Modern technology allows you to forget about wires and USB connections, turning printing documents and photos into an easy process, accessible directly from your phone screen. Wireless printing It has become a standard, allowing users to instantly send important contracts, tickets, or memorable photos to their device from anywhere within the home where there's a signal. However, despite its ostensible simplicity, initial setup often raises questions among users, especially when it comes to specific models from the Japanese brand.
To successfully pair your gadget and printing equipment, you need to understand the basic principles of how a local network works. Your smartphone and MFD (multifunctional device) must be in a single information space, that is, connected to the same access point. In most cases, this is a home router, but sometimes a direct connection mode is used, where the phone connects directly to the printer, bypassing the router.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the current methods for integrating devices into a single network. We'll cover working with official software, WPS configuration, and manual IP parameter management. Connection stability depends directly on the correctness of the entered data and the firmware version, so you shouldn't ignore technical nuances.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin working in the settings menu, you need to make sure your equipment is physically ready for wireless operation. Not all models, even relatively new ones, are equipped with a built-in module. Wi-FiPay attention to the control panel: the presence of an antenna on the body or a special button with a signal image indicates support for wireless technologies.
If there's a display on the front panel, look for a wireless network icon. On models without a display, the presence of a module is often indicated by a sticker with a Wi-Fi or NFC logo. Older models may require purchasing a separate adapter that plugs into a USB port, although modern ones Canon PIXMA And Canon MAXIFY are already deprived of this need.
⚠️ Important: Make sure the printer has cartridges and paper installed. Some models block network setup if they detect missing supplies or an open access door.
It's also crucial to check the status of your home network. Your router should be turned on and broadcasting internet. If you plan to use the 5 GHz frequency band, make sure your printer supports it, as many budget models only operate in that range. 2.4 GHz.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
The most universal and manufacturer-recommended method is to use the official mobile app. It is available for platforms Android And iOS and provides advanced functionality compared to standard operating system tools. Download the program Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY from Google Play or App Store and install it on your smartphone.
After launching the app, you need to add a new device. The program will automatically scan the network for available printers. If your device hasn't been configured previously, the app will prompt you to enter registration mode. Follow the on-screen prompts, selecting your router from the list of available networks.
- 📱 Open the app and tap the add device button in the top corner of the screen.
- 📡 Select your printer from the list of found ones or click "Manual setup" if the automatic search was unsuccessful.
- 🔑 Enter your Wi-Fi network password when the app requests this data to transfer to the printer.
- ✅ Wait until the setup is complete; the wireless indicator on the device should light up steadily.
During the setup process, you may need to temporarily switch Wi-Fi on your phone. The app will automatically notify you when you need to return to your phone settings and select the printer's network, and when you need to return to the app. Registration process It may take several minutes, do not interrupt it until the success message appears.
☑️ Checklist before launching the app
Setting up via the WPS button on the router
If your router and printer support the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) significantly simplifies the connection process by eliminating the need to enter a password manually. This method is ideal for devices without a display, where entering characters is difficult or impossible. Look for a button on the router with the appropriate markings or a lock/arrow icon.
Press and hold the WPS button on the router for 2-3 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing. Then, you must activate pairing mode on the printer within two minutes. On models with a display, this is done through the menu, and on devices without a display, by holding the wireless button on the control panel.
Sequence of actions:1. Press WPS on the router.
2. Press the Wi-Fi button on the printer.
3. Wait for the indicators to flash.
4. (fixing the connection).
The devices will automatically exchange encrypted keys and establish a connection. The Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will stop blinking and remain solid, indicating a successful connection to the local network. You can then print from any device on the same network.
Direct connection (Canon Wireless Direct)
In situations where the router is unavailable, located far away, or you are visiting, you can use the technology Wireless DirectIn this mode, the printer itself becomes an access point, creating its own mini-network. Your smartphone connects directly to it, and printing occurs without the need for an internet router.
To activate this mode, locate the button with the image of a smartphone on the printer panel or select "Wireless Direct" from the menu. On some models, you may need to hold the connection button until the indicator light changes its blinking pattern. Once activated, the network name (SSID) and password will appear on the screen (or on the printed network report).
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Printer's wireless network name | On the device screen or in the report |
| Password | Access key (8 characters) | On the screen or on a sticker inside |
| IP address | Address for the web interface | Network Info Report |
| Mode | Direct or Infrastructure | Changed by button on the panel |
Go to the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone, find a network with a name similar to the model of your printer (for example, Canon_ij_printer), and enter the password. Your phone and printer are now connected directly. Keep in mind that in this mode, your phone's Wi-Fi connection won't work, as the channel is busy transmitting print data.
⚠️ Please note: When using Direct mode, the print speed may be lower than via a router, and the signal range is limited to a few meters.
Network troubleshooting and diagnostics
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, problems may still occur. Often, the problem lies in incompatible security standards or communication channel congestion. If the printer "sees" the network but won't connect, try temporarily disabling filtering. MAC addresses in the router settings or change the encryption type to WPA2-PSK (AES).
Another common cause is a dual-band router. If the router broadcasts two networks with the same name (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), the printer may become confused. Temporarily separate the network names in the router settings (e.g., Home_2.4 And Home_5) and connect the printer strictly to the 2.4 GHz network.
- 🔄 Restart your router and printer by unplugging them from the power outlet for 30 seconds.
- 📶 Check if the printer is too far from the router or behind thick walls.
- 🛡️ Make sure your antivirus or firewall on your router isn't blocking printing ports.
If all else fails, reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. This is usually done using a button combination or through the menu. Device Settings -> LAN Settings -> Reset LANAfter the reset, you will have to go through the setup procedure again.
What to do if the orange error indicator is on?
An orange Wi-Fi light often indicates a connection error. Try moving the printer closer to the router. If both the Wi-Fi and Error lights are flashing, the password may be incorrect or the router may be using an incompatible encryption standard. Check the Network Info Print report to see the error code.
Printing and scanning after setup
Once successfully connected, a wide range of options opens up. You can print not only photos from your gallery, but also documents from cloud storage, web pages, and email. In the app Canon PRINT The "Easy PhotoPrint" mode is available, allowing you to edit photos, apply filters and create collages before sending them to print.
The scanning feature also works over the air. You can scan a document or photo and immediately save it to your smartphone's memory or send it via email without ever needing to go to your computer. For documents, the correct orientation and file format (PDF or JPEG) are important, and you can select these in the scanning settings in the app.
Don't forget to update your printer's firmware through the app. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve Wi-Fi connection stability and add support for new operating systems. Regular software maintenance is the key to long-lasting and trouble-free operation of your printer.
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
To find your IP address, print a network report. On models with a display, go to Menu -> Device Settings -> Report -> Print LAN Report. On devices without a display, press and hold the "Network" or "Stop/Reset" button (depending on the model) for a few seconds until the indicator light starts flashing, then release. The printed page will contain the line "IP Address."
Is it possible to print if there is no internet, but there is a Wi-Fi router?
Yes, you can. Internet access is not required for printing over a local network; the main requirement is that the router is turned on and creates a local network to which both the phone and printer are connected. However, cloud printing (Google Cloud Print, AirPrint over the internet) requires internet access.
Why can't my phone see my printer even though they're on the same network?
Check if "Client Isolation" is enabled on your router. This prevents devices on the network from seeing each other. Also, make sure your phone and printer are connected to the same subnet (not a guest network).