Canon Printer Error E54 — USB Communication Error

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E54 means the printer detected a fault in its USB connection to the computer. This is usually caused by a loose cable, a faulty USB port, or a corrupted printer driver. Reconnecting the cable, trying a different USB port, or reinstalling the driver normally resolves it.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG2522
Canon PIXMA MG3620
Canon PIXMA TR4520
Canon PIXMA TS202
Canon PIXMA MG2922

Common Causes

The USB cable is loose at the printer end or at the computer end
The USB cable is damaged — a bent connector or internal break causes intermittent faults
The USB port on the computer is faulty or providing insufficient power
The printer driver has become corrupted after a Windows or macOS update
A USB hub is being used and the printer is not receiving enough power through it

How to Fix It

Unplug the USB cable from both the printer and the computer, then plug it back in firmly at both ends.

USB-B connectors (the square type at the printer end) can work loose over time.
Try a different USB cable if one is available.

USB cables fail more often than people expect. A damaged cable is the single most common cause of E54.
Plug the USB cable directly into a USB port on your computer — bypass any USB hub or docking station.

USB hubs can have power delivery issues that cause E54 on printers that draw significant current.
Try a different USB port on your computer.

Individual USB ports can fail. Trying another port takes 30 seconds and often fixes the problem.
Uninstall and reinstall the Canon printer driver from Canon's official website.

A corrupted driver can cause persistent E54. Download the latest driver for your exact model from Canon's support site.

When to Call a Professional

E54 is almost always a cable, port, or driver issue — rarely a printer hardware fault. If the error persists after trying all steps below with a known-good cable and direct USB connection, the printer's USB port may be damaged. A Canon service center can replace the USB port.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does E54 also affect Wi-Fi printing?

No — E54 is specifically a USB error. If your printer is connected via Wi-Fi, you would not see E54. For wireless connection issues on Canon printers, check for errors like E40 or refer to Wi-Fi setup guides.

Can I use the printer wirelessly to avoid E54?

Yes — if your printer model supports Wi-Fi, switching to wireless printing avoids all USB-related errors. This is a practical permanent fix if your USB port or cable is problematic.

E54 appeared after a Windows update — is that connected?

Yes, Windows updates sometimes break printer driver compatibility. Uninstall your current Canon driver, restart your computer, then download and reinstall the latest driver from Canon's website. This resolves driver-related E54 issues after system updates.