Resetting a Canon printer to its factory settings can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing recurring issues, such as connectivity problems, persistent error messages, or misconfigurations. Factory resetting the printer reverts it to its original state, erasing all custom settings, network configurations, and error logs, which can often resolve various technical issues.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on why and when to reset your Canon printer, the different methods for factory resetting, and step-by-step instructions for each process. Whether you have a Canon inkjet, laser printer, or multifunction device, the steps below should help you how to reset canon printer to factory settings.

Why and When to Perform a Factory Reset on Your Canon Printer

Factory resetting your Canon printer is often recommended in the following scenarios:

1. Persistent Error Codes: If your printer frequently displays error codes that are hard to resolve or troubleshoot, a factory reset may clear those errors.
2. Network Connectivity Issues: If the printer is not connecting to WiFi or the network settings are incorrect, a reset can erase the network configurations, allowing you to set it up from scratch.
3. Misconfigured Settings: If you’ve made changes to the printer’s settings that are causing issues, a reset can revert those changes to the default factory settings.
4. Preparing for Sale or Transfer: Resetting the printer is advisable if you’re transferring ownership, as it erases personal configurations, network data, and other saved information.
5. Unresponsive Printer: In some cases, the printer may become unresponsive due to a software glitch or a corrupted setting. A reset may help revive its functionality.

Types of Resets on Canon Printers

Canon printers generally support several types of resets. Each has a different level of effect, and understanding which one you need is essential.

1. Network Settings Reset: Resets only the WiFi/network settings, allowing you to reconnect to a new network.
2. Ink or Toner Counter Reset: Resets the ink or toner usage data, typically for maintenance purposes.
3. Partial Reset: Resets a few printer settings without affecting custom settings or stored data.
4. Factory Reset: This is the most comprehensive reset, returning the printer to its original settings, as it was when it left the factory.

Step-by-Step Guide to Factory Resetting a Canon Printer

Before starting, ensure that your printer is powered on and, if possible, disconnect it from any network or device connections, like USB or Ethernet.

1. Factory Reset via Control Panel

Most Canon printers, especially those with a touchscreen or control panel, can be reset through the menu interface.

Steps for Factory Reset on Canon Touchscreen Printers:

1. Turn on the Printer: Ensure your printer is powered on and in a ready state.
2. Access the Menu: Navigate to the Setup or Menu option on the printer’s home screen.
3. Select Device Settings: Scroll to find Device Settings, then press OK to enter the settings menu.
4. Choose Reset Settings: In Device Settings, scroll down to Reset Settings and press OK.
5. Select Reset All: You may see options like LAN settings only or Reset all. Choose Reset all to perform a complete factory reset.
6. Confirm the Reset: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the reset. The printer will restart, returning to its original factory state.

Steps for Factory Reset on Canon Printers without Touchscreen:

For printers without a touchscreen, the reset process is often slightly different but still manageable through the buttons.

1. Turn on the Printer.
2. Enter the Menu: Use the physical buttons to access Setup or Menu.
3. Scroll to Device Settings: Use the arrow keys to find Device Settings and press OK.
4. Choose Reset Settings: Scroll to Reset Settings, then press OK.
5. Select Reset All Settings: Navigate to Reset all, press OK, and confirm the reset when prompted.

Once the printer restarts, it should be reset to factory settings, ready for fresh configuration.

2. Network Settings Reset

If you only need to reset the printer’s WiFi or network settings, this option can help clear saved network data without affecting other configurations.

Steps for Network Reset:

1. Power on the Printer.
2. Access the Menu: Go to Setup or Menu on the printer’s control panel.
3. Navigate to LAN Settings: In the menu, find Device Settings, then LAN Settings.
4. Select Reset LAN Settings: Choose Reset LAN Settings and confirm the reset. This action will erase saved WiFi networks, allowing you to reconnect the printer to a new network.

3. Factory Reset Using Canon Printer Software (Windows/Mac)

If you have installed Canon software, such as the Canon IJ Printer Assistant Tool or Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, you can also reset your printer from your computer.

Steps for Factory Reset via Canon Printer Software on Windows:

1. Open Canon IJ Printer Assistant Tool: Locate and open the tool from the Start Menu.
2. Access Maintenance Tab: Go to the Maintenance tab.
3. Click on Reset Settings: Click Reset Settings, and follow the prompts to reset the printer to factory settings.

Steps for Factory Reset via Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY (for iOS/Android):

1. Open Canon PRINT App: Open the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app on your mobile device.
2. Select Printer Settings: Go to your printer’s settings.
3. Choose Factory Reset: In the settings, select Factory Reset, then confirm.

These methods are convenient if you prefer using your computer or smartphone to manage your Canon printer settings.

4. Hard Reset for Canon Printers (If Printer is Unresponsive)

If your Canon printer is unresponsive or you cannot access the menu, a hard reset might help. This type of reset will clear any temporary errors or bugs and is useful for unresponsive or frozen printers.

Steps for Hard Reset:

1. Power Off the Printer: Press the power button to turn off the printer.
2. Unplug the Printer: Disconnect the power cable and, if applicable, any USB or network cables.
3. Wait for a Minute: Allow the printer to fully discharge by waiting 30-60 seconds.
4. Plug the Printer Back In: Reconnect the power cable and turn on the printer.

A hard reset does not erase saved settings or network configurations, but it can help clear temporary glitches.

Reconfiguring the Printer After a Factory Reset

Once you’ve reset your Canon printer to factory settings, you’ll need to reconfigure it before you can use it again. Here are the essential settings you’ll want to adjust:

1. Reconfigure Language and Region: Set your preferred language and region if prompted.
2. Connect to WiFi: Go to LAN Settings > Wireless LAN Setup to reconnect the printer to your WiFi network.
3. Install Driver Software: On a computer, install the latest Canon drivers to ensure compatibility with your device. You can download drivers from the Canon Support website.
4. Adjust Print and Paper Settings: If you had specific preferences for paper size or print quality, you may need to reconfigure these settings.

Tips for Avoiding Future Resets

While factory resetting a printer can resolve issues, it is not always the first step to take. Follow these maintenance tips to prevent common issues that may lead to a reset:

• Regular Firmware Updates: Firmware updates can resolve bugs and improve connectivity. Check the Canon website periodically for updates.
• Proper Shutdowns: Always turn off the printer using the power button, rather than unplugging it directly. This helps prevent corruption in system files.
• Network Stability: Ensure a stable WiFi network by keeping the printer within a reasonable range of the router and reducing network interference.
• Clean the Printer Regularly: Dust, paper fragments, and ink buildup can affect performance. Regular cleaning can prevent common hardware issues.

Conclusion

Factory resetting a Canon printer can be a highly effective solution for a wide range of technical issues, from connectivity problems to persistent error codes. By following the appropriate steps for your model, you can restore your printer to its original state and begin fresh. Whether you use the control panel, Canon software, or a hard reset, factory resetting is straightforward and manageable for most Canon printer models.

After performing a reset, remember to reconfigure essential settings like WiFi connection, language, and print preferences. This way, you can continue to enjoy a smooth and efficient printing experience with your Canon printer.