# [phone] Canon Printer ‘Memory Full’ Error: What It Means and How to Fix

Canon printers are widely known for their reliability, performance, and quality output in both home and business environments. However, even the best machines are not immune to occasional issues. One of the most common yet frustrating problems users encounter is the **‘Memory Full’ error**.

This issue typically arises when the printer's internal memory is unable to process or store the entire print job. It can halt printing operations, affect productivity, and confuse users unfamiliar with how printer memory works. Fortunately, this error is fixable in most cases.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore:

* What the Canon ‘Memory Full’ error means
* Common causes behind the error
* Step-by-step troubleshooting techniques
* Tips to prevent future occurrences
* When to call Canon Printer Support at **[phone]**

### **Section 1: Understanding the Canon ‘Memory Full’ Error**

The **‘Memory Full’** error on a Canon printer typically indicates that the internal RAM (Random Access Memory) or buffer of the device has reached its capacity. This can happen when the printer receives a large file, a complex document, or multiple jobs in rapid succession.

#### **Types of Canon Printers Affected**

This error can occur in various Canon printer models, including:

* Canon Laser Printers (e.g., imageCLASS series)
* Canon Inkjet Printers (e.g., PIXMA series)
* Canon All-in-One Multifunction Printers
* Canon Business Printers

### **Section 2: Causes of the ‘Memory Full’ Error**

Several factors can contribute to this problem. Understanding these causes will help you pinpoint the issue and apply the right fix.

#### **1. Large Print Job Size**

High-resolution images or complex graphics take up more memory than text documents. Sending multiple large files at once can exceed the printer's memory capacity.

#### **2. Multi-Page Print Jobs**

Attempting to print a long document (e.g., 100+ pages) may overload the memory buffer.

#### **3. Scanned Copies or Fax Queues**

In all-in-one Canon models, queued scanned documents or unsent faxes can take up memory space.

#### **4. Outdated Firmware**

Older firmware versions may contain memory management bugs that limit efficient handling of large jobs.

#### **5. Printer Driver Issues**

Incorrect or outdated drivers may not handle memory allocation properly.

#### **6. Network Congestion or Errors**

When printing over a network, transmission errors can cause memory to fill up without completing the print job.

### **Section 3: How to Fix Canon ‘Memory Full’ Error**

Let’s dive into proven solutions you can try to resolve this error and resume printing smoothly.

#### **Step 1: Cancel All Print Jobs**

The first step is to **clear the printer queue** to free up memory.

**On Windows:**

1. Go to **Control Panel > Devices and Printers**.
2. Right-click on your Canon printer and choose **See what’s printing**.
3. In the queue window, click **Printer > Cancel All Documents**.

**On macOS:**

1. Go to **System Preferences > Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select your Canon printer, click **Open Print Queue**, and remove all jobs.

#### **Step 2: Restart the Printer**

A simple restart often clears temporary memory errors.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug the power cable.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Plug it back in and turn the printer on.

#### **Step 3: Reduce Print Job Size**

Try printing the document in smaller sections.

* Break large PDFs or Word documents into smaller segments.
* Lower the DPI (dots per inch) resolution if printing images.
* Use a more memory-efficient file format (e.g., print from a plain-text document rather than PDF or JPEG).

#### **Step 4: Update Canon Printer Firmware**

Updating your firmware helps improve memory management and fixes known bugs.

**To update:**

1. Visit the [Canon USA Support website](https://www.usa.canon.com/support).
2. Enter your printer model.
3. Download the latest firmware update.
4. Follow on-screen instructions to install.

#### **Step 5: Install or Update Printer Drivers**

Ensure that you are using the latest and correct driver for your Canon printer.

1. Go to **Device Manager** on your PC.
2. Find your printer under **Printers**.
3. Right-click and choose **Update driver**.
4. Or visit Canon's official site and download the latest driver for your OS.

#### **Step 6: Clear Fax or Scan Memory (For Multifunction Printers)**

For Canon printers that fax or scan:

* Access the control panel or touchscreen.
* Navigate to **Fax Memory** or **Scan Memory**.
* Delete stored or pending items.
* This will free up RAM being held by these jobs.

#### **Step 7: Enable “Print as Image” Option**

In Adobe Acrobat or PDF printing software:

1. Open the **Print** dialog.
2. Click on **Advanced**.
3. Check the box that says **Print as Image**.
4. Click OK and try printing again.

This simplifies the data being sent to the printer, reducing memory usage.

#### **Step 8: Change Spooling Settings**

Adjusting spooling can ease the memory load.

**On Windows:**

1. Go to **Devices and Printers**.
2. Right-click your printer > **Printer Properties**.
3. Go to the **Advanced** tab.
4. Select **Start printing after last page is spooled**.
5. Also try changing from **Spool print documents** to **Print directly to the printer** if the issue persists.

#### **Step 9: Reset the Printer to Factory Defaults**

If nothing else works, resetting the printer may help.

**Note:** This will erase custom settings.

1. Press the **Menu** button.
2. Navigate to **Settings > Reset Settings > Reset All**.
3. Confirm the reset and restart your printer.

#### **Step 10: Upgrade Printer Memory (If Supported)**

Some business-class Canon laser printers allow for **RAM upgrades**. Consult your printer manual to see if your model supports this.

Upgrading from 64MB to 128MB or 256MB can significantly help with large files and high-volume tasks.

### **Section 4: Tips to Prevent ‘Memory Full’ Error**

Preventing the issue is better than dealing with it repeatedly. Here are some practical tips:

#### ✅ Keep Your Firmware & Drivers Updated

Set reminders to check for Canon firmware and driver updates monthly.

#### ✅ Regularly Clear Fax/Scan Queues

Especially in office setups, periodically clear out saved scans and failed faxes.

#### ✅ Optimize Your Print Jobs

* Compress large files.
* Use grayscale instead of color when possible.
* Avoid printing heavy graphics unless necessary.

#### ✅ Monitor Print Queue Load

Avoid sending multiple large files simultaneously. Instead, space them out.

#### ✅ Use Recommended Print Software

Official Canon print utilities help manage memory usage better than generic printing tools.

### **Section 5: When to Call Canon Printer Support**

Despite your best efforts, the issue might persist due to internal hardware problems or corrupted firmware. In such cases, it's best to call for expert help.

📞 **Canon Printer Toll-Free Support (USA): [phone]**

Support is available to assist with:

* Memory error diagnostics
* Firmware recovery
* Advanced driver settings
* Printer RAM upgrades
* Warranty or service scheduling

### **Section 6: Canon Printer Models Commonly Affected**

Here are a few models that users have reported memory issues with:

| Canon Printer Model | Error Common? | Upgradeable Memory? |
| ------------------------- | ------------- | ------------------- |
| Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw | Yes | No |
| Canon LBP6230dw | Yes | No |
| Canon i-SENSYS MF742Cdw | Yes | Yes (limited) |
| Canon PIXMA TR8520 | Yes | No |
| Canon imageCLASS LBP214dw | Yes | Yes |

If your model is not listed here, the fix still applies, but you may want to consult the official Canon user manual or call **[phone]**.

### **Section 7: FAQs**

#### **Q1. Can I upgrade the memory on my Canon printer?**

Only some Canon laser models support RAM upgrades. Inkjet printers typically do not allow memory upgrades.

#### **Q2. Why does the error appear even with small documents?**

It could be caused by:

* A buildup of old pending jobs
* Corrupt files
* Software glitches or outdated firmware

#### **Q3. Is this error a sign of permanent damage?**

No, in most cases it’s a temporary error. But persistent issues may indicate a failing memory module or control board.

### **Conclusion**

The **Canon Printer ‘Memory Full’ error** can be disruptive but is usually not a sign of hardware failure. Most users can resolve it with a mix of clearing jobs, updating firmware, reducing file size, and checking settings.

However, if the problem recurs frequently, don’t hesitate to contact expert Canon support at:

📞 **Toll-Free Number: [phone] (USA)**

Their trained technicians can help diagnose deeper issues or guide you through more advanced fixes.

**Print smarter, not harder — and keep your Canon printer performing at its best.**