Canon printers are one of the most efficient and reliable printing machines in the market today. They are designed to provide top-notch services, offering high-quality prints, and user-friendly features.
Despite the quality performance, there are still glitches and technical errors that users experience while handling the printer. One of the most commonly encountered errors by Canon printer users is error number 311.
This error often occurs when there’s an issue with the printer’s firmware. When this happens, the printer ceases to work, and it can be quite frustrating, especially when you are in a hurry to get your work done.
However, the good news is that there are simple steps that you can undertake to resolve this issue quickly. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into this error number 311 and the various solutions that can be applied to fix it.
Definition: Error Number 311 Canon Printer

Canon printers are known for their durability, high-quality prints, and efficient performance. However, like any other machine or electronic device, it is possible to encounter errors while using a Canon printer. One such error is error number 311.
Canon printers display error number 311 when there is a problem with the printer’s paper feed. This usually happens when the papers are not loaded correctly in the paper tray or there is a paper jam in the printer. This error can be especially frustrating when you need to print an important document or assignment.
When this error occurs, your printer will display a message on the LCD panel notifying you of the problem. The message may vary depending on the printer model or brand. However, it is usually displayed in a combination of letters and numbers, such as E311 or 311.
If you encounter error number 311 on your Canon printer, do not panic. This error is fixable and can be resolved easily by following a few simple steps.
First, switch off your printer and unplug it from the power source. Carefully remove the paper tray and check if there is any stuck paper or jammed paper in the tray.
In most cases, the error can be resolved by merely removing the jammed paper and reloading the paper tray correctly. If you still encounter the error, you should check for paper jams or other obstructions in the printer area.
If the problem persists, you can try the following steps:
Step 1: Reset your Printer
Resetting your printer can help resolve any software or hardware malfunctions. To reset your Canon printer, simply switch it off, unplug it from the power source, and wait for a few minutes. Then, plug it back in and switch it on.
Step 2: Check your Printer Settings
If you continue to encounter error number 311, double-check your printer settings. Ensure that the paper size and type are correctly set in the printer preferences. You can also try printing a test page to confirm that all the settings are correct.
Step 3: Update your Printer Driver
If none of the above steps works, you may need to update your printer driver. Your printer driver is the software that communicates between your printer and your computer.
An outdated or corrupted printer driver can cause errors like error number 311. You can update your printer driver manually or use an automatic driver updater tool.
Step 4: Seek Technical Help
If you have tried all the above steps and still encounter error number 311, you may need to seek technical help. Canon offers customer support services that can help you resolve any printer errors.
error number 311 on your Canon printer can be challenging, but it is fixable with the right steps. Do not hesitate to try the solutions highlighted in this article. If all else fails, contact the Canon support team for further assistance.
Possible Causes of Error Number 311 Canon Printer

Error number 311 on Canon printers is a common issue that users face, especially when attempting to print documents from their computer.
This error disrupts the printer’s normal operation, making it difficult to print. There are various reasons why this error might occur, ranging from software issues to hardware malfunctions.
In this article, we will be discussing the possible causes of error number 311 Canon printer.
1. Connection Issues
The most common reason for this error is a faulty connection between the printer and the computer. This might occur due to loose or damaged cables, outdated drivers, or outdated software.
To resolve this issue, you can first check your cables by unplugging them and then plugging them back in.
You should also ensure that your drivers are up to date by installing the latest version of the Canon printer driver from the official website. If the issue still persists, try restarting your computer and printer before attempting to print again.
2. Paper Jams
Another possible cause of error number 311 Canon printer is paper jams. When print jobs are not handled correctly, they can lead to paper jams or misfeeds, causing the printer to stop functioning properly and presenting an error message.
To resolve this issue, you should first check for any paper jams in the printer’s rollers and remove them carefully.
Be sure to switch off the printer and unplug it before attempting to remove any paper jams. Once you have cleared the jam, switch on the printer and try printing your document again.
You can also prevent paper jams by ensuring that the paper tray is well loaded, the papers are aligned correctly, and the printer’s rollers are clean.
You can use a soft, dry cloth to clean the rollers and remove any dirt or debris that might be clogging them up.
3. Insufficient Ink or Toner
The error number 311 Canon printer might also occur if the printer is running low on ink or toner. This is especially common if your printer has been used for a while and the ink or toner cartridges are running low.
You can check the ink or toner levels in the printer software or through the printer menu on the control panel. If the ink or toner level is considerably low, replace them with new cartridges and try printing again.
4. Faulty Printer Parts
In rare cases, error number 311 on Canon printers might be caused by a faulty printer part, such as a scanner or fuser unit.
These parts can wear out over time and cause the printer to malfunction. If you suspect that this might be the issue, it’s best to call a professional repair service to check and fix the printer for you.
error number 311 Canon printer can be a frustrating problem, but there are several ways to resolve it.
Always ensure that your printer is well-maintained, its software and drivers are up to date, and you handle print jobs carefully to avoid paper jams. And if all else fails, call a professional to check and repair your printer.
Troubleshooting Steps for Error Number 311 Canon Printer
Are you encountering error number 311 on your Canon printer? This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you have important documents to print.
Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps that you can take to resolve this error and get your printer up and running again.
Step 1: Check Your Printer’s Connectivity
The first thing you should do when encountering error number 311 is to check your printer’s connectivity. Make sure that your printer is properly connected to your computer or network.
Check the cables and ensure that they are firmly connected. If you are using a wireless connection, make sure that your printer is connected to the correct network.
You should also check if there are any updates available for your printer’s drivers and firmware. Updating these may resolve the issue.
Step 2: Restart Your Printer and Computer
If checking the printer’s connectivity does not solve the issue, you can try restarting your printer and your computer. This simple step can often resolve various printer issues.
Turn off your printer and disconnect it from the power source. Then, Restart your computer and turn on your printer after a few minutes.
This allows your printer and computer to reset and eliminate errors or bugs that may be causing the 311 error.
Step 3: Clean the Printer’s Print Head and Nozzles
If restarting your printer and computer does not solve the issue, you may need to clean your printer’s print head and nozzles.
Dirt or dust can accumulate in these parts over time, causing print quality issues, which can ultimately lead to errors like the 311 error.
Use your printer’s cleaning tools or software to clean the print head and nozzles, or you can perform a manual cleaning using a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
Once you have cleaned the printer, check if the error still persists. If it does, then it might be a hardware issue. You can contact Canon’s customer care service for assistance or take your printer to an authorized Canon service center for repair.
Step 4: Check Your Ink/toner Cartridges
Another reason why you may be experiencing the 311 error on your Canon printer is because of empty or incompatible ink/toner cartridges. In this case, check whether your cartridges are empty or installed properly.
Some printers also have a feature where they can detect incompatible cartridges, which can cause the 311 error. If you suspect that your cartridges are the problem, then try replacing them to see if that resolves the issue.
Step 5: Reinstall Your Printer Drivers
If none of the above steps work, you may need to reinstall your printer drivers. This can help to update the driver’s configuration and eliminate any software-related issues that might be causing the error 311.
You can download the latest drivers from the Canon website or use the installation CD that came with your printer.
Be sure to follow the installation instructions carefully, and restart your computer once the drivers are successfully installed.
Error number 311 can be a frustrating issue, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve it and have your Canon printer working properly again.
It’s also important to perform regular maintenance on your printer and check for updates to drivers and firmware to keep it functioning smoothly. By taking care of your printer, you can extend its lifespan and save yourself from future headaches.
How to Fix Error Number 311 Canon Printer with Computer Restart
Canon printers are known for their high-quality printouts. However, like any other electronic gadget, Canon printers sometimes experience errors.
One such error that users may come across is error number 311. When this error occurs, the printer fails to print. The error is an indication of a communication error between the printer and the computer.
Although it can be frustrating, you can fix error number 311 Canon printer with a computer restart. In this article, we discuss some steps that you can take to fix error number 311 Canon printer with computer restart.
Step 1: Power down the printer
The first step is to turn off your Canon printer’s power. Press the power button and hold it until the printer turns off. This will shut down the printer and disconnect it from the power source. Wait for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Power down the computer
The second step is to power down the computer that is connected to the printer. Click on Start on your computer, and choose Shut Down. This will turn off the computer, and all its programs, including the printer. Wait for a few minutes, and then proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Disconnect the printer from the computer
The third step is to disconnect the printer from your computer. Locate the USB connection between the printer and the computer, and gently unplug it. This will prevent any communication between the printer and the computer.
Step 4: Reconnect the printer to the computer
The fourth step is to reconnect the printer to your computer. Plug the USB cable back into the original port. Ensure that it is secure and firmly in place.
This step is a critical one because a loose connection can cause communication errors between the printer and the computer.
After completing the steps mentioned above, you can now turn on your printer and computer. Once they are on, try to print a document to confirm whether the error number 311 Canon printer is resolved.
If the error persists, you can try reinstalling your printer drivers. To do this, you need to get the latest printer drivers from the Canon website.
Uninstall the printer drivers from your computer, restart the computer, and then install the new printer drivers. This process will eliminate any driver-related errors that could be causing the communication error.
error number 311 Canon printer can be frustrating, but it is fixable. You can fix it through a computer restart. Follow the four steps outlined above and remember to reinstall your printer drivers if the error persists.
We hope that the steps above have helped you fix error number 311 Canon printer.
Contacting Canon Support for Assistance with Error Number 311 Printer Issue
If you own a Canon printer and have come across the error number 311, you are probably wondering what you can do to resolve it.
This error usually occurs when there is a communication problem between the printer and the computer. However, there is no need to worry as this error can be easily resolved.
In this article, we will discuss how you can contact Canon support for assistance with the error number 311 printer issue.
1. Understanding Error Number 311
Before we dive into how you can contact Canon support for assistance with the error number 311 printer issue, let us first understand what this error means.
Error number 311 on Canon printers usually indicates a communication problem between the printer and the computer.
This can be caused by a few things such as a faulty connection, outdated drivers, or even a problem with the printer itself.
If you see this error on your Canon printer, it is essential to troubleshoot the problem before you can resolve it.
You can do this by checking your printer’s connections, updating your printer drivers, and performing a reset on the printer.
2. Contacting Canon Support
If you have tried troubleshooting the error number 311 on your own and still cannot resolve it, your next step should be to contact Canon support. There are a few ways you can reach out to Canon for assistance, including:
- Phone Support: You can call Canon’s support team and speak directly to a representative. They will guide you through the troubleshooting process and help you resolve the error.
- Email Support: You can also email Canon’s support team with your error number 311 issue and receive a response within 24-48 hours.
- Live Chat Support: Another option is to use Canon’s live chat feature, where you can chat with a representative who can assist you with your error number 311 problem. This is a great option if you do not want to wait on hold or prefer to type out your questions.
Regardless of the method you choose to contact Canon support, it is essential to have your printer’s serial number and model number handy.
This information will help the representative find your printer’s specifications and provide you with the right solution for your error number 311 problem.
3. Benefits of Contacting Canon Support for Assistance
While the error number 311 feature can be frustrating, the good news is that Canon support is always there to assist you. By contacting their support team, you can benefit from:
- Quick Resolution: By seeking assistance from Canon support, you can quickly resolve the error instead of spending time trying to fix it yourself.
- Expert Guidance: Canon support representatives are trained professionals who can offer expert advice and guidance on resolving the error number 311 issue and other printer-related problems.
- Peace of Mind: Rather than worrying about the error, you can rest assured that a Canon support representative will help you resolve it.
When you encounter the error number 311 on your Canon printer, do not panic. There are several things you can do to troubleshoot the error, such as checking the connection, updating drivers, and resetting the printer.
If none of these steps work, it is best to reach out to the Canon support team for assistance. By doing so, you can quickly resolve the error and prevent any further inconvenience.
When you contact Canon support for assistance with the error number 311 issue, remember to keep your printer’s serial number and model number handy.
This information will help the representative find your printer’s specifications and provide you with the right solution for your problem.