How to Reset Canon Printer To Factory Settings

Last Updated on February 25, 2023 by ronnie

If you own a Canon printer, you might have encountered issues such as slow printing, blank pages, or an unresponsive device. In such situations, a hard reset, factory reset, or resetting the ink cartridge might not be enough. That’s where a Canon printer reset comes in handy. In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed guide on how to reset a Canon printer to its factory settings.

But why would you need to reset your Canon printer? There could be several reasons for that. It could be due to a software glitch or a hardware malfunction. Sometimes, outdated firmware or drivers can also cause problems. A Canon printer reset can help resolve these issues and bring your printer back to its normal functioning.

Reasons for Resetting Your Canon Printer to Factory Settings:

Resetting a Canon printer to its factory settings can help you to resolve various issues that you may encounter while using it. Here are some more details about the reasons why you may need to reset your Canon printer to factory settings:

Resolving Printer Errors:

When your Canon printer displays error messages or malfunctions, resetting it to its factory settings can help you to eliminate the issue. Sometimes, software or firmware updates can cause conflicts with your printer’s settings, causing it to malfunction. In such cases, resetting your printer to its default settings can help you to fix the problem.

Reverting to Original Settings:

If you have made changes to your Canon printer’s settings, and you are not happy with the results, resetting it to factory settings can help you to undo those changes. For example, if you have changed the paper size, quality, or other settings, and your printer is not printing correctly, resetting it to its original settings can help you to get back to the default configuration.

Cleaning the Printer:

Over time, your Canon printer’s internal memory can accumulate unnecessary data that can cause it to malfunction. Resetting it to its factory settings can help you to clear out any outdated firmware, driver, or settings data. This can help you to eliminate printing issues, such as print quality problems, paper jams, and error messages.

Selling or Giving Away the Printer:

If you plan to sell or give away your Canon printer, it is essential to erase all your personal data, such as Wi-Fi network information, passwords, and any stored files on the device. Resetting it to its factory settings is the most effective way to ensure that no one can access your personal data, keeping your information secure. 

This also helps the new owner to start fresh with the printer, without any previous user settings or configurations.

How to Reset Canon Printer to Factory Settings (8 Methods Explained)

There are various methods to reset your Canon printer to its factory settings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reset your printer using different methods

1. Reset Canon Printer Using Power Reset (Step-by-Step Guide)

The power reset method is a simple way to reset your Canon printer to its factory settings. This method involves disconnecting the printer from its power source and then reconnecting it after a few minutes. Here are the detailed steps to follow when using the power reset method:

1: Begin by turning off your Canon printer. You can do this by pressing the power button located on the printer.

2: Next, locate the power cable that connects the printer to the power source. This cable is usually attached to the back of the printer. Carefully remove the power cable from the printer.

3: After disconnecting the power cable, wait for at least five minutes. This allows the printer’s internal components to discharge any residual power.

4: Reconnect the power cable to the printer. Ensure that the cable is properly inserted and securely connected to the printer.

5: Finally, turn on the printer by pressing the power button. If the printer does not turn on, press the power button again and hold it for a few seconds until the printer starts up.

It’s important to note that the power reset method may not work for all Canon printer models. If you encounter any issues, refer to your printer’s user manual or contact Canon’s customer support for assistance. Additionally, it’s recommended to try other troubleshooting steps before resetting your printer to its factory settings.

2. Reset Canon Printer Using Stop and Power Buttons

Resetting a Canon printer using the Stop and Power buttons can be done by following these steps:

1: First, turn off your Canon printer by pressing the power button. Wait for it to shut down completely.

2: Locate the Stop button on your printer. It is usually labeled with a red circle with a white inverted triangle inside.

3: Press and hold the Stop button using your finger.

4: While holding the Stop button, locate the Power button on your printer. It is usually labeled with a circle with a vertical line inside.

5: Press and hold the Power button using your other hand. Keep both buttons pressed simultaneously.

6: After a few seconds, release the Stop button while still holding the Power button.

7: Next, press the Stop button twice while still holding the Power button.

8: Release the Power button. Wait for the printer to begin resetting to its factory settings. The printer will make some noise and its power light will flash during this process.

9: Wait for the printer to finish resetting to its factory settings. This may take a few minutes, depending on your printer model.

Once the printer has finished resetting, it should be back to its original factory settings. It’s worth noting that this method of resetting your printer should be used as a last resort after trying other troubleshooting steps.

If you’re unsure how to reset your Canon printer to its factory settings, refer to the printer’s user manual or contact Canon’s customer support for assistance.

3. Reset Canon Printer Using Setup Option

The third method for resetting a Canon printer to factory settings involves using the setup menu on the printer. This method requires you to turn on your Canon printer and follow the steps below:

 1: Turn on your Canon printer.

2: Press the Setup button on your printer. This will take you to the printer’s setup menu.

3: Using the arrow keys on your printer, navigate to the Device settings option and press OK to select it.

4: Navigate to the Reset settings option and press OK.

5: When prompted to confirm if you want to reset the printer to its factory settings, select Yes and press OK.

6: Wait for the printer to finish resetting to its factory settings. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and do not turn off the printer during this process.

It is important to note that resetting your Canon printer to its factory settings will erase all your customized settings and configurations. Therefore, you should only use this method when you have tried other troubleshooting steps and still cannot resolve the printing issues you are experiencing.

4. Reset Canon Printer Using Hard Reset

The fourth method to reset your Canon printer to factory settings is using a hard reset, which involves disconnecting all cables from your printer and reconnecting them after some time. This method can be helpful in resolving persistent issues with your printer. Here are the steps to follow:

1: Turn off your Canon printer by pressing the power button.

2: Disconnect all the cables from your printer, including the power cable, USB cable, and Ethernet cable.

3: Wait for at least 5 minutes to allow your printer’s internal memory to reset completely.

4: Reconnect all the cables to your printer, including the power cable, USB cable, and Ethernet cable.

5: Turn on your Canon printer by pressing the power button.

It’s worth noting that a hard reset should be used as a last resort after trying other troubleshooting steps, as it can be time-consuming to reconnect all the cables and set up the printer again.

If you’re unsure how to perform a hard reset on your Canon printer, refer to the printer’s user manual or contact Canon’s customer support for assistance.

5. Reset Canon PIXMA Printer to its Factory Settings

To reset a Canon PIXMA printer to its factory settings, you can follow the steps below:

1: Ensure that your Canon PIXMA printer is turned on.

2: Locate the Resume button on your printer. It is usually a small button located near the power button.

3: Press and hold down the Resume button for a few seconds until the power light flashes twice. Then release the button.

4: Wait for your printer to reset to its factory settings. The process may take a few minutes to complete, and you will see the power light flashing during this time.

It’s important to note that resetting your Canon PIXMA printer to its factory settings will erase all the settings and configurations you’ve made on the device. This means that you will need to reconfigure the printer settings, such as Wi-Fi and paper size settings, after the reset. 

Also, if you’re unsure about how to reset your Canon PIXMA printer to its factory settings, you can refer to the printer’s user manual or contact Canon’s customer support for assistance.

6. Reset Canon Ink Cartridge Using Power Button

When you encounter issues with your Canon ink cartridge, you can reset it using the power button. This method is useful when the ink cartridge is not recognized by the printer or when it is showing low ink levels even after you’ve replaced it with a new one.

Here are the steps to reset your Canon ink cartridge using the power button:

1.       Turn on your Canon printer.

2.       Press and hold the power button until the printer turns off.

3.       While still holding the power button, unplug the power cable from the printer.

4.       Release the power button and wait for at least 30 seconds.

5.       Plug the power cable back into the printer and turn it on.

6.       Wait for the printer to finish its startup process and the ink cartridge to reset.

7.       Note that this method may not work for all Canon printers or ink cartridges. If you’re unsure how to reset your ink cartridge or if this method doesn’t work for you, consult the printer manual or contact Canon customer support for assistance.

7. Reset Canon Ink Cartridge Using Chip

In order to understand the process of resetting a Canon ink cartridge using a chip, it is important to first understand what the chip on an ink cartridge does. The chip is a small electronic component that communicates with the printer, letting it know how much ink is left in the cartridge and whether the cartridge is genuine or not.

Sometimes, even when there is still ink left in the cartridge, the printer may stop recognizing it as usable due to the chip being faulty or not properly communicating with the printer. Resetting the chip can help resolve this issue and allow the printer to recognize the cartridge as usable again.

Here are the steps to follow to reset the chip on a Canon ink cartridge:

 Step 1: Remove the ink cartridge from your Canon printer.

To reset the chip, you will need to remove the ink cartridge from the printer. Make sure to handle the cartridge carefully and avoid touching the print head or any other sensitive parts.

 Step 2: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.

Before you reset the chip, you should turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source. This will help prevent any electrical damage or accidents while you are handling the ink cartridge.

 Step 3: Locate the chip on your ink cartridge and use a sharp object to reset it.

The chip on the ink cartridge is usually located on the bottom or front of the cartridge. Use a sharp object such as a needle or a pin to reset the chip. Carefully insert the needle or pin into the small hole on the chip and hold it there for a few seconds. This should reset the chip and allow the printer to recognize the cartridge as usable again.

 Step 4: Reinstall the ink cartridge in your printer and turn it on.

Once you have reset the chip, you can reinstall the ink cartridge in the printer. Make sure to insert it properly and securely. Turn on the printer and wait for it to recognize the cartridge. If all goes well, the printer should now recognize the cartridge as usable and allow you to continue printing.

It is important to note that resetting the chip on an ink cartridge may void the warranty and could potentially damage the printer or the cartridge if not done correctly.

If you are unsure about how to reset the chip or if you are experiencing issues with your printer, it is best to consult the manufacturer or a professional technician for assistance.

8. Reset Canon Ink Cartridge Using Color Start Button

In this method, you can reset your Canon ink cartridge using the color start button. This method is usually used when you have replaced the ink cartridge and the printer still shows low ink or empty ink levels. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Turn on your Canon printer.

Make sure that your Canon printer is turned on and is not printing any documents.

Step 2: Open the ink cartridge cover.

Locate the ink cartridge cover on your Canon printer and open it. Wait for the ink cartridges to stop moving before you proceed.

Step 3: Press and hold the color start button until the alarm lamp flashes 15 times.

Locate the color start button on your Canon printer and press and hold it until the alarm lamp flashes 15 times. The alarm lamp is the small light that blinks when there is an error or when you need to perform a specific action.

Step 4: Release the color start button and wait for the printer to reset the ink cartridge.

Once you have released the color start button, your Canon printer will reset the ink cartridge automatically. This process may take a few minutes to complete. When the printer has finished resetting the ink cartridge, the alarm lamp will stop flashing, and the ink cartridge cover will close automatically.

Note that this method may not work for all Canon printer models. If you are unsure about how to reset your Canon ink cartridge, it is recommended to consult the user manual or contact Canon customer support for further assistance.

Troubleshooting Tips for Resetting a Canon Printer to Factory Settings:

Resetting a Canon printer to its factory settings can be a helpful solution to various printer issues. However, it is essential to follow the right steps and take necessary precautions to avoid any further problems. Here are some troubleshooting tips that you can consider while resetting your Canon printer to factory settings:

Charge Your Canon Printer: 

Make sure that your Canon printer is fully charged before resetting it to factory settings. If the printer’s battery is low, it may lead to a reset failure or cause more problems.

Check User Manual: 

Refer to your Canon printer’s user manual for specific instructions on how to reset your printer to factory settings. Different models may have different reset procedures, and it is essential to follow the correct instructions to avoid damaging the printer.

Correct Ink Cartridges: 

Ensure that you have the correct ink cartridges installed in your Canon printer. If you use incompatible cartridges, your printer may not function correctly, and the reset process may fail.

Reset the Right Chip: 

If you are resetting your Canon ink cartridge, make sure that you reset the right chip. Resetting the wrong chip can cause printer errors, ink cartridge damage, and other issues.

Update Printer Driver: If you are experiencing issues after resetting your Canon printer, try updating your printer driver. An outdated driver can cause printing problems, and updating it can improve the printer’s performance.

When to Reset Your Canon Printer to Factory Settings:

You should consider resetting your Canon printer to its factory settings if:

Error Messages: 

Your printer displays error messages that prevent it from printing. Sometimes, printers encounter errors due to software or hardware issues, and resetting the printer to factory settings can resolve the problem.

Original Settings: 

You have made changes to your printer’s settings and want to revert to its original settings. Changing printer settings can cause various problems, and resetting it to its default settings can help resolve any issues.

Printer Memory: 

You want to clean your printer’s internal memory to eliminate any printing issues. The printer’s memory can store old print jobs, network settings, and other information that can affect its performance. Resetting the printer to factory settings clears all the data and starts afresh.

Final Thoughts on Resetting Your Canon Printer:

Resetting your Canon printer to factory settings is a simple process that can help you fix various printing issues. By following the step-by-step guide and troubleshooting tips outlined in this article, you can reset your Canon printer with ease. 

However, if you encounter any issues or are unsure about the resetting process, it’s best to seek professional help. Remember to always refer to your Canon printer’s user manual for specific instructions on how to reset your printer to factory settings, and make sure to only reset your printer when necessary. 

With the right knowledge and tools, you can keep your Canon printer in top working condition and enjoy high-quality prints for years to come.

Frequently Asked Question and Answers