Can't scan without USB connection

My iMac, running MacOS 26.1 is no longer able to run a wireless scan from my Canon MG3520 printer... what gives???


Posted on Nov 25, 2025 4:50 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 26, 2025 10:43 AM

Are you able to print to the printer?


Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?


Try the following: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


11 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 26, 2025 10:43 AM in response to LongbowJim

Are you able to print to the printer?


Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?


Try the following: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Nov 27, 2025 10:04 AM in response to LongbowJim

AirPrint support, but no TWAIN listed in the tech specs. That’s unfortunate.


TWAIN support usually allows the Apple Image Capture app to work.


There’s firmware from (probably) October 2020 (could be January 2020), “Printer Firmware Updater (Mac) for MG3500 series Ver.1.1”. if that’s not loaded, load it.


Failing that, and failing switching over to and configuring and using AirPrint for printing and scanning, then VueScan might work.

Nov 25, 2025 5:36 PM in response to LongbowJim

if you are scanning from the canon software -- go to canon and check the macOS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for your scanner (and google if others are having compatibility issues and how they fixed it, the solution)


it probably needs a software update to work... Tahoe 26.1 is still the bleeding edge...


PS: I presume you mean it has never worked since updating to macOS 26x



Can't scan without USB connection

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