Canon Printer Error 306

Problem

When you attempt to print from your Canon Printer using a Mac, a message appears stating Error 306.

Solution

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top left of the screen.
  2. Click System Preferences.
  3. Click Print & Fax.
  4. If the padlock in the bottom left is locked:
    Click it, enter your password and click OK.
  5. Click the – button. to remove the printer and the + to add it again leaving the options on default..

92 comments

    1. Why did I bother getting the manual out to solve the problem. Your solution is eloquent in its ease. Thank you.

  1. Thanks! This just fixed my problem. Using Canon iP90 and 10.6.2 error 306. My picture would print about 1/2 before it stopped.

  2. Didn't work for me. After I deleted the printer I couldn't add it back. When I click the + the printer is nowhere to be seen.

  3. My problem was slightly different, my computer had created a “double” of my printer, so when the printer received its order to print, it was no longer recognized. I merely threw away the “double” and now everything works just fine. Thanks!

  4. Hi! i have the same problem. I did as you said but it didn’t work. I ttried to install the printer once more again but it didn’t help. i don’t know what to do. Computer doesn’t find the printer after i deleted it by Fax and print.

    1. Make sure it is connected correctly. Also, reinstall the printer from the CD or by finding the latest drivers on the Canon website.

  5. wow.. i was going through all the complicated methods to fix my printer. didn’t know this simple step could fix it just like that. thanks!

  6. Have done this at least 5 times. Works for about 15 mins. What’s crazy is the other computer in the room is an Acer and NEVER loses the connection. WHY, APPLE, WHY?

  7. Thanks! Your instructions were easy to follow and they worked.
    Printer is back to normal now.
    So happy I could QUACK!

  8. Spent a long time with Apple support on this. Canon PIXMA Pro9000 fails with error code 306 when connected via Airport Express. Deleting/adding the printer works for a while, but then always see the same 306 failure again. Apple said this is a Canon problem, so I contacted Canon, who told me that the Pro9000 is not guaranteed to work when connected via wifi, only a direct USB connection will work. So much for this expensive printer and convenience.

  9. Hi, I have the same problem, tried this solution and it still comes up with error 306.

    I’m trying to connect a canon printer MP280 to a mac (OSX 10.7.5) though a PC (windows 7). I can find the printer on my mac and connect it, but when i try to print it comes up with support code: 306. Is there anything else that you can suggest that i try?
    Thankyou

  10. It worked even though the lock wasn’t engaged. Just want to inform those that think it might not work if they see an unlocked pad lock on the screen to go ahead and delete the printer and then add it. It worked for me.

  11. Deleted printer but no way to add it again. I ‘searched’ for the printer and nothing. ??? Help!

    1. Hi Shelby,
      You may need to try turning the printer off and back on again. or even unplug and plug it back in again. possibly try another port on the machine.
      Hope this helps
      regards

  12. Guys just an FYI – just had this problem and went to the printer web pg and it turned out the wifi connection was the problem. Almost no signal – fixed the signal problem and now printing as normal so defo worth checking that out before going through the other dramas: how to find below:

    Settings – Printer – Options – Show printer webpage ….your printer wifi signal will show on the landing pg

  13. Simple fix for me, when installing, in the Add Printer window, I inadvertently selected the Windows tab rather than the Default tab. I uninstalled and re-installed using the Default tab. Fixed.

  14. Thank you. I bought a new modem and router. I was getting a 306 communication error. My MAC computer kept showing that printer was offline. I uninstalled like you suggested, put in my printer set up disk and followed the directions. Very simple and worked well. 🙂

  15. help!!!!!! i have a max OSX Lion 10.7.5 my canon MP210 printer has always worked fine until the last couple of months it comes up with an error 306 i have tried deleting and reading printer worked once and not again then i downloaded a new driver which worked for about 3 weeks and now it is coming up with the same ERROR 306 AGAIN!!! and i have tried to download a new driver but it is not working!! i am a uni student and need my printer to work!!1
    if you could please help me i would be so grateful thanks

  16. Thanks. Padlock wasn’t locked but I deleted the printer and re-added it and it worked. Strange…

  17. amazing. the sense of relief after 90 mins tryna figure this out! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!
    i deleted the printer.
    upon reconnecting the printer by USB, my mac recognized it and gave it the green light!

  18. When I go to System Preferences and click on Printers & Scanners, there is not a padlock in the bottom left corner

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