topic Re: MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one in Printer Software & Networking

MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

harrisr — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:30:18 GMT

Anyone ever seen one printer generate so many detected printers?

I'm connected by wire and this list of growing "duplicates" keeps getting larger.

Re: MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

DerrickL — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 20:20:38 GMT

What operating system are you using? If it is windows you may have a print spooler error. My printer is the MG3620, I use Windows 11 and I don't see anything like this.

Steps to Reset the Windows Print Spooler

Resetting the print spooler can help resolve printing issues by clearing any stuck print jobs. Follow these steps to reset the print spooler service in Windows:

Method 1: Using the Services Console

Open the Run Dialog
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
Access Services
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
Locate Print Spooler
- In the Services window, scroll down to find Print Spooler.
Restart the Service
- Right-click on Print Spooler and select Restart.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Search for "Command Prompt," right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Stop the Print Spooler
- Type the following command and press Enter:
  net stop spooler
Clear the Print Queue
- Type the following command and press Enter:
  DEL /F /S /Q %systemroot%\System32\spool\PRINTERS\*
Start the Print Spooler
- Type the following command and press Enter:
  net start spooler

Re: MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

harrisr — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 22:19:46 GMT

MacOS Tahoe 26.4

Re: MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

DerrickL — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 05:03:27 GMT

Steps to Resolve Duplicate MG3620 Printers

Remove Existing Printers: Navigate to System Settings > Printers & Scanners. Select every instance of your Canon MG3620 and click Remove Printer.
Restart Network Equipment: Power off your Wi-Fi router, the MG3620 printer, and your Mac. Turn the router back on and wait for it to fully connect, then power on the printer and Mac.
Add via Bonjour: Go back to Printers & Scanners, click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax..., select the printer under the Default tab (using Bonjour) to ensure the latest network protocol is used.
Select Correct Driver: Ensure the "Use" menu indicates AirPrint or the correct Canon driver.
Resolve IP Conflicts (If issues persist): If the Mac assigns new names (e.g., MG3620_2, MG3620_3), the router might be changing the printer's IP address. Consider setting a static IP address for the printer.

Re: MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

harrisr — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 05:17:41 GMT

Thanks Derrick!

Removing was tedious because it's one by one and there are over 50 generated instances. In any case, I've done this a few times including printer restarts (power cable removed included).

Note that I'm not using WiFi for this printer and using a hard line (direct USB connection). I don't think the IP conflicts and Network equipment suggestions are relevant as a result?

I installed the latest driver as well but no dice.

Re: MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

DerrickL — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:49:33 GMT

No, IP conflicts and Network equipment suggestions should not be relevant. I know the MG3620 cannot have wifi and usb active at the same time. Do you power the printer down when not in use? The same for your Mac? I do not, I leave all my equipment powered on except for my monitors which sleep until I hit my keyboard spacebar. If powered down a new instance could be created every time it comes back online so to speak. I am curious about the code under the printer name in each appearance.

One other question, is your printer connected directly to your Mac or is it connected to a USB hub? My printer is connected to a four port non powered hub. I know that if I were to move the connection to a different port on the hub or the computer it would perform a new install, as if I were installing a second MG3620. It could do the same if i had a powered hub and turned it off and on.

Re: MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

harrisr — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 18:39:25 GMT

I power it down from time-to-time but generally leave it on. I indeed use a four-port hub but do not disconnect it from the hub. That being said, I do disconnect the hub when I remove my laptop to travel away from my desk. I believe... it's non-powered. As you mention that, it seems like that is the likely culprit/smell but seems hard to defend against and seems like an obvious... bug.

> I am curious about the code under the printer name in each appearance.

Which code are you referring to exactly?

Re: MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

DerrickL — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:35:56 GMT

You may want to consider an inexpensive USB hub just to travel with. This is a very good one, I use three of them:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JX1ZS5O?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3&th=1

The code I was referring to is the name and digit string under the printer name in the screenshot you posted.

Re: MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

harrisr — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:46:48 GMT

As yes, that code is just my device name (static).

Ah my main issue is more personal RE: desk setup at workplace has an inbuilt hub. Either I use it or not at all. Is the guess that switching between the two hubs triggers it to be recognized as a new device each time? This is a relatively newer issue with this printer (I had the exact same model printer before but had to buy a replacement and this only correlates with the newer one).

Re: MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

DerrickL — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:27:19 GMT

I think switching between hub ports is what is generating the new install. Do you have an separate USB hub from your Laptop you travel with? When you say your desk setup has an inbuilt hub, I don't understand exactly what you mean. I think there is a definite port change at some point that generates a new auto install and appearance of the printer on your laptop. If you can design a way to always use the same pc USB port travel or home this should stop. Is a second usb hub that you can leave connected to the same port on your PC and take with you a feasible idea?

First thing however is to test this as the possible cause, by simulating what sequence you do when you take your laptop for travel, power down etc and if this causes a new install of your printer.

Re: MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

harrisr — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:43:47 GMT

It's a bit of a personal scenario but essentially my workplace desks have pre-setup monitors and a ton of other accessories all setup to be plugged in with their dock. It'd be a lot of work to do this daily just to stop spawning a new printer each time I come back home...

This port change thing seems super unusual given that it's the same printer already recognized on the same device sigh. Seems odd to keep a second USB hub plugged in at all times too no? RE: inconvenient/risky travelling with it without it getting damaged.

I suspect that test will succeed (not in the way we want) but in any case, if it doesn't, we don't have another obvious lead/path right?

Re: MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

Stephen — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:22:07 GMT

This context was the missing piece of the puzzle!

Welcome to the community! It looks like you've been working through this with DerrickL, but I wanted to provide a deeper look at why macOS is "respawning" these entries and how to stop it.

TL;DR: Your USB hub and work dock are creating "Virtual Ports" that macOS caches. Switching between the two hardware paths tricks the Mac into thinking it's a new printer every time. To stop this, plug the printer directly into your Mac's onboard USB port or switch to Wi-Fi with a Static IP.

Why this is happening Your USB accessories create virtual ports to route data. When you plug into a hub, macOS assigns that specific hardware path a unique ID. When you unplug, the virtual port disappears, but macOS often "holds onto" it in the background so the device is ready if you plug back in.

When you move to your workplace dock, macOS detects a totally different controller and creates a new virtual port. Because the OS is still caching the old one from home, it often assigns a brand-new identity to the printer (e.g., MG3620_2, _3) rather than reusing the original entry.

Solution 1: Consistent Hardwire

To keep the speed of a cable without the clutter:

Try connecting the MG3620 directly to a built-in USB port on your Mac laptop instead of using the hub/dock. This keeps the hardware path identical every time you sit down at home.

Solution 2: Transition to Wi-Fi (The "Location-Blind" Fix)

Switching to a wireless connection removes the "USB path" from the equation entirely.

Preparation: Note your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.
Reset Network Settings: On the printer, hold the Network button until the alarm lamp flashes, then release.
Setup: Download the latest setup software from https://canon.us/ijsetup. Run the installer and choose Wireless LAN Connection as the connection method.
Static IP: To ensure the Mac never "loses" the printer, access the printer's Remote UI by typing the printer's IP address into your web browser. Under Network Settings, assign a Manual/Static IP address.