Modern printing devices have long ceased to be bulky boxes that require a mandatory cable connection to the system unit. Wireless technology allows you to place equipment in any convenient place in the apartment, providing access to printing documents from laptops, tablets and smartphones for all family members. Model Canon PIXMA TS304 is a striking representative of the budget segment, which successfully combines compactness and wireless functionality.
However, initial setup often presents difficulties for users unfamiliar with the nuances of network protocols and drivers. The process involves not only turning on the power but also properly synchronizing devices via the router. The key to success is installing the software before pairing the printer itself with the network, which is often overlooked by beginners.
In this article, we'll walk you through every step of the connection process, from unpacking to the first test page. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes, where to download the latest drivers, and what to do if your computer doesn't see your device in the list of available networks.
Preparatory stage and network requirements
Before you begin the active setup phase, you need to ensure your environment is ready to work with a wireless printer. Make sure your Wi-Fi router is turned on and broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz band, as many budget models, including TS304, may not support the 5 GHz frequency without prior configuration. You will also need to know the exact network name (SSID) and password.
It's important to prepare the computer or laptop from which you will operate the printer in advance. The device must be on the same local network to which you plan to connect the printer. If you're using a corporate network with additional layers of security or client isolation, administrator rights may be required to install drivers.
Check for available USB ports on your PC, even if you're planning a wireless connection. Initially, if automatic network detection doesn't work, you may need to temporarily use a cable to transfer network settings from your computer to the printer. This is standard practice for many Canon models.
Installing drivers and software
The most common mistake is trying to set up a printer without the control software installed on the computer. Drivers act as a "translator" between your PC's operating system and the printer's hardware. Without them, the computer simply won't understand how to send print data, even if a physical connection is established.
For the model Canon PIXMA TS304 It is recommended to use the manufacturer's official website. Automatic model detection often works correctly, but manually selecting from the list ensures you download the exact driver version required for your device.
- 🖨️ Go to the official Canon support website and find the "Support" or "Drivers" section.
- 💻 Enter your device model in the search bar:
PIXMA TS304. - 📥 Download the full driver package for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
- ▶️ Run the downloaded file and follow the installer instructions until the program asks you to connect the device.
During installation, the program may request permission to make changes to the system. This is necessary to ensure proper registration of print services. If your antivirus software is blocking the installation, temporarily disable its protection, but be sure to re-enable it immediately after the installation is complete.
☑️ Pre-installation check
Setting up a Wi-Fi connection on a printer
After installing the basic software on your PC, you need to switch the printer itself to wireless network mode. On the case Canon TS304 There's no full-screen display, so control is via a combination of buttons and indicators. The button with the smartphone image or network icon activates the wireless module.
Press and hold the "Direct" button or the network setup button (usually marked with an antenna or phone icon) for a few seconds until the power light starts flashing. This puts the device into network search mode or pairing standby mode. At this point, the printer becomes visible to the setup wizard on your computer.
What should I do if the Wi-Fi light is blinking too fast?
Rapid blinking usually means the printer can't find the network or the password is incorrect. Try moving the device closer to the router and entering the credentials again.
If automatic connection doesn't occur, use the WPS method if your router supports it. Press the WPS button on the router, then the corresponding button on the printer's control panel. The devices should exchange encryption keys automatically, without having to manually enter a complex password.
⚠️ Attention: If you change your Wi-Fi router password or name, the printer will lose its network connection. You'll need to reset the device's network settings (usually by holding the Stop/Reset button for 10 seconds) and repeat the setup process.
In some cases, especially on Windows 10 and 11, the system may offer a simplified connection method through the "Devices and Printers" section. However, using the native Canon installer provides a more stable result, as it configures the correct ports and communication protocols.
Connect via USB for initial setup
Sometimes the out-of-the-box wireless connection fails due to the printer's network card or router security settings. In such cases, a trusty USB cable comes to the rescue. It's not used for permanent operation, but only for the initial transfer of network settings.
Connect the printer to the computer using a USB cable (usually type AB, square connector). Run the driver installation program you downloaded earlier. When the installer asks for the connection type, select "Wireless LAN," but keep the cable connected.
| Setup stage | User action | Indicator reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Turning on | Pressing the power button | It's green |
| Activating Wi-Fi | Pressing the network button | Flashing green |
| Network search | Waiting (automatic) | Blinks slowly |
| Success | — | It's on constantly |
| Error | — | It's glowing orange |
The program will automatically transfer the Wi-Fi settings from your computer to the printer via a cable. Once you see a message indicating successful wireless network setup, you can disconnect the cable. The printer will remember the settings and will continue to operate autonomously.
Using the Canon PRINT mobile app
In the age of smartphones, printing from a phone has become just as important as printing from a PC. Canon has developed an app to implement this feature. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYIt's available for iOS and Android and allows you to not only print documents and photos but also scan images directly to your phone.
To get started, download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Make sure your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer. Launch the app, tap the add printer icon, and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will automatically find your printer. PIXMA TS304 in the local network.
The app's functionality allows you to change print settings, check ink levels, and even clean nozzles without turning on your computer. This is especially convenient when you need to urgently print a ticket or document while in another room.
If the app doesn't find the printer, check the permissions. Make sure the app has access to the local network (especially important for iOS 14+). Without this permission, the smartphone simply won't see other devices in the house.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you follow the instructions exactly, technical difficulties may arise. Often, the problem lies in the frequency range. Dual-band routers can broadcast 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks with the same name. The printer may try to connect to the 5 GHz band where it doesn't work, or get lost between them.
Try temporarily separating the networks in your router settings by giving them different names, for example, HomeWiFi And HomeWiFi_5GConnect your computer and printer strictly to the 2.4 GHz network. After successful setup, you can try reconnecting the networks, although this doesn't always work.
Another common cause is Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software. They may block incoming requests from the printer, considering them suspicious activity. Try disabling the firewall during installation or adding an exception for Canon services.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and driver versions are subject to manufacturer updates. If the buttons or menu items described differ, please check the official documentation on the Canon website, as the visual design may change.
It's also worth checking whether Client Isolation is enabled in your router settings. This feature is designed for guest networks and prevents devices within the network from "seeing" each other, making Wi-Fi printing impossible.
Maintenance and optimization
Once the connection is successful, it's important to ensure stable operation of the device over the long term. Regularly check for printer firmware updates via the service menu on your computer or the smartphone app. Updates often contain fixes for communication errors.
Monitor print quality. If streaking appears or colors become faded, run nozzle cleaning. This uses ink but prevents the print head from drying out. For model TS304 This is critically important as the head is not removable.
- 🧹 Clean the nozzles every 2-3 weeks if you print infrequently.
- 📄 Print at least one color page per week to prevent ink from drying out.
- 🔄 Update your drivers when new versions of the Windows or macOS operating system are released.
Proper router placement also affects print speed. Avoid placing the printer in a metal cabinet or behind thick concrete walls far from the signal source. A weak signal will cause connection interruptions when transferring large files.
What to do if the orange indicator is on?
Orange indicator on Canon PIXMA TS304 Indicates an error. The number of blinks indicates the type of problem. For example, 2 blinks means out of ink, 3 blinks means a paper jam or missing cartridge, 6 blinks means a cartridge installation error. The exact meaning can be found in the manual or by the number of blinks in Canon Help.
Can a printer be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Model TS304 The device is equipped with an 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi module, which operates primarily in the 2.4 GHz band. It cannot connect directly to a 5 GHz network. If your router combines both bands into a single network (Smart Connect), try separating them or forcing the router into compatibility mode.
How do I reset network settings on a printer?
To reset network settings, press and hold the Stop/Reset button (the triangle in a circle) until the power indicator flashes a certain number of times (usually 15-20 seconds), or use a combination of the Wi-Fi and Stop buttons, depending on your firmware version. After the reset, you'll need to set up the device again.
Why doesn't the computer see the printer in the list of devices?
Make sure your computer and printer are connected to the same router. Check if your antivirus software is blocking network discovery. You can also try adding the printer manually by IP address, which you can find by printing a network settings report (pressing a key combination on the printer).