Modern printing devices are no longer bulky machines that require a mandatory cable connection to a computer. Model Canon Pixma TS3140 (often referred to as the 3140) is a compact MFP that fits perfectly into a small apartment or office thanks to its functionality and affordable price. However, to unlock this device's full potential, it needs to be freed from its cable dependency and configured for wireless operation.
Before you start the actual setup wireless connection, you should ensure that your router is working properly and providing internet access. The printer cannot operate in a vacuum; it requires an active router with Wi-Fi enabled. If you just unpacked the device, make sure all shipping tapes and orange locks inside the case are removed, otherwise the device will not enter ready mode.
It is important to understand that the synchronization process may take several minutes, and there is no need to rush. Signal stability Plays a key role: the closer the MFP is to the router during initial setup, the faster and more successful the handshake between the devices will be. In this article, we'll cover all current connection methods, including WPS, setup from a Windows computer, and using a mobile app.
⚠️ Please note: The printer menu interface and router settings structure may vary slightly depending on the device's firmware version or your router model. Always consult the official user manual for your specific device model.
Preparing to set up a wireless network
The first step is to properly prepare your equipment. You'll need to know your wireless network name (SSID) and its password. If you haven't changed your router settings yourself, this information is often found on a sticker on the bottom or back of the router. Write it down or keep it handy, as entering the password on a small smartphone screen or through a PC interface requires precision.
Make sure your computer or smartphone from which you will perform setup is connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer. Dual-band routers can create confusion: if your router distributes 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks with different names, it is better to temporarily connect to the 2.4 GHz network, since most budget printers, including the series Pixma TS3140, operate precisely in this frequency range.
It's also worth checking the cartridge charge level. While this doesn't directly affect the Wi-Fi module, the printer may enter deep sleep or maintenance mode if it detects a critical ink shortage immediately after powering on, which will interrupt the setup process. Make sure the paper tray is closed and the control panel is unlocked.
- 📶 Make sure the router is turned on and the Wi-Fi indicator is on.
- 🔑 Write down your wireless network password (case sensitive).
- 📱 Connect your smartphone or PC to the target Wi-Fi network.
- 🖨️ Turn on the printer and wait until the power indicator stops.
Using WPS technology for fast synchronization
The simplest method that is often overlooked by users is the function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)It allows you to connect devices without entering long passwords, simply by pressing a button. This method is ideal if you don't want to bother with installing drivers or using a smartphone. However, for it to work, your access point must also support this technology, which is essential for modern routers.
The process is as follows: On the front panel of the printer Canon Pixma TS3140 Find the button with an antenna or Wi-Fi icon. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the power light starts blinking. This puts the device into WPS signal search mode. After this, immediately approach the router.
Find the WPS button on your router (sometimes it's combined with the reset button or hidden under a cover) and press it. Within a couple of minutes, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer should stop blinking and turn solid, indicating a successful connection. If the blinking stops but the red or error indicator remains lit, the connection has failed.
⚠️ Note: Some internet service providers disable the WPS feature on their routers remotely for security reasons. If the button on the router doesn't respond, try enabling it through the router's web interface or use a different connection method.
Setup via a Windows computer and USB cable
The classic method that guarantees high performance even in challenging network conditions is using an installation disc or a driver downloaded from the official website. You will need USB cable (usually type AB, like older printers), which is included in the kit or purchased separately. This method is advantageous because the installation program will automatically transfer the Wi-Fi settings from the computer to the printer.
First, connect the printer to your computer via USB cable and turn it on. Run the driver installer for your model. TS3140During installation, the program will ask you about your connection type. Select "Wireless LAN" or "Wi-Fi." The installation wizard will then prompt you to select your network from the list and enter the password.
Once the settings are transferred, the program will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. At this point, the printer will switch to wireless operation. If the Wi-Fi indicator on the device lights up, you've successfully completed the process. This method will also automatically install all the necessary components for network scanning.
☑️ PC setup checklist
It is worth noting that when using this method Windows Firewall may ask for network access permission. Be sure to accept this request for private networks, otherwise the computer won't see the printer, even if they are connected to the same router.
Connecting via the Canon PRINT mobile app
For owners of smartphones and tablets, the most relevant is to use the application Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYThis app is available for both Android and iOS. It not only allows you to print documents and photos, but also scan directly to your smartphone screen and monitor ink levels.
Launch the app and click "Add Printer." Select your model from the list. The app will offer several connection methods. The most convenient is to transfer Wi-Fi settings directly from your smartphone. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone, as modern versions of the app use it for initial device discovery.
Follow the on-screen instructions. The app may ask you to temporarily switch to the printer's own Wi-Fi network (it will be called something like Canon_ij_TS3140) to transfer data from your home router. After the data transfer, the phone will return to your main network, and the printer will connect to it.
What should I do if the app doesn't see the printer?
Make sure the Wi-Fi light on the printer is on. If it's blinking, press and hold the "Direct Connection" button (the smartphone icon) until the power and Wi-Fi lights blink alternately. This will reset the network settings.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you follow the instructions carefully, technical difficulties may arise. Often the problem lies in frequency rangeAs mentioned earlier, the TS3140 series printers operate on the 2.4 GHz band. If your router combines 2.4 and 5 GHz bands under a single name (Smart Connect), the printer may become "lost." Try temporarily separating the networks in your router settings.
Another common error is an incorrect password format or the use of special characters that the printer doesn't recognize. Try temporarily changing the password to a simpler one (letters and numbers only), setting up the printer, and then resetting the password to a strong one on your router (although modern devices typically support strong WPA2 keys).
If the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking but not staying on, try rebooting your router. Sometimes the router's DHCP server simply doesn't have time to assign a new IP address to the printer, especially if there are many devices on the network.
| Indicator | State | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Blinks slowly | Searching for a network or transferring data | Wait for completion or check your password |
| Wi-Fi | Flashing quickly | Connection error | Check your router settings and distance |
| Wi-Fi | It's on constantly | Successful connection | You can start printing. |
| Error (A/E) | Flashing orange | Hardware or ink failure | See the error code in the manual. |
Setting up direct printing (Wireless Direct)
If your router is temporarily out of order or you are in a location where there is no access to the main network, Canon Pixma TS3140 supports the mode Wireless DirectIn this mode, the printer itself becomes an access point, creating its own mini Wi-Fi network.
To activate, press the direct connection button on the printer panel (the smartphone icon). You'll find the network name (SSID) and password on the device screen or in the printed network configuration report. Connect to this network from your phone or laptop as you would to a regular Wi-Fi hotspot.
This mode is convenient for quickly printing documents from your phone when visiting someone or at your dacha where there's no router configured. However, keep in mind that in Direct mode, the printer won't have internet access, so cloud printing features won't work.
How do I reset my printer's network settings to factory defaults?
To reset network settings, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the control panel until the power light flashes once. Then press the Color Copy button, then the Wi-Fi button. The network settings will be reset, and you can start setup again.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden network (SSID hidden)?
Yes, but automatic detection won't work. You'll need to connect via USB cable and a computer, where you can manually enter the hidden network name in the driver settings, or use WPS if your router supports adding devices via a push-button, even for hidden networks.
Why does the computer see the printer but not print?
This is often a print queue or "Use offline" status issue. Go to "Devices and Printers" in Windows, right-click the printer, and select "View print queue." In the "Printer" menu, make sure "Use offline" is unchecked and the queue is cleared.