Modern devices of the series Pixma G3400 These are cost-effective continuous ink supply systems that eliminate the need for frequent cartridge replacement. However, to unlock their full potential, a wireless connection is required, eliminating unnecessary cables and enabling printing from smartphones and tablets.
Activating wireless mode on this MFP can be confusing due to the lack of a full-screen display. You'll have to rely on blinking lights and sequential button presses, which requires attention and precision.
In this guide, we'll cover all the nuances of pairing your device with a router, explore software methods for setting it up via a computer, and offer solutions to common issues that arise during initial setup.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin setting up, make sure your router is transmitting a signal in the 2.4 GHz range, as the model Canon G3400 does not support the 5 GHz standard. This is critical, as many modern routers hide the 2.4 GHz network name by default or combine the bands under a single name.
You'll also need to know the exact name of your wireless network (SSID) and its password. If you haven't changed your router settings, this information is often found on a sticker on the bottom of the router.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure the MFP is located in a strong signal area. Walls, metal structures, and operating microwave ovens can significantly weaken the signal, resulting in intermittent printing or complete loss of connection.
For successful configuration you will need:
- 📱 A smartphone or tablet with Wi-Fi support.
- 💻 Computer or laptop (preferably with Windows for installing the full driver).
- 🔌 A stable router with internet access.
- 🖨️ The printer itself Canon Pixma G3400 with installed ink.
Check that the printer is turned on and the power light is on. If the device is in sleep mode, press the power button to wake it up.
Activating wireless network mode on the printer
The first step is to put the device itself into connection standby mode. On the MFP control panel, there's a button with an antenna or Wi-Fi icon. This button is responsible for wireless communications.
Press and hold this button until the power indicator starts flashing. Then release the button and immediately press the Black button, then the Color button.
After completing this sequence, the wireless network indicator should turn blue and start blinking slowly. This means that setup mode activated, and the printer is searching for available networks or waiting for a command from the computer.
☑️ Checking printer readiness
If the indicator light is flashing rapidly, this may indicate an error or an attempt to reconnect to a previously known network. In this case, you may need to reset your network settings.
Setting up via a computer using WPS
The easiest way to connect the Canon G3400 to Wi-Fi, if your router supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), is to use the physical button on the router.
Press the WPS button on the router, then press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer within two minutes until the Wi-Fi indicator turns solid blue. The devices will find each other automatically.
If automatic pairing does not occur, use the software method. You will need to download the official driver from the manufacturer's website for your operation.Andon system.
| Installation stage | User action | Indicator reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Launching the installer | Select "Wireless connection" | Slow blinking |
| Network search | Selecting an SSID from the list | Fast blinking |
| Entering a password | Entering the security key | It's on constantly |
| Conclusion | Installing drivers | It's on constantly |
Follow the on-screen instructions of the installer. The program will automatically find the printer on the network and complete the installation of the necessary components.
What to do if the computer does not see the printer?
Make sure your computer and printer are connected to the same network. Sometimes antivirus software or Windows Firewall can block the detection of new devices. Try temporarily disabling them to check.
Using the Canon PRINT mobile app
For smartphone and tablet users, Canon has developed an application Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYIt's available for iOS and Android and allows you to not only print but also scan documents directly from your device's screen.
Download the app from the official store (App Store or Google Play). Launch it and tap the "Add Printer" button. The app will ask you to select a model from the list or find one automatically.
When the app detects your Canon G3400, it will prompt you to enter the Wi-Fi network password. After entering the information, the phone will transfer the settings to the printer, and it will connect to the router.
⚠️ Attention: During the setup process via your mobile device, your phone may temporarily switch to a direct connection to the printer. Don't worry if your internet connection is lost; the connection will be restored once the process is complete.
This method is especially convenient because it doesn't require a computer. All you need is your home network password.
Troubleshooting connection issues and resetting settings
Sometimes situations arise where the printer stubbornly refuses to detect the network or loses connection. In this case, a complete reset of the network settings to factory defaults helps.
To reset the printer, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the control panel until the Attention light (orange) flashes once. Then press the Black & White Copy button, followed by the Wi-Fi button.
The wireless network and power indicators should flash, indicating a successful reset. After this, you'll need to start the connection process again.
A common issue is incompatibility between encryption standards. Make sure your router isn't using the outdated WEP standard; WPA2-PSK (AES) is preferable.
- 🔄 Restart your router by unplugging it from the power outlet for 30 seconds.
- 📡 Check if the 2.4 GHz band is crowded with neighboring networks.
- 🔒 Make sure your password does not contain special characters that the printer might interpret incorrectly.
If the problem persists, try temporarily disabling the MAC address filter on your router to prevent the device from being blocked at the network level.
Setting up Direct Connection
Model Canon G3400 Supports direct printing, where the device creates its own access point. This allows you to print even without internet access or a router.
To activate this mode, press the Direct Link button on the control panel. The indicator light should light up. On your computer or phone, find the network with a name that includes the printer model (e.g., Canon_ij_G3400).
Connect to this network. The default password is usually found on a sticker on the printer body or in the instructions (it's often an 8-digit number).
⚠️ Attention: In Direct Print mode, data transfer speeds may be lower and the connected device may not have Internet access if it does not support dual networking.
This method is ideal for quickly printing photos from your phone when visiting someone or in an office where access to the main network is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why won't my Canon G3400 printer connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
This model is equipped with a module that supports only the 802.11 b/g/n standard, which operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. 5 GHz routers are invisible to this device. You will need to enable the 2.4 GHz guest network on the router or use split-band functionality.
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
To obtain the IP address, press and hold the Stop button until the Attention light flashes 15 times, then release. The printer will print a network settings report showing the current IP address.
Is it possible to connect the printer via USB cable and then switch to Wi-Fi?
Yes, this is a standard procedure. When installing drivers from a disc or website, select the "Wireless LAN" connection type. The installer will ask you to temporarily connect a USB cable to transfer network settings, after which you can remove the cable.
What does the flashing orange Caution light mean?
The orange indicator indicates an error. The number of blinks indicates the type of problem (e.g., out of ink, paper jam, or PC communication error). The codes can be found in the user manual.