Canon Error E31 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
Canon's E31 error is frustrating because your printer suddenly stops responding to print jobs, even though it appears to be powered on and ready. This error specifically means your computer cannot establish or maintain a connection with the printer, whether through USB cable or network connection.
The good news is that E31 is almost always fixable with basic troubleshooting steps that take less than fifteen minutes. Most users resolve this issue by checking physical connections, restarting devices, or updating drivers without needing professional service.
How to fix it — step by step
- Check the USB cable connection. If you are using a USB cable, unplug it from both the printer and the computer. Inspect both ends of the cable for bent pins, fraying, or visible damage. Reconnect the cable firmly to both devices, ensuring it clicks into place. Try printing a test page immediately after reconnecting.
- Power cycle the printer and computer. Turn off your Canon printer completely and wait thirty seconds before powering it back on. While the printer restarts, restart your computer as well. This clears temporary communication errors that often cause E31 to appear. Give both devices two full minutes to fully boot before attempting to print.
- Verify the printer is set as default on Windows. On Windows 11, open Settings and navigate to Devices, then Printers and Scanners. Locate your Canon printer in the list, click it, and select Set as Default. If you see multiple entries for the same printer, remove the duplicate entries by clicking them and selecting Remove Device.
- Verify the printer is set as default on macOS. On macOS, open System Settings and go to Printers and Scanners. Click the plus icon to add your Canon printer if it is not listed, or select it from the available printers list. Set it as the Default Printer by clicking the dropdown menu next to Default Printer and selecting your Canon model.
- Uninstall and reinstall the printer driver. On Windows, go to Settings, Devices, Printers and Scanners, click your Canon printer, and select Remove Device. Visit Canon's official support website, search for your exact printer model, and download the latest driver for Windows 11. Run the installer and complete the setup wizard. On macOS, open System Settings, Printers and Scanners, remove the printer, then download and install the latest Canon driver from their support page.
- Check for USB port issues on your computer. Try connecting the printer's USB cable to a different USB port on your computer, preferably one on the back of the machine if using a desktop. Some USB ports develop connection issues over time. If the printer works on a different port, the original port may need replacement by a computer technician.
- Clear the print queue if the printer still does not respond. On Windows 11, open Settings, Devices, Printers and Scanners, click your printer, and select Open Queue. Delete any pending print jobs listed. On macOS, open System Settings, Printers and Scanners, right-click your printer, and select Supply Levels or Delete to remove it, then re-add it. A stuck print queue commonly triggers E31 after a failed print job.
- Contact Canon support or use remote assistance if E31 persists. If none of the above steps resolve the issue, your printer may have an internal communication board failure. Canon offers remote diagnostic service for forty-nine dollars that can pinpoint hardware issues your computer cannot detect. Alternatively, contact Canon's technical support line at eight hundred eight hundred Canon or visit their support portal to book an appointment with a technician.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Canon error E31 mean my printer is broken?
Not necessarily. Error E31 is a communication error, not a mechanical failure, so the printer itself is usually fine. In most cases, this error appears because of a loose cable, outdated drivers, or a minor software glitch on your computer. Physical damage to the printer's communication port is rare but possible if troubleshooting does not resolve the issue.
Can I fix E31 if my Canon printer is connected over Wi-Fi instead of USB?
Yes, the steps differ slightly for network printers. Restart both your printer and your Wi-Fi router, then remove the printer from your computer's device list and re-add it by searching for it on your network. Update the printer driver from Canon's website, as outdated drivers are a common cause of E31 on wireless connections. If your printer still cannot connect, move it closer to the Wi-Fi router to rule out signal weakness.
Why does E31 keep coming back even after I fix it?
Recurring E31 errors often indicate a failing USB cable, a damaged USB port on either the printer or computer, or corrupted driver files. Try a different high-quality USB cable first, as inexpensive cables frequently develop intermittent connection problems. If the error returns with a new cable, update your computer's operating system and reinstall the Canon driver completely.
Is there a way to prevent E31 from happening again?
Keep your Canon driver updated by checking Canon's support website monthly, and use a shielded, high-quality USB cable rather than cheap alternatives. Avoid moving the printer or yanking the cable, and do not use USB extension cables or hubs, which degrade the connection quality. If using a network printer, keep it within reasonable range of your Wi-Fi router and avoid interference from microwaves or cordless phones.