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Fix a Cannot Communicate With The Printer Error - PIXMA MG, MP, MX Series

Article ID: ART141941 | Date published: 05/13/2015 | Date last updated: 02/18/2020
 

Description

Learn how to resolve a "Can't communicate with the printer" error on a PIXMA MG, MP, or MX printer from a Windows PC.

Solution

Learn how to troubleshoot the "Cannot communicate with the printer" error message.


Cause

You might get this message when:

  • The printer driver is installed before you complete a needed upgrade to the computer's operating system.

  • The printer is connected to your computer or network before you install the printer driver.

    Cannot communicate with printer - error message displayed


Action

Follow the steps below to resolve the issue.

  1. Open the Printer properties screen in Windows.

  2. From the Printer properties window, select the Ports tab.

    Ports tab selected

  3. Confirm that the Enable bidirectional support box is checked for the selected driver. If not checked, select the box, then If not checked, select the box, then select Apply.

  4. Select OK to close the Printer properties window.

  5. Try to print again.


If the enable bidirectional support box is grayed out

If you can't click in the box, the printer driver may be set to the wrong port. Here's how to fix it:

  1. Check the fields under the Port, Description, and Printer columns to confirm that the printer is set to the proper port. You may need to scroll to see all the entries.

    • Network-connected Canon printers should be set to CNBJNP under Port and Canon BJ Network Port under Description.

    • USB cable-connected Canon printers should be set to USBxxx (where "xxx" is a set of numbers) under Port and Virtual Printer Port for USB under Description.

      screen shot of the Ports tab

  2. If the printer driver is set to the wrong port, select the box next to the appropriate port, then select Apply.

  3. Confirm that the Enable bidirectional support box is checked for the selected driver. If not checked, select the box, then Apply.

  4. Select OK to close the Printer properties window.

  5. Try to print again.


If the issue isn't resolved

If you enabled bidirectional support and have the correct printer port selected, but still can't print, you may need to uninstall and re-install the latest printer driver.

Uninstall the printer driver

  1. To remove your current printer, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features (or in Windows XP Add or Remove Programs).

  2. Select Canon XXX MP Drivers (where XXX is your model name), and then select Uninstall.
    Caution The printer driver, XPS printer driver, ScanGear (scanner driver), and fax driver will be deleted when you uninstall the MP drivers.


Re-install the latest printer driver

Get the most recent driver package from Canon Support.
 

If your product issue isn't resolved after following the steps above, or if you require additional help, please create or log in to your Canon Account to see your additional options.


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