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

Why do you need wireless printing from your phone, and which Canon printers support Wi-Fi?

Wireless printing from your smartphone saves time and eliminates the need to transfer files to your computer. Canon This works through the printer's built-in Wi-Fi module, which communicates with the phone directly or via a local network. Most modern models—from compact Canon PIXMA MG3640S to the office Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw — support protocols AirPrint (for iPhone), Mopria (for Android) and a proprietary application Canon PRINT.

Main usage scenarios:

  • 📱 Print photos directly from your phone gallery without a PC.
  • 📄 Quickly print documents from Google Drive, Mail or messengers.
  • 🖨️ Remote printer management (check ink levels, cancel jobs).

However, not all printers Canon work equally well with mobile devices. For example, budget models like Canon PIXMA TS3440 require manual configuration of Wi-Fi Direct, and flagship Canon MAXIFY GX7020 Support automatic connection via the cloud. Let's figure out how to determine your model's capabilities and set up a connection.

📊 What type of Canon printer do you use?
MFP (print/scan/copier)
Photo printer
Office laser
Portable
I don't know the model

Compatibility Check: Does Your Canon Printer Support Wi-Fi?

Before attempting to connect, make sure your printer has Wi-Fi. There are three ways to do this:

  1. Inspection of the body: Look for the logo on the front or back panel Wi-Fi or an inscription WirelessNewer models may have a button with an antenna icon (📶).
  2. Documentation: The printer manual (section "Specifications" or "Wireless Features") indicates the supported protocols. For example, the phrase Supports AirPrint, Mopria, Canon Print means full compatibility with smartphones.
  3. Printer menu: click Settings → Network → WirelessIf the item is active, the module exists.

If the printer was manufactured before 2018 (for example, Canon MG2540S), it may only support USB connection. In this case, wireless printing will require Wi-Fi adapter (For example, Canon WU10>) or connection via a router with the function USB Sharing.

Printer model Wi-Fi support Protocols for smartphones Peculiarities
Canon PIXMA TS3440 Yes (Wi-Fi Direct) Canon PRINT, Mopria Requires manual network configuration
Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw Yes (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) AirPrint, Mopria, Canon PRINT Supports cloud printing
Canon SELPHY CP1500 Yes (Wi-Fi Direct only) Canon PRINT, AirPrint Optimized for photo printing
Canon MAXIFY MB2720 Yes (dual band 2.4/5 GHz) All protocols + Google Cloud Print Automatic connection to the cloud
⚠️ Attention: Printers with support only Wi-Fi Direct (For example, Canon PIXMA TS3140) won't be able to print via cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox). This requires a connection to a router.

How to connect your phone to a Canon printer via Wi-Fi

There are three main wireless connection methods. The choice depends on the printer model and your needs:

1. Connection via a local network (router)

The most reliable method for continuous use. The printer and phone are connected to the same router, allowing you to print from any device on the network.

  • ✅ Pros: stable connection, access from multiple devices, cloud printing support.
  • ❌ Cons: Requires router configuration, printer must always be turned on.

2. Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection)

The printer creates its own access point to which the phone connects. Suitable for one-time printing without a router.

  • ✅ Pros: works without internet, quick setup.
  • ❌ Cons: the phone loses access to the Internet, limited range (up to 10 m).

3. Cloud printing (Canon PRINT Service)

Files are sent via the Internet to the server Canon, which transfers them to the printer. Requires registration in Canon ID.

  • ✅ Pros: Print from anywhere in the world, Google Drive/Dropbox support.
  • ❌ Cons: Dependent on internet speed, possible delays.

Make sure the printer is turned on and loaded with paper|

Check Ink/Toner Levels|

Disable VPN on your phone (may block local network)|

Update printer firmware (via Settings → Software Update)| -->

Step-by-step instructions: connecting via a router (recommended method)

This method is suitable for most models. Canon with Wi-Fi support (for example, PIXMA TR8620, imageCLASS MF642Cdw). Follow the instructions:

  1. Connect the printer to the router:

    On the printer, go to Settings → Network Settings → Wireless → Wireless LAN SetupSelect your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Wait for the message Connected.

    If the printer does not find the network, check:

    • 🔄 The router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi (indicator WLAN (lights up green).
    • 📶 The printer is within range (no further than 5–7 m from the router).
    • 🔒 The password is entered correctly (case sensitive!).

  • Install the application Canon PRINT:

    Download it from App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android). When you first launch the app, allow access to files and the local network.

  • Add a printer in the app:

    Click Add a printer → Search the webThe app should automatically find yours. CanonIf not, enter the printer's IP address manually (you can find it out via Settings → Network Settings → Network Configuration on the printer).

  • Print a test page:

    Open any document or photo in the app Canon PRINT, click Seal and select your printer. If the page prints, the setup is successful.

    • ⚠️ Note: If your printer does not appear in the list of devices, check if it is blocked router firewall local interaction. To do this, temporarily disable the function AP Isolation in the router settings (section Wireless → Advanced).

    Setting up Wi-Fi Direct for a direct connection

    This method is convenient for printing on the go or if you don't have a router. These instructions apply to models that support Wi-Fi Direct (For example, Canon PIXMA TS8350, SELPHY CP1300):

    1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct on your printer:

      Go to Settings → Wireless → Wi-Fi Direct → Turn on. Write down the network name (SSID) and password that the printer generates automatically (e.g. DIRECT-Canon_XX:PIXMA TS8350).

    2. Connect your phone to the printer:

      Open it on your phone Settings → Wi-Fi and select the printer's network. Enter the password. After connecting, the phone will lose access to the Internet - this is normal.

    3. Start printing:

      Open the file (photo, PDF) and select Seal. Your printer will appear in the list of printers. CanonIf not, install the app. Canon PRINT and add the printer manually via Add → Local Printer.

      4. Wi-Fi Direct limitations:

      • 📵 The phone cannot be connected to a printer and the Internet at the same time.
      • 🔋 Phone battery drains quickly due to constant Wi-Fi connection.
      • 📡 Maximum range is 10 meters without obstacles.

    What should I do if my printer doesn't create a Wi-Fi Direct network?

    If after activating Wi-Fi Direct the network does not appear in the list of devices on your phone:

    1. Make sure the printer is in the print mode. Access point (and not Client).

    2. Check if the phone is in the "Don't worry" mode. Battery saving - it can block network scanning.

    3. Restart the printer by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

    4. If the model is old (for example, Canon MG5340), update the firmware via PC.

    Troubleshooting common connection errors

    Even with proper configuration, glitches can still occur. Let's look at common issues and how to fix them:

    Error Possible cause Solution
    Printer not found in the app The printer and phone are on different networks Connect both devices to the same router or use Wi-Fi Direct
    Connection error (code E08, E16) Incorrect Wi-Fi password or firmware failure Restart the printer, reset the network settings (Settings → Network reset)
    Printing is in progress, but the document is incomplete. The printer is out of memory or the file is corrupted. Split the document into parts or convert it to PDF
    Failed to connect to Wi-Fi Direct IP address conflict Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone and then reconnect.

    If the printer displays an error code (for example, E04 or 6000), check its value in user manual (Troubleshooting section). For models Canon MAXIFY And imageCLASS Current error codes can be found on the support website. Canon by model number.

    ⚠️ Note: If your printer's wireless functions stop working after updating its firmware, please perform a factory reset (Settings → Device → Reset all settings). This will delete all saved networks, so write down your Wi-Fi password in advance.

    Cloud printing via Canon PRINT Service

    This method allows you to print on Canon From your phone anywhere in the world, as long as the printer is connected to the internet. To set it up:

    1. Register in Canon ID:

      Go to the website Canon or register through the app Canon PRINT. Confirm email.

    2. Connect your printer to the cloud:

      On the printer, go to Settings → Canon PRINT Service → Registration. Enter your details Canon ID.

    3. Download the file for printing:

      In the appendix Canon PRINT select Cloud printing → download the document from Google Drive, Dropbox or galleries.

    4. Select a printer:

      Your printer will appear in the list of devices with a mark Cloud. Click Seal.

    Benefits of cloud printing:

    • 🌍 Print from anywhere in the world (the main thing is that the printer is turned on and connected to the Internet).
    • 📁 Support for print jobs from Google Drive, OneDrive, Evernote.
    • 🔄 Automatic job status update (notification of print completion).

    Flaws:

    • ⚠️ Internet speed dependency - large files (e.g. PDFs with 100+ pages) may take a while to print.
    • 🔒 Risk of data leakage when transmitting via the cloud (use only secure networks).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting your phone to a Canon printer

    My Canon printer doesn't support Wi-Fi. Can I connect it to my phone wirelessly?

    Yes, there are two options:

    1. Wi-Fi adapterBuy an adapter Canon WU10 (for older models) or universal USB-Wi-Fi adapter (For example, TP-Link TL-WN725N). Connect it to the printer's USB port and set it up as an access point.
    2. Router with USB port: Connect the printer to the router via USB, and in the router settings, activate the function USB Sharing or Print ServerThe printer will become accessible over the network.

    Both methods require preliminary setup on your computer.

    How to print from iPhone to Canon printer without an app?

    If your printer supports AirPrint (most models Canon after 2016), it is enough:

    1. Connect your iPhone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
    2. Open a document or photo, click Share → Seal.
    3. Select your printer from the list of printers Canon.

    If your printer is not showing up, check if it is turned on. AirPrint in its settings (Settings → Network settings → AirPrint → On).

    Why does my Canon printer print blank sheets when sending from my phone?

    This problem occurs for three reasons:

    1. Incompatible file format: Convert document to PDF or JPEG (for example, through Google Docs).
    2. Empty cartridges: Check the ink level in the app Canon PRINT or on the printer panel.
    3. Driver failure: Reinstall the application Canon PRINT and restart the printer.

    If the problem persists, try printing from your computer - this will help determine whether the phone is at fault.

    Is it possible to print from a phone to a Canon printer via Bluetooth?

    No, printers Canon do not support Bluetooth for printing. The only wireless protocols are Wi-Fi And Wi-Fi DirectHowever, some models (for example, Canon SELPHY CP1500) support printing via NFC — To do this, simply place your phone on a special label on the printer.

    How to reset Wi-Fi settings on a Canon printer?

    If your printer won't connect to the network or is displaying errors, try resetting it:

    1. On the printer, go to Settings → Device → Reset settings.
    2. Select Reset network settings (do not confuse with a full reset!).
    3. Confirm the action. The printer will reboot and forget all saved networks.

    After the reset, set up Wi-Fi again as described in section on connecting via a router.

    📖 Read also

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