Changing internet providers, upgrading a router, or simply changing a wireless network password are common situations that every digital device owner faces. At such moments Canon printerA device that was typing perfectly just yesterday suddenly loses connection with the computer and stops responding. The user must quickly reconfigure the device to restore functionality for their home or office workstation.
The reconnection process MF devices connecting to a new access point may seem complicated only at first glance. Modern models, such as Canon PIXMA or imageCLASS, are equipped with an intuitive interface and support quick setup technologies like WPS. However, depending on whether the device has a display on the case, the steps will differ significantly.
In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for changing Wi-Fi connection settings. We'll cover methods for models with and without a display, and also highlight software utilities that do the heavy lifting. You don't need to be an engineer to handle this task in just a few minutes.
Preparatory stage before changing the network
Before you begin manipulating the buttons on the printer, you need to make sure the new wireless network is ready to receive devices. The router must be turned on and the signal must be stable. It's also crucial to know the exact network name (SSID) and the current password, since an error in even one character will result in the inability to connect.
Please note the frequency range. Most modern Canon printers operate exclusively within the frequency range. 2.4 GHzIf your router only gives out a signal in 5 GHz, the device simply won't see the network. You may need to enable mixed mode in your router settings or assign a separate SSID for the 2.4 GHz frequency.
⚠️ Important: Make sure the printer is within range of a strong signal. If the device is located too far from the router or behind thick walls, the setup process may be interrupted, and you will have to start over.
It's also worth checking whether MAC address filtering is enabled on your router. If this protection is active, you'll need to find the printer's MAC address (usually on a sticker on the back or in a test printout) and add it to the whitelist of allowed devices.
Setting up Canon printers with a display
The LCD screen significantly simplifies the process, allowing you to control settings directly from the device's panel. No additional cables or a computer are required. The entire process is carried out through a built-in menu, the structure of which is consistent across most modern models in the series. Pixma TS And MG.
First, you need to enter the setup mode. Press the button Settings (gear or wrench icon) on the control panel. Use the navigation arrows to find the item responsible for LAN or wireless network settings. On some models, this section may be called Wi-Fi settings.
Once you've entered the menu, select "Reset" or "Change Network." The printer will begin searching for available wireless networks. Find your router's name in the list that appears and click OKIf the network is hidden, you will need to select "Enter manually" and enter the SSID.
In the next step, the device will ask for a password. Use the navigation arrows or the numeric keypad (if available) to enter the security key. Be careful: it's case-sensitive. After entering, confirm the action, and the printer will attempt to connect to the router.
Instructions for models without a screen (WPS method)
If your device does not have a display, the fastest way to change the network is through technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer network information automatically, without having to manually enter a password. It works if your router also supports this feature (which is true for 95% of modern equipment).
Find the button with two arrows or a Wi-Fi icon on the printer's panel. Press it until the power or network light starts blinking. This means the device is waiting for a connection. You now have about two minutes to activate WPS on your router.
Press the WPS button on the router. It's usually located on the back panel and may be combined with the reset button, so press it briefly (1-2 seconds). The printer's lights should light up or flash in a specific pattern, indicating successful data exchange.
Once the connection is successful, the wireless indicator on your Canon printer will stop flashing and remain solid. This means the device has acquired an IP address and is ready to print.
Using the Canon IJ Network Tool
For more complex cases or when WPS does not work, it is recommended to use specialized software. Utility IJ Network Tool (or Canon My Printer (in new versions) allows you to reconfigure the printer's network settings from a computer connected to the same network to which you want to connect the MFP.
First, you need to put the printer into configuration mode. This is usually done by long-pressing the Wi-Fi button until the indicator light starts flashing. Then, launch the setup program on your computer. It will automatically detect the printer, which is in configuration mode.
☑️ Software setup algorithm
During the installation process, the wizard will prompt you to select a connection method. Select "Wireless LAN" or "Wi-Fi." The program will automatically search for available networks and prompt you to select yours. You'll only need to enter the password once, and the utility will automatically transfer it to the printer.
This method is especially useful if you need to change not only the network name but also a static IP address or other advanced TCP/IP settings. After completing the procedure, the program will prompt you to print a test page to verify the results.
Setup via smartphone and app
Smartphone owners can use the official app Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY for iOS or Android. This is one of the most convenient methods, since the phone is already connected to the new Wi-Fi network, and the printer simply needs to copy these credentials.
Launch the app and add a new printer. If the device was previously connected to a different network, the app may prompt you to reset the network settings. Confirm this action. Then follow the on-screen instructions: the app will ask you to enable Bluetooth on your phone for initial discovery.
Once the printer is detected, the app will send it information about the current Wi-Fi network the phone is connected to. This method is often called "Smart Configuration." It eliminates errors when manually entering a password, as the data is retrieved directly from the smartphone's system.
| Setting method | Necessary equipment | Complexity | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control Panel | Printer with screen | Low | High |
| WPS button | Router with WPS | Minimum | Very high |
| PC (IJ Tool) | Computer, cable (optional) | Average | Average |
| Smartphone (App) | Smartphone with Bluetooth | Low | High |
Reset network settings to factory defaults
Sometimes the printer "remembers" old configurations or errors occur that prevent it from connecting to a new network. In such cases, a complete reset of the network settings helps. This doesn't affect other device settings, such as print settings or regional preferences, but it does clear the list of saved Wi-Fi profiles.
To perform a reset on models without a display, a button combination is often used. For example, hold down the button Wi-Fi until the power indicator flashes once, then release and immediately press the button Color printing (or Stop/Reset depending on the model). After that, press again Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and button combinations may vary depending on the specific model (e.g., G, MG, TS, or MX series). Always consult the official user manual for your device, as an incorrect sequence may not produce results.
After a successful reset, the Wi-Fi and power lights should begin flashing simultaneously or alternately. This indicates that the printer is ready for reconfiguration, as if it had just left the store. You can now restart the connection process using any convenient method.
What should I do if my printer can't see the 5 GHz network?
Modern routers often combine 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks under a single name. Older Canon printers may not support the 802.11ac/ax standard. You'll need to go into your router settings and separate the networks, giving them different names (for example, HomeWiFi and HomeWiFi_5G), so the printer can see the correct frequency.
Common problems and their solutions
Even if you follow all the instructions, you may still encounter difficulties. One of the most common issues is when the printer sees the network but won't connect. This is often due to the encryption type. Make sure your router is configured for the appropriate security standard. WPA2-PSK or WPA3Older WEP or WPA protocols may not be supported by newer models, and some older printers are not compatible with WPA3.
Another common error is the wrong region. If the printer was purchased in one country and used in another, some Wi-Fi channels may be blocked by software. In this case, try manually setting the wireless channel (for example, 1, 6, or 11) in your router settings instead of allowing it to be selected automatically.
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling MAC Randomization on your phone or computer during setup, as some routers block new devices with modified MAC addresses. You should also update your router firmware, if available.
Is it possible to change the Wi-Fi on a Canon printer without a computer?
Yes, this is possible. If your printer has a display, you can enter the new network details directly from the control panel. If there is no display, use the WPS button on the router or the Canon PRINT app on your smartphone. A computer is only required for using specialized setup utilities.
What should I do if the Wi-Fi light keeps blinking?
A blinking light means the printer is in setup mode or is trying to connect but is unable to. If the light continues to blink, the password is incorrect, the network is unavailable, or the signal is too weak. Try moving the device closer to the router and repeating the process.
Do all Canon printers support 5GHz?
No, most models, especially budget and mid-range ones, only operate in the 2.4 GHz band. Only flagship models with 802.11ac support can operate in the 5 GHz band. Check the specifications for your model in the manual.
Do I need to reinstall drivers after changing Wi-Fi?
Usually no. The drivers remain on the computer. However, if the computer doesn't see the printer on the new network, you may need to update the printer port in the device properties or re-add it using the setup wizard, which will find the device using the new IP address.