Connecting a Canon Printer to a Router via Wi-Fi: 3 Proven Methods + Troubleshooting

Wireless printing saves time and eliminates the clutter of cables, but setting up a connection between the printer Canon and the router often raises questions. Especially if the printer model is not new and the router interface is far from intuitive. In this article— three working connection methods (including Wi-Fi Direct And WPS), analysis of typical errors and tips on optimizing the network for stable printing.

We will look at how modern models Canon PIXMA MG3640S or Canon MAXIFY GX7040, as well as older devices - for example, Canon MG2540S, where Wi-Fi settings may differ. All instructions are adapted routers of different brands (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic), and at the end of the article there is a FAQ with answers to frequently asked questions from users.

If your printer has previously connected to another network, reset network settings to factory settings. To do this, hold down the button Wi-Fi (or Reset) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing orange. This will prevent conflicts with saved network profiles.

1. Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before you begin setup, make sure your network meets the printer's requirements. Canon supports standards 802.11b/g/n (and new models - and 802.11ac), but there are nuances:

• 📶 Network frequency: Printers Canon work only in the range 2.4 GHzIf your router is broadcasting simultaneously on 2.4 And 5 GHz under one name (SSID), divide the networks in the router settings.
• 🔒 Encryption type: Supported WPA2-PSK (AES) And WPA3. If used WEP or TKIP, change it - it is unsafe and may cause connection errors.
• 📡 Wi-Fi signal: The printer must be within range 5–7 meters from the router. Thick walls or interference from other devices (microwaves, cordless phones) can interrupt the connection.

Also check, Is DHCP enabled on the router?. Most printers Canon receive an IP address automatically, and if DHCP is disabled, you will have to assign a static address manually (instructions below).

⚠️ Attention: Some models Canon (For example, PIXMA MG2440) do not support connecting to hidden networks (with SSID broadcast disabled). Before setting up, make the network visible in the router settings.

2. Method 1: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer and router without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This method works if:

• ✅ There is a physical button on the router WPS (or virtual in the web interface).
• ✅ The printer supports WPS (check in the manual or on the sticker on the back).
• ✅ The network uses encryption WPA2 or WPA3.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and located near the router.
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer until the indicator blinks (usually 3–5 seconds).
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router (or activate WPS in the web interface in the section Wireless Network → WPS).
4. Wait until the Wi-Fi light on the printer turns on blue/green (meaning the connection is established).

If the indicator continues to blink or remains orange, repeat the process. On some routers (ASUS RT-AX55, TP-Link Archer C6) WPS may be disabled by default - check the settings.

The router supports WPS

The WPS button is available (not blocked by the administrator)

The printer is located within a radius of 2-3 meters from the router

The network operates in the 2.4 GHz range.

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3. Method 2: Manual connection via the printer panel

If WPS doesn't work or your router doesn't support it, try entering network settings manually. This method is universal for all models. Canon, but requires knowledge of the network name (SSID) and password.

Instructions for printers with touch screen (For example, Canon PIXMA TS8350):

1. Click Settings (gear icon) → Setting up Wi-Fi.
2. Select Connecting to an access point → Manual input.
3. Enter SSID your network (case-sensitive!) and password. Use the on-screen virtual keyboard.
4. Confirm the connection. The printer will reboot and attempt to connect to the network.

For printers without screen (For example, Canon MG2540S):

1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi until the indicator blinks.
2. Press and hold Black and white copy (or Color copy, depending on the model), until the indicator starts flashing faster.
3. Release the button and the printer will print the sheet WPS pin (8 digits).
4. Log in to the router's web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find the section WPS and enter this PIN.

⚠️ Attention: If your printer does not print the PIN sheet, check the paper tray and the ink level. Some models (Canon LBP6030w) require installation of drivers before the first connection.

What should I do if the printer doesn't see the 2.4 GHz network?

If your router broadcasts a combined network (2.4 + 5 GHz under the same name), the printer may not see it. Solution:

1. Go to your router settings (usually at 192.168.0.1).

2. Find the section Wireless network → Wi-Fi settings.

3. Disable the function Smart Connect (at ASUS) or Band Steering (at TP-Link).

4. Assign 2.4 and 5 GHz networks different names (For example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).

5. Save the settings and reboot the router.

4. Method 3: Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct (for printing without a router)

Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect your printer directly to your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, bypassing the router. This is convenient for temporary printing or when there's no network access. However, keep in mind:

• 🖥️ You will need to install a driver on your PC Canon IJ Network Tool.
• 📱 On Android/iOS, you need to download the app Canon PRINT.
• 🔄 Simultaneously to the printer Wi-Fi Direct can only connect one device.

How to activate Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On the printer: Settings → Wi-Fi Direct → Enable.
2. Remember or write down SSID and the password that the printer will generate (they will be displayed on the screen or printed).
3. On your device (PC/smartphone), connect to the printer's network as a regular access point.
4. Start printing through a standard dialog or application Canon PRINT.

Important: When connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, the printer loses access to the Internet (for example, for firmware updates or cloud printing). To return to normal mode, turn off Wi-Fi Direct in the printer settings.

5. Configuring the router for stable printer operation

Even after a successful connection, the printer may disconnect from the network or print slowly. This is most often due to router settings. Optimize them as follows:

To assign a static IP to a printer:

1. Find out the MAC address of the printer (printed on the sticker or in the menu Settings → Network Information).
2. Log in to the router's web interface and find the section DHCP → Address Reservation.
3. Add a new rule by specifying the printer's MAC address and the desired IP (e.g. 192.168.0.100).
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

6. Troubleshooting connection errors

If your printer won't connect to your router, use this diagnostic table:

For diagnostics on PC:

1. Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
2. Run the command:

   ping 192.168.0.100

   (Replace IP with your printer's address.) If packets aren't passing, check your network settings.

⚠️ Attention: If your printer stops connecting after updating your router firmware, try rolling back the firmware to the previous version. Some models Canon (For example, MG3540) conflict with new encryption algorithms in routers Keenetic.

7. Setting up printing from different devices

After connecting the printer to the router, you need to add it to the devices you plan to print from. Instructions for different platforms:

Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
3. Select your printer Canon from the list. If it is not there, click The printer you need is not in the list and enter the IP address manually.
4. Install the driver (Windows usually downloads it automatically).

macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click +, select the tab IP.
3. Enter the printer's IP address in the field Protocol please indicate AirPrint (for new models) or Line Printer Daemon - LPD.

Android/iOS:

• Download the app Canon PRINT from Google Play or App Store.
• Launch the application, it will automatically find the printer on the local network.
• To print from other applications (eg. Google Docs) select Print → Save to Canon PRINT.

8. Update your printer firmware for better compatibility

Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that fix connection issues and add support for new Wi-Fi standards. To update your printer Canon:

1. Download the latest firmware from official Canon website (select your model in the section Support).
2. Connect the printer to your PC via USB (even if you usually print via Wi-Fi).
3. Run the downloaded update file and follow the instructions.
4. Do not disconnect the printer from the power supply during the process!

After updating, reset the printer's network settings (press and hold Wi-Fi for 10 seconds) and reconnect it to the router.

⚠️ Attention: Some models Canon (For example, PIXMA MG6840) When updating the firmware, all settings are reset, including saved Wi-Fi networks. Write down your connection settings in advance.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

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

Please check the following points:

• Make sure your phone and printer are in one Wi-Fi network (not via mobile Internet).
• In the printer settings, enable the option Cloud printing or Canon PRINT Service.
• Reinstall the application Canon PRINT and give him access to the network.

If the problem persists, try connecting via Wi-Fi Direct (instructions in section 4).

The router requires a WPS PIN, but the printer won't print it. What should I do?

Some models have Canon (For example, MG2940) The PIN code for WPS is generated only when you hold down a certain combination of buttons:

1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi until the indicator blinks.
2. Press and hold Cancel (or Stop) within 5 seconds.
3. The printer will print a sheet with a PIN code.

If this does not work, use manual entry of network parameters (section 3).

How do I find the IP address of my Canon printer after connecting to a router?

There are three ways:

1. Via the printer menu: Settings → Network Information → TCP/IP Configuration.
2. Via router: Go to the web interface, section DHCP clients or Connected devices.
3. Via PC: At the command prompt, enter:

   arp -a

   and find the printer's MAC address in the list (indicated on the sticker).

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

Yes, even if the printer does not have a display, it can be connected in one of the following ways:

• Through WPS (if the router supports it).
• By using Canon IJ Network Tool (PC utility, downloadable from Canon website).
• Via USB cable: Temporarily connect the printer to the PC, install the driver, and then in the utility Canon IJ Network Tool select Connection settings → Wireless.

My Canon printer connects to Wi-Fi, but printing is very slow. How can I speed it up?

Slow Wi-Fi printing is usually caused by:

• Low network speed: Switch the router to a channel 2.4 GHz with width 20 MHz (instead of 40 MHz).
• Router overload: Disconnect other devices from the network while printing.
• Incorrect printer settings: In the print driver, select Fast or Draft instead of High quality.
• Outdated firmware: Update your printer and router software.

You can also try connecting your printer to your router via an Ethernet cable (if your model supports it)—this will eliminate any delays associated with Wi-Fi.