Modern multifunctional devices are no longer bulky boxes tethered to a computer with a thick USB cable. wireless printing It has become a de facto standard, allowing you to send documents and photos directly from your smartphone, from anywhere in your home or office. However, the initial setup process often presents difficulties for users new to network protocols. In this guide, we'll cover all the current methods for pairing Canon equipment with Android and iOS mobile devices.
The main difficulty lies in the variety of models and connection methods offered by the manufacturer. Some devices require the use of Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, others work fine through the standard protocol AirPrint or MopriaUnderstanding the differences between these technologies is the first step to successful setup. We'll cover not only software aspects but also physical nuances, such as antenna placement and router frequency ranges.
Before proceeding, make sure your MFP is turned on and has cartridges installed. A lack of ink or paper can prevent the device from entering network setup mode. It's also crucial that your router is working properly and your phone is within range of a strong signal. Only by meeting these basic conditions can you expect reliable printing in the future.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step should always be checking the technical readiness of the equipment. Not all Canon MFP models have built-in Wi-Fi, so make sure your device has a corresponding icon or button. If there's an antenna-shaped indicator on the front panel, wireless connectivity is supported out of the box. Otherwise, you'll need to connect an external adapter or use a cable, which is beyond the scope of this article.
An important aspect is the frequency range of your Wi-Fi network. Most Canon office and home printers operate exclusively in the range 2.4 GHzIf your router only broadcasts on the 5 GHz frequency or combines both bands into a single SSID with the Smart Connect feature, the printer may not see the network. In such cases, we recommend temporarily separating the networks in the router settings or creating a guest network strictly on the 2.4 GHz frequency.
⚠️ Note: Some modern routers hide the network name (SSID) by default or use complex encryption protocols (WPA3), which older Canon equipment may not support. If your printer doesn't see the network, try temporarily enabling WPA2-PSK (AES) in your router's security settings.
It's also worth checking the operating system version on your smartphone. Modern apps require Android 5.0 or higher or iOS 13.0 or higher to function properly. Outdated software on your phone can cause errors when detecting the device on the local network.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
The most functional way to manage printing is to use a proprietary application from the developer. Program Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY Available for free on Google Play and the App Store, it not only lets you print documents but also scan images directly to your phone's memory and monitor ink levels.
The setup process begins with installing the app and creating an account (optional, but recommended for advanced features). After launching the program, click the add printer icon, typically located in the upper left corner of the interface. The app will automatically search for available devices within Wi-Fi range.
If the automatic search fails, select "Manual setup" or "Reconnect the printer." A list of available Wi-Fi networks will appear on your smartphone's screen. Select your router's name and enter its password. Your phone will transmit this information to the printer, after which the MFP will attempt to connect to the network.
☑️ Setup Preparation Checklist
During the pairing process, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer itself will begin flashing, indicating a connection attempt. After successful authentication, the indicator will turn solid. At this point, your phone and printer are connected to the same local network and ready to exchange data.
Setting up via the WPS button on the router
For users who do not want to enter long passwords or have problems entering characters on a small screen, there is a technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to connect your Canon MFP to Wi-Fi by simply pressing a button on the router and the printer itself. However, please note that this method only works if your router supports WPS and this feature is enabled.
Find the WPS button on the router. This may be a physical button or a software button in the router's administrator interface. Canon MFPs should also have a button with a corresponding icon on their control panel (often combined with the direct connection button or separately). Press and hold the WPS button on the printer until the network indicator starts blinking.
Within two minutes of activating the printer's WPS mode, press the WPS button on the router. The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys and establish a connection. This method is especially convenient if you don't know the Wi-Fi password or it's too complex.
| Connection method | Necessary actions | Complexity | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PRINT App | Entering a password in the application | Low | All models with Wi-Fi |
| WPS | Pressing buttons on the router and MFP | Very low | Routers with WPS support |
| Manual tuning (LCD) | Entering a password using printer buttons | High | Models with a screen |
| Direct connection | Searching for a printer's Wi-Fi network | Average | Models with Direct |
⚠️ Note: WPS technology is considered less secure because it is vulnerable to PIN code bruteforce attacks. If you use WPS for setup, ensure your router has a strong password for the primary network and disables WPS automatically after use, if your router model allows this.
Driverless Printing: AirPrint and Mopria
Modern mobile operating systems often don't require additional software for basic printing. iPhone and iPad users use the technology AirPrint, built directly into iOS. For Android devices, the standard is Mopria Print Service, which is also often pre-installed or easily downloaded from the store.
To print a document from your iPhone, simply open the file (photo, PDF, or Safari page), tap the "Share" button, and select "Print." Your Canon MFP should appear in the printer list if it's properly connected to the same Wi-Fi network. No additional settings are required—AirPrint will automatically detect the device.
On Android, the situation is similar, but you may need to activate the plugin. Go to your phone's settings, find "Connections" or "Connected Devices," and select "Print." Make sure Mopria or the Canon Print Service plugin are enabled. After that, your MFP will appear in the list of available printers when you try to print from any app.
What should I do if my phone can't see the printer via AirPrint?
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone and printer (for initial discovery), the devices are on the same subnet (client isolation is not enabled on the router), and reboot the router. Sometimes, temporarily disabling mobile data (4G/5G) on your phone can help, forcing the system to search for the printer only via Wi-Fi.
The advantage of these methods is that they aren't tied to a specific application. You can print directly from your browser, email client, or file manager. However, functionality is limited to basic printing: scanning to a phone is generally unavailable via these protocols.
Direct connection mode (Canon Wireless Direct)
If your router is unavailable, damaged, or you're in a location without Wi-Fi coverage, this doesn't mean printing is impossible. Many Canon models support this technology. Wireless DirectIn this mode, the MFP itself becomes an access point, creating its own mini-network to which your phone connects.
To activate this mode, press the direct connection button on the printer panel (the smartphone or antenna icon). On the device's screen or in the printed network settings report (Network Info), you'll see the network name (SSID), which typically includes the Canon model name, and the connection password.
Go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings, find the network with your printer's name, and connect to it by entering the password. Once connected, your phone will lose internet access (since it's connected to the printer, not the router), but will still be able to print documents. This is ideal for printing photos from a party or documents on a business trip.
In addition, a limited number of devices (usually up to 5) can be connected to the printer at the same time in this mode.
Diagnosing problems and resetting network settings
Even with proper setup, problems may still occur: the printer has disappeared from the network, the Wi-Fi password has changed, or the device has frozen. In such cases, the most effective solution is to completely reset the MFP's network settings to factory defaults. This will clear all saved network profiles and allow you to start setup again.
To reset most Canon models, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the control panel until the power light flashes once. Then, press the Color Copy button, followed by the Wi-Fi button. A reset message should appear on the screen or the lights should flash. It's best to check the instructions for your specific model for the exact procedure, as they may vary.
After the reset, the printer will enter network search or setup mode. Repeat the connection process via the app or WPS. If problems persist, check your router settings: MAC address filtering may be enabled, and your printer's address may need to be whitelisted.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and printer firmware are updated by manufacturers. If the menu items described differ from what you see on the screen, please refer to the official manuals on the manufacturer's website or the support section for your specific model. Technical details are subject to change without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a Canon printer be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Most Canon MFP models only support the 2.4 GHz standard. If your router broadcasts a 5 GHz network, the printer won't see it. You'll need to enable the 2.4 GHz network in your router or use compatibility mode.
Why does my phone say "Printer not responding"?
This can happen if the phone is connected to mobile data (4G/5G) rather than Wi-Fi, or if the devices are on different subnets. Also, check if the printer is in sleep mode and won't wake up.
Do you need internet to print from your phone?
No, internet access is not required. Both the phone and printer need to be connected to the same router (local network). Printing takes place within your home network.
How to find out the IP address of a printer?
Press the "Network" or "Information" button on your printer, or print a network settings report. The IP address will be listed as a number, such as 192.168.1.45.
Does scanning work via Wi-Fi Direct?
Yes, the scanning function is also available in direct connection mode, but you must have the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app installed on your phone.