[Fixed] Why Is My Canon Printer Printing Blank Pages

Printing issues are frustrating, especially when you’re eagerly waiting for a document, and all you get is a blank page. If you are wondering why is my Canon printer printing blank pages? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, this can happen for a variety of reasons and this blog will help you troubleshoot it effectively.

Why Is My Canon Printer Printing Blank Pages

Blank pages appear in your Canon printer, which can be confusing and annoying. To effectively address this issue, it is crucial to delve deeper into the causes; let’s explore these factors in more detail:

1. Careless Print Settings: Check your print settings and files carefully. They may contain unnecessary blank pages. You may have accidentally entered extra pages into your file.

2. Unprintable Paper or Specialty Paper Placed Upside Down: Make sure the paper you choose is suitable for printing and loaded in the correct orientation. Some specialty paper types, such as glossy photo paper, often have specific loading instructions. Any deviation can result in a frustrating series of blank pages.

3. Copied Document Placed Upside Down: During the copying process, ignoring the correct orientation of the document can lead to blank pages. Placing a document blank side down is a common oversight that can cause content to be lost during transfer.

4. Ink Cartridge Out of Ink (For Inkjet Printers): Canon inkjet printers may produce blank pages when the ink cartridges are almost empty. Your printer could not complete the print due to low or out-of-ink levels.

5. Improperly Installed Ink Cartridge (For Inkjet Printers): Incorrect installation can result in poor ink delivery, leading to incomplete prints or entirely blank pages. Ensure that your ink cartridges are securely and correctly inserted to prevent any issues related to ink distribution.

6. Ink Cartridge Print Head Clogged (For Inkjet Printers): Over time, residue builds up in the cartridge’s printhead, causing clogs that prevent the smooth flow of ink. Running a printhead cleaning cycle or performing a manual cleaning can effectively resolve this issue and prevent blank pages.

How to Fix Canon Printer Printing Blank Pages

Canon printer printing blank page error is mainly caused by printing documents, paper, or ink cartridges. Here are a few steps to make your Canon printer work properly again.

1. Check Print File for Unnecessary Blank Pages

Before printing, review your document to make sure there are no unexpected blank pages. Delete any unnecessary pages to avoid wasting paper.

Open the document you want to print and browse each page. In some cases, odd formatting or unintentional keystrokes may result in the inclusion of extraneous blank pages.

Then, use the Print Preview feature. Scroll through the preview carefully to ensure no blank pages are hidden behind each page. This option lets you see how your document will appear on paper before printing.

2. Check Paper Specifications and Orientation

Make sure the paper you are using is compatible with your printer and loaded correctly in the tray. Inadvertent paper selection or loading can interrupt the printing process.

First, check if the paper used is acceptable for your Canon printer. Different printers have different preferences for paper type and weight. You can find paper specifications in your printer manual.

After verifying paper compatibility, carefully consider how you load it into the paper tray. The stack of paper should be neatly aligned with no creases or tears. Load the paper in the recommended orientation, and then adjust the paper guides to hold the paper snugly in place. If the paper is not loaded correctly, the printer may grab multiple sheets simultaneously, causing paper jams and subsequent blank pages.

Also, if you are using specialty paper, such as glossy photo paper or transparencies, strictly follow the loading instructions provided by the manufacturer. These papers often have specific loading orientations and requirements; otherwise, they may produce blank pages.

3. Check Copied Original

When problems with blank pages occur during copying, check that the original document is correctly placed on the scanner. This step is especially important for users of Canon printers equipped with scan and copy capabilities.

The side of the document containing the actual content should face the scanner glass. Placing the document blank side down will result in a blank page being copied because the scanning process cannot capture the content.

Also, verify that the document is aligned with the edge of the scanner glass and is not skewed or misaligned. Misalignment may result in incomplete copies, resulting in blank areas on the copied pages.

For users using the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) to make multiple copies, check the document feeder for debris or foreign objects. Any obstruction may prevent the paper from feeding smoothly, resulting in blank paper.

Additionally, consider the clarity of the original document itself. Excessively faded or damaged documents can affect the printer scanner's ability to capture content, causing blank areas to appear.

4. Check Cartridge Level

For Canon inkjet printers, the printer prints blank pages mainly due to the ink cartridge. When a cartridge is low on ink or empty, your printer may have difficulty delivering the necessary ink to the page, and the print will go blank. Therefore, we need to check the ink level in the ink cartridge and replace it if it is low.

You can check the ink levels through your Canon printer’s software or control panel.

Using the Canon PRINT app on your phone: Open this software, tap the printer icon, then select “Printer Information,” you will see the printer ink levels.

Using your printer’s control panel: Press the button to select “Setup,” then choose “Estimated ink levels,” and the ink levels will be displayed.

If one or more ink cartridges are low on ink, replace them immediately to ensure a continuous ink supply. This not only resolves Canon blank pages but also maintains overall printing performance.

5. Check Cartridge Installation

Improperly installed or misaligned ink cartridges can also block ink flow, leading to subpar print quality or completely blank prints. To avoid these issues, confirming the correct installation of ink cartridges is crucial. You can reinstall your Canon printer ink cartridges.

(1) Turn on your Canon printer and open the cover. The carriage will move out so you can access the ink cartridges. 

(2) Wait until the carriage stops, press the tab, and remove the old ink cartridge.

(3) Check whether any protective seals or tapes are left on the ink cartridge. If there is one, remove it to expose the ink nozzles and contacts.

(4) Then reinsert the Canon cartridge. Gently insert the ink cartridge into the slot until it clicks.

(5) Close the printer cover securely after installing all ink cartridges.

6. Check Print Head

The print head is a critical component that is key in high-quality printing. If your Canon inkjet printer produces blank pages, it’s worth checking and cleaning the printhead.

Navigate to “Setup,” then select “Maintenance” and press OK. Finally, select “Nozzle Check” or “Print nozzle check pattern” and press the OK button. You will get the nozzle check pattern, then follow the on-screen prompts to select the pattern. Your Canon printer will start cleaning the print head automatically.

Try a test print and check the print results. If it is not as expected, please run the printhead cleaning 2 to 3 more times: “Setup” → “Maintenance” → “Cleaning”/“Deep cleaning.”

If automatic printhead cleaning does not resolve the problem, you may need to perform a manual cleaning. Typically, this involves gently wiping the printhead with a lint-free cloth.

After the printhead cleaning, run a test print again to evaluate whether the problem has been resolved. After completing this step, you should be able to successfully resolve the Canon printer printing blank pages issue.

Which Canon Printers Can These Methods Be Used For?

The above methods can fix problems in all Canon laser printers, like Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw, Canon MF634Cdw, Canon MF654Cdw, Canon MF743Cdw and Canon MF753Cdw. They also work on the following Canon inkjet printers.

Conclusion

In summary, most Canon blank pages can be solved using the above methods. If the problem persists after thorough troubleshooting, it is wise to seek professional help to ensure the great performance of your Canon printer.

Related Reading: I Don’t Have a Printer Where Can I Print