Connecting a Canon printer to a computer via Wi-Fi: A complete guide with troubleshooting steps

Wireless printing saves time and eliminates the clutter of wires, but setting up a Wi-Fi connection between the printer Canon and the computer often raises questions. Especially when it comes to models PIXMA MG, G-series or MAXIFY, where the process may differ depending on the year of manufacture and firmware version. In this article, we'll cover all connection methods—from standard WPS to manual configuration via IP address—and also solve common problems like the error E08 or the absence of the printer in the list of devices.

It is important to understand that a successful connection depends not only on the actions with the printer, but also on the settings of your router (for example, the type of network encryption) and the operating system (in Windows 11 And macOS Ventura device search algorithms vary). We'll look at universal methods that work on most models. Canon, released after 2018, but always check the manual for your specific model for details.

1. Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before you begin setup, make sure all system components are ready for wireless connection. Problems often arise due to small issues, such as low router batteries, outdated drivers, or incompatible Wi-Fi standards.

Start with physical inspection:

• 🔋 Printer: plugged in, power indicator lights up green (on models Canon PIXMA TS — blue). Make sure there's paper in the tray—some models block Wi-Fi setup if there's none.
• 📶 Router: operates in the range 2.4 GHz (most printers Canon do not support 5 GHz). If you have a dual-band network, temporarily disable 5 GHz in the router settings.
• 💻 Computer: connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer. Check that your PC has the latest updates. Windows or macOS.

Then check software part:

• 🔄 Drivers: remove old drivers Canon through Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features (V Windows). Download the latest version from official website (select the driver for your model and OS).
• 🛡️ Firewall: temporarily disable your antivirus and built-in firewall Windows, as they may block the printer from being discovered on the network.

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses an encryption standard WPA3, printers Canon older than 2020 may not connect. Switch the network to WPA2-PSK (AES) 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 to your network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This method works if:

• 🔘 Your router supports WPS (usually there is a button with the inscription WPS or the 🔄 icon).
• 🖨️ Printer Canon Equipped with WPS function (check in the manual or on the sticker on the back).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On the printer, go to the menu Settings → Wi-Fi Setup → Connect via WPS (the path may differ depending on the model, for example, on Canon MG3640 This Settings → Wireless → Wireless LAN Setup).
2. Select an option Press the button on the router (or Push Button Method).
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router (usually it starts blinking).
4. Wait for the printer screen to display a message indicating a successful connection (the Wi-Fi indicator will turn blue/green).

If the printer does not connect:

• 🔄 Restart your router and printer and try again.
• 📡 Check that the router is not operating in standby mode Bridge or Repeater — WPS can be disabled in these modes.

⚠️ Attention: Some providers (eg Rostelecom or Beeline) disable WPS by default on their routers. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and enable WPS in the section Wireless Network → WPS.

3. Method 2: Manual connection via the printer menu

If your router doesn't support WPS or your printer doesn't detect the network automatically, use manual Wi-Fi settings. This method works for all models. Canon, including PIXMA TS, MG And G-series.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On the printer, go to Settings → Wi-Fi Setup → Default Setup (or Manual setup).
2. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list. If the network is not listed, select Another network and enter SSID (network name) manually.
3. Enter your Wi-Fi password. Be careful: printers Canon are case-sensitive and sensitive to special characters (eg ! or # may not be supported).
4. Confirm your input. The printer will attempt to connect to the network (this process may take up to 1 minute).

If the printer gives an error E08 (failed to connect):

• 🔑 Make sure you entered your password correctly. Try making it simpler (use only letters and numbers).
• 📡 Check that the router is not using WPA3 or TKIP-encryption. Switch to WPA2-PSK (AES).
• 🔄 Restart your printer and router and try again.

4. Method 3: Connecting via USB (if Wi-Fi doesn't work)

If you can't set up a wireless connection, you can temporarily use USB cable to install drivers and configure Wi-Fi. This method is suitable for all models. Canon, including LBP And MAXIFY.

What you will need:

• 🔌 USB cable (usually included with the printer).
• 💿 Installation disk with drivers or downloaded package from Canon website.

Instructions:

1. Connect the printer to your computer via USB.
2. Run the driver installation. During the installation process, the wizard will prompt you to select the connection type. Select Wireless.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. The program will automatically detect the printer and prompt you to enter Wi-Fi settings.
4. Once installation is complete, disconnect the USB cable. The printer should remain connected to the Wi-Fi network.

⚠️ Attention: On Windows 11 When connecting via USB, an error may appear The device is not recognizedIn this case, download the driver manually from the website. Canon, by selecting a section Drivers for your OS.

What should I do if the printer is connected via USB but does not print?

If the printer is detected by the system but does not print, check:

1. Printing service: V Windows open Services (click Win + R, enter services.msc) and make sure that the service Print Manager launched.

2. Ports: in the printer settings (Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Printer Properties → Ports) a port must be selected WSD or Standard TCP/IP Port with the printer's IP address.

3. Print queue: clean it through Control Panel → Devices and Printers → View print queue.

5. Setting up the printer on your computer after connecting to Wi-Fi

Once the printer is successfully connected to the network, it needs to be added to the system. The process varies depending on the operating system.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & other devices → Printers & scanners.
2. Click Add a printer or scannerThe system will start searching for devices.
3. If the printer does not appear in the list, click The printer you need is not listed. and select Add a printer by its TCP/IP address.
4. Enter the IP address of the printer (you can find it by printing Network/Settings from the printer panel) and install the driver.

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click + to add a new printer.
3. Select a tab IP and enter the printer address (for example, 192.168.1.100).
4. Specify the driver (if it is not in the list, download it from the website) Canon).

If the printer is added but does not print:

• 🖱️ Make sure it is selected as the default printer.
• 📄 Make sure there are no stuck jobs in the print queue.
• 🔧 Update your driver via device Manager (V Windows).

6. Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, errors may still occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi but does not print:

• 🔌 Check that the printer has not gone into sleep mode (press any button on the panel).
• 📡 Make sure your computer and printer are on the same network (for example, don't connect your PC to a guest network if the printer is on the primary network).
• 🖨️ Reinstall the driver by selecting the version The complete package (Not Basic driver) on the website Canon.

Error Offline in printer status:

• 🔄 Restart your printer and computer.
• 📌 In the printer settings (Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Printer Properties) uncheck Work autonomously.
• 🔧 Assign a static IP address to the printer in your router settings (to avoid DHCP conflicts).

The printer periodically disconnects from Wi-Fi:

• 📶 Check your signal strength. If the printer is far from the router, use Wi-Fi repeater or move the device closer.
• ⚡ Make sure that the power saving mode for Wi-Fi is disabled on your router (look for it in the settings) Wi-Fi Power Save or Green Mode).
• 🔄 Update your printer firmware via Canon PRINT Utility or the official website.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Canon PIXMA (For example, MG3600) After updating the firmware, your Wi-Fi settings are reset. Write down your network settings in advance to quickly restore your connection.

7. Alternative connection methods

If standard methods don't work, try alternative connection options.

1. Connection via Canon PRINT Utility:

• 📱 Download the app Canon PRINT on smartphone (Android or iOS).
• 🔗 Connect the printer to your phone via Wi-Fi Direct (select in the printer settings Wi-Fi Direct → Enable).
• 🖥️ On your computer, open Canon PRINT Utility (install from the official website) and add the printer via Search the web.

2. Connection by IP address:

• 📄 Print Network settings from the printer (usually in the menu Settings → LAN Setup → Print Report).
• 🔢 Find it in the report IP address printer (for example, 192.168.1.105).
• 🖥️ On your computer, add the printer manually by entering this IP address and selecting the driver Canon.

3. Using cloud printing:

• ☁️ Register your printer with the service Canon Cloud Link or Google Cloud Print (if supported).
• 🌐 Print documents directly from your browser or apps (Google Docs, Microsoft Office).

Important: Printers Canon series PIXMA TS And MG (released after 2020) support the protocol AirPrint, which allows you to print with iPhone or Mac without additional drivers. All that is needed is for the printer and device to be Apple were on the same Wi-Fi network.

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

🔹 Why can't my Canon printer see my Wi-Fi network?

This can happen for several reasons:

• 📡 The router operates in the range 5 GHz (switch to 2.4 GHz).
• 🔑 Network hidden (turn off this function) Hide SSID in the router settings).
• 🔄 The printer is too far from the router (move it closer).

Also check that the router does not have a filter enabled. MAC address - it can block the connection of new devices.

🔹 How do I reset Wi-Fi settings on a Canon printer?

To reset network settings:

1. On the printer, go to Settings → Device Setup → Reset Settings.
2. Select Reset LAN settings (or Reset network settings).
3. Confirm the action. The printer will reboot, and you can set up Wi-Fi again.

On some models (eg, Canon LBP) reset is performed by holding the button Cancel or Reset within 10 seconds.

🔹 Is it possible to connect a Canon printer to Wi-Fi without a display?

Yes, even if the printer does not have a screen (like Canon SELPHY or some models LBP), you can:

• 🔌 Connect the printer to the computer via USB and configure Wi-Fi through the driver installation program.
• 📱 Use the mobile app Canon PRINT to configure via Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🖥️ Manually assign an IP address to the printer via the router's web interface (if the printer supports WSD or Bonjour).

🔹 Why does my Canon printer print blank pages after connecting to Wi-Fi?

This problem is usually related to drivers or print settings:

• 🖨️ Check the ink/toner levels (print a test page after Printer Properties → Maintenance).
• 🔧 Reinstall the driver by selecting The complete package (Not Base).
• 📄 In the print settings (File → Print → Properties) make sure the correct one is selected Paper type And Print quality.

If the problem persists, try printing from another device (such as a smartphone) - this will help determine whether the problem is with the printer.

🔹 How to update Canon printer firmware via Wi-Fi?

To update the firmware:

1. Download the latest firmware version for your model from Canon website.
2. Connect the printer to the computer via USB (even if you usually print via Wi-Fi).
3. Run the downloaded firmware file and follow the installation wizard instructions.
4. Do not turn off the printer until the process is complete (this may take up to 10 minutes).

Some models (eg Canon PIXMA TS9150) support updating via Wi-Fi Canon PRINT Utility.