The modern pace of life dictates its own rules, and the need to urgently print a document or photo directly from a phone arises more and more often. Fortunately, technology has advanced greatly, and device owners Canon They can forget about wires and complex cable setups. Wireless printing has become a standard, accessible to every user, but the initial device pairing process still raises questions for many gadget owners.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all possible ways to establish a connection between your mobile device and the Japanese brand's printers. We'll cover official apps, built-in iOS and Android system functions, and direct connection methods when a router is unavailable. You'll learn how to avoid common errors and ensure the stable operation of your home office equipment.
Preparation takes just a few minutes, but saves hours of frustration down the road. Regardless of whether you're using a budget model from the series PIXMA or a professional MFP imageCLASSThe setup principles remain similar. The main thing is to strictly follow the steps and understand which method will be most effective in your situation.
⚠️ Important: Before starting setup, make sure the printer cartridges have ink and the paper tray is loaded. The printer must be in a ready-to-use state and not in deep sleep or error mode.
Preparatory stage and compatibility check
Before moving on to the software, you need to ensure the hardware is ready. Your smartphone and printer must be within range of a strong signal. The distance between them should not exceed a few meters, especially if you plan to use the direct connection method without an access point.
The key is technology support Wi-Fi the printing device itself. Models with the "W" index in the name, such as Canon PIXMA TS3340 or MG2540S, are equipped with a built-in wireless module. If you have a model without Wi-Fi, you'll need to connect an external print server or use a USB cable with OTG support, which is a separate topic for discussion.
- 📱 Make sure your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to.
- 🔌 Check whether the wireless module on the printer itself is enabled (the corresponding indicator is lit).
- 📶 Make sure your router operates in the 2.4 GHz band, as many printers cannot see 5 GHz networks.
- 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 20% to ensure the setup process isn't interrupted due to battery drain.
It's also a good idea to know your Wi-Fi network password in advance. Most modern routers have it on a sticker on the bottom of the router, but if you've changed the security settings, you'll need the current access key. Automatic setup is impossible without it.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
The most versatile and functional way to manage printing is to install proprietary software from the manufacturer. Application Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY Available for both mobile platforms, it offers advanced features not available with standard printing. It not only allows you to send documents, but also scan, check ink levels, and adjust paper settings.
The process begins with downloading the installation file from the official store. App Store or Google PlayAfter installation, launch the program and allow it to access your local network and geolocation—this is a mandatory requirement for discovering devices in a wireless environment. Without geolocation permission, Android smartphones often simply don't see the printer in the list of available devices.
Next, follow the on-screen instructions: the app will prompt you to add a new device. You'll need to select your printer model from the list or let the app find it automatically. If the automatic search doesn't produce any results, switch to manual mode and follow the connection prompts.
☑️ App installation checklist
An important advantage of using Canon PRINT The ability to print photos from cloud storage and social networks is a plus. You can directly upload a photo from Instagram or Google Photos, edit it with built-in filters, and print it without going through your phone's gallery. This significantly speeds up the workflow for photographers or users who want to quickly get a physical copy of a photo.
⚠️ Note: The app interface may vary slightly depending on your smartphone's operating system version. If you don't see a button, try updating the app to the latest version.
Setup via Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection)
Situations vary, and sometimes you simply don't have a configured router at hand or the internet is temporarily down. In such cases, technology comes to the rescue. Wi-Fi DirectIt allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your smartphone and printer, bypassing your home network. In this case, the printer acts as an access point.
To activate this mode on a Canon device, you usually need to press the button with the image of a smartphone or the button Direct on the control panel. The network name (SSID) and connection password will appear on the display or in the printed network settings report. This is the password you'll need to enter in your phone's Wi-Fi settings.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Press and hold the button Direct on the printer until the power indicator lights up.
- On your smartphone, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
- Find a network with a name containing "Canon" or "Direct" and connect to it.
- Enter the password specified in the instructions or on the device screen.
Once paired successfully, you can print documents just as you would over a regular network. The only limitation of this method is that in Direct mode, the printer doesn't have internet access, so cloud printing and scan-to-email features won't work. However, for urgently printing a ticket or document, this method is a lifesaver.
What should I do if my phone can't see the printer's network?
If your smartphone doesn't detect a Wi-Fi Direct network, try resetting the printer's wireless module. To do this, press the wireless button, then the color copy button, and then the black and white copy button. Then press the wireless button again. The device should restart searching for networks.
Printing from iPhone and iPad via AirPrint
Equipment owners Apple are in the most advantageous position since the iOS ecosystem supports the technology AirPrint Natively. This means you don't need to install any additional apps to print documents, web pages, or photos. All you need is for both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
The process is incredibly simple: open a document, photo, or web page in Safari, tap the Share icon (the square with an upward-facing arrow), and select Print. The system will automatically find a compatible Canon printer on the network. Simply select the device and tap Print.
AirPrint technology supports duplex printing, copy quantity, and page range selection. However, advanced settings, such as paper type or print quality, may be limited by the standard iOS interface. For full control over settings, it's still recommended to use the app. Canon PRINT.
| Function | AirPrint (iOS) | Canon PRINT App | Wi-Fi Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installing applications | Not required | Required | Not required |
| Presence of a router | Necessarily | Desirable | No need |
| Scanning | No | Yes | No |
| Checking ink | No | Yes | No |
If AirPrint isn't working, check if AP Isolation is enabled on your router. This security feature prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other, which blocks the printing protocol. Also, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone, as it is sometimes used for initial device discovery.
Connecting Android smartphones
Users Android have more flexible, but sometimes more confusing, connection options. Starting with Android 4.4, the system has a built-in print service, but it requires a manufacturer-specific plugin. For Canon, this Canon Print Service.
To activate printing, go to Settings → Connections → Printing (The path may vary depending on your smartphone model, such as Samsung or Xiaomi). Find "Canon Print Service" in the list and enable it. If the plugin isn't available, the system will prompt you to download it from Google Play.
Once the service is activated, printing becomes available from any app via the standard "Print" or "Share" menu. Android devices also support the Mopria protocol, which is often built into the system and allows printing without installing additional drivers if the printer supports this standard.
It's worth noting that the print menu interface may look different on different Android versions. In some operating systems (MIUI, OneUI), printing settings are located in a separate menu, while in others, they're hidden in the advanced connection settings. Searching your phone's settings for "Print" usually helps you quickly find the section you need.
Troubleshooting connection issues and errors
Even when following the instructions precisely, problems sometimes occur. The most common issue is that the printer isn't visible on the network. This is often due to the router broadcasting the network in two bands (2.4 and 5 GHz), and the printer is connected to one and the phone to the other. Make sure both devices are on the same network segment, preferably 2.4 GHz.
Another common mistake is an incorrect Wi-Fi password. Pay close attention to the case when entering the security key. If you recently changed your router, your printer may have reset itself and need to be re-acquainted with the new access point. This often requires resetting the printer's network settings (press and hold the Wi-Fi button and then the Cancel button).
- 🔄 Restart your router, printer, and smartphone—this solves 90% of connection problems.
- 📡 Move the printer closer to the router to avoid signal loss due to walls.
- 🛡️ Check if the antivirus software on your phone or router is blocking local connections.
- 📄 Make sure there isn't an old document stuck in the print queue on your phone that's blocking new print jobs.
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling the VPN on your smartphone. VPNs often change a device's IP address and mask its location, which prevents printer discovery protocols from finding the device on the local network.
⚠️ Please note: Router firmware and smartphone operating systems are updated regularly. The security settings interface or menu item names may change. If you cannot find the described function, please consult the latest documentation from your router manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a Canon printer to Wi-Fi without a WPS button on the router?
Yes, of course. The WPS button simply simplifies the process by eliminating the need to manually enter the password. You can set up the connection through the printer's standard Wi-Fi menu (if it has a display) or by using the printer's own temporary hotspot and the Canon PRINT mobile app, where you manually enter your network password.
Why does my printer print very slowly over Wi-Fi?
Wireless printing speed depends on signal quality and channel congestion. If the router is located far away or the signal passes through many walls, data transfer speed will drop. Also, try switching your router to a less congested channel in your Wi-Fi settings.
Does Canon Cloud Printing work?
Yes, many modern models support cloud printing. To do this, you need to register your device with the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY service and link it to your account. This allows you to print documents from anywhere with internet access.
What should I do if my phone sees the printer but says "Not connected"?
Try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on your phone and reconnecting. Also, check if your router has any MAC address restrictions. Sometimes, setting up a static IP address for the printer in the router settings can help, so the device's address doesn't change after a reboot.