How to connect a Canon printer to a computer via Wi-Fi: full instructions with pictures

Wireless printer connection Canon Connecting to a computer via Wi-Fi saves desktop space and allows you to print from multiple devices simultaneously. However, many users encounter issues: the printer can't find the network, drivers won't install, or the connection keeps dropping. In this article, we'll cover every step—from preparing the equipment to troubleshooting common errors.

Feature of printers Canon (series PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS) is to support several wireless printing protocols: Wi-Fi Direct, WPS and a standard connection via a router. The choice of method depends on the printer model and the capabilities of your router. For example, older models Canon MG3640 require manual entry of SSID, and new ones Canon G7020 support automatic configuration via the app Canon PRINT.

Important: If your printer was previously connected to a different network, its settings may conflict with the new connection. In this case, you will need to reset the network settings—we'll cover this in a separate section.

1. Preparing the printer and computer for connection

Before setting up Wi-Fi, make sure that:

• 📶 The printer and computer are within range of the same router (maximum distance is 10 meters without obstacles).
• 🔌 The printer is turned on and charged (for portable models) or connected to a power outlet.
• 🖥️ The computer is in the offline mode On the plane and Wi-Fi is turned on.
• 📄 You have data from a Wi-Fi network: name (SSID) and password.

For models with a touch screen (eg. Canon TS9120) check that the mode is enabled in the printer menu Wireless communicationOn older printers (for example, Canon MP280) a physical button may be required Wi-Fi on the body - hold it for 3 seconds to activate.

Make sure your router supports WPA2/WPA3|

Check for the latest printer firmware|

Disable VPN on your computer|

Restart the printer and router (if the connection is unstable) -->

Attention: some models Canon (For example, SELPHY) do not support connection to networks with a frequency 5 GHzIf your router operates in two bands, temporarily disable it. 5 GHz or select a network 2.4 GHz manually.

2. Methods for connecting a Canon printer to Wi-Fi

There are four main connection methods. The choice depends on the printer model and your router's capabilities:

The fastest way is WPS, but it only works if your router supports this technology. To do this:

1. Click the button WPS on the router (usually it blinks for 2 minutes).
2. On the printer, go to Settings → Wireless → WPS Setup.
3. Select Start button and wait for the connection (the Wi-Fi indicator will stop blinking).

Via WPS|

Manual SSID Entry|

Canon PRINT App|

USB cable-->

3. Manual connection via the printer menu

If WPS is unavailable or does not work, use manual network data entry. Instructions for printers with a screen (e.g., Canon TS8350):

1. Press the button on the printer Settings (gear or Menu).
2. Select Wireless settings → Connect to an access point.
3. Select your network from the list or enter SSID manually (case sensitive!).
4. Enter your Wi-Fi password. For networks with WPA3 You may need to update your printer firmware.
5. Confirm the settings and wait for the message Connected.

For printers without a screen (eg. Canon MG2540S) use the key combination:

1. Hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
2. Click the button Black and white printing 1 time, then Color printing 7 times.
3. The Wi-Fi indicator will blink faster - the printer is ready to connect.
4. Run the utility on your computer Canon IJ Network Tool (comes with the drivers) and follow the instructions.

4. Connecting via the Canon PRINT app

For new models (Canon G6020, TS9520) It's more convenient to use the official app. It automatically finds the printer and configures the network:

1. Download Canon PRINT With official website (versions for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).
2. Turn on the printer and make sure it is in setup mode (Wi-Fi light blinking).
3. Launch the application and select Add a printer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The app will prompt you to either connect via USB (for initial setup) or enter your Wi-Fi details manually.

Important: The Canon PRINT app may conflict with antivirus software (for example, Kaspersky blocks network ports). Disable protection or add the app to the exceptions list during setup.

What should I do if the app doesn't find the printer?

1. Restart the printer and computer.

2. Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

3. Temporarily disable Windows Firewall (Control Panel → Firewall → Turn off).

4. Try connecting via USB cable, then set the printer to wireless mode through the app.

5. Installing drivers and setting up printing on a computer

After connecting the printer to Wi-Fi, you need to install the drivers on your computer. Without them, the system won't recognize the device:

• 🖥️ For Windows 10/11:
  1. Download the driver from Canon website (select printer model and OS).
  2. Run the installer and select Wireless connection.
  3. Follow the wizard's instructions. If the printer isn't found automatically, select Add a printer manually and enter its IP address (you can find out by printing it out Network settings on the printer).

🍎 For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click + and select your printer from the list (it should appear in the section Nearby).
3. Install the driver if the system prompts you to download it.

If the printer does not print after installing the drivers:

• Make sure it is selected as default printer in the system settings.
• Restart the printing service:

  net stop spooler
  net start spooler

• Update driver via device Manager (chapter Print queues).

6. Solving common connection problems

Even after proper setup, errors may still occur. Let's look at the most common ones:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The printer cannot find the Wi-Fi network.	Hidden SSID, incompatible standard (802.11n/ac)	Temporarily make the network visible, change the router mode to 802.11b/g/n
The connection is broken after 1-2 minutes	Energy saving for a printer or router	Disable Sleep Mode In the printer settings, update the router firmware.
Error 0x00000002 when printing	Driver or port conflict	Remove all Canon drivers and reinstall them, change the port to Standard TCP/IP Port
The printer prints blank sheets.	Incorrect paper settings in the driver	In the printer properties, select the correct paper size and type.

If the printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer does not see it:

1. Make sure both devices are on the same subnet. To do this, print Network report on the printer and compare the IP addresses.
2. Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus.
3. Enter the printer's IP address manually when adding a device in Windows.

ping [printer IP address]

If the packets don't get through, the problem is with the router or network settings.-->

7. Setting up additional functions

After successful connection, you can activate useful options:

• 📱 Printing from mobile devices:
  1. Install the application Canon PRINT on your smartphone.
  2. In the printer settings, enable AirPrint (for iPhone) or Mopria (for Android).
  3. Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🖼️ Wi-Fi scanner:
  1. In the printer driver, select Scan settings.
  2. Specify the folder to save scanned files.
  3. Start scanning from your computer or printer screen.
• 🌐 Remote printing via the cloud:
  1. Register your printer with the service Canon Image Garden.
  2. Upload your document to the cloud from any device.
  3. Send a print job via the web interface.

Attention: Cloud printing features require a static IP address for the printer. Set up IP reservation in your router (DHCP Reservation) to avoid losing connection after reboot.

8. Wireless connection security

Printers Canon Wi-Fi-enabled devices are vulnerable to network attacks if security isn't configured. Follow these recommendations:

• 🔒 Change the default printer administrator password (the default is often blank or admin).
• 📡 Turn off Wi-Fi Direct, if you do not use it - this mode allows you to connect to the printer without a password.
• 🔄 Update your printer firmware regularly via Canon IJ Network Tool.
• 🚫 Add the printer to your router settings Isolated network (Guest Network) if other devices are connected to the Wi-Fi.

To check who is connected to your printer:

1. Print it out Network report (usually on the menu Settings → Network Settings).
2. Check the section Connected devices or Access log.
3. If unknown IP addresses are detected, change your Wi-Fi password and reconnect your printer.

⚠️ Attention: Security settings and available features may vary depending on the printer model and firmware version. For precise information, please check the documentation for your device. Canon's official website.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a Canon printer to Wi-Fi

My Canon printer won't connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi. What should I do?
Most models Canon (except flagship) work only with networks 2.4 GHzSolutions:
1. Configure your router to broadcast two separate networks (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G) and connect the printer to 2.4 GHz.
2. Enable compatibility mode in your router settings. 802.11b/g/n (turn off 802.11ac).
3. Update your printer firmware - some newer models (eg. Canon G7020) support 5 GHz after the update.
How to reset network settings on a Canon printer?
If the printer was previously connected to a different network and cannot connect to the new one, perform a reset:
1. On printers with a screen: Settings → Device → Reset settings → Network.
2. On models without a screen: hold the button Wi-Fi 10 seconds until the indicator flashes 15 times.
3. For a full reset (including passwords): hold the button Stop/Reset 5 seconds.

After the reset, the printer will return to factory settings and can be reconnected.

Is it possible to connect a Canon printer to a computer without a router?

Yes, for this use:

• Wi-Fi Direct: The printer creates its own network to which the computer connects. It is activated in the menu. Wireless → Wi-Fi Direct.
• USB cable: temporary solution for setting up or printing without a network.
• Ad-hoc network: Set up direct data exchange between your PC and printer (printer support required).

Limitations: in mode Wi-Fi Direct The printer is not accessible to other devices.

My Canon printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it won't print from my phone. What's wrong?

Check the following:

• The phone and printer are connected to one Wi-Fi network (not to different ranges 2.4/5 GHz).
• In the appendix Canon PRINT the correct printer is selected (click Refresh the list).
• Bluetooth is enabled on your phone (some models require it for initial setup).
• It's enabled in the printer settings. AirPrint (for iPhone) or Mopria (for Android).

If the problem persists, reinstall the application Canon PRINT and reconnect the printer.

How to update Canon printer firmware via Wi-Fi?

This firmware update resolves compatibility issues and adds new features. Instructions:

1. Download the latest firmware for your model from Canon website.
2. Connect your printer to your computer via USB or make sure it has a stable Wi-Fi connection.
3. Run the firmware file and follow the wizard instructions.
4. Do not turn off the printer during the update (the process takes 5-10 minutes).

For models that support cloud updates (eg. Canon G6020) check for updates in the menu Settings → Software Update.