Modern inkjet devices of the series Pixma TS304 They offer excellent functionality for home use, allowing you to print documents and photos directly from your smartphone. However, the first and most important step in owning this gadget is properly integrating it into your home network. Many users encounter difficulties during the initial wireless connection setup, often due to the interoperability issues between devices from different manufacturers.
In this article, we'll detail how to connect the Canon TS304 printer to a WiFi router using various methods: from standard driver installation to manually entering parameters through the control panel. You'll learn about the nuances of working with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, as well as get answers to frequently asked questions. Proper setup will ensure stable operation of the device for many years.
Before starting the software setup, you need to make sure the router itself is working properly and is providing internet access. The printer doesn't have its own password entry screen, so the entire process relies on indicators and software on your computer or phone. Signal stability The location of the device installation also plays a critical role, so it is recommended to place the equipment no further than 5-7 meters from the access point.
Preparing equipment and checking network compatibility
Before starting the procedure, make sure that your router supports wireless standards compatible with the model. Canon TS304The device operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, but for initial setup and maximum compatibility, it's best to use the 2.4 GHz network. If your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (Smart Connect technology), this may cause problems with automatic device detection.
You'll need to know your network's exact name (SSID) and password. The password is case-sensitive, so double-check your uppercase and lowercase letters. Also, have the included USB cable handy in case the wireless connection fails to set up immediately through the setup wizard. Having the cable is your backup in case automatic detection fails.
⚠️ Attention: If MAC address filtering is enabled on your router, you'll need to whitelist the printer's MAC address in advance. You can find it on a sticker on the device or by printing a network settings report (instructions for printing the report are usually included in the manual).
Make sure the cartridges are installed and the protective orange tape is removed from all internal mechanisms. The printer should be powered on and ready, indicated by a lit power indicator. If the device is in sleep mode, press the power button to wake it up.
WPS method: the fastest way to connect
The easiest way to connect a device to a router is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer network information automatically, without having to manually enter a complex password on your computer. Your router must support this feature, which is true for most modern models.
Find the WPS button on your router. It may be physical or virtual (in the web interface). Press and hold this button for a few seconds until the WPS indicator on the router starts blinking. This means the router has entered pairing mode.
Immediately after this, go to the printer Canon TS304Press and hold the Wireless button on the control panel until the Power light blinks, then release it. Next, press the Black & White Copy button. The Wireless light should blink and then turn solid, indicating a successful connection.
Once the indicators are flashing successfully, it's recommended to check the connection status. You can print a network settings report or simply try sending a document from your computer. If the report prints, the IP address has been correctly obtained and the device is visible on the local network.
Setup via a computer using drivers
If the WPS method doesn't work or your router doesn't support this feature, use the official installation disc or download the drivers from the manufacturer's website. This method is more reliable, as the installation program will automatically detect the device and offer connection options. Download the latest driver for your operating system.Canon TS304 from the official website, choosing the correct version of Windows or macOS.
Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted to select a connection method, select "Wireless Connection." At a certain point, the installation will ask you to connect the printer to your computer via a USB cable. This is necessary to transfer the WiFi settings directly to the device.
☑️ Check before installing drivers
During the setup process, the program will detect available networks. Select your network from the list and enter the password. After this, the drivers will transfer the configuration to the printer, and the USB cable can be disconnected. The device will restart the network module and attempt to connect to the router automatically.
In some cases, antivirus software or Windows Firewall may block the printer from being discovered on the network. If the installation freezes while searching for the device, try temporarily disabling third-party security software. After completing the setup, remember to reactivate the security.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY mobile app
For smartphone and tablet owners, the best solution is to use the proprietary app. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYIt's available for iOS and Android and allows you to not only print documents but also scan and check ink levels. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and launch it.
When you first launch the app, you'll be prompted to add a printer. Tap the Add Device button and select your model from the list. The app will request location permission (on Android, this is necessary for scanning WiFi networks). Then, follow the on-screen instructions: select your network and enter the password.
If the automatic search fails, the app will offer a manual setup method. You'll need to press and hold the direct connection button on the printer until the indicator light flashes. Then, in the app, search for a network with a name containing "Canon" or your device model and connect to it.
What to do if the phone doesn’t see the printer?
Make sure your smartphone and printer are connected to the same WiFi network (2.4 GHz). Restarting the router can sometimes help. Also, check that "Mobile Data" mode isn't enabled on your phone, as it may prioritize WiFi over other devices on your local network.
Once paired successfully, you'll be able to print photos directly from your phone's gallery. The app also lets you create collages and print documents from cloud storage. This makes Canon TS304 a full-fledged home printing center without the need for a PC.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, technical difficulties may arise. Most often, the problem lies in frequency incompatibility or router security settings. TS series printers often don't work well with hidden SSIDs (networks that don't broadcast their name). If your network is hidden, temporarily enable name broadcasting while you configure it.
Another common cause is the use of complex characters in the WiFi password. Although modern devices support most special characters, encoding conflicts can sometimes occur. Try temporarily changing your router password to only letters and numbers to see if this is the cause.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The WiFi indicator is blinking quickly | Incorrect password or network not found | Check the password, reset the network settings on the printer |
| The computer doesn't see the printer. | Different subnets or firewall | Check the network type (private), add an exception to the antivirus |
| Printing is slow | Weak signal or interference | Move the printer closer to the router, remove microwaves |
| Driver installation error | Security system blocking | Run the installer as administrator |
If all else fails, perform a full reset of the printer's network settings. This is usually done with a combination of buttons on the control panel (for example, holding the wireless button and the color copy button until the power light flashes). After the reset, the device will return to its factory network settings, and you'll need to start the process over again.
Network maintenance and optimization
Once setup is successful, it is important to ensure the stable operation of the device in the long term. Static IP address This is a setting worth considering if you frequently use network printing. It prevents situations where the router changes the printer's address after a reboot, causing the computer to lose connection.
Update your printer firmware regularly. Manufacturers release updates that improve compatibility with new versions of operating systems and routers. You can update the firmware through the Canon PRINT app or through the maintenance menu in the printer driver on your computer.
If you use a CISS or frequently change cartridges, remember to keep the optical sensors and contacts clean. While this doesn't directly affect WiFi, the overall health of the electronics is important for the stable operation of the network module, which is sensitive to power surges and overheating.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that Canon TS304 — is a reliable device that requires minimal user intervention when properly configured initially. Following simple network security guidelines and regular maintenance ensures high-quality printing throughout its lifespan.
Can the Canon TS304 printer be connected to a 5GHz network?
Yes, the TS304 model supports dual-band communication. However, for initial setup and maximum compatibility with older devices on the network, using the 2.4 GHz band is often recommended. If the router combines both bands into a single network, the printer will automatically select the optimal one.
What should I do if the orange error light is on after connecting to WiFi?
An orange light typically indicates a print error or out of paper/ink, not a WiFi issue. Check the paper tray, the ink levels in the cartridges, and make sure the protective tape is removed. The network may be connected, but the device is not ready to print.
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
The easiest way is to print a network settings report using a combination of buttons on the control panel (usually the wireless button and the direct connection button, held down for a few seconds). The IP address can also be found in the device properties under "Devices and Printers" in Windows or in the Canon PRINT app.
Is Canon TS304 compatible with macOS and Linux?
The printer works perfectly with macOS via AirPrint or drivers from the Canon website. Support for Linux may be limited; drivers often need to be installed via CUPS, and not all features (such as scanning) are fully functional without proprietary plugins.