Connecting a Canon Printer to Wi-Fi via Phone: A Complete Guide

Connecting a printer Canon Connecting to the internet via Wi-Fi via a smartphone is a convenient setup method that saves time and eliminates the need for a computer. This is especially relevant for compact models like Canon PIXMA MG3640 or Canon SELPHY, where physical control buttons are minimal and there's no screen. But even on a phone, the process can be challenging, ranging from an incorrectly entered password to an IP address conflict on the network.

In this article we will look at all stages of connection — from preparing your printer to testing cloud printing, and we'll also look at common errors and solutions. The instructions are tailored to Android And iOS, taking into account the features of the latest versions of the application Canon PRINTIf your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct or WPS, you will find here alternative ways to connect without manually entering a password.

1. Preparing the printer and phone for setup

Before you begin setup, make sure your printer is Canon compatible with wireless connection. Most modern models (for example, the series PIXMA G, MAXIFY or imageCLASS) support Wi-Fi, but older devices may require an adapter. Check for the logo. Wi-Fi on the body or in the documentation.

Also prepare:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 8.0+ or iOS 12+ with the application installed Canon PRINT (you can download it in Google Play or App Store).
• 🔌 Power supply for the printer - connect it to the outlet and turn it on with the button Power.
• 📶 A working Wi-Fi router with a known network name (SSID) and a password. The printer and phone must be within range of the same network.
• 📄 Printer instructions (if you have any questions about buttons or indicators).

⚠️ Attention: If your printer was previously connected to a different network, reset the network settings. To do this, hold down the button Wi-Fi (or Resume/Cancel) 5–10 seconds until the indicator light flashes. The specific combination depends on the model—see the manual.

On some models (eg, Canon PIXMA TR4720) To reset the network, you need to go to the printer menu: press Setup → Device settings → LAN settings → Reset settingsAfter the reset, the Wi-Fi indicator will start flashing orange—this indicates that it is ready for a new setup.

2. Installing and configuring the Canon PRINT app

Application Canon PRINT — the official tool for managing the brand's printers. It not only allows you to connect to Wi-Fi, but also print documents directly from your phone, scan, and check ink levels. Download it from the app store and follow the instructions:

1. Open the app and allow access to photo, files And geodata (the latter is needed to search for printers nearby).
2. Click Add a printer (Add Printer (on iOS) - the application will begin scanning available devices.
3. If the printer is not found automatically, select Setting up a new printer (Set Up New Printer).

A list of supported connection methods will appear on the screen:

• 🔄 Wi-Fi - standard connection to your network.
• 📡 Wi-Fi Direct — direct phone-printer connection without a router (suitable for printing on the go).
• 🔐 WPS — quick setup via a button on the router (if your router supports WPS).

For most users, the first option is optimal - Wi-FiSelect it and follow the on-screen prompts. The app will offer:

1. Connect to the printer's temporary network (its name usually starts with CANON_XX_XXXXXX).
2. Return to the main network after setup.
3. Enter your Wi-Fi password.

⚠️ Attention: If your phone loses internet after connecting to the printer's temporary network, this is normal. Your smartphone will automatically switch back after setup is complete.

Installed the Canon PRINT app|

Turn on the printer and wait for the Wi-Fi indicator to blink|

Made sure the phone and printer were in the same room|

I know the name and password of my Wi-Fi network|

Reset the printer's old network settings (if necessary)

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3. Step-by-step instructions: connecting via Wi-Fi

Let's look at detailed instructions for the most common scenario - connecting a printer Canon Connect to your home Wi-Fi network via your phone. The process may vary slightly depending on the model, but the general process is the same.

Step 1: Activate the setup mode on the printer

On most models Canon PIXMA And MAXIFY To do this you need:

1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) until the indicator flashes (about 3 seconds).
2. Release the button - the indicator should flash blue (setting mode) or orange (network reset).

On printers with a touch screen (e.g. Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw) go to Settings → Network settings → Wireless communication → LAN setup.

Step 2: Connect your phone to the printer's temporary network

In the appendix Canon PRINT select Setting up a new printer → Wi-FiThe application will offer to connect to a temporary network with a name like CANON_XX_XXXXXX or DIRECT-XX-Canon_IJ. A password is usually not required (or is provided on a printer sticker).

After connecting, your phone will lose internet access—this is normal. Don't interrupt the process!

Step 3: Select your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password

The app will automatically detect available networks. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password. Make sure:

• 🔤 The password has been entered correctly (case sensitive!).
• 📶 The router is turned on and distributing the network (the Wi-Fi indicator on it is green/blue).
• 🚫 There are no active VPNs or proxies on your phone - they may be blocking the connection.

Click Connect and wait for the process to complete (1-2 minutes). The printer will reboot and the Wi-Fi indicator will light up. blue (stable connection) or green.

Step 4: Checking the connection

Return to the main application menu Canon PRINT and check:

• 🖨️ The printer is displayed in the list of available devices.
• 📊 Connection status: Connected or Online.
• 📄 Possibility to print a test page (section Seal → Test print).

4. Alternative connection methods

If the standard app method doesn't work, try one of the alternative options. These can be useful if you have issues with the printer's temporary network or if you can't access the app.

Method 1: Connecting via WPS

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) — a quick setup technology that allows you to connect your device to the router without entering a password. To do this:

1. Make sure your router supports WPS (usually there is a button with this logo).
2. On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fi until the indicator flashes (2–3 seconds).
3. Press the button within 2 minutes WPS on the router.
4. Wait until the indicator on the printer turns blue (connecting).

If the indicator continues to blink orange, repeat the process or check if the WPS function is enabled in the router settings (usually in the section Wireless → WPS).

Method 2: Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection)

Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to print directly from your phone without connecting to a router. This is convenient for temporary printing while traveling or when your home network is unavailable. To activate:

1. On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fi Direct (or Wi-Fi + Information on some models) until the indicator flashes.
2. Open it on your phone Settings → Wi-Fi and find the network with the name DIRECT-XX-Canon_IJ.
3. Connect to it (the password is usually 12345678 or indicated on the printer sticker).
4. Launch the application Canon PRINT and select the printer manually.

Please note: In Wi-Fi Direct mode, the printer does not have access to the Internet, so cloud printing functions (Google Cloud Print, AirPrint) will not work.

Method 3: Manual connection via the printer's web interface

Some models Canon (For example, imageCLASS MF644Cdw) have a built-in web server. To connect to it:

1. Connect the printer to the router via Ethernet cable (temporary solution).
2. Find the printer's IP address in the router's device list (usually in the DHCP Clients).
3. Enter this IP into the address bar of your phone's browser (e.g. 192.168.1.100).
4. Log in (the default login and password are often admin/canon or admin/password).
5. Go to the section Network → Wireless LAN and configure the connection manually.

After saving the settings, disconnect the cable - the printer should automatically reconnect via Wi-Fi.

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions exactly, problems may arise. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them:

Error 1: The printer is not in the application

If Canon PRINT does not see the printer:

• 🔄 Restart the printer (turn it off and on using the button) Power).
• 📱 Reinstall the app or clear its cache (Phone settings → Applications → Canon PRINT → Storage → Clear cache).
• 📶 Make sure your phone is connected to the same network, as well as the printer (not to mobile data!).
• 🔍 Check if the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer is on blue (if it blinks orange, reset the network settings).

Error 2: Incorrect Wi-Fi password

If the printer fails to connect to the network due to an authentication error:

• 🔤 Make sure you entered your password correctly (check the case of letters and symbols).
• 🔄 Restart your router - sometimes this clears temporary device blocks.
• 📝 Try connecting the printer to the network without a password (temporarily disable protection in the router settings), then turn the protection back on.
• 🔐 If you use WPA3, try switching to WPA2 (some older models Canon do not support WPA3).

Error 3: The printer is connected but does not print.

If the printer status is in the application Online, but printing does not start:

• 🖨️ Check your ink/toner levels in the app (Settings → Printer status).
• 📄 Make sure there is paper in the tray and there are no jams.
• 🔄 Restart the printing service on your phone (Settings → Applications → Canon PRINT → Stop/Launch).
• 🌐 If you print from the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox), check your phone's connection to the Internet.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Canon (For example, PIXMA TS3440) after connecting to Wi-Fi is required update firmware via the app. Without this, printing may not work correctly. Check for updates in the section Settings → Software update.

What should I do if my Wi-Fi indicator is flashing orange?

Orange flashing indicator Wi-Fi on printers Canon usually means one of the problems:

1. Incorrect network password — check that the input is correct (including case).

2. Weak router signal — move the printer closer to the router or eliminate interference (microwaves, other Wi-Fi networks).

3. IP address conflict - try manually setting a static IP for the printer in the router settings (for example, 192.168.1.150).

4. MAC address blocking - check in the router settings whether the printer's MAC address is blocked (section MAC Filter or Parent Control).

If the blinking does not stop, reset the printer's network settings (hold down the button Wi-Fi 10 seconds) and repeat the setup.

6. Setting up cloud printing (Google Cloud Print, AirPrint)

Once your printer is connected to Wi-Fi, you can print not only directly from your phone but also via cloud services. This is convenient for remote printing (for example, sending a document to print from the office and printing it at home).

Setting up Google Cloud Print (for Android)

Although Google officially closed the service Google Cloud Print In 2020, some printers Canon still support alternative cloud solutions. To activate:

1. Open the app Canon PRINT and go to Settings → Cloud services.
2. Select Canon Cloud Link or Canon PRINT Service (depending on the model).
3. Log in using your account Google or Canon.
4. Follow the instructions to register your printer in the cloud.

Once set up, you will be able to print from Google Docs, Gmail or other applications by selecting your printer in the print menu.

Setting up AirPrint (for iPhone/iPad)

AirPrint — Apple's wireless printing technology. Most modern printers Canon support it out of the box. To print with iPhone:

1. Make sure your phone and printer are connected. one Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the document (for example, in Pages, Safari or Photo).
3. Click Share (📤) → Seal.
4. Select your printer Canon from the list.
5. Adjust the parameters (number of copies, color) and press Seal.

If your printer does not appear in the list:

• 🔄 Restart your printer and phone.
• 📶 Check that both devices are on the same subnet (e.g. IP addresses 192.168.1.X).
• 🔄 Update your printer firmware via Canon PRINT.

Printing via email (Canon Print Service)

Some models Canon (For example, PIXMA TS9120) support printing via email. To do this:

1. In the appendix Canon PRINT activate the function Email Print.
2. Please remember the generated printer email address (e.g. yourprinter@print.canon.com).
3. Send an email with an attachment (PDF, JPG) to this address - the printer will automatically print the file.

Important: The printer's email address is only valid when the internet connection is active. If Wi-Fi is disconnected, emails will not print.

7. Optimize Wi-Fi connection for stable printing

To avoid connection drops and printing delays, follow these tips:

Tip 1: Place the printer closer to the router

The Wi-Fi signal weakens with distance and through obstacles (walls, furniture). The optimal distance between the printer and router is no more than 10 meters without obstructions. Avoid placing the printer near:

• 📡 Other Wi-Fi devices (repeaters, cameras).
• 🔌 Microwave ovens or cordless phones (they operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz and create interference).
• 🔋 Metal surfaces (refrigerators, cabinets).

Tip 2: Use 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz

Modern printers Canon (For example, PIXMA G620) support both Wi-Fi frequencies. Network 5 GHz It's less congested and provides a more stable connection, but has a shorter range. To switch:

1. Go to your router settings (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. In the section Wireless Activate the 5 GHz network (if disabled).
3. Connect your printer to a 5GHz network via the app Canon PRINT.

Tip 3: Set up a static IP for the printer

By default, the router assigns a dynamic IP address to the printer, which can change. This sometimes leads to connection loss. To set a static IP address:

1. Find the MAC address of your printer (on a sticker or in Canon PRINT → Settings → Printer Information).
2. Go to your router settings → DHCP → IP reservation (or Static Lease).
3. Add a new rule by specifying the printer's MAC address and the desired IP (e.g. 192.168.1.100).
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Tip 4: Update your printer firmware

Manufacturers regularly release updates to fix connection issues. To update the firmware:

1. Open Canon PRINT and go to Settings → Software update.
2. If an update is available, click Refresh and wait until it is finished (do not turn off the printer!).
3. After updating, the printer will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Attention: Router and printer interfaces may vary depending on the model and firmware version. If you can't find the section you need, check your device's manual or contact support. Canon.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🖨️ Is it possible to connect an old Canon printer to Wi-Fi if it doesn't have a Wi-Fi button?

If your printer does not have built-in Wi-Fi (for example, models produced before 2010), you can use external adapter type Canon WU10 (for inkjet printers) or connect the printer to the router via USB port (if the router supports the print server function). You can also use Wi-Fi → USB adapter, but this solution is not always stable.

📱 Why doesn't the Canon PRINT app detect my printer even though it's connected to Wi-Fi?

There may be several reasons:

• The phone and printer are connected to different networks (for example, a phone to 5 GHz, and a printer to 2.4 GHz).
• It is enabled in the router settings. client isolation (AP Isolation), which blocks communication between devices.
• The app is not up to date - check for updates at Google Play/App Store.
• The printer is malfunctioning - try restarting it (turn it off for 30 seconds).

Also try adding the printer manually by IP address: in the application, select Add a printer → By IP address and enter the printer address (you can find it in the router settings).

🔐 How do I reset my Canon printer's network settings if I forgot my password?

To reset all printer network settings to factory defaults:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the button Resume/Cancel (or Wi-Fi on some models).
3. Turn on the printer without releasing the button and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the indicator light flashes orange.
4. Release the button - the printer will reboot and the Wi-Fi settings will be reset.

For models with a touch screen (eg. Canon PIXMA TS9520) go to Settings → Device → Reset settings → Net.

📶 Can I connect my Canon printer to a public Wi-Fi network (for example, in a cafe)?