Modern printing devices have long ceased to be bulky machines that require a mandatory cable connection to a computer. Model Canon PIXMA TS3340 This compact, multifunctional device fits perfectly into smart home concepts thanks to its wireless connectivity. The ability to print documents and photos directly from a smartphone or tablet without the need for cables significantly simplifies everyday tasks, making document management more flexible and user-friendly.
However, initial network connection setup often raises questions for those new to this type of technology. Synchronizing a printer with a home network requires following a specific sequence of steps, and failure to follow these steps can lead to connection errors. In this article, we'll cover all setup steps in detail, examine standard methods for activating Wi-Fi mode, and address common issues that arise when connecting the device to the router.
To successfully implement a wireless connection, you will need a stable router that supports the standard IEEE 802.11 b/g/n and knowledge of your Wi-Fi network password. It's important to understand that the device operates exclusively within the range 2.4 GHz, so if your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), make sure the mobile device you're using to configure the printer is connected to the 2.4 GHz network. This is a critical detail, and ignoring it is the most common cause of failure when trying to connect the printer to the internet.
Preparing equipment and checking network compatibility
Before starting the setup, make sure all system components are ready. Make sure your router is turned on, working properly, and providing internet access to other devices, such as laptops or phones. The printer should be placed next to the router, no more than one to two meters away, to ensure a stable signal during the pairing process. Afterward, it can be moved to a convenient location.
The key is to check your network's security type. Modern routers use encryption protocols by default. WPA2-PSK or WPA3, which are fully supported by the TS3340 model. However, in rare cases where corporate security or specific MAC filtering settings are used, complications may arise. In such situations, it's best to temporarily simplify your router settings or whitelist the printer's MAC address.
It's also worth checking whether Client Isolation mode is enabled on your router, which prevents devices on the local network from communicating with each other. If this mode is enabled, the computer simply won't see the printer, even if both are connected to the same access point. Disable this feature in your router settings if it's enabled.
⚠️ Please note: The Canon TS3340 printer does not support connecting to hidden networks (SSID is hidden). If your Wi-Fi network is not visible in the list of available networks, you must first change your router settings to make the network name visible to all devices.
Router interfaces and settings menus may vary depending on the manufacturer and firmware version. If you can't find a specific setting, consult your ISP or router manufacturer's documentation for the current menu paths.
Activating wireless mode on the device itself
The first step in the setup process is placing the printer itself into connection standby mode. On the device's control panel, there's a button marked with a smartphone icon or a wireless symbol. This is where the entire process begins. Press this button once, and the power indicator (the on/off button) will begin flashing, indicating that the device is searching for a network.After this you need to press the button Direct (direct connection) or the phone button again to enter setup mode. The wireless indicator (usually orange) should start blinking. This means the printer is ready to receive network data. If the indicator is solid rather than blinking, it may mean the device is already connected to a network, and a new setup will require resetting the network settings.
To reset the network settings to factory defaults if the printer was previously connected to a different router, perform the following combination: press and hold the button Direct until the power indicator flashes once, then release the button and immediately press the button Black (black and white print) or Color (Color printing). The wireless indicator should light up and start blinking, confirming the reset and readiness for a new configuration.
What should I do if the indicators are flashing too fast?
If the indicators are flashing very rapidly, this may indicate a hardware error or a critical firmware failure. Try unplugging the device for 10-15 seconds and then plugging it back in. If the issue persists, you may need to update the firmware via USB.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
The most convenient and modern setup method is to use the manufacturer's official mobile app. It is available for operating systems Android And iOS and allows you to not only perform initial configuration but also manage printing in the future. Download the app Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY from the official app store (Google Play or App Store) and install it on your smartphone.
Launch the app and add a new device by tapping the "+" icon or the "Connect a new printer" button. The app will automatically prompt you to search for the printer on the network. If the printer is in setup mode (the indicator light is blinking), the app will detect it and offer to transfer the Wi-Fi settings from your phone to the printer. All you need to do is select your home network from the list and enter the password.
- 📱 Make sure Bluetooth and geolocation are enabled on your smartphone—this is necessary for the device to be found.
- 📶 Your phone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer.
- 🔋 Your smartphone's battery must be sufficiently charged, as the setup process may take several minutes.
- 🔄 If the app doesn't see the printer, try closing it and relaunching it, restarting the search.
During setup, the app may request permission to access the local network. This is a mandatory requirement for transmitting router settings to the printer. Without this permission, data transfer will be blocked by the mobile phone's security system. Once the data transfer is successful, the wireless indicator on the printer will stop flashing and remain solid, indicating a successful connection.
Setup via a computer using a USB cable
If using a smartphone is impossible or inconvenient for any reason, you can use the classic setup method via a personal computer. For this, you'll need a cable. USB Type-B (printer cable), which is usually included with the device, although in some regions it may be sold separately. Connect the cable to the printer and to an available USB port on your computer.
Next, you need to download the full package of drivers and software from the official Canon support website. Find the TS3340 model in the product list and download the installer for your operating system (Windows or macOS). Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions. During installation, the program will prompt you to select a connection type: select "Wireless LAN" or "Wi-Fi."
The installer will ask you to temporarily connect a USB cable to transfer network settings. The program will automatically read your current Wi-Fi network settings and transfer them to the printer. Once the data is received, the printer will disconnect from the USB port and attempt to connect to the router over the air. When a success message appears on the screen, you can disconnect the cable.
☑️ PC Installation Preparation Checklist
It's important to note that when using the cable method, the computer must be on the same network to which the printer will be connected. If you're using a corporate network with a complex architecture, additional administrator privileges may be required to install network components.
Connection using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
For users who do not want to enter passwords manually or use additional applications, there is a technology WPSThis method allows you to connect devices with the press of a button. However, for it to work, your router must also support this feature, which is true for most modern models, but not all. Check for a physical WPS button on the router.
To use this method, press and hold the button Direct on the printer's control panel until the wireless indicator starts blinking. Then, within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys and establish a connection without the need to enter a password.
This method is the fastest, but it has its limitations. For example, it won't work if the router is too far from the printer during setup, or if the network uses specific security settings that block WPS. Furthermore, some ISPs may disable this feature on their devices for security reasons.
| Parameter | Standard method | WPS method | Via USB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Average | Low | High |
| Need a cable | No | No | Yes |
| Need a smartphone? | Yes | No | No (PC required) |
| Speed of setup | 3-5 minutes | 1-2 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
⚠️ Note: WPS technology is considered less secure because it is potentially vulnerable to PIN code bruteforce attacks. If you use this feature, we recommend disabling WPS support in your router settings after setting up the printer.
Mobile Printing and Troubleshooting
Once successfully connected, you can start printing documents, photos from your gallery, web pages, and even scanning directly to cloud storage. The TS3340 supports AirPrint for Apple devices and Mopria for Android, which allows you to print without installing additional drivers, simply by selecting the device in the Share or Print menu.
However, users may encounter a situation where the printer is displayed as "Offline" or "Unavailable." This most often occurs when the printer and computer are on different subnets, which can happen when using guest networks or range extenders (repeaters) that are incorrectly configured in client mode. The issue may also be caused by the router dynamically changing the printer's IP address.
To resolve these issues, it's recommended to reserve a static IP address for the printer in your router settings. This ensures your computer always knows where to find the device on the network. It's also worth checking your computer's firewall or antivirus software, as they may be blocking the printer's network port.
In some cases, updating the device's firmware can help. Canon periodically releases updates that improve wireless connection stability and compatibility with new router models. You can check for updates through the Canon PRINT app or through the printer's web interface, if available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Canon TS3340 be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, the TS3340 model only supports the standard 2.4 GHzIf your router uses a 5 GHz network, you'll need to either switch your device to the 2.4 GHz frequency or use Smart Connect (if your router combines both frequencies under one name), making sure the printer is compatible with the router's operating mode.
What to do if the orange error indicator is on?
The orange indicator can blink a different number of times, each corresponding to a specific error code. For example, 2 blinks means the printer is out of ink, 3 blinks means a paper jam or the cover is open, and 7 blinks means a cartridge installation error. Please check the user manual for the exact number of blinks.
Should I unplug my printer at night?
The TS3340 model features an automatic power-off feature to save energy. However, it's not recommended to completely power off the device frequently, as it runs a printhead cleaning procedure when turned on, which consumes ink. It's best to leave it in standby mode.
Why can't the computer see the printer via Wi-Fi, even though the phone prints?
Most likely, the computer is connected to the router's guest network or a 5 GHz network, while the printer is connected to a 2.4 GHz network. Make sure both devices are on the same local subnet (same IP address range).