Canon PIXMA G3260
is not printing.
Canon PIXMA G3260 is not printing? If the printer accepts the job but produces nothing, start with the queue, paper, and the supply path. Those catch common failures without wasting a driver reinstall. On this tank model, check Canon PRINT discovery, GI-21 ink flow, and rear-tray paper alignment first. Check the exact supply and indicator pattern for this model below.
Try these in order.
Stop as soon as the printer behaves. Each step removes one likely cause without changing settings you may need later.
- The job disappears but no page comes out
- The printer pulls paper and then stops
- The preview looks correct but the output is blank
- Canon PIXMA G3260 behavior points back to Canon PRINT discovery, GI-21 ink flow, and rear-tray paper alignment.
- 01
Print a built-in test page
Use the printer control panel to print a nozzle check or quality report. If that works, the printer is fine and the problem is on the computer. On the Canon PIXMA G3260, use Canon PRINT or the 2-line monochrome LCD for this check.
Expected result: A built-in page prints cleanly, proving the print engine works.
- 02
Clear the queue and choose the right device
Cancel old jobs, close duplicate printer windows, and confirm the selected printer name matches the device on your desk.
Expected result: A fresh job routes to the correct printer.
- 03
Refill ink and check the tank vents
Top up any empty ink tank and confirm every fill-hole vent is open. A sealed vent creates a vacuum that stops ink flow.
Expected result: Ink flows to the printhead and the level indicators read above empty.
Match your symptom, jump to the right fix.
If: A built-in test page prints
Then: The printer is fine. Focus on the queue, the selected device, or the driver.
If: The paper pulls in but nothing is printed
Then: Check the ink levels, tank vents, and printhead path, then run a nozzle check.
If: Nothing happens at all when you print
Then: The job is not reaching the printer. Check the queue and network path.
Usually one of these.
- Canon PRINT discovery, GI-21 ink flow, and rear-tray paper alignment is the model-specific checkpoint to verify first.
- The wrong printer or a paused queue is selected.
- Paper is loaded in the wrong tray or the guides are too tight.
- An ink tank ran empty or its vent is still sealed, starving the printhead.
Move to the deeper fix.
Run one maintenance cycle
Run the standard printhead cleaning or alignment routine once, then print a quality check. Repeating maintenance back-to-back wastes ink.
Expected result: A quality check shows all nozzles firing again.
Install the manufacturer driver
If the built-in test page works but computer jobs do not, remove the generic driver and install the official model package for your operating system. Use the official Canon support page for the exact Canon PIXMA G3260 package before changing firmware or resetting the device.
Expected result: Computer jobs print with full model-specific features.
- Do not run repeated cleaning cycles. Each one uses ink and pushes more waste into the maintenance box.
- Only refill with the ink bottle series listed for this model; third-party ink can clog the printhead.
Before you reset everything.
Why does my tank printer say Printing but do nothing?
The queue may be stuck, the selected printer may be a duplicate, or the printer may be waiting for a cover, paper, or ink tank to be refilled. On this model, start with Canon PRINT and the official support instructions.
Why is the page blank after printing?
Blank output usually points to an empty ink tank, a sealed tank vent, or a blocked printhead, not the computer.
Does refilling ink reset the level automatically?
Usually yes after the printer detects the tank is refilled, but you may need to confirm it in the app or panel on some models.
Canon PIXMA G3260 facts that change the fix.
Supplies and parts
- Ink bottles
- GI-21 Black (PGBK), GI-21 Cyan, GI-21 Magenta, GI-21 Yellow
- Maintenance box
- MC-G02 maintenance cartridge (user-replaceable)
- User replaceable
- ink bottles, maintenance cartridge
The ink lamp lights or support code 1640 appears when ink reaches the lower limit. Refill to the fill line.
Error codes and lights
Out of paper.
Load paper and press OK.
Cover is open.
Close the cover.
Paper jam.
Clear the jam.
Ink reached the lower limit.
Refill the ink tanks.
Maintenance cartridge is not installed.
Install an MC-G02.
Maintenance cartridge cannot be used.
Replace with the correct MC-G02.
Maintenance cartridge is not recognized.
Reseat or replace the MC-G02.
Maintenance cartridge is full.
Replace the MC-G02.
Carriage error.
Clear any obstruction and restart.
Print head temperature error.
Let it cool and restart.
Connectivity and operating systems
- Connection
- Wi-Fi · USB
- Wi-Fi
- 2.4 GHz only
- Control panel
- 2-line monochrome LCD
- Paper trays
- Rear tray only (100 sheets)
- Works with
- Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1, macOS, iOS, Android
Use the exact model guide.
These links point to the manufacturer resources for this model. Use the manual for panel symbols and the driver page for software or operating-system issues.
Sources checked 2026-08-13.