AT
Alex Turner
Published: May 27, 2025 | Updated: May 27, 2025 | 10 min read
How to Reset Canon Printer: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for All Models
Quick answer: Most Canon printers reset by holding the power button while plugging in the power cord, but each series has its quirks. I'll walk you through exactly what to do for your specific model - no guesswork needed.
Your Canon printer is acting weird again, right? Maybe it's showing some cryptic error code, refusing to connect to WiFi, or just printing garbage. Trust me, I've been there more times than I care to count. Sometimes these machines just need a fresh start.
I've reset probably dozens of Canon printers over the years - from ancient PIXMA models that refuse to die to the latest ImageCLASS business machines. Some resets are dead simple, others make you feel like you're defusing a bomb. But once you know the tricks, it's actually pretty straightforward.
When Your Canon Printer Needs a Reset (The Warning Signs)
After dealing with Canon printers for years, I've learned to spot the telltale signs that scream "time for a reset!" Here's what to watch for:
Error codes that won't go away: You know those annoying numbers like 5100, 6000, or B200? Sometimes they stick around even after you've "fixed" the problem. A reset often clears these phantom errors for good.
WiFi connection nightmares: Your printer was working fine yesterday, now it acts like your WiFi network doesn't exist. Or it connects but refuses to actually print anything. Classic reset territory.
Print quality gone haywire: Suddenly everything comes out streaky, misaligned, or with weird colors. Even after cleaning the heads multiple times. Sometimes the printer's memory gets confused about calibration settings.
Completely frozen or unresponsive: The display is stuck, buttons don't work, or the printer seems possessed. It's basically become an expensive paperweight.
After firmware updates: Canon firmware updates sometimes leave printers in a weird state. A reset helps everything settle into place properly.
Canon PIXMA Series: The Home Office Workhorses
PIXMA printers are everywhere, and for good reason - they're reliable workhorses. But when they act up, here's how to get them back in line:
1
Power down completely - Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord from both the printer and the wall. Wait about 10 seconds.
2
The magic button combo - Hold down the power button while plugging the power cord back into the printer (not the wall yet).
3
Power up while holding - Still holding the power button, plug the cord into the wall outlet. Keep holding for about 10-15 seconds.
4
Release and wait - Let go of the power button. The printer should start its initialization sequence. This takes a few minutes, so be patient.
5
Test the waters - Once it's fully booted up, try printing a test page to make sure everything's working properly.
For newer PIXMA models (TS, TR series): Some newer models use a slightly different approach. Instead of the power button, try holding the "Stop" button (the triangle) while doing the power-on sequence. I learned this the hard way with a stubborn TS3320.
Canon ImageCLASS: The Business Machines
ImageCLASS printers are built like tanks, but even tanks need maintenance. These business-focused machines have their own reset quirks:
1
Access the service mode - Turn on the printer and wait for it to fully boot up. This is important - don't rush this step.
2
The secret combination - Press and hold the "Menu" and "Minus" buttons simultaneously for about 5 seconds. You should see a service menu appear.
3
Navigate to reset - Use the arrow buttons to find "Factory Reset" or "Initialize Settings." The exact wording varies by model.
4
Confirm the reset - Select the reset option and confirm when prompted. The printer will warn you that all settings will be lost.
5
Wait for completion - The printer will restart and go through its setup process. Don't interrupt this - grab a coffee and let it do its thing.
ImageCLASS tip: If your model doesn't have a "Menu" button, try "Settings" + "Down Arrow" instead. Canon loves to change button layouts between models, which is mildly infuriating but we deal with it.
Canon MAXIFY: The Small Business Champions
MAXIFY printers are designed for small businesses that need reliable, fast printing. They're generally pretty stable, but when they need a reset, here's the drill:
1
Home screen access - Make sure the printer is on and showing the main home screen. Cancel any pending print jobs first.
2
Settings navigation - Tap "Setup" on the touchscreen, then scroll down to find "Device settings" or "Maintenance."
3
Find the reset option - Look for "Reset settings," "Factory reset," or "Initialize all settings." MAXIFY models usually make this pretty obvious.
4
Choose your reset type - You'll usually see options like "Reset all," "Reset network," or "Reset print settings." For a full reset, choose "Reset all."
5
Confirm and restart - Confirm the reset and let the printer restart. It'll walk you through the initial setup again.
Canon SELPHY: The Photo Specialists
SELPHY photo printers are a bit different since they're specialized for photos, but they can still get confused and need a reset:
1
Power button method - Turn off the SELPHY and remove any paper or ink cassettes.
2
Hold and power - Hold down the power button while plugging the printer back into power. Keep holding for about 10 seconds.
3
Alternative menu method - For newer models with LCD screens, you can also go to Menu > Setup > Reset to restore factory settings.
4
Test with a photo - Once reset, try printing a small test photo to make sure the color calibration is working properly.
When Basic Resets Don't Work (Advanced Troubleshooting)
The Nuclear Option: Complete Power Drain
Unplug everything: Sometimes printers hold onto settings in their internal memory even after a "reset." Unplug the power cord and remove all cables. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This drains any residual power and truly clears everything.
Remove the ink cartridges: I know this sounds weird, but sometimes corrupted cartridge data can prevent a proper reset. Take them out during the reset process, then reinstall them afterward.
Check for firmware issues: If your printer is still acting weird after multiple resets, it might have corrupted firmware. Visit Canon's support site and look for firmware updates or recovery tools for your specific model.
Network-Specific Resets
Sometimes you don't need a full factory reset - just clearing the network settings does the trick. Most Canon printers have a "Reset Network Settings" option that leaves your other preferences alone. I use this a lot when helping people set up printers on new WiFi networks.
What to Expect After a Reset
Here's what happens after you reset your Canon printer - and what you'll need to set up again:
WiFi setup: You'll need to reconnect to your wireless network. Have your WiFi password handy because the printer has completely forgotten it.
Print quality settings: All your custom print quality preferences are gone. You'll be back to default settings until you customize them again.
Paper size and type settings: The printer forgets what size paper you usually use and what type. You'll need to configure this in your print settings again.
Computer connections: Your computer might not recognize the printer anymore, especially if you're using USB. You may need to reinstall drivers or "add" the printer again.
Maintenance schedules: Any head cleaning schedules or maintenance reminders get reset to default intervals.
Questions I Get Asked All the Time
Will resetting my Canon printer delete all settings?
Yes, a factory reset will erase all your custom settings including WiFi passwords, paper settings, and print quality preferences. You'll need to set everything up again from scratch, but it often fixes stubborn issues that nothing else can resolve.
How often should I reset my Canon printer?
Only when you're having problems! I've owned Canon printers for years and maybe reset them 3-4 times total. If your printer is working fine, there's no need to mess with it. Reset when you get persistent error codes, connection issues, or weird printing behavior.
What's the difference between a soft reset and factory reset?
A soft reset just restarts the printer and clears temporary glitches - like turning it off and on. A factory reset wipes everything back to original settings. Think of it like restarting your phone vs completely wiping it clean.
My Canon printer won't reset - what should I do?
First, make sure you're holding the right button combination for the full time required - don't let go early! If that doesn't work, try unplugging the printer for 10 minutes, then try again. Some older models are finicky and need multiple attempts.
Bottom Line
Resetting a Canon printer isn't rocket science, but each series has its own personality. The key is knowing which buttons to press and being patient with the process. Most printer problems that seem unfixable can actually be resolved with a proper reset.
Remember: always try a simple power cycle first before going nuclear with a factory reset. And keep your WiFi password handy because you'll definitely need it afterward. When in doubt, consult your printer's manual - Canon actually includes reset instructions in most of them, though they're usually buried on page 147 or something ridiculous.
Got a Canon printer that's being particularly stubborn? Drop a comment below - I've probably dealt with whatever weird issue you're facing!
Leave a Comment