Why Does My Canon PIXMA TR4720 Printer Keep Going Offline?

Canon printer going offline more often than usual is not always due to a printing issue, but is mostly a problem with the printer and computer connection via the Wi-Fi. This issue can occur due to weak wireless signal, printer and computer being on different networks, a Windows printer status setting or an outdated printer driver. The printer is in most instances still working perfectly, so Windows just doesn't know about it on the network.

This guide explains the reasons behind the TR4720 being off line, how to get it back on line, and how to prevent it from happening again and again.

Why Does My Canon PIXMA TR4720 Printer Keep Going Offline?

There isn't one single cause behind this issue. Rather, a few factors, either alone or in combination, are generally to blame.

1. Unstable Wi-Fi connection

Wireless printers need constant signals to remain connected to your router. When the TR4720 is not in close proximity to the router, behind significant walls, or sharing the airspace with many other wireless devices, the connection may go in and out. Windows may consider the printer to be offline after just a few seconds, even if the printer is connected only a few seconds after.

2. Printer and computer are not communicating correctly

Your printer and computer can be both on WiFi and still not communicate with each other. This typically relates to the network address of the printer changing or the two devices being different networks (such as one using 2.4GHz and the other a different one). In this case, everything appears to be linked together but no data can flow between them.

3. Windows is indicating the printer is offline

Sometimes the printer isn't at all the problem, and the problem lies with how Windows speaks about its status. Windows will periodically test if the printer is available and, if not, will report it as offline and continue doing so even if it is just unavailable for a brief period of time, such as if the printer is slow, if the printer goes to sleep, or if there is a small network outage.

4. Incorrect printer configuration

If you have installed the TR4720 more than once, or in both USB and Wi-Fi locations, the TR4720 may be installed twice. If so, there is a possibility that printing jobs are sent to an inactive or obsolete printer, instead of the connected printer.

5. Driver and/or printer software issues

The printer driver is the software that converts print jobs to instructions that the TR4720 can follow. When that driver is not up-to-date or is corrupted or improperly installed, the printer can seem disconnected or unresponsive even if it's connected firmly.

6. Router / network changes

Any change to the use of a router, Internet, or networking equipment can affect the address of your printer on the network. If one of these changes has not been made correctly to the printer, Windows may continue to attempt to communicate with the printer at an old address.

7. Printing service problems or Windows Print Spooler problems

Print Spooler is the background Windows service that is responsible for managing print jobs and printer communications. When this service gets stuck — usually following a print job failure or a Windows update — printers can hang or go offline, when they are actually fine.

How to Fix Canon PIXMA TR4720 Printer Offline Problem

Try following troubleshooting steps in order. Most people find their printer back online well before reaching the end of the list.

• Ensure that the printer is turned on and ready.
• Check for paper jams and low-ink messages, as well as the error lights.
• Verify the Wi-Fi connection of the printer.
• Check to be sure that the printer's control panel or the network status report (printed copy) indicates a connected signal.
• Verify that the computer and printer are on the same network.
• If there is more than one wireless network name in your home, ensure both devices are connected to the same network name.
• Turn back on the printer, router and computer. This resets temporary network glitches and resets communications between all three devices, clearing up a high percentage of offline problems.
• Check the printer's status in Windows. Click on the printers and check the status that Windows reports for the TR4720.
• Be sure that Windows is not set to use the printer offline. There is a setting in Windows that will force a printer to go offline—typically from a previous connectivity problem.
• Printing will not be possible even if the printer is completely connected, if it is enabled.
• If needed, remove and re-install the printer.
• This removes all old or duplicate printer entries and will enable Windows to see the TR4720 again on the network.
• Check the selected printer port, if you're comfortable doing so. Windows might be pointing to the previous address of the printer if its network address has changed.
• Update/reinstall the Canon printer software. If the driver has become corrupted or is outdated, installing a new driver from the Canon website will help solve communication issues.
• Restart the Windows Print Spooler service, if appropriate. These clears print jobs that are "stuck" or a "hanging" print service, without requiring a full computer restart.
• Test printing again. To be sure the fix is working, send a simple test page before proceeding with more complex troubleshooting.

Canon PIXMA TR4720 Printer Keeps Going Offline on Windows 11

The basic troubleshooting procedures for Windows 11 are similar to those for Windows 10, although the printer management is different in certain aspects. First, confirm the status of your printer in the Windows 11 printer settings, and ensure that you have the correct TR4720 selected. If the printer is already listed, delete the printer from the list and reconnect the printer.

If you are facing an offline issue with the Canon PIXMA TR4720 after installing a Windows 11 update, go to Change Printer Settings to review and reinstall the printer driver. Post major Windows updates, sometimes the issue of driver compatibility can cause a problem with communication.

Canon PIXMA TR4720 Printer Keeps Going Offline on Windows 10

The general troubleshooting procedure of Windows 10 is the same as for the printer – check the printer, verify the offline setting, and review the installed driver.

If your TR4720 used to function properly prior to the issue but something has changed recently, ask yourself "What has changed". A replacement of your router, a Windows update, a network change or a new printer driver can help determine the cause.

Why Does My Canon PIXMA TR4720 Say Offline but Is Connected to Wi-Fi?

Your Canon PIXMA TR4720 might be able to connect with the router stably, but the device can be offline on your computer.

This may occur when the network address of the printer has been changed, the printer and the connected computers are on different network segments, or if the printer driver does not communicate properly. Oftentimes, rebooting the printer, network equipment and then deleting and re-adding the printer in Windows will refresh this connection.

How to Prevent the Canon PIXMA TR4720 From Going Offline Again

There are a few simple things you can do to minimize repeated connection issues:

• Ensure that the printer is within a reliable range of Wi-Fi.
• Do not make unnecessary changes to the network name or password.
• Keep printer software and drivers updated.
• Use the appropriate TR4720 printer entry in Windows.
• If you see more network instability, restart your router.
• Clear any redundant or ghost printers.

These steps don't ensure that the printer will never go offline, but they can minimize frequent connectivity issues.

Conclusion

A Canon PIXMA TR4720 that keeps going offline is usually a network communication hiccup, not a broken printer. Weak Wi-Fi, mismatched networks, outdated drivers, or a stuck Windows setting are the typical culprits. Working through the steps above — starting with a simple restart and re-adding the printer — resolves most cases quickly, and the prevention tips help keep it from recurring

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 Why does my Canon PIXMA TR4720 printer keep going offline?

Ans: The most frequent causes are Wi-Fi instability, network communication issues, Windows settings or printer driver problems.

Q2: Why does my Canon PIXMA TR4720 say offline when it's connected to Wi-Fi?

Ans: There is a difference between the functions of the Wi-Fi and communications with your computer. The printer is able to connect with the router when Windows is not able to connect with it.

Q3:How do I fix my Canon PIXMA TR4720 printer offline problem?

Ans: Try to restart the printer, router, and computer, and ensure that they are connected to the same network; confirm Windows printer settings; remove and re-add the printer if needed.

Q4: Why does my Canon PIXMA TR4720 randomly go offline on Windows 11?

Ans: This can be due to weak Wi-Fi or to temporary communication problems within Windows, or to driver problems after the Windows update.

Q5: Can a printer driver cause the Canon PIXMA TR4720 to go offline?

Ans: If the driver is outdated, corrupted or installed incorrectly, it can cause an issue in communication between printer and Windows.

Q5: Why does my Canon PIXMA TR4720 keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

Ans: Repeated Wi-Fi disconnection can be caused by weak signal strength, wireless interference, changes to the router or network configuration issues.