Canon Printer Error Code E59 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The E59 error means your Canon printer encountered a problem during scanning. The scan could not be completed because of a communication or hardware issue. This typically happens when the scanner cannot read the document or loses connection mid-scan.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA TS3500 Series
Canon PIXMA TR4700 Series
Canon PIXMA G4000 Series
Canon PIXMA MG3600 Series
Canon PIXMA TS5300 Series

Common Causes

The USB cable connecting the printer to the computer is loose or damaged
The scanner driver or software on your computer is outdated or corrupted
The scanner glass is very dirty, preventing the sensor from reading properly
A Wi-Fi connection drop interrupted a wireless scan in progress
The scanner lamp or sensor is overheating after many consecutive scans

How to Fix It

Cancel the current scan job. Press the Stop or Cancel button on the printer to clear the error.

If the printer is unresponsive, turn it off and back on to force a reset.
If scanning via USB, check the USB cable. Unplug it from both ends and plug it back in firmly. Try a different USB port on your computer.

A loose or flaky USB connection is a very common cause of scan errors.
If scanning over Wi-Fi, make sure both the printer and computer are on the same network. Restart your router if the connection seems unstable.

Wireless scans require a stable connection throughout the entire scan. Large or high-resolution scans are especially sensitive to drops.
Clean the scanner glass with a soft lint-free cloth. Remove any dust, fingerprints, or smudges.

A very dirty scanner glass can confuse the image sensor and trigger errors.
Update or reinstall the Canon scanner driver. Download the latest driver from Canon's support website for your specific printer model.

Outdated drivers can cause communication errors between the scanner and your computer's operating system.

When to Call a Professional

If E59 keeps appearing after trying all the steps below, the scanner lamp or image sensor may be failing. A technician can test and replace these components. Repair typically costs $50 to $100 depending on the model and parts needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does E59 happen only when scanning wirelessly?

Wireless scanning sends large amounts of data over your Wi-Fi network. If the connection drops even briefly, the scan fails. Try moving the printer closer to your router or scanning at a lower resolution to reduce the data load.

Can I scan using my phone instead to avoid E59?

Yes, the Canon PRINT app lets you scan directly from your phone. This can work around driver issues on your computer. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and connect it to your printer.

What is the difference between E31 and E59?

E31 means the scanner hardware itself has malfunctioned. E59 means the scan failed due to a communication or software issue. E31 is usually more serious and may require repair. E59 can often be fixed with a cable check or driver update.