Diagnosis
The issue where the Canon PIXMA TR8620a scans only the first page of a stack is typically caused by a "Source" mismatch in the driver settings or a mechanical failure of the ADF (Auto Document Feeder) pickup roller. By default, many scanning profiles are set to "Platen" (the flatbed glass). When the printer is set to Platen mode, it treats every job as a single-page scan; even if you place paper in the ADF, the software tells the hardware to stop after the first image is captured because it expects a single sheet on the glass.
Another common culprit is the "Paper Size" mismatch. If the software is set to a specific size (like 4x6 photo) but you have loaded Letter-sized paper, the sensor may trigger a "Paper Mismatch" error after the first page, causing the printer to eject the remaining stack without scanning them. Finally, if the rollers are glazed with paper dust or ink residue, they may lack the friction necessary to grip the second sheet, causing the printer to believe the feeder is empty after the first page passes through.
How to Fix It
To resolve this, you must synchronize the hardware input with the software command. Follow these exact steps:
- Load your documents into the ADF tray. Ensure the paper guides are snug against the edges of the paper—too loose and the pages will skew, too tight and the roller cannot pull the second sheet.
- On your computer, open the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app or the Canon IJ Scan Utility.
- Navigate to Settings and select Custom Scan.
- Locate the Source dropdown menu. Change this from "Platen" or "Flatbed" to ADF. This is the critical step that tells the printer to continue pulling pages until the tray is empty.
- Under Paper Size, ensure it is set to Letter 8.5" x 11" (or your specific paper size). If this is set to "Auto," the printer may stop if it detects a slight variation in page length.
- Click Scan. The printer should now pull the first page, feed it through the internal rollers, and immediately trigger the pickup roller for the subsequent pages.
If That Didn't Work
- Clean the ADF Pickup Rollers: Open the ADF cover. Locate the small rubber rollers that grip the paper. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water (do not use rubbing alcohol as it can dry out the rubber) and wipe the rollers in the direction of the paper feed. Rotate the rollers manually to clean the entire circumference. This fixes "single-page" issues caused by slippage.
- Reset the Scan Driver: Completely uninstall the Canon IJ Scan Utility and the MP Drivers from your Control Panel. Restart your PC and reinstall the latest driver package from the Canon support site. Corrupted driver profiles often lock the "Source" setting to Platen regardless of what you select in the UI.
- Check for "Paper Jam" Ghosting: Check the ADF path for tiny scraps of torn paper. Even a piece the size of a fingernail can trigger the sensor to think the path is blocked after the first page, causing the machine to stop the feed process.
- Disable "Scan to PDF" Single Page Mode: If you are scanning to PDF, ensure the option "Save all pages in one file" is checked. If this is unchecked, some versions of the software will stop after the first page to prompt you for a new filename for the second page.
Heads Up
- Avoid Staples: Never run stapled documents through the ADF. Even if you remove the staple, the small holes can catch on the internal sensors, causing a jam that requires a full disassembly to clear.
- Paper Weight: The TR8620a ADF struggles with paper thicker than 28lb bond or very thin thermal receipts. Stick to standard 20lb office paper for multi-page scans to prevent rollers from slipping.
- Fan the Paper: Before loading a stack, "fan" the pages to break the static electricity seal between sheets. This prevents the "double-feed" or "no-feed" errors that disrupt multi-page scanning.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the printer's onboard menu under Settings > Device Settings > Firmware Update. Canon frequently releases patches that improve the timing of the ADF sensor triggers.