Experiencing issues with your Canon Printer And Scanner communicating with your computer can be frustrating. Many users encounter error messages indicating that the scanner cannot be detected, even when the devices appear to be properly connected. One common error message reads: “Cannot communicate with scanner for these reasons: Scanner is turned off, USB cable is disconnected. Please check and try again. Scanner driver will be closed. Code: 5,156,69.” This message can be perplexing, especially when you’re certain the scanner is powered on and the USB cable is securely plugged in.
This error typically suggests a breakdown in communication between your Canon printer and scanner and your computer. Several factors can contribute to this issue, ranging from simple connection problems to more complex driver malfunctions. Let’s explore some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this communication error and get your Canon printer and scanner working smoothly again.
One of the first things to check is the physical connection. Even if the USB cable seems secure, try disconnecting and reconnecting it at both the printer and computer ends. Ensure you are using a USB 2.0 or higher port, as older ports might not provide sufficient bandwidth for scanner communication. Sometimes, simply switching to a different USB port on your computer can resolve intermittent connection issues.
Another potential cause lies in the power management settings of your computer or the printer itself. Ensure that your printer and scanner are powered on and that they haven’t entered a sleep or power-saving mode that might interrupt the connection. Restarting both your computer and your Canon printer and scanner can often refresh the connection and clear temporary glitches that might be causing the communication error.
Driver issues are frequently the culprit behind scanner communication problems. Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers can prevent your computer from properly recognizing and communicating with your Canon scanner. Visit the official Canon support website and navigate to the driver download section for your specific printer and scanner model (e.g., PIXMA MG5220). Download and install the latest drivers available for your operating system. In some cases, completely uninstalling the existing drivers before reinstalling the new ones can provide a cleaner and more effective solution.
Historically, Canon has been known for providing accessible phone support for their products. However, recent changes in their support policy might limit free phone support to users with a registered Canon account or a paid support plan. While online resources and FAQs can be helpful, direct technical assistance can sometimes be necessary for resolving more complex issues. Exploring Canon’s online support portal or community forums might offer additional troubleshooting steps or insights from other users who have encountered similar scanner communication errors.
In conclusion, resolving the “Cannot communicate with scanner” error on your Canon printer and scanner often involves systematically checking the physical connections, power settings, and drivers. By working through these troubleshooting steps, you can usually restore the communication between your devices and resume scanning without further interruptions.
