How to Fix a Canon Pixma MX492 Printer Not Printing
There are few things more frustrating than technology not working when you need it to. When your Canon MX492 printer is not printing or responding, this can be a test in patience, especially if you need work done fast.
There could be a lot going on that’s causing the issue. In this guide, you’ll uncover two of the largest problems using examples from an HP laptop with Windows 10.
What Is Wrong With Your Canon Pixma Printer?
Trying to find out the exact problem as to why your Canon MX492 printer is not responding or printing can be a chore in and of itself.
There are a lot of things that could be wrong but let’s cover the two most common issues: the printer isn’t detected at all or the printer is detected but not responding.
Once you find out what’s actually wrong, finding a fix can be easy. However, the only way to find out what problem you have sometimes is to try every available fix.
In this case, try the option you think is most likely then try the other if the first doesn’t work. With any luck, you can get the problem fixed right here in no time.
Detect Your Canon Pixma Printer
If your Canon Pixma MX492 or any other wireless printer isn’t being detected by your devices, there are a few steps you can take to fix this problem. Before you do anything, though, always make sure every device is on, including your printer. If anything needs to be plugged in, see to that as well. Now, let’s begin.
- Make Sure Your Devices and Printer Are on the Same Wireless Network
To make sure everything’s on the same network, you first need to use the search function in the bottom toolbar or Start Menu.
Instead of searching, you can also go directly to the Settings menu from the Start Menu as well.
Click on the Windows Icon in the lower right-hand corner, then click on the gear icon to go to Windows Settings.
When you’re in the Windows Settings, click on Network & Internet. No matter what device or system you’re using, you should be able to find your network settings through similar means.
Once you’re in the Network & Internet settings, you should immediately find yourself in the Status tab. If not, find the Status tab or the section that will explain your network thoroughly.
Under the Network Status section, you’ll be told what network your device is connected to. This information can help you make sure your printer is connected to the same network and allows you to adjust if this isn’t the case.
If this still doesn’t work, try printer sharing.
First, scroll down to the Change Your Network Settings section and click on Sharing Options to be taken to a new screen.
Once you’re in Advanced Sharing Settings, scroll down to the Guest or Public section and find the File and Printer Sharing section beneath that.
Click Turn On File and Printer Sharing and save your changes. If this had no effect on your printer being detected, please continue.
- Make Sure the Device and Router Are Connected
Your wireless router, aka your access point, might have lost the connection with the printer. To easily fix this problem, cycle the power on the printer and router. In other words, turn them both off or safely unplug them from an electrical source before turning them back on again.
- Assign the Correct Port to Your Printer
Your printer may not be assigned to the correct port to your device. To fix this, go back to your Settings.
In Windows Settings, click on Devices.
You’ll be taken to the Device Settings screen. Click on the Printers & Scanners tab on the left-hand side of screen. Under the section Printers & Scanners, find the printer in question and click on it.
If you’re using Windows 10, you’ll be given a few options. Click on Manage.
You’ll then be taken to another screen with more advanced options. Under the Manage Your Device section, click on Printer Properties.
In the Printer Properties window, click on the Ports tab. You then scroll through the list to find the correct port. For your wireless printer, the port will likely be labeled as LAN with a number or two. Check the box and click apply.
Hopefully, with these simple steps, your device can now connect to your printer. If your printer was already connected, though, continue to the next section to find out why your printer isn’t responding.
Make Your Canon Pixma Printer Respond
Perhaps the reason your Canon MX492 printer is not printing has nothing to do with connectivity problems.
If your printer is connected but not responding at all to the whims of your device, then this is a totally different issue. Below are a few ways to rectify this problem.
1. Make Sure the Computer and Router are Connected
Earlier, you were trying to decipher if the printer and router were connected. However, if the printer isn’t responding to the device, it could mean that the device itself isn’t connected to the router and your network.
To make sure everything’s working correctly, you simply have to cycle the power again by turning on and off the computer and router. If you have to unplug anything, do so safely.
2. Check Signal Strength
If your printer’s signal strength is low, it won’t print. This can be fixed by physically moving the printer closer to the router to boost its strength. First, though, you need to check on the signal strength.
To check the signal strength, turn on the printer and make sure there is paper loaded. Go to the Menu and then to Setup. Select Device Settings and press OK.
Then press OK on LAN Settings, Confirm LAN Settings, and Print LAN Details. The printer will print out a page detailing your printer’s configuration.
The signal strength will be listed as a percentage. If the percentage is a low number, move the printer closer to your router.
3. Configure Computer’s Firewall
It’s possible that the firewall on your device, there to protect your computer from threats, is keeping your printer out. You’ll have to configure the settings to allow the printer’s signal to bypass the firewall.
First, go back to Windows Settings and scroll down to click on Update & Security.
In the left-hand pane, select the Windows Security tab. On the right-hand pane, click on the button that says Open Windows Security to be taken to a new window.
Click on the Firewall & Network Protection tab. In Windows 10, the icon resembles a signal moving out from an antenna.
Scroll down to click on the option Allow an App Through Firewall. You’ll be sent to another new window.
In this window, you’ll first have to click on the Change Settings button to adjust anything. From there, you can find your device in the list or click on Allow Another App.
In the Add an App window, you’ll browse for your printer and add it to the list of allowed apps and devices through your firewall.
Get Your Canon Pixma Back to Printing
If you’re still having the issue, there may be another underlying problem to why your Canon Mx492 printer is not printing.
Another possible solution is outdated drivers that won’t allow devices to sync together. You may have to update everything to make sure you can get it all to work smoothly.
Driver Support has been helping out with device performance since 1996.
Driver Support keeps devices up to date while also providing technical support for common problems, like when your Canon MX 492 driver is not printing or responding to your device.
Driver Support is free and easy to use, so picking up the software won’t hurt at all. Even if you managed to fix the issue on your own, extra help for the future is always a good idea, especially since Driver Support will always make sure your devices are up to date and ready for new technology.
Give DriverSupport | ONE a try today! now and get a complete inventory of all the devices and drivers connected to your computer. You’ll never have to find each driver manually again with Driver Support.
