topic Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print in Desktop Inkjet Printers

PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

kims337 — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 20:54:45 GMT

I am unable to detect the printer wirelessly or via USB. There have been no changes to my modem/router and using the same laptop with Windows 11. Any suggestions?

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

Patrick — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:22:31 GMT

Hi kims337,

First, let's check the network settings of your PIXMA MX490. Please load paper and turn your printer on. Next, please follow these steps:

1. Press the wrench and screwdriver button on your PIXMA MX490 one time.

2. Use the right arrow button to select Device settings, then press the OK button.

3. Use the right arrow button to select LAN settings, then press the OK button.

4. Use the right arrow button to select Print LAN details, then press the OK button.

On the page that printed, four lines from the top, does the SSID match the Wi-Fi network that your computer is connected to?

7 lines below that, is the Signal Strength greater than 70% ?

Two lines below that, you will see IPv4 IP Address. Circle those numbers and then follow these steps:

1. On your computer, please press the Windows key on your keyboard and the letter R, then let both go.

2. In the Run window that appears, please type CMD and click OK.

3. In the Command Prompt window that appears, please type:

PING and the number that you circled. For example, if 192.168.1.25 is what you had circled above, you would type:
PING 192.168.1.25

4. Press the Enter key on your keyboard.

Did you get:

A - Timed out
B - Destination host unreachable
C - Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0

Did this answer your question? If so, please click the Accept as Solution button below so that others may find the answer as well.

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

DerrickL — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:30:11 GMT

This is the setup for a USB connection only, not wifi: you need a proper USB /Printer cable for it to work.

https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/s/article/ART165717

https://www.amazon.com/Printer-Computer-Scanner-Compatible-Lexmark/dp/B08CTBKNGH/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3B233MQZXUHPK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.98UM_ujDn781wJIHsCWrZoTkNyz6-bk_vxBwx8xrA9aJ8_pmzNtIP9asGDcs-ZLg9toAFaejxGZQjCK22FlSO58jnTrDjl7gAzFH67ore-_N-4LopGc0TDcpyOBq-bs06HD8LEXrSpLiZwIcfgKRIjwEE57XPxOx7DS9rX4NUEVerxpUiVrTVrMcaNWsmsrvTSqNeOeeOwk4DH1Rz7R4BFZtUi8ehmWXrRWBWUjd12E.GwDqSbp4PpK8al4s8RnIGnpwkwNi3gz5m38xXdScNVs&dib_tag=se&keywords=canon%2Bprinter%2Busb%2Bcable&qid=1762543765&sprefix=canon%2Bprinter%2Busb%2Bcable%2B%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

kims337 — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:26:24 GMT

As stated, I was able to print for a couple of years wireless without a usb.

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

DerrickL — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:45:18 GMT

This may help:

https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/s/article/ART164348

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

kims337 — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:18:24 GMT

I confirmed the SSID and Signal Strength are all good. When I attempt to go to the command prompt, it is requiring me to switch to S Mode which I am hesitant to do. I believe I've seen that you can't switch back?

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

kims337 — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:25:35 GMT

Crossing out my IP, this is what flashed on the screen.

Did you get: NO
A - Timed out
B - Destination host unreachable
C - Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

DerrickL — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:15:28 GMT

S mode only is an overbearing "security" setting that only allows apps to be downloaded and installed and run from the Microsoft store and it makes Edge the only allowable browser, If you change that, there is really no need to change it back. Apparently your command mode did not come from the Microsoft store.

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

kims337 — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 02:02:50 GMT

This is so frustrating! so, i switched out of S Mode, and allowed me to reinstall the printer. Test page printed fine wirelessly.

Went to actual printer to do the recommended alignment and now it's telling me to shut off device, unplug and call service center. Error Code B204....

AND canon website says support is no longer available for this model!! Why suggest and allow me to download and RE-Install if Support is no longer available???

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

shadowsports — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 03:28:35 GMT

Hi @kims337 ,

I see you've been at this for a while. I'm sorry you're having issues.

I'd like to share the following with you. There is no need to mask the private IP of your printer. It holds no person information.

My printer's IP is 192.168.1.99 No personally identifiable information can be gleaned from that. 😉. It's an IP on one of my networks.

It seems you are able to successfully ping your printer from your system which tells you both devices are connected to the same network and can communicate with one another..

The MX490 was released about 11 yrs ago. It has since been retired. While support/repair is no longer available and drivers are no longer being developed, drivers for Windows 11 are and do remain available for download. If you visit the support portal for your device, select Downloads, Windows, then Windows 11, all drivers and utilities available for your device will be presented.

https://www.usa.canon.com/support/p/pixma-mx490

The B204 error is something different. This error indicates a problem with the printhead. The printhead has a useable life and if you've received 10 good years of use, you have received a great return on your investment, and then some. 🙂. Printheads are subjected to high electrical current and extreme heat during the normal course of their life. It sounds like yours has done very well.

At this point. The B204 error is now the primary issue. The error displayed might make it impossible to perform the following, but please try this.

https://ij.manual.canon/ij/webmanual/Manual/W/MX490%20series/EN/BG/bg-maintenance1400.html

If you are unable to make headway, please unplug the printer from power, then press and hold the power button for 15 sec. Then release. Now reconnect to power and turn the printer on.

Did the error clear?

If not, see if you can remove the printhead from the printer. You may need to remove the ink tanks first, then look for a latch to release the printhead. Note: the printer will need to be powered on when you open/lift the cover in order for the carriage to move to a center position. Similar to when you are changing inks. Use caution when removing, as the inks and printhead can be messy. Wearing latex gloves might be the helpful. Do your best to wipe its contacts clean. Q-Tips might help also.

Once things have been cleaned, reinstall / reseat the printhead and the ink tanks. Close the cover and use the power button to turn the printer off. Unplug AC power again, then press and hold the power button for 15 seconds again. Now reconnect to power, and turn the printer on again.

Did the error clear?

If not, it's time to start shopping for a new printer. Remember, the printer has given you many years of service and lived a good life. 🙂

You have some options to. Canon has a loyalty/ upgrade program. It offers a small discount and free shipping on a new product. Upgrade specialists can be reached at the following number.

1-866-443-8002 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday.

They can help you pick the right printer that will meet your needs and budget.

On the off chance the B204 error does clear, please let us know and we can provide next steps. The only path forward is if the error is cleared. B204 is a fatal error which will keep the printer from functioning. Replacement printheads are not inexpensive, and are typically not returnable. I would hate for you to dump money on a replacement only to find out the problem is unresolved. If the error doesn't clear the best path forward is a replacement device.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

kims337 — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:18:17 GMT

A couple of additional notes..

Although you stated the printer is 10+ years old, I have not had it that long and I honestly didn't use it that often. Definitely did not get my money/times worth from it. What bothers me the most is that I have a lot of end of year stuff now that I have to do and I had purchased multiple ink cartridges awhile ago, unopened, unable to be returned that are NO LONGER compatible with any newer cannon printer that is wireless.

The initial issue was connecting wireless. Problem was print driver. The only option I had was to change out of S Mode and used the link Derrick provided above to re-install cannon onto my laptop. This Worked and I was so grateful! Printed a test page 100% fine. Prompted me to do alignment and I selected skip as I wasn't by the printer and wanted to make sure paper was aligned. I attempted to print from laptop, heard the printer in the other room working but when i went to retrieve, the paper was blank. Oh! I have to do the alignment process so I did that directly from the printer via Tools. That is when the Error popped up. Unplugging, holding power button, etc. does not clear the code or allow me to do anything on the machine itself.

WHY would a test page print if there was a problem with the Print Head?

And, I am unable to find instructions on how to remove print head myself? There is no latch or screws visable.

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

DerrickL — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 23:02:55 GMT

B204 is a print head error, if you have not tried a print head cleaning do that first, you may not need to remove the head. Here are the instructions to do that:

https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/s/article/ART162125

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

kims337 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:08:38 GMT

You are the BEST!! It allowed me to go through diagnostics/alignment/cleaning from laptop (printer screen was frozen on error).. All is working as expected. I appreciate your quick responses as well as patience with me!!

Re: PIXMA MX490 - Unable to Print

shadowsports — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 02:12:25 GMT

Glad to hear it. Derricks article provided instructions on cleaning the printhead using the installed software. Mine was by using the printers LCD. You got is solved which is the important thing. Good work. Your efforts paid off. 🙂👍. We hope it keeps going.