The transition to wireless printing technologies has become the standard for modern office and home use. You're no longer limited by the length of a USB cable; you can print documents directly from your smartphone, from anywhere in the house. However, initial setup often raises questions, especially when automatic driver installation fails or the menu interface appears confusing.
In this guide we will look at all the current methods on how to Connect a Canon printer to a Wi-Fi router and your phone. We'll cover using proprietary utilities, manual configuration via the control panel, and direct connection methods without a router. Proper network configuration will prevent connection drops and ensure high data transfer speeds.
Before you begin, make sure your router is working properly and your phone is in a strong signal area. Also, make sure the device you'll be printing from has the necessary apps or drivers installed. For models without a display (entry-level PIXMA G, MG, TS series), it is critical to know the Wi-Fi network password in advance, as it will have to be entered using the buttons on the case.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step is to check the technical specifications of your device. Not all printer models support wireless networks, although most modern devices do. Canon PIXMA And Canon MAXIFY Equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module. If you're unsure, look for the antenna icon on the case or refer to the model specifications in the documentation.
It's important to understand the difference between operating modes. A printer can operate as a network client (connecting to the router) or as an access point (creating its own network). For continuous use in an office or home environment, the first option is preferred, where all devices are on the same local network. Make sure your router broadcasts the 2.4 GHz band, as many printers don't see 5 GHz networks.
- 📶 Make sure your router is turned on and distributing internet.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone or tablet to at least 30%.
- 🔌 Turn on the printer and make sure there is paper in the tray.
- 💾 Prepare the password for your Wi-Fi network (case-sensitive).
If you're using a corporate network with complex security or a hidden SSID, standard methods may not work. In such cases, manually entering the IP address or contacting the system administrator to allocate an address from a static pool is often required.
⚠️ Note: Some routers have a "Client Isolation" feature. If this is enabled, your phone won't see the printer, even if they're connected to the same network. This option must be disabled in your router settings.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
The easiest and most modern way to set up is to use the official mobile app. Canon has developed a universal utility. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, which is available for iOS and Android. It not only helps you connect your device but also allows you to scan documents, check ink levels, and order supplies.
The process begins by downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play. After installation, launch the program and allow access to your local network and geolocation (this is a requirement for Android to scan for Wi-Fi networks). Click the "Add Printer" button, usually marked with a plus sign in the corner of the screen.
The app will prompt you to select your printer from a list of found devices. If the automatic search doesn't yield any results, select "Connect Manually" or "Register Printer." Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will ask you to press the wireless button on the printer.
When the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer starts blinking, the app will transfer your network parameters (SSID and password) directly to the device. This method is called SoftAP (Software Access Point). After a successful data transfer, the indicator will stop flashing and turn solid, indicating a successful connection.
- 📲 Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app.
- 🔍 Start searching for a printer in the app.
- 🔘 Press the Wi-Fi button on the printer until the indicator appears.
- 🔑 Enter your Wi-Fi password in the app when prompted.
Setting up via the WPS button on the router
If your router and printer support WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), the connection process can be reduced to just a few taps. This eliminates the need to manually enter a lengthy password, which is especially convenient for printers without a display. This technology ensures a secure connection by automatically exchanging encryption keys.
First, locate the WPS button on your router. It may be a separate physical button or a virtual button in the router's web interface. Your printer should also have a corresponding button; it's often combined with the wireless connection button and requires a long press or a combination of two buttons.
☑️ WPS connection algorithm
The steps are simple: press the WPS button on the router, then press the corresponding button on the printer within two minutes. The wireless network indicator on the printer should start blinking and then stay solid. If the blinking stops but remains orange, the connection is not established; try repeating the procedure.
⚠️ Note: The WPS protocol is considered less secure than traditional password entry due to vulnerabilities in the PIN method. If you are using a network with high security requirements, it is better to connect devices manually through the app.
It's worth noting that some modern routers have WPS disabled by default. In this case, you'll need to access the router settings via a browser (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and enable this option in the wireless network section.
Manual setup via the printer control panel
Mid and high end models such as Canon PIXMA TS8340 or series MAXIFY, equipped with a color touchscreen display. This allows you to configure the network directly, without using a phone or computer. This method is the most reliable, as you can see all available networks and connection statuses.
Click the "Settings" button (gear icon) on the printer screen. Go to "Device" or "LAN Settings." Select "Wireless LAN" and enable it if it's disabled. Then select "Wireless LAN Settings" and click "OK" or "Next."
The printer will begin searching for available networks. Find your router's name (SSID) in the list. If the network is hidden, select "Enter SSID manually." After selecting the network, a password entry screen will open. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the security key.
| On-screen indicator | The meaning of status | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing blue/green | Searching for a network or connecting | Wait for the process to complete (up to 2 minutes) |
| It burns with a steady light | Successful connection | You can start printing. |
| Flashing orange | Connection error | Check the password or distance to the router |
| It doesn't burn. | The Wi-Fi module is turned off | Enable wireless connection in the menu |
After successfully entering the password, the printer will attempt to obtain an IP address from the router. If successful, a confirmation message will appear on the screen, and you can print a network configuration report to verify the settings are correct.
What to do if the printer does not see the network?
If the network list is empty, the printer may be too far from the router or the 5 GHz band is being used. Try moving the device closer or temporarily switching the router to 2.4 GHz compatibility mode. Also, check if MAC address filtering is enabled in the router settings.
Direct Wireless Mode
Sometimes situations arise when the router is unavailable, the internet is down, or you urgently need to print a document from a guest phone. In these cases, the Direct WirelessThe printer itself creates a wireless network to which your phone connects, bypassing the main router.
To activate this mode, press the direct connection button on the printer (usually marked with a smartphone icon). The display will show the network name (SSID) and password for connection. This information can also be found in the network setup report or on a sticker on the inside of the device.
Go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings. You'll see your printer's name in the list of available networks (e.g., Canon-ij-XXX). Tap it and enter the password on the printer's screen. After connecting, your phone may warn you that there's no internet access. This is normal; agree to use the network.
- 📶 Press the "Direct" button on the printer.
- 📱 Find the printer's network in the Wi-Fi list on your phone.
- 🔑 Enter the password indicated on the MFP screen.
- 🖨️ Send the document to print via the app.
If you need internet, use mobile data (4G/5G) while printing is in progress.
Troubleshooting and Static IP
Even after successful setup, situations may arise where the printer becomes unavailable. This is often due to the router changing the device's IP address after a reboot. For stable operation in the office, it is recommended to set static IP address in the printer settings itself or reserve the address in the router.
To check the current settings, print a network configuration report. Look for the IP Address line. If the address begins with 169.254.xx, this means the printer hasn't received an address from the router (DHCP failed). In this case, you need to check the router's security settings or reboot both devices.
If your printer "disappears" from the network, try changing the Wi-Fi channel on your router. Congestion from neighboring networks can interfere with a stable connection, especially if the printer is located far from the access point. Switching to channels 1, 6, or 11 often resolves the interference issue.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces and item names may vary depending on your Canon printer's firmware version. If you don't find an exact match, look for synonyms (Wireless LAN, Network Setup, Wi-Fi Settings).
Why doesn't my phone see my Canon printer even though the Wi-Fi is on?
Most often, the problem is that the phone and printer are connected to different networks (for example, one 2.4 GHz, the other 5 GHz, or a guest network is enabled). Also, check if your phone's antivirus software is blocking local connections. Make sure the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer is lit, not the Direct indicator.
How do I reset network settings on a Canon printer?
To reset, locate the "Stop/Reset" button (usually a red triangle in a circle). Press and hold it until the orange alarm indicator flashes a certain number of times (usually 19 times for a full reset, or via the "Settings" -> "Reset Settings" -> "Network Settings" menu).
Can a Canon printer be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Most Canon models only support the 2.4 GHz standard. If your router broadcasts a single network with a common name for both bands, try separating them in the router settings, giving the 2.4 GHz network a unique name, and connect the printer to that network.
What should I do if the app says "Connection Error"?
Try temporarily disabling mobile data (4G/LTE) on your phone during setup. Sometimes the system confuses the lack of internet on your local network with an error. Also, make sure you're using the original app and not third-party drivers.