The situation when a computer or smartphone stops "recognizing" a printing device is familiar to many users of office and home devices. Often, the problem lies not in hardware failure, but in a simple network settings error or a change in IP address after a router reboot. Understanding How to find a Canon WiFi printer, is the first step to restoring the functionality of the entire printing system.
Modern models such as series PIXMA And MF, use various discovery protocols, including Bonjour, WSD, and standard TCP/IP. If your device suddenly disappears from the list of available devices, don't rush to call a technician. In most cases, it's enough to check the current connection status and the correctness of the assigned address on the local network.
In this article, we'll cover all available search methods: from using proprietary software to manually scanning ports via the command line. You'll learn how to determine the device's current address and force it into the system to avoid similar problems in the future.
Using the Canon IJ Network Tool
The most reliable and professional way to detect a device on a local network is to use specialized software from the manufacturer. Utility IJ Network Tool It's included in the full driver package, but users often install only the bare minimum, ignoring useful service tools. This program scans the network for Canon devices and displays their current status, including IP address and signal strength.
To start the search, open the application from the Start menu in the Canon Utilities folder. Once launched, the program will automatically begin scanning the subnet. If your router and printer are on the same subnet, you will see a list of available devices. IP address will be listed in the appropriate column, which will allow you to check whether it matches what is specified in the Windows printer properties.
It's important to note that the utility only works when the computer and MFP are connected to the same wireless network. If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network on a router or VLAN, discovery may fail due to client isolation.
⚠️ Note: If the IJ Network Tool utility shows the status "Offline" or "Connection Error," this may mean the device is asleep. Press the printer's power button to wake it, but do not turn it off completely.
The program's functionality allows you not only to find but also to reconfigure network settings. You can change the device's Device Name for easier identification on the shared office network. It also offers a factory reset function if the standard search fails.
Search through the printer's control panel
When software methods are unavailable or drivers aren't installed, the most reliable source of information is the device itself. On models with an LCD display, network settings can be found through the menu. Typically, the path looks like this: Settings (Setup) → Device settings → LAN settings.
Within the menu, select "Confirm Settings" or "View TCP/IP." The current IP address will be displayed on the screen, which looks like a series of numbers, such as 192.168.1.45. This is the address you'll need to enter into your browser or use to manually add the port in Windows.
- 📱 Press the "Wireless" button or the antenna icon on the case.
- 🔍 Select "Settings" or the gear icon.
- 🌐 Go to the "LAN" or "Network" section.
- 👁️ Find the line "IP address" or "View TCP/IP".
If your device doesn't have a display, only indicators, you can print a network settings report. To do this, press and hold the "Stop" or "Wireless" button for a few seconds, or use the button combination specific to your model. Canon PIXMAThe report will indicate the current address and connection status.
What should I do if there are dashes on the screen?
If zeros or dashes appear instead of numbers, the printer hasn't received an address from the router. Check that the correct Wi-Fi password is entered in the printer settings.
Finding an address using the Windows command line
For advanced users who value speed and accuracy, the operating system's command line is an excellent tool. This method allows you to locate the device without installing additional software, using standard discovery protocols. First, you need to find your printer's MAC address, which is usually located on a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer.
Open the command prompt by pressing Win + R and entering cmdIn the window that opens, enter the command arp -aThis command will display a table of IP addresses and physical MAC addresses of all devices your computer has recently communicated with. Find the MAC address in the list that matches the label on the printer.
arp -aOnce a match is found, you'll see an IP address to the left of the MAC address. This is the address you're looking for. If it's not listed, try pinging the broadcast address of your subnet, for example. ping 192.168.1.255to wake up the entry in the ARP table, and then repeat the command arp -a.
This method is especially useful when the drivers are installed incorrectly and the system doesn't display the device in Devices and Printers, but there is a physical connection. Knowing the exact IP, you can check the device's availability with the command ping [IP address].
☑️ Check network status
Scanning the network with third-party utilities
If built-in Windows and Canon tools don't help, specialized network scanners come to the rescue. Programs like Advanced IP Scanner or Angry IP Scanner Allows you to quickly scan the entire address range and identify all active devices. They also display the network card manufacturer, simplifying identification.
Run a scan of your local network range (usually 192.168.0.1 – 192.168.0.255). In the results, look for devices with the vendor "Canon Inc." or "Apple, Inc." (as many Canon network modules use Apple/Broadcom chips). The hostname often includes the printer model, for example, CNBJNP or Canon-Printer.
| Program | Scan type | Platform | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced IP Scanner | Fast / Deep | Windows | Shows shared folders and web interface |
| Angry IP Scanner | Port scanner | Win/Mac/Linux | Cross-platform, Java-based |
| Fing | Mobile / Desktop | Android/iOS/PC | Convenient for searching from your phone |
| WireShark | Packet sniffing | All OS | For experts, shows all traffic |
Using these snails allows you not only to find the printer but also to understand why it's not visible. For example, a scanner might show that the device is connected but located on a different subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x instead of 192.168.0.x), making it invisible to the computer.
Accessing the device's web interface
Many modern Canon MFPs are equipped with a built-in web server, which provides access to advanced settings. If you've managed to find the IP address (by printing a report or checking your router), enter it in the address bar of any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge). A page will open. Remote UI.
Here you can not only confirm that the device has been found, but also ask it static IP addressThis is a critical setting for stable operation. Dynamic addressing (DHCP) means the router may change the printer's address after a reboot, causing the computer to lose connection. Fixing the address permanently solves this problem.
Accessing the settings may require a username and password. The default username is often "root" or "admin," and the password may be listed on a sticker or in the instructions (sometimes it's "canon" or an empty string). You can enter a permanent address in the "Network" → "TCP/IP" section.
⚠️ Note: If you change the IP address through the web interface, the old connection on your computer will no longer work. You will need to remove the old printer and add a new port with the updated address.
The web interface also allows you to update firmware, check ink levels, and view error logs. This is a powerful diagnostic tool that is often overlooked by users who prefer only basic printing features.
Manually configuring a port in Windows
If the printer is found but doesn't print, it's likely that the wrong port is specified in the system. Windows may have created a virtual WSD port, which is unstable. It's better to use the standard TCP/IP port. Go to Control Panel → Devices and printers (or "Printers & Scanners" in the settings).
Find your Canon printer, click "Manage" → "Printer Properties" (printer properties, not device properties). Go to the "Ports" tab. Click "Add Port," select "Standard TCP/IP Port," and click "New Port." Enter the IP address you found earlier.
- 🖨️ Open the printer properties in Control Panel.
- 🔌 Go to the "Ports" tab.
- ➕ Click “Add Port” → “Standard TCP/IP Port”.
- 📝 Enter the found IP address and complete the wizard.
After creating the port, make sure the checkbox next to it is selected. This will force the system to send documents directly over the network, bypassing intermediate discovery services, which often fail. This method is especially effective for older models that don't work well with Windows 10/11.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my Canon printer not visible on the network even though the Wi-Fi is on?
The most common problem is that the computer and printer are connected to different frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with separate networks, or "client isolation" is enabled in the router. Also, check if your antivirus software is blocking network discovery.
Is it possible to find a printer if it is connected via WPS?
Yes, the connection method (WPS or manual password entry) does not affect network visibility. Once a connection is established, the device receives an IP address and should be detectable using standard network discovery methods.
What should I do if my printer's IP address keeps changing?
This is normal for DHCP. To make the address permanent, you need to either reserve it in the router settings (bind it by MAC address) or enter a static IP address in the printer settings via the web interface or control panel.
How to find a Canon printer on Mac (macOS)?
On macOS, use the built-in Printer Setup Utility or go to System Preferences → Printers & Scanners. macOS uses the Bonjour protocol, which typically automatically finds Canon printers on the local network without additional drivers.