Canon MX870 Review

The Canon MX870 is an all-in-one inkjet printer released by Canon, positioned as a reliable solution for both home offices and small businesses. While this model has been on the market for some time, it still garners interest due to its balanced features, wireless capabilities, and performance pedigree. In this review, we’ll explore why buyers often encounter issues or hesitate with the MX870, provide practical steps for maximizing its utility and addressing common problems, and conclude with our overall thoughts on the MX870’s value today.

Why Users Experience Problems with the Canon MX870

Despite the initial appeal of the Canon MX870’s feature set—automatic duplex printing, wireless networking, built-in fax, scanner, and a versatile card reader—several factors can lead to dissatisfaction or technical hurdles among users.

• Wireless connectivity issues:
  • Setting up Wi-Fi can be tricky, especially for those unfamiliar with older network standards.
  • The MX870 uses older wireless protocols, which might not be fully compatible with newer routers or security configurations, leading to dropped connections or difficulty finding the device on a network.
• Ink management:
  • The printer uses individual cartridges for each color, but tends to register ink as depleted prematurely.
  • Some users replace cartridges frequently, even when visible ink remains, causing unnecessary expense and waste.
• Mechanical reliability:
  • Paper jams, particularly with the automatic document feeder (ADF), are not uncommon.
  • Jams can disrupt workflow and, in worst cases, require disassembly or support assistance.
• Driver compatibility:
  • Support for newer operating systems may be limited.
  • Users upgrading computers might struggle to find functional drivers or software utilities.

Instruction Guide for Resolving Common Canon MX870 Issues

For users who already own the Canon MX870 or are considering purchasing a used unit, overcoming these hurdles is vital to enjoying the printer’s robust feature set. Here’s a practical guide to resolving the most common problems:

1. Solving Wireless Connectivity Troubles

• Update Firmware and Drivers: Visit Canon’s official website to download firmware updates and the latest compatible drivers.
• Router Compatibility: The MX870 prefers 2.4 GHz networks and may not connect to 5 GHz or WPA3 protocol networks. Create a guest network supporting WPA2 and 2.4 GHz if needed.
• Manual Network Setup: Configure the MX870 with a static IP address via the printer’s menu and reserve it in your router for improved stability.
• Reset Network Settings: Restore network settings to default and restart wireless installation if needed.

2. Managing Ink Consumption Effectively

• Use Genuine Cartridges: Canon printers are finicky about recognizing non-genuine cartridges and may falsely report them as empty or not installed.
• Reset the Ink Level Counter: If cartridges are marked empty but still have ink, hold the “Stop/Reset” button for at least five seconds to override the warning (do this with caution).
• Regular Printing: Use the printer regularly to avoid ink-consuming printhead cleaning cycles; print something weekly if possible.

3. Preventing and Clearing Paper Jams

• Load Paper Correctly: Fan the paper to separate sheets, avoid overfilling the tray, and use recommended paper weights and sizes.
• Clean the Rollers: Use a lint-free, slightly dampened cloth to gently clean feed rollers, following the manual’s guidance.
• Dealing with Stubborn Jams: Open the lift cover and gently remove jammed paper following the paper path; never yank sheets backward.

4. Driver and Software Compatibility

• Compatibility Mode: If no driver exists for your OS, install the last available driver in compatibility mode.
• Use Generic Print Drivers: Basic functions may be available via built-in “Generic Printer” drivers in Windows and macOS.
• Third-Party Solutions: Independent developers may offer updated drivers or scanning utilities for legacy printers; check forums such as Apple Discussions or Linux Printing for resources.

Conclusion: Should You Choose or Keep the Canon MX870?

The Canon MX870 remains a viable all-in-one solution for users who prioritize feature depth, print quality, and versatile media handling. Its ability to print, scan, copy, and fax wirelessly—plus support for automatic duplexing—ensures that it can still meet the needs of many households and small offices, provided that expectations are managed.

Yet, prospective users should weigh the potential drawbacks typical of legacy hardware: network compatibility, ink efficiency, mechanical aging, and the prospect of patchy software updates. For tech-savvy individuals comfortable with troubleshooting, the MX870 can still deliver excellent results, especially if purchased at a significant discount or already owned.

For those seeking absolute plug-and-play simplicity or advanced wireless protocols, a more modern inkjet may be the better investment. However, with proper care, manual intervention, and an eye for detail, the Canon MX870 remains an impressive piece of Canon engineering—proving that even older technology can stand the test of time with the right approach.