Once in this state, the machine will not respond to normal power cycles, buttons, or network (if equipped). It’s essentially bricked until reloaded correctly.
If the power cycle does not work, the issue is likely physical. The IR 2016 relies on a Boot ROM chip located on the main controller board.
Warning: The following steps involve opening the device. If you are uncomfortable with hardware repairs, contact a certified Canon technician.
In rare cases, the non-volatile RAM or boot ROM chip on the main controller board becomes corrupted. This causes the printer to default to "download standby" even when no update is intended.
If the printer is stuck permanently in Download Standby:
Overall score: 3.2 / 5
Summary
Build & Design — 4 / 5
Print, Copy & Scan Quality — 4 / 5
Performance & Speed — 3 / 5
"Download Standby" Error Experience — 2 / 5
Ease of Setup & Management — 3.5 / 5
Consumables & Running Costs — 3.5 / 5
Security & Features — 3.5 / 5
Who it’s for
Pros
Cons
Bottom line
The message "DOWNLOAD STANDBY" on a Canon imageRUNNER 2016 typically indicates that the machine is stuck in a system software update mode or has experienced a firmware corruption. When this occurs, the printer's normal functions are locked because the internal system is waiting for data that isn't arriving. Why This Happens
Failed Update: An interrupted firmware download or a corrupted file during a service update.
Boot Error: A glitch in the main controller board that triggers "Download Mode" by mistake.
Service Technician Intervention: The machine was intentionally put into this mode using the Service Support Tool (SST) to reload the operating system. How to Resolve It canon ir 2016 download standby error verified
Power Cycle: Turn the main power switch off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. If the error persists, the system software is likely missing or corrupted. Firmware Reinstallation
: You will need the Canon Service Support Tool (SST) and the specific firmware for the
. This usually requires a connection via a USB or parallel port from a computer running the SST software.
Check Hardware: If firmware cannot be reloaded, it may indicate a faulty Main Controller Board or a failing Flash ROM that can no longer hold the system data. Technical "Story" or Context
In professional service environments, this error is "verified" when a technician confirms the machine is unresponsive to standard user commands and only responds to the SST interface. It is a "standby" state because the hardware is ready, but the "brain" (software) is waiting for instructions.
The Canon IR 2016 often uses a parallel (IEEE 1284) port. A loose, damaged, or incorrectly configured cable can cause data packets to fail verification.
The process takes 10–15 minutes. Do not interrupt power or USB connection. After completion, the machine will reboot automatically. Once in this state, the machine will not
✅ Result: The “Download Standby” message disappears. Copying and printing resume.