection is working but scanning still fails, check whether current software or drivers are appropriate for your Canon printer model and operating system.

This can be especially useful when scanning stopped after an operating-system change or when the computer can print but scanning software no longer detects the scanner. Use official Canon resources when software or driver installation is required.

9. Remove and Add the Printer or Scanner Again

If the computer continues using an old or unavailable device entry, removing the affected Canon printer or scanner and adding it again may refresh the connection.

Before doing this, confirm that the printer is switched on and connected through the intended USB or WiFi connection. Remove only the affected device entry and then use the computer's normal printer or scanner setup process to add it again.

10. Perform a Simple Test Scan

Place a basic document on the scanner glass, open the appropriate scanning application, select the correct Canon scanner, and perform a simple scan using standard settings.

Avoid testing several advanced scan settings at the same time. A basic scan helps determine whether communication between the scanner and computer has been restored.

Canon Printer Prints but Won't Scan

If your Canon printer prints but won't scan, this is an important clue. It suggests that at least part of the printer-to-computer communication is working, but the scanning function may have a separate configuration or software problem.

Check the scanner selection, scanning application, USB or network scanner connection, and appropriate Canon scanning software. Printing successfully does not automatically confirm that the scanning component is configured correctly.

If printing itself also fails, use our Canon Printer Not Printing guide to troubleshoot the printing problem separately.

Canon Printer Won't Scan to Computer

When a Canon printer won't scan to computer, verify that the computer can detect the scanner and that the correct device is selected in the scanning application.

For a USB connection, check the cable. For wireless scanning, verify the WiFi connection and make sure the printer remains available on the intended network.

If the computer cannot find the printer or scanner at all, use our computer connection troubleshooting guide.

Canon Printer Scanner Not Detected

A Canon printer scanner not detected problem can occur when the computer cannot communicate with the scanner, the wrong device is selected, or the appropriate scanning software is unavailable.

Restart both devices, verify the USB or WiFi connection, and check whether the scanner appears in the computer's device or scanning settings. If required, install appropriate software for the exact Canon model.

Canon Scanner Not Working Over WiFi

If printing works through WiFi but scanning does not, check whether the scanning application is using the correct network scanner. Also verify that the printer has not changed networks since it was originally configured.

If the Canon printer cannot maintain a wireless connection, use our Canon WiFi troubleshooting guide to restore network connectivity first.

Canon Scan Not Working on Windows

If Canon scan is not working on Windows, first check whether Windows detects the printer or scanner. Then verify that the intended Canon scanner is selected in the scanning application.

If scanning stopped after a system change, check whether appropriate Canon software is available for your exact printer model and current Windows version. Avoid installing unrelated drivers simply because they contain a similar printer name.

Canon Scan Not Working on Mac

If Canon scan is not working on Mac, verify that the Canon printer or scanner appears in the appropriate macOS printer/scanner settings and that your scanning application is using the correct device.

For a wireless scanner, also check the network connection. If the printer is showing offline on your Mac as well, see our Canon Printer Offline on Mac guide.

Canon Scanner Works but Scanned File Is Missing

If the scanner completes the job but you cannot find the resulting file, the scanner itself may be working correctly. Check the destination folder or save location selected in your scanning application.

Also review the file name and file format selected before scanning. This helps separate a scan-saving problem from a scanner connection problem.

Should You Reset the Canon Printer?

A full reset should not normally be the first solution for a scanning problem. Resetting the printer can remove wireless and other saved settings without addressing a computer-side scanning software issue.

Check the connection, scanner selection, scanning software, drivers, and device detection before considering model-specific reset procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my Canon printer scan?

Check whether the printer is switched on, whether the computer detects the scanner, and whether the USB or WiFi connection is working. Also verify the scanner selected in your scanning application and check appropriate Canon scanning software.

Why does my Canon printer print but not scan?

Printing and scanning can use different software components and device settings. The printing connection may work while the scanning application cannot detect or communicate with the scanner.

Why is my Canon scanner not detected?

The scanner may not be communicating with the computer through USB or WiFi, the wrong scanner may be selected, or required scanning software may need attention. Check the connection and device detection first.

Why won't my Canon printer scan over WiFi?

Confirm that the printer is connected to the intended wireless network and that your computer can communicate with it. If the printer cannot connect to WiFi itself, troubleshoot the wireless connection before the scanning application.

Do I need to reinstall Canon scanning software?

Not necessarily. Restart the devices, check the connection, confirm the correct scanner is selected, and verify device detection first. Reinstall appropriate software only when these basic checks do not resolve the issue.

Final Checks

When your Canon printer won't scan, start with the printer status, USB or WiFi connection, scanner selection, and computer detection. Then check the appropriate scanning software and drivers for your exact printer model.

If the Canon printer prints but won't scan, focus on scanner-specific software and detection rather than repeating printing fixes. If WiFi itself is failing, follow our Canon Printer Won't Connect to WiFi guide. If printing also fails, use our Canon Printer Not Printing guide.