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The Canon firmware reboot loop dilemma

08/06/2022

Or, how not to do a firmware update! 

Canon has been in the spotlight recently when a new firmware update caused some Pixma and Maxify models to be permanently stuck in reboot loops. Over the last week or so, media outlets have reported on a firmware issue of a different kind. Canon sent through a new firmware update for some of its Pixma and Maxify models at the end of May. The firmware update caused the printers to be stuck in a reboot loop every time the printer was switched on. Reports said taking the printer off the network helped stop the problem. Canon’s support forum quoted the models affected were the Pixma iP110, Maxify iB4020, Maxify MB2020, Maxify MB2320, Maxify MB5020, Maxify MB5320, Pixma MG6620, Pixma MG7520, Pixma MX490 / MX492. When the problem emerged, The Verge wrote: “Until there is an official update or fix, some people in the forums have found that disconnecting the printers from the internet is enough to keep them from rebooting, with control still possible via USB.” After the reports emerged at the beginning of the month, Canon acted quickly and responded with a further firmware update that is available to download from their support page. Our take on this: OEMs usually try to upset customers using third-party supplies, but Canon somehow just upset their printer users with this update. Canon could have avoided the egg on their face if they had tested the firmware version first to avoid this kind of thing happening? We hope users can solve the problem with the new firmware update, but easier still – switch off automatic firmware updates, so these surprises do not happen.