How to Change Wi-Fi on a Canon Printer: 4 Proven Methods + Troubleshooting

Moving to a new office, replacing a router, or simply wanting to connect a printer to a different network—and now you're faced with the task switch Wi-Fi on the printer CanonIt would seem that nothing could be simpler. But in practice, users encounter unintuitive menus, connection errors, and a lack of instructions. This is especially difficult for those working with models without a screen or with a stripped-down interface—for example, Canon PIXMA MG3640 or Canon SELPHY CP1300.

In this article we will look at All current methods for changing Wi-Fi — from the standard method via the control panel to alternative options using WPS, a mobile app, and even manual SSID entry. We'll cover this separately. common mistakes (like a flashing orange light or message "Unable to connect to the network") and we'll provide a checklist for diagnosing problems. If your printer Canon If you're stubbornly unable to detect a new network or are losing connection, you'll find the solution here.

Before you begin, make sure that:

  • 📶 The new Wi-Fi network is working stably (check the connection on your phone or laptop).
  • 🔌 The printer is plugged into a power outlet and is within range of the router.
  • 📄 Have the manual for the model at hand - some older printers (for example, Canon MP280) require unique actions.
📊 What type of Canon printer do you have?
MFP (print+scan+copier)
Photo printer
Laser printer
Inkjet printer
I don't know the model

1. Method 1: Changing Wi-Fi via the printer control panel

The most universal method that works on most models Canon with display - from budget PIXMA MG2540S to professional imageCLASS MF743CdwThe interface may differ slightly, but the general logic remains the same.

To change the network:

  1. Click the button Settings (or Menu) on the printer panel.
  2. Go to the section Wi-Fi settings or Wireless communication (on some models - LAN Settings).
  3. Select Setting up a wireless LANManual setup (or Standard Setup).
  4. The printer will begin searching for networks. Find your network in the list and select it.
  5. Enter the password using the on-screen keyboard (on models without a screen, use a combination of buttons).
  6. Confirm the changes and wait for the reconnection.

If your network doesn't appear in the list, try entering its name (SSID) and password manually. To do this, select the option in the Wi-Fi settings menu Other networks or Add Network.

Find out the exact network name (SSID) in your router settings|Check the password's case (Wi-Fi is case-sensitive)|Use the arrow keys to navigate the on-screen keyboard|If your printer asks you to select a security type, select WPA2-PSK (AES)-->

2. Method 2: Connecting via WPS (without entering a password)

Function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer to the network without manually entering a password—just press a button on the router. This is especially convenient for models without a display, such as Canon PIXMA TS3140 or Canon LBP6030w.

Instructions:

  1. Make sure your router supports WPS (it usually has a button with a corresponding inscription or an icon 🔄).
  2. Press and hold the button on the printer Wi-Fi (or WPS) for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
  3. For 2 minutes Press the WPS button on the router.
  4. Wait until the Wi-Fi light on your printer turns solid (usually blue or green).

If the connection fails:

  • ⚡ Check if WPS is enabled in your router settings (sometimes the function is disabled by default).
  • ⏱️ Repeat the process - you only have 2 minutes after activating WPS on the printer.
  • 🔄 Restart your router and printer, then try again.
What should I do if my router doesn't have a WPS button?

If your router does not support WPS or the button is missing, use alternative methods:

1. WPS PIN code: Some routers (for example, from TP-Link) allow you to enter an 8-digit PIN code from the printer. Find it in the router's web interface under the WPS section.

2. QSS (Quick Secure Setup): Analogue of WPS from some manufacturers (for example, ASUS). The logic is the same: press the button on the router after activating the mode on the printer.

3. Method 3: Changing the network via the app Canon PRINT

Mobile application Canon PRINT (available for Android And iOS) not only allows you to print from your phone, but also manage printer settings, including changing Wi-Fi. This is especially convenient for models with a limited control panel, such as Canon PIXMA TS5040 or Canon SELPHY Square QX10.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Install the application Canon PRINT from App Store or Google Play.
  2. Connect your phone to the same network, to which you want to connect the printer.
  3. Launch the application and select your printer from the list of devices (if it is still connected to the old network).
  4. Go to Printer settingsWi-Fi settings.
  5. Select Change network and follow the instructions on the screen.
  6. After changing the network, the printer will automatically reconnect.

If the printer does not appear in the app:

  • 🔌 Connect the printer to your phone via USB cable (if the model supports it) USB Direct Print).
  • 📶 Temporarily connect your phone to the printer's old network to change the settings.
  • 🔄 Restart your printer and try searching again in the app.

4. Method 4: Setting up Wi-Fi via the printer's web interface

Many network printers Canon (For example, imageCLASS MF644Cdw or LBP6230dw) have a built-in web server. This means you can access its settings via a browser and change Wi-Fi parameters, even if the printer doesn't have a screen.

How to do it:

  1. Find out Printer IP addressTo do this:
    • Print Network report (press and hold the button Wi-Fi or Cancel for 10 seconds).
    • Or check the address in the router settings (section DHCP Clients or Connected devices).
  • Enter the IP address into the address bar of your browser (e.g. 192.168.1.100).
  • Log in (default login/password is often admin/password or root/canon).
  • Go to the section Network SettingsWireless LAN.
  • Select a new network from the list or enter SSID and password manually.
  • Save the settings and restart the printer.
  • If you can't log in to the web interface:

    • 🔒 Try resetting your password by holding down the button Reset on the printer for 15 seconds (Wi-Fi data will also be reset!).
    • 🌐 Make sure your computer is connected to the same network as the printer.
    • 🔧 Check if your antivirus or firewall is blocking access to local IP addresses.

    5. Table: Compatibility of methods with popular models Canon

    Not all Wi-Fi connection methods work on all printers. We've compiled information for popular models in the table below:

    Printer model Control Panel WPS Application Canon PRINT Web interface
    Canon PIXMA MG3640 ✅ (no screen, no buttons)
    Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw ✅ (touch screen)
    Canon SELPHY CP1300 ✅ (limited menu)
    Canon LBP6030w ❌ (no screen)
    Canon MAXIFY MB2720 ✅ (touch screen)

    Important: Printers of the series Canon i-SENSYS (For example, LBP6030w) often require manual entry of the router's IP address when setting up Wi-Fi through the control panel.

    6. Common mistakes and their solutions

    Even after proper setup, your printer may not connect to the new network. Let's look at common issues and how to resolve them.

    Error 1: The printer does not find the new network

    • 📡 Check that the router is broadcasting the network in the range 2.4 GHz - many printers Canon do not support 5 GHz.
    • 🔍 Make sure the function Hidden SSID disabled in the router settings.
    • 🔄 Restart your router and printer.

    Error 2: The Wi-Fi indicator is flashing orange.

    • 🔌 Check that the printer is receiving power (the power indicator should be green).
    • 📶 The network signal may be too weak - move the printer closer to the router.
    • 🔑 Make sure you entered the correct password (printers Canon case sensitive!).

    Error 3: Message "Unable to connect to the network"

    • 🔒 Check your network security type - printers Canon usually work only with WPA2-PSK (AES). Turn it off. WPA3 or TKIP in the router settings.
    • 📋 Update your printer firmware through the official website Canon.
    • 🔧 Reset the network settings on the printer (press and hold the button Wi-Fi for 10 seconds).
    How to update printer firmware Canon?

    1. Go to the website Canon support (will open in a new tab).

    2. Enter your printer model in the search bar.

    3. In the section Drivers and downloads Find the latest firmware version.

    4. Download the file and follow the update instructions (usually you need to connect the printer via USB).

    7. Additional tips for stable Wi-Fi operation

    To avoid connection problems in the future, follow these guidelines:

    • 📶 Configure it on your router static IP address for the printer. This will prevent connection loss when DHCP addresses change.
    • 🔄 Reboot your router and printer regularly (every 3-6 months) to clear temporary connection errors.
    • 🛡️ Turn off the feature Energy saving in the printer settings (if any) - it can break the Wi-Fi connection.
    • 📡 If the printer is far from the router, use Wi-Fi repeater or Mesh system to enhance the signal.

    For office printers (eg Canon imageRUNNER) it is recommended to configure guest network on the router specifically for printing. This will reduce the load on the main network and improve security.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing Wi-Fi on printers Canon

    How to reset Wi-Fi settings on a printer Canon to factory?

    To reset network settings:

    1. Turn off the printer.
    2. Press and hold the button Reset (or Stop/Reset) and hold it while turning on the printer.
    3. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
    4. Release the button and the printer will reboot with factory settings.

    ⚠️ Attention: This will delete all saved networks and may also reset other settings (such as page counters).

    ❓ Is it possible to connect a printer? Canon to Wi-Fi without a router (in Ad-Hoc mode)?

    No, printers Canon do not support the mode Ad-Hoc (direct connection to a computer without a router). Wireless printing requires a router or access point. An alternative is to connect via USB or through Wi-Fi Direct (available on some models, such as Canon PIXMA TS9140).

    ❓ Why a printer? Canon Connects to Wi-Fi but won't print?

    The reasons may be as follows:

    • 🖨️ The printer driver is not installed or is out of date (download the latest version from the website) Canon).
    • 🌐 The printer and computer are on different subnets (check the first 3 digits of the IP address).
    • 🔧 The protocol is disabled in the printer settings AirPrint or Mopria (enable them in the web interface).
    • 🛡️ Antivirus or firewall is blocking printing (add the printer to the exceptions).
    How do I find out which Wi-Fi network my printer is connected to? Canon?

    There are several ways:

    1. Print Network report (press and hold the button Wi-Fi or Cancel for 10 seconds).
    2. Check in the printer's web interface (enter its IP address in the browser).
    3. Use the app Canon PRINT — the printer information will indicate SSID.
    ❓ Is it possible to connect a printer? Canon to two networks at the same time?

    No, printers Canon support connection to only one Wi-Fi network at a time. If you need to switch between networks (for example, at home and at the office), you'll have to change the settings manually each time or use USB/Ethernet for alternative connection.

    The exception is some office models (for example, imageCLASS MF743Cdw) support Dual LAN, but this applies to both a wired and wireless connection at the same time, not to two Wi-Fi networks.

    ⚠️ Attention: Wi-Fi settings on printers Canon These may vary depending on the firmware region. If your model was purchased abroad (for example, in the US or Europe), some menu options may have different names or be missing. In this case, download the Russian-language firmware from the official website.