How can I scan from a Canon MX870 in El Capitan?

Question

How can I scan from a Canon MX870 in El Capitan?

Since "up"grading to El Capitan, I also lost my ability to scan directly from my Canon MX870 printer/scanner. This used to be flawless in previous MacOS versions. Now, the menu item (Import from Scanner) in Preview is either greyed out, or I get an error message: "Cannot communicate with scanner...". The same error message appears if I use the native Canon MP Navigator App. Of course, this is ridiculous since both the scanner and the computer are on the same wireless LAN, and there is no problem PRINTING to the same device (so the Mac can clearly find it, just not for scanning purposes). HELP!? (I've already updated the driver...)

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), Magic Mouse

Posted on Jan 3, 2016 4:51 PM

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Answer 1

woof k

Level 1

4 points

Apr 3, 2017 3:51 AM in response to Sebastian Kuhn

I ran into similar problems. I tried any solutions I found here and else where in the internet. Finally I got my MX870 fully working with 10.11 El Capitan with the "IJ Network Tool", provided from Canon Supportsite under the Software-Tab.

First I deleted printer and scanner related to the MX870 in the macOS printer preferences. Than I installed any driver given from canon for this printer. Afterwards I startet the "IJ Network Tool"-App and followed the given instructions. After finishing the installation process I added Printer and Scanner to the macOS printer preferences. I did note chose the provided bonjour-device, instead I took the Canon IJ Network-Device.

Finally I can use my MX870 (print and scan in macOS without using third-party apps) completely like I did before with no restrictions. Maybe it could solve it for some of you, hope so.

Good luck 🙂

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Answer 2

Jan 3, 2016 4:58 PM in response to Sebastian Kuhn

1. Launch the System Preferences application.

2. Click Printers & Scanners.

3. Select your Printer from the list on the left.

4. Select the Scan tab, located beside the Print tab.

5. Click the Open Scanner... button.

6. It may ask you to install software. If so, click the Install button.

7. Allow the software to install. Once installed, use the application to scan documents.

I hope this resolves your issue.

Best regards,

Austin

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Answer 3

Imp68

Level 4

2,672 points

Jan 3, 2016 5:11 PM in response to Sebastian Kuhn

Good chance you'll need to get the scanner driver from Canon, as it's not natively supported in OS X.

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Answer 4

Jan 3, 2016 5:17 PM in response to AustinJGibson

It sounds all so easy. But no go - when I select my device (Canon MX870 series), there IS NO "Scan" TAB!

I did upgrade the most recent driver available on the Canon site - no dice. Somehow the Mac cannot see the "scanner side" of my device on the network, although it has no problem with the "printer side".

Again, this all worked without problem in "Mavericks".

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Answer 5

Jan 3, 2016 5:39 PM in response to AustinJGibson

It sounds all so easy. But no go - when I select my device (Canon MX870 series), there IS NO "Scan" TAB!

I did upgrade the most recent driver available on the Canon site - no dice. I even went through the whole network setup process (using the USB cable). Somehow the Mac cannot see the "scanner side" of my device on the network, although it has no problem with the "printer side".

Again, this all worked without problem in "Mavericks".

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Answer 6

Jan 3, 2016 5:45 PM in response to Sebastian Kuhn

Download the scanner driver from the link below.

msd_-mac-mx870-16_1_1a-ea8_2.dmg

I hope this resolves your issue.

Best regards,

Austin

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Answer 7

Macfocus

Level 1

9 points

Jan 4, 2016 5:29 PM in response to Sebastian Kuhn

Just had the same issue.

The problem is you are probably using the default AirPrint driver.

The solution is:

Download and install the correct driver if not already done.
Open system prefs/Printer and Scanners
Select your printer
Select the correct driver (it reads "AirPrint" now)
If you can't select the driver, delete the printer, add it and try again.
Still no luck? Restart the Mac and try again.

Good luck!

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Answer 8

Jan 4, 2016 5:34 PM in response to Macfocus

While my problem is still unsolved, at least I found a reasonable work around, partially inspired by your reply. First, I had to delete the printer from the "Printer/Scanner" list. Then, I had to re-initialize the network connection for the printer, following the instructions at http://downloads.canon.com/wireless/router_network_change_MX350_MX870.pdf. Finally, I went through the "Add Printer" and "Add Scanner" dialogs - both found the printer on the network and automatically selected the correct (previously downloaded) drivers. Printing works again - in the course of my previous futile attempts of fixing this problem, that wasn't working anymore, either. BUT: Scanning over the network simply does NOT work - still! I am convinced that El Crapitan is somehow messing this up, since it worked fine before I "up"graded. At least there is a workaround: The printer comes with an USB cable. IF I connect that directly to my computer (but don't change anything in the setup), I can scan again - at least through Preview. This is a bit of a hassle, but I guess I can live with it - for now.

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Answer 9

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,492 points

Jan 4, 2016 6:33 PM in response to Sebastian Kuhn

Why don't you give VueScan a look ? http://www.hamrick.com/

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Answer 10

Mar 12, 2016 8:59 PM in response to Sebastian Kuhn

I managed to fix this issue and this is what I did.

Go to https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/details/printers/suppo rt-inkjet-printer/mx-series/pixma-mx870 and download and install "ICA Driver Ver. 4.0.0 (OS X)" under the Drivers tab. Please note, this is a different driver than the "MX870 series Scanner Driver Ver. 16.1.1a (OS X)" under the Recommended Download tab. I ended up installing both, but the first one didn't do anything for me.
Download and install MP Navigator EX Ver. 3.1.4 (OS X) under the Software tab.
Open the MP Natvigator EX software and go to preferences.
Under the "Product Name" Dropdown, select "MX970 Series (Network: __some-network-identifier__) and click OK. This should be the 2nd option and the first option is "MX970 Series" without the network identifier.

To test this:

In the main menu, select "Scan/Import" and choose "Photos/Documents (Platen)"
Click Scan.

Good luck and I hope it works for you!

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Answer 11

rg30

Level 1

8 points

Mar 30, 2016 2:26 PM in response to cohiba1492

Thank you - this worked perfectly for me!

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Answer 12

Apr 7, 2016 9:53 PM in response to cohiba1492

Thank you! This helped me as well (I can at least scan through MP Navigator EX software now). Just hope Apple will fix the scanning with Preview as I prefer to use that program.

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Answer 13

Rcbaker

Level 1

4 points

Sep 17, 2016 1:06 PM in response to AustinJGibson

I tried this, but there is NO Scan tab. My problem is I CAN see the printer and it prints, but I CAN NOT get the scanner to work via wireless. It had been working for a long time, but I upgraded the security patch on 9/15/16 and I no longer have the ability to scan.

I also have been trying the Canon MP Navigator EX, but it too does not find the scanner, even after going to the preferences and selecting the MX870 series (Network:-)

I was on the phone with Canon support for about 40 minutes and they could not find the problem. They said it was the router ( Relatively New Apple Time Capsule) so I called Apple, and they did what they could, but did not make sense that only the print functionality worked. Its not the router.

I am at a loss, but to go and buy another printer. Not a Canon because there is so much trouble getting the thing to work. I have had the printer maybe 5 years but the last security update killed it for me.

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Answer 14

Cialti

Level 1

8 points

Feb 2, 2017 10:22 PM in response to cohiba1492

These were the only instructions that worked. Thank you.

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