The modern pace of life dictates its own rules, and a desktop computer has long ceased to be the only tool for working with documents. Situations often arise when you urgently need to print a ticket, a photo, or a contract stored on your smartphone. wireless printing allows you to solve this problem in a matter of minutes, eliminating the need to connect cables or transfer files to a PC.
Company Canon has implemented several communication protocols in its devices, making the setup process flexible but sometimes confusing for the untrained user. In this guide, we'll cover all current connection methods, explore the nuances of working with Android and iOS operating systems, and address common errors you might encounter along the way.
You don't need deep technical knowledge to successfully implement your plan, but it's important to carefully follow the sequence of actions. We'll look at both automated methods WPS, as well as manual configuration of IP addresses for complex cases where standard algorithms fail.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before proceeding with software setup, you need to make sure that your equipment is physically ready for wireless operation. Not all printer models Canon have a built-in Wi-Fi module, so the first step should always be checking the device's specifications. The presence of an antenna or a corresponding symbol on the device's body usually indicates wireless network support.
Make sure the printer is plugged in and ready to use. If the device was previously used with a USB cable, disconnect it from the computer, as using both a USB cable and Wi-Fi connection in setup mode can cause driver conflicts. It's also crucial that the smartphone and printer are within range of a strong router signal.
⚠️ Attention: Canon printers often only support the 2.4 GHz frequency band. If your router broadcasts a 5 GHz network with the same name, the device may not see the printer. It's recommended to temporarily separate the network names (SSIDs) in your router settings or ensure your phone is connected to the 2.4 GHz network.
Check the ink cartridges and the paper tray. Some models disable wireless printing when the toner level is low or there's a paper jam, even if the panel lights aren't red. This is a basic requirement. hardware, ignoring which will nullify all programming efforts.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
The most versatile and functional way to organize printing is to use the official software from the manufacturer. Application Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY Available on Google Play and the App Store, it supports the vast majority of modern MFP models. It not only lets you print documents but also scan images directly to your phone.
The setup process begins with downloading the app and registering the device. Once launched, the program will automatically prompt you to find the printer on the network. If the device is new and not yet connected to Wi-Fi, the app will enter setup mode, asking you to select your home network from the list and enter the password. At this point, confirmation codes may appear on your smartphone screen and the printer display (if available).
☑️ Check before connection
An important advantage of this method is the ability to control network settings Directly from your smartphone screen. You can find the printer's IP address, check the signal strength, and even update the device's firmware, if available. For older models that don't support direct Wi-Fi, the app may offer a connection mode via the printer's own access point.
⚠️ Attention: The Canon PRINT app interface may vary depending on your operating system version and printer model. Some features, such as cloud printing, require separate authorization through your Canon account.
Once paired successfully, your phone will remember the device, and future printing will occur automatically when you select the appropriate option in the Share menu or within other apps. This eliminates the need to repeat the setup process each time you change tasks.
Printing from iPhone and iPad via AirPrint
Owners of iOS devices can take advantage of the built-in technology AirPrint, which doesn't require additional drivers or apps for basic printing. This protocol, developed by Apple, ensures high-quality data transfer while preserving the original formatting of documents and photos.
For AirPrint to work, your iPhone and Canon printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Unlike Android, you don't need to manually search for devices—the system will automatically detect a compatible printer. Open a document or photo, tap the "Share" button, and select "Print." Your printer should appear in the list of available devices. Canon.
| Parameter | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | AirPrint (Apple) | Built-in |
| Required software | Absent | Native |
| Complexity | Minimum | Automatic |
| Functional | Printing, scanning (via app) | Limited |
If your printer isn't detected, check your iPhone's Wi-Fi privacy settings. The "Private Wi-Fi Address" feature can sometimes block local devices from being visible. Try disabling it for your home network in Wi-Fi settings and restarting your router.
What should I do if AirPrint doesn't see my printer?
If the standard search doesn't yield any results, make sure AP Isolation isn't enabled on your router. This feature prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other, which is necessary for AirPrint to work. Also, try restarting your router, printer, and phone simultaneously.
AirPrint is especially convenient for quickly printing web pages, emails, and screenshots. It supports duplex printing and selectable copy counts, but advanced settings such as paper type selection or color calibration still require specialized apps.
Setting up printing on Android via Mopria and Google services
The Android ecosystem offers several ways to solve this problem, and the most standardized one is to use a plugin. Mopria Print ServiceThis standard is supported by most printer manufacturers, including Canon, and ensures compatibility with thousands of models without the need to install heavy proprietary utilities.
To activate this feature, go to your smartphone's settings, find the "Connections" or "Advanced Settings" section, and select "Print." Here, you'll need to activate the Mopria or "Canon Print Service" plugin. Once enabled, the system will begin searching for devices on the network. If the printer is on the same subnet, it will appear in the list of available devices.
An alternative and often more reliable method is to use Google Cloud Print (for older models) or modern equivalents via Google Home. However, given Google's policy changes, the direct method via the system print plugin is currently the most stable. It allows printing from virtually any app with a "Print" menu.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones (e.g., Xiaomi, Huawei), aggressive power-saving systems can kill the background print service process. Add the printing app or Mopria plugin to the battery exception list to prevent jobs from being lost.
Print quality via Android plugins is generally high, but there may be limitations in selecting advanced driver settings, such as paper density or specific color profiles. For office documents and black-and-white printing, this method is optimal in terms of speed and convenience.
Direct connection mode (Canon Wireless Direct)
Situations vary: your router may be unavailable, your Wi-Fi password may be lost, or you may be visiting someone where access to the main network is limited. In such cases, technology can come to the rescue. Wireless DirectThe Canon printer creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot, which your phone connects to directly, bypassing the router.
To activate this mode, press the smartphone button or the wireless icon on the printer panel. Continue holding it until the power light starts flashing. The network name (SSID) and connection password will be displayed on the printer screen (or on the printed network report).
SSID: Canon_ij_XXXXXX
Password: 12345678
Connect to this network from your phone as you would to a regular Wi-Fi network. Please note that your internet connection may be lost at this point, as your phone will switch to the printer's local network. This is normal. Once connected, launch the Canon PRINT app or select print from the system—the device will be found instantly.
This method is ideal for one-time printing of documents while traveling or when your home internet connection is temporarily unavailable. It's also useful for initial printer setup if automatic connection to the router fails.
Solutions to common problems and errors
Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Most commonly, users encounter the error "Printer not found" or "Offline." First, check to see if the printer has gone into sleep mode. Some models take too long to wake up from power-saving mode, and the phone simply stops waiting for a response. Press the power button on the device to wake it.
The second common problem is an IP address conflict. If the router has assigned the printer one address, but the phone is trying to connect to the old one, there will be no connection. In this case, rebooting the router can help, as this will update the DHCP table. It's also worth checking if the router has a MAC address filter, which could block new devices.
If all else fails, reset the printer's network settings. This is usually done with a button combination (often "Wi-Fi" + "Stop/Reset" or via the display menu). After the reset, the device will return to its factory network settings and will need to be set up again as if it were new.
Don't forget to update your printer's firmware. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve compatibility with new versions of iOS and Android. You can do this through the printer's menu (if it has a display) or through the proprietary software on your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to print without the Internet, only via Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can. If you use Wireless Direct mode (a direct connection between your phone and printer), internet access is not required. Printing will also work if the router is turned on but the ISP cable is disconnected—the main thing is that the devices can see each other within the local network.
Why does my printer print very slowly from my phone?
Speed may drop due to a weak Wi-Fi signal, the use of an outdated security standard (WEP instead of WPA2), or the file format. Large PDF documents or high-resolution photos may take longer to process. Try reducing the print quality or increasing the distance from the router.
Does my old Canon printer support Wi-Fi printing?
If there's no antenna icon or Wi-Fi button on the case, it likely doesn't have a built-in module. However, for such models, there are special Wi-Fi adapters (purchased separately), or you can use the computer as a print server, sharing the printer over the network.
How do I change the paper size when printing from my phone?
This setting is available in the print menu before sending a job. Click the gear icon or "Settings" in the preview window. There you can select A4, Letter, 10x15 cm, and page orientation. If the desired format isn't listed, check the printer tray.