Canon PIXMA TR4720 Not Printing: My Quick Rescue Guide

You hit print and nothing happens. The lights are on, but no paper moves. Or your computer says the printer is offline, or you get a blank page.

Table of Contents

The good news is that most Canon PIXMA TR4720 not printing problems come from a short list of causes. Wi-Fi drops, stuck print jobs, badly seated ink cartridges, and wrong settings cause most of them. You can often fix them in under 30 minutes without a repair shop.

This guide gives the fixes in the right order, from fast checks to deeper ones. You will find steps for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. You will also learn how ink costs work and when to replace the printer.

All paper sizes here use standard US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), and prices are in USD. Prices at Amazon, Best Buy, and Staples change often, so check them before you buy.

Why Is My Canon PIXMA TR4720 Not Printing?

Most failures trace back to five areas: the connection, the print queue, the ink, the paper path, and the software. Many common inkjet printer problems and their causes overlap, so the checks below help on other brands too.

Quick answer: A Canon PIXMA TR4720 usually stops printing because of Wi-Fi trouble, a stuck print job, empty or loose cartridges, a paper jam, or a driver error. Check the printer display first. Then check Wi-Fi, the print queue, and ink, in that order.

Not every failure looks the same. Your printer may not respond, print blank pages, or print poor-quality pages. Each symptom points to a different cause.

Common causes of Canon TR4720 printing problems

Connection trouble: weak Wi-Fi, the wrong printer selected on your computer, or an offline status.
Ink trouble: low or empty cartridges, clogged printhead nozzles, or cartridges that are not seated correctly.
Software and paper trouble: paper jams, pending print jobs, outdated drivers, or incorrect print settings.

Connection trouble is the top suspect. If your computer keeps marking the printer as unavailable, read why a printer keeps going offline for the deeper causes.

Identify the symptom before troubleshooting

No response: Check power, connection, printer selection, and the print queue.
Blank or faded pages: Check ink levels, cartridge installation, and nozzle condition. Our guide on why an inkjet printer prints blank pages explains the pattern.
Error message or flashing light: Record the error and consult the model’s manual before resetting the printer.

How to Fix a Canon PIXMA TR4720 Not Printing

Start with simple checks before you change advanced settings. These steps help you find the cause without wasting ink, paper, or time. Print one test page after each step so you know which fix worked.

1. Check the printer’s power and error status

Confirm the printer is on and the display shows no error.
Open the covers and look for jammed paper, packing tape, or an open cartridge door.
Check the paper tray for curled or overfilled sheets.
Turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it on again.
Print a test document.

Write down any support code you see. A code such as 1300 points to a paper jam, while 5B00 points to a part that needs Canon service. For other everyday error patterns, see common home printer problems.

2. Check ink cartridges and ink levels

Canon’s US listing shows the TR4720 uses a PG-275 pigment black cartridge and a CL-276 dye color cartridge. Confirm the numbers on the label inside your printer or on the box before you buy.

Open the cartridge door and wait for the holder to move to the center.
Remove each cartridge, check that the protective tape is gone, and press it in until it clicks.
Replace only the empty cartridge. You do not need to replace both.

Ink level readings are estimates, not exact gauges. This guide on how to check printer ink levels correctly shows the best way to read them. If the printer claims a cartridge is empty when it is not, see why a printer says ink is empty. If it refuses a fresh cartridge, read why a printer rejects new cartridges.

3. Fix Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wi-Fi connection problems

Wireless trouble is the top cause of no-print complaints. The TR4720 supports 802.11b/g/n on the 2.4 GHz band, so it cannot join a 5 GHz-only network.

Confirm the printer and your computer or phone are on the same network.
Restart the router and the printer if the signal keeps dropping.
Reconnect the printer if the network name or password changed.

Confirm the 2.4 GHz band

Many routers send 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals under one name, which can confuse setup. Give each band its own name in the router settings. Avoid guest networks, because they often block devices from seeing each other.

Reconnect with the Canon PRINT app

Open the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app and follow the wireless setup steps. You can also use the printer’s Setup menu. Our walkthrough on how to connect a printer to Wi-Fi covers both paths. If it still fails, read why a printer will not connect to Wi-Fi.

4. Clear the print queue

Open the printer queue on Windows or macOS and cancel stuck or failed print jobs.
Check that the Canon PIXMA TR4720 is selected as the active printer rather than a PDF printer or another device.
Send a single-page test document before restoring the remaining print jobs.

On Windows, go to Settings, then Printers & scanners, choose the TR4720, and open the print queue. On a Mac, open System Settings, then Printers & Scanners, and open the queue there. If several people share the printer, one bad job can block everyone. Learn how to manage multiple devices with one printer to keep the queue clear.

5. Set the printer online and as the default printer

On Windows, check the printer’s status and disable the offline setting if it is enabled.
On macOS, verify the printer is available in System Settings and remove paused jobs.
Select the correct Canon printer instance, particularly if duplicate printer entries exist.

A printer can show as offline even when it is on. Our guide to how to reconnect an offline printer goes deeper. If your computer cannot see the printer at all, read about a printer not showing on your computer. On Windows 11, turn off the option that lets Windows manage your default printer if it keeps switching.

6. Clean the printhead nozzles

The printhead sprays ink through tiny nozzles. If you want a plain-English look at this part, read about the inkjet printhead. Dried ink can block those nozzles, a problem covered in why an inkjet printer dries out.

Print a nozzle-check pattern to identify missing lines, broken patterns, or missing colors.
Run the printer’s standard cleaning procedure when the pattern indicates clogged nozzles.
Avoid repeated deep cleaning because it consumes more ink; follow Canon’s recommended maintenance sequence.

Read the nozzle pattern

Find the nozzle check in the Setup menu under Maintenance. Menu names can vary a little, so confirm them in the manual. Solid, complete lines mean the nozzles are fine. Gaps or faded blocks mean a clog.

Limit cleaning cycles

Run one standard cleaning, then print the pattern again. If lines are still missing, wait a few hours and try once more.

7. Update or reinstall Canon printer drivers

Check Canon’s official US support website for the PIXMA TR4720’s compatible software and drivers.
Confirm compatibility with the installed Windows or macOS version.
If printing still fails, remove the problematic printer entry and reinstall it using Canon’s supported setup instructions.

A driver is the small program that lets your computer talk to the printer. Our guide on how to install printer drivers correctly shows the safe order of steps.

Download from Canon only

Third-party driver sites often bundle junk software. Use Canon’s own site, then restart the computer.

8. Check paper settings and print preferences

Ensure the paper size and media type match the paper loaded in the tray.
Check for incorrect paper-source, quality, grayscale, or borderless-print settings.
Test with standard Letter paper (8.5 x 11 inches) and a basic document to isolate application-specific problems.

Wrong paper settings cause smears and rejected jobs. For stock advice, see what paper works best with inkjet printers.

Canon PIXMA TR4720 Troubleshooting Comparison Table

Use this quick-reference table to match the visible symptom with its likely cause and the next recommended action. An experienced printer troubleshooter would begin with the least disruptive checks before moving to maintenance, software changes, or hardware replacement.

Printer symptom	Possible cause	Recommended fix
Printer does not respond	Power or connection issue	Check the cord, display, and Wi-Fi
Prints blank pages	Empty ink or clogged nozzles	Check ink and print a nozzle pattern
Prints faded text	Low ink or nozzle blockage	Inspect ink and run a nozzle check
Printer shows offline	Network or queue issue	Reconnect and clear the queue
Wi-Fi printing fails	Incorrect network settings	Reconnect using Canon setup on 2.4 GHz
Paper will not feed	Misloaded paper or obstruction	Reload paper and inspect the path
Jobs remain pending	Stuck print queue	Cancel jobs and restart printing
Poor photo quality	Media or quality settings	Check paper type and print quality

How to Fix Canon PIXMA TR4720 Not Printing on Windows

Identify whether the problem affects all applications or only one program.
Check the printer queue, connection status, and selected printer.
Test printing from another application to determine whether the issue is software-specific.

Run Windows printer troubleshooting checks

Open the printer settings and inspect the Canon TR4720’s status.
Restart the Windows Print Spooler service if jobs remain stuck and you are comfortable performing that step.
Update the printer software and restart the computer if basic troubleshooting fails.

Restart the Print Spooler

The Print Spooler holds jobs before they reach the printer. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find Print Spooler, right-click it, and choose Restart. Then print a test page.

Fix Windows driver and USB connection issues

If using USB, reconnect the cable directly to the computer and try another port.
Reinstall the appropriate Canon driver if Windows cannot communicate with the printer.
Avoid installing third-party driver-updater software from unverified websites.

For more help, see how to connect a printer to a laptop.

How to Fix Canon PIXMA TR4720 Not Printing on Mac

Confirm the printer appears in macOS printer settings and is not paused or unavailable.
Verify that the Mac and printer can communicate over the selected network or USB connection.
Check for compatible Canon software and macOS updates if the problem persists.

Macs often print through AirPrint, which needs no extra driver. If the printer shows as paused, open its queue and choose Resume.

Remove and re-add the Canon printer

Open System Settings and navigate to Printers & Scanners.
Remove the printer entry only if necessary, then add the TR4720 again using the supported connection method.
Print a test page and verify the correct printer and paper settings.

Reset the printing system last

If nothing else works, Control-click the printer list and choose Reset printing system. Be careful, because this removes every printer from your Mac. You will need to add them all again.

Canon PIXMA TR4720 Not Printing From a Phone

Confirm the phone and printer are on a compatible network and that the printer is ready.
Use Canon’s supported mobile printing app or the phone’s supported printing feature.
Check app permissions, network access, and the selected document or photo before retrying.

Canon lists its PRINT app, AirPrint, and Mopria for this model. For the basics, read how to print from a phone at home.

Fix wireless printing from an iPhone or Android phone

Confirm the printer is discoverable on the local network.
Update the relevant printing app and restart the phone if the printer does not appear.
If printing fails only from one app, test another document or app to isolate the problem.

Your phone must be on the same Wi-Fi as the printer. Our guide on how to connect a printer to a smartphone lists more tips.

Allow local network access

Newer iPhones ask for local network permission. If you tapped Don’t Allow, the printer will not appear. Open Settings, find the printing app, and switch Local Network on. On Android, check the Mopria service and app permissions.

Canon PIXMA TR4720 Prints Blank Pages or Poor-Quality Documents

Blank output: no ink is reaching the page.
Faded text: ink flow is weak.
Streaks and missing colors: a nozzle is partly blocked, or one color is empty.

Check ink supply, cartridge seating, and the nozzle pattern first. Repeated cleaning will not fix a bad cartridge or a worn printhead.

Fix blank pages after changing ink cartridges

Confirm the replacement cartridge is compatible and properly installed.
Verify that protective packaging has been removed and the printer recognizes the cartridge.
Print a nozzle-check pattern before trying additional cleaning cycles.

A printer left idle for months can also dry out. Read how long an inkjet printer can sit unused for realistic limits.

Fix streaks, missing colors, and faded text

Run a nozzle check and follow Canon’s recommended cleaning procedure if defects appear.
Check print quality settings and use appropriate inkjet paper for photos or color documents.
If defects persist after the recommended maintenance process, investigate cartridge faults or contact Canon support.

Horizontal bands are a classic sign of a partial clog. See why inkjet prints have lines to match your print to a cause.

Canon PIXMA TR4720 Paper Jam and Paper Feed Problems

Inspect accessible paper paths for torn paper, foreign objects, or obstructions.
Reload paper neatly and avoid exceeding the tray’s capacity.
Match the selected paper size to the loaded media to prevent feed and printing errors.

The TR4720 has a front-loading tray that Staples lists at 100 sheets. Filling it to the top edge invites trouble, so load a little less.

Clear a paper jam safely

Follow the model-specific instructions and remove jammed paper gently in the recommended direction.
Check for small torn fragments that may remain inside accessible areas.
Never force internal components or pull paper aggressively against the feed mechanism.

Turn the printer off first. Pull the sheet slowly so it does not tear.

Fix paper not feeding correctly

Fan and align the paper stack before loading it.
Adjust the paper guides without squeezing the stack too tightly.
Try fresh, flat paper if curled or damp sheets continue to cause feeding problems.

Damp paper curls and sticks. Keep reams sealed and flat, as shown in how to store printer paper at home.

Check Canon PIXMA TR4720 Ink Costs and Replacement Options

Ink is the biggest long-term cost of an inkjet. Do not buy supplies before you find the cause. Cartridge choice and print habits shape what you spend.

Which ink cartridges does the Canon PIXMA TR4720 use?

Canon US lists PG-275 (pigment black) and CL-276 (dye color), and XL versions of both are sold at retailers. Confirm the numbers against Canon’s official US documentation before you order.

Black ink gives sharp text for everyday documents.
Color ink handles charts, photos, and school projects.
Prices change often, so check Amazon, Best Buy, and Staples on the day you buy.

You can choose between original, compatible, and rebuilt options. See original vs compatible printer cartridges and remanufactured ink cartridges explained. Before ordering any third-party brand, learn how to check if a printer cartridge is compatible.

Can low ink cause the Canon TR4720 to stop printing?

Yes, it can. A depleted or unrecognized cartridge can pause a job or ruin print quality.

A low-ink warning means you can usually keep printing for now.
An empty cartridge or a cartridge error often blocks printing.
Clogged nozzles cause faded or missing lines even when ink remains.

Replace a cartridge only when its condition or the printer says so. Store spares using how to store unused ink cartridges.

How can users reduce ink consumption?

Use draft or economy settings for routine documents when supported.
Preview pages before printing and avoid unnecessary color output.
Print at least a little each week so nozzles stay moist.

Our full list of ways to reduce ink usage when printing goes further. For the bigger picture, read why printer ink costs so much.

Compare cost per page

Divide the cartridge price by its rated page yield. For example, a $25 cartridge rated for 200 pages costs 12.5 cents per page. Those numbers are only an example, so use current prices and Canon’s published yields. This guide on inkjet printer running costs explains the math, and the true cost of owning a printer adds the rest.

Canon PIXMA TR4720 Specifications That Affect Troubleshooting

The TR4720 is a home-oriented all-in-one that prints, scans, copies, and faxes. It is a compact inkjet printer with a two-cartridge hybrid ink system. Verify exact specs against Canon’s official documentation, because retailer pages vary.

Spec	What Canon and US retailers list
Functions	Print, copy, scan, fax
Print speed	Up to 8.8 ipm black, 4.4 ipm color
Max resolution	Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi
Wireless	802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz
Mobile printing	Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, Mopria
Cartridges	PG-275 black, CL-276 color
Extras	Auto duplex, document feeder, 2-line LCD

Wireless setup, ink type, and cartridge upkeep explain most failures. Not sure you need an all-in-one? See all-in-one printers vs printer-only models.

Connectivity and device compatibility

The TR4720 prints over Wi-Fi or USB.
Network discovery problems can stop printing even when the printer works fine.
Confirm your operating system is supported before you install drivers.

If Wi-Fi acts up, a USB cable is a quick way to test the printer itself.

Print quality and maintenance considerations

Nozzle health, ink supply, paper type, and quality settings all shape the result.
Listed speeds and cartridge yields come from lab tests. Real use varies.
Regular use and Canon’s maintenance steps beat extra cleaning cycles.

Understand speed and resolution

Images per minute (ipm) is a speed rating from a standard test. It is close to pages per minute, and real jobs run slower. See what pages per minute means. DPI means dots per inch. More dots give finer detail, and printer resolution explained simply clears up the rest.

Decode duty cycle

Duty cycle is the most pages a printer can handle in a month without extra wear. It is a ceiling, not a daily target. Check Canon’s spec sheet for the monthly figure, and stay well under it for a longer life.

When Should You Reset or Replace the Canon PIXMA TR4720?

Restart the printer and check the connection first. Only then think about a deeper reset. A factory reset can erase your network settings, and you will have to set the printer up again. Replace the printer only after reasonable troubleshooting has failed.

When is a printer reset appropriate?

Use a reset only when the model-specific instructions recommend it for the observed problem.
Record Wi-Fi details and any relevant error messages before resetting.
Reconnect the printer and run a test print afterward.

Look for Reset setting under Device settings in the Setup menu, and read what each option erases. For a setup refresher, see how to set up a printer for the first time.

When should you contact Canon support?

Contact support for persistent hardware errors, recurring paper-feed failures, or unresolved cartridge recognition problems.
Provide the printer model, operating system, error message, and troubleshooting steps already attempted.
Compare repair costs with replacement options if the printer has a confirmed hardware fault.

Prepare these details

Have the model name, your operating system, the exact error code, and a list of fixes you tried. This speeds up the call.

Repairs rarely pay off on a budget printer. Read why a home printer may not be worth repairing and how long an inkjet printer usually lasts. Staples listed the TR4720 near $70 to $75 at the time of writing. If a repair quote nears that price, replace it.

If you replace it, compare the best affordable all-in-one printer picks or the HP DeskJet 2955 vs Canon PIXMA TR4720 matchup. Tank models can cut ink costs, as shown in ink cartridge vs refillable tank printers. Then learn how to recycle old printer cartridges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my Canon PIXMA TR4720 not printing?

Common causes include connection problems, empty ink cartridges, stuck print jobs, paper jams, and driver issues. Check the printer’s status first. Then test the connection and ink supply before you try advanced troubleshooting. Printing one test page after each change shows which fix worked.

2. Why is my Canon TR4720 connected to Wi-Fi but not printing?

The printer may be on a different network, marked offline, or selected incorrectly on the computer. Confirm both devices use the same 2.4 GHz network. Then clear pending jobs and try a test print. Duplicate printer entries on the computer can also cause this.

3. How do I reset my Canon PIXMA TR4720 printer?

Start with a normal power restart and follow Canon’s model-specific troubleshooting instructions. Use a factory reset only when appropriate, because it may erase saved network settings. Write down your Wi-Fi name and password first, so you can reconnect quickly afterward.

4. Why is my Canon PIXMA TR4720 printing blank pages?

Empty cartridges, incorrect cartridge installation, or clogged nozzles can cause blank output. Check ink levels and cartridge seating first. Then print a nozzle-check pattern before you run any cleaning. Also confirm the protective tape came off new cartridges.

5. How do I clean the printhead on my Canon TR4720?

Use the printer’s built-in Maintenance menu or supported Canon software to run a cleaning cycle. Print the nozzle pattern afterward to check the result. Avoid repeated cleaning, because each cycle uses ink. One or two rounds is usually enough.

6. Why does my Canon TR4720 keep going offline?

Unstable Wi-Fi, changed network settings, computer sleep settings, or a stuck print queue may cause the problem. Reconnect the printer, check its status, and restart the router if needed. A fixed spot near the router helps keep the signal steady.

7. Can I print with only black ink on the Canon PIXMA TR4720?

Canon lists black-only printing as a feature, but behavior depends on cartridge status and settings. An empty or unrecognized color cartridge may still trigger an error. Check Canon’s instructions before you try to bypass any ink warning.

8. How do I fix a Canon TR4720 that will not feed paper?

Reload correctly sized paper, adjust the guides, and inspect accessible feed paths for obstructions. Fan the stack and use flat, dry sheets. If it keeps failing with suitable paper, consult the manual or contact Canon support.

9. How do I update the Canon PIXMA TR4720 driver?

Visit Canon’s official US support website and find the TR4720 software for your operating system. Install the recommended driver or setup package. Restart the computer if prompted. Avoid third-party driver sites, which can bundle unwanted software.

10. Should I repair or replace my Canon PIXMA TR4720?

Try basic troubleshooting and Canon’s recommended maintenance first. If a hardware fault stays, compare repair cost, ink expense, and the price of a suitable replacement. Because this model sells for roughly $70 to $75 at major US retailers, many repairs cost too much.

Conclusion: Get Your Canon PIXMA TR4720 Printing Again

Most Canon PIXMA TR4720 troubleshooting comes down to a few steps. Check the printer status, inspect the cartridges, clear the print queue, verify 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and run a test print. Do these in order and you will solve most problems fast.

Use Canon’s official instructions for maintenance, drivers, and resets. Replace cartridges or the printer only after you find the real cause. For a similar Canon fix, see how to fix a Canon TS3520 that is not responding. To avoid wasted ink, keep printer consumable expiry dates explained handy.

Abdullah Al Mamun