Changing internet providers or purchasing a new router often causes office equipment to stop responding to print commands. The device simply "doesn't recognize" the updated infrastructure, as it has retained the old network settings. This is a common occurrence for any wireless device and does not indicate a hardware failure.
Owners of the series models Canon Pixma We face this problem regularly, especially after upgrading home equipment. Restoring the connection doesn't require in-depth knowledge of networking technologies, but it does require careful attention to the sequence of actions. If you miss one step in the module activation chain, the device may not enter search mode.
In this article, we'll cover several proven methods guaranteed to get your printer back online. You'll learn how to use automatic setup via WPS, manual settings via the control panel, and a dedicated smartphone app. The method you choose depends on whether your model has a physical button and how easy it is to navigate the interface.
Equipment preparation and requirements verification
Before changing network settings, ensure all system components are ready for use. Make sure the new router is turned on, operating reliably, and is providing a signal to other devices, such as laptops or phones. The printer should be turned on and in a ready state, not in deep sleep.
Knowing the password for your new Wi-Fi network is critical. Without entering the correct security key (passphrase), connecting is impossible. It's also worth checking the frequency your router operates on: most older and mid-range models Canon Pixma support only 2.4 GHz range.
⚠️ Important: If your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (one 2.4 GHz and one 5 GHz), temporarily disable 5 GHz in the router settings or rename the networks so that the printer does not get confused when selecting a signal.
The distance between the device and the router also plays a role during initial setup. For successful pairing, it's recommended to minimize the distance, avoiding thick walls and sources of strong electromagnetic interference, such as microwave ovens.
WPS method: quick setup without entering a password
The easiest way to connect devices to a network is to use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). It allows devices to exchange encryption keys automatically at the press of a button. This method is ideal if you don't want to search for a password or enter it using a remote control without a full keyboard.
First, find the button WPS On the body of your router. It can be physical or virtual (in the router's web interface). On the printer Canon Pixma You need to find a button with an image of a smartphone or a wireless network icon. On some models, this is combined with the power button or is located separately.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 🔘 Press and hold the button Direct or the button with the image of a smartphone on the printer until the power indicator starts blinking.
- 📡 Press the WPS button on your router within 2 minutes.
- 🔄 Wait until the wireless indicator on the printer stops blinking and turns solid.
If the connection indicator lights up, the device has successfully acquired an address and is ready to use. A computer connected to the same network will automatically detect the printer. If the connection is unsuccessful, the indicator may flash at varying intervals, indicating a timeout or connection error.
Manual setup via the printer control panel
Models with an LCD display allow you to manually configure the network directly from the device. This method is more reliable if automatic network discovery fails or if your network name is hidden. You'll need to navigate the device's menu with precision.
Click the button Menu or Setup on the control panel. Use the arrow keys to select the item Wireless LAN setup or "Wireless Network Setup." In the list that opens, select "Standard Setup" to have the device scan for available networks.
When the list of available SSIDs (network names) appears on the screen, find the name of your router. If the network is hidden, select "Manual input" and enter the network name manually, taking care to ensure the letters are capitalized. After selecting the network, the system will prompt you for a password.
| Interface element | Function | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Setup / Menu | Entering the main menu | Single click |
| Left/Right arrows | Navigate by items | Switching options |
| OK / Black | Confirm your choice | Fixing the parameter |
| Stop / Reset | Cancel / Reset | Exiting setup mode |
After entering the password, the printer will attempt to connect. A successful connection will be confirmed by the IP address appearing on the screen or a printable connection report. If the password is entered incorrectly, the device will prompt you to re-enter it.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
Modern smartphones allow you to control peripheral settings through dedicated apps. For devices Canon Pixma the main tool is the application Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, available for iOS and Android. This is a convenient option if your printer doesn't have a screen.
Install the app on a smartphone that's already connected to the new Wi-Fi network. Launch the app and tap the add printer icon (usually a plus sign in the corner). The app will prompt you to register the new printer.
☑️ Checklist before launching the app
Follow the on-screen instructions. The app may ask you to connect your smartphone to the printer directly via Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth to transfer router settings. During the setup process, the app will "transfer" information about the new network your phone is connected to to the printer.
This method is especially convenient because you don't need to enter your network password—it's taken from your phone's settings. Furthermore, after setup, you'll have full control over the device, including monitoring ink levels and initiating scans directly from your smartphone's screen.
Reset network settings to factory defaults
If your printer is frozen while trying to connect or is storing erroneous data, the most effective solution is to perform a full network reset. This will return the network module to its original state, as if the device had just been taken out of the box.
To perform a reset on most models Canon Pixma you need to press and hold the button Direct (or the button with the smartphone image) for 5-10 seconds. The exact time depends on the model, but the power indicator will typically flash, confirming the process has begun.
⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings does not affect your personal files or print history, but it does delete all saved Wi-Fi profiles. You will need to re-enter your network password.
Once the indicators stop flashing and the device reboots the network module, you can begin reconfiguring the device using any of the methods described above. This procedure often resolves issues when other methods fail due to software errors in the device's memory.
What to do if resetting doesn't help?
If the printer still can't see the network even after resetting the settings, try temporarily disabling MAC address filtering on your router. Also, make sure your router doesn't limit the number of devices that can connect.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, difficulties may arise. A common problem is incompatibility of encryption standards. Make sure your router isn't set to the outdated WEP protocol, which modern printers may ignore in favor of a more secure one. WPA2-PSK or WPA3.
Another important aspect is the DHCP server on the router. The printer should obtain an IP address automatically. If your network uses static addressing, you will need to manually enter the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway in the printer settings, which is done through the advanced LAN setup menu.
Also check whether your computer's antivirus software or router's firewall is blocking the ports needed for the printer. Standard printing ports are usually open by default, but on corporate or strictly configured home networks, they may be closed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Canon Pixma be connected to a 5GHz network?
Most Canon printer models only support the 2.4 GHz band. If your router combines both frequencies under one name, the printer may not connect. We recommend separating the networks in your router settings or forcibly switching the router to 2.4 GHz mode during setup.
The printer says "Unable to connect" even though the password is correct. What's wrong?
A common cause is the use of special characters in the password, which the printer interprets incorrectly, or an incorrect date/time on the device (if it requires synchronization). Try temporarily simplifying the password to only letters and numbers to test.
Do I need to reinstall drivers after changing my Wi-Fi network?
Usually not. If the computer and printer are on the same new network, the operating system will automatically find the device using the new IP address. If printing doesn't work, remove the old printer from the device list and re-add it using "Devices and Printers."
How to find out the printer's IP address after connection?
On models with a display, the IP address is displayed in the LAN settings menu. On models without a display, press and hold the Stop button or the dedicated information button (often shaped like a piece of paper) until the printer prints a network connection report.