Canon MX490 Printer Not Responding? (Proven Solutions!)

Is your Canon MX490 printer not responding to your commands? We’ve got you!

When your Canon MX490 printer isn’t responding, it means your printer cannot communicate with your computer or network.

Your printer will usually show an error message and won’t appear on your network’s list of available devices. 

To fix your Canon MX490 printer that’s not responding, verify its connections and ensure it’s appropriately linked to your phone or computer. Cleaning the nozzles and printhead can also help remove blockages that may be causing the issue.

Now, we can start fixing this issue!

8 Easy Steps to Fix Canon MX490 Printer Not Responding

Here are the most effective steps that you can take to fix this problem. Start from the first and work your way down as you eliminate the different culprits.

#1: Verify Your Printer’s Connections

If your Canon MX490 is not responding, it could be due to a faulty or loose connection.

Ensure your printer is properly connected to your computer or network to ensure it’s working properly and you can continue to print your important documents easily. 

Note: Depending on the type of connection, you need to follow different steps. 

Using a USB cable:

1. Unplug the USB cable from both ends. 
2. Inspect for any damage or dirt. 
3. Plug it back in firmly and ensure it’s not bent or loose. 
4. Use a different USB port on your computer. 
5. If that doesn’t work, use a different USB cable. 
6. Restart your computer and start printing again. 

Using a wireless connection:

1. Check the WiFi or Bluetooth indicator on your printer.
2. Ensure WiFi or Bluetooth is activated and stable. 
3. Check the network settings on your printer. 
4. Ensure they match the settings on your modem or router.
5. Move your printer closer to your router or modem. 
6. Restart your router or modem and printer, then print again.  

After restarting your printer, you can attempt to print and check if your Canon responds. If it doesn’t work, we recommend you move to the next step below.

Pro Tip: Avoid physical obstacles or interference sources to eliminate one of the possible causes of the problem and improve your printing experience. 

#2: Clear Your Print Queue

Sometimes, your Canon MX490 printer stops responding because of too many pending print jobs in the queue. The print queue is a list of documents waiting to be printed.

If it’s full or corrupted, it prevents your printer from processing new commands. Clear your print queue and delete any unwanted or stuck print jobs to fix the issue. 

1. Press the Win + R key on your keyboard.
2. Type control printers to open the Printer’s window.
3. Locate your Canon MX490 from the list.
4. Choose the See What’s Printing option.
5. Right-click on a current print job.
6. Select Cancel or Delete.

If your printer has multiple jobs in the queue, you will need to cancel or delete all that you want to remove.

Info: By clearing the print queue, you need to free up space and resources so your printer works properly. 

#3: Use the Print Troubleshooter

A print troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows that helps diagnose and fix common printing problems.

It checks for errors or issues with your printer, driver, and connection. Using it saves you time and effort as it finds and fixes the problem. 

1. Go to your device’s Settings.
2. Navigate to Update and Security.
3. Click on Troubleshoot.
4. Select the Additional Troubleshooters option.
5. Choose the one for your printer.
6. Click on Run the Troubleshooter.

The print troubleshooter takes a few minutes to complete the process. You’ll need to be patient and wait for it to finish, as it will automatically figure out what’s wrong with your printer issue and fix it.

Pro Tip: If the troubleshooter cannot fix the issue, check for any paper jams and ensure your printer software is current. 

#4: Restart Your Print Spooler Service

Another cause of the Canon MX490 printer not responding is a malfunctioning print spooler service.

The print spooler service manages the printing jobs and queues. If it’s not working properly, your printer won’t be able to process your commands. 

1. Press the Win + R key on your keyboard.
2. Type services.msc, then press Enter.
3. This will open the Services window on your computer.
4. Navigate and find the Print Spooler service.
5. Right-click and select the Stop option.
6. Wait for at least 5 seconds.
7. Right-click on it again and choose Start.

If you still have trouble after restarting your Print Spooler service, there may be a few deeper issues with your printer.

Continue to the next solution.

#5: Turn on Network Discovery

Network discovery allows your computer to find and communicate with other devices on your network, including your printers.

If it’s turned off, your computer can’t detect or access your printer. You need to turn it on to connect them easily and quickly. 

1. Open your device’s Settings.
2. Select Network and Internet, then Status.
3. Click on the Network and Sharing Center.
4. Go to Change Advanced Sharing Settings.
5. Expand on the Current Network Profile option.
6. Select Turn on Network Discovery and File Printer Sharing.
7. Save the changes.

We recommend that you restart your printer before printing again.

This allows your printer to connect to your network to start responding again.

#6: Allow Your Printer Through the Firewall

Your firewall may be blocking or interfering with your printer communication.

A firewall protects your computer from unauthorized and malicious network traffic but may also block legitimate traffic from your printer.

So, check your firewall settings and make sure it doesn’t prevent your Canon MX490 from working properly. 

1. Open your device’s Settings.
2. Go to Update and Security.
3. Select Windows Security.
4. Click on Firewall and Network Protection.
5. Choose Allow an app through Firewall.
6. Find settings related to your Canon printer and check the boxes.
7. Click on OK
8. Restart your computer and printer before attempting to print.

Note: Allowing your printer through the firewall is necessary to prevent any conflicts or errors arising from your firewall settings. 

#7: Reset Your Printer Settings

Resetting your Canon printer settings clears any errors or issues affecting its performance and functionality.

However, it also erases any custom settings or preferences you have set up. It’s a small price to pay to get your printer to work.

1. Switch off your printer.
2. Unplug it from the power outlet.
3. Press and hold the Stop button for 15 seconds or more.
4. Plug in your printer to turn it on.
5. Wait for your printer’s display to say “Canon” or “Ready.”

Before you check if your printer can print again, you will need to input all the settings that have been removed. If connecting your printer via WiFi, you must reenter your network password.

Note: This should be a last resort to fix your Canon MX490 printer. 

It will restore your printer to its original settings.

#8: Clean Your Printer’s Printhead

The printhead sprays the ink onto the paper. If it is dirty or clogged with dried ink, it may affect your printer’s performance and print quality.

To fix this, clean the printhead regularly and properly.

1. Turn on the Canon MX490 printer.
2. Load a few pieces of plain paper on the tray.
3. Press the Setup button on the control panel. 
4. Using the arrow buttons, select Maintenance, then OK. 
5. Still using the arrow buttons, select Deep Cleaning, then OK. 
6. Press OK again to start the cleaning process.
7. Wait for a few minutes.

Once done, print a nozzle check pattern to see if the cleaning was successful.

We recommend that you do the cleaning two more times for optimum results.

Contacting Canon Support is also an option to ask for additional assistance.

Wrap Up:

The most common reason for the Canon MX490 printer not responding is loose or faulty cables. Ensure you verify your printer’s connection before proceeding with any troubleshooting steps. Resetting your printer settings should only be considered as a last option. 

We hope this solves your problem and improves your printing experience. For other troubleshooting guides, visit our blog!

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