Changing your Wi-Fi router password is a standard procedure for enhancing home network security, but for printer owners, it often poses a problem. Canon printers, like any network equipment, don't have the intelligence to automatically detect changes to router settings. When you change the router's access key, the MFP loses visibility of the network or is unable to connect to it because it stores old authentication data.
Many users mistakenly believe that simply reconnecting the device is enough, but this is impossible without a proper reset procedure or reconfiguration in the printer's menu. In this article, we'll examine all current methods for restoring the connection: from using the built-in display on the printer case to specialized software on the computer. Understanding the logic behind network modules Canon will help avoid unnecessary manipulations and quickly return the equipment to service.
It's worth noting that the control interface can vary significantly depending on the device series. Budget models without a screen require a single approach, while professional series imageRUNNER or office MFP Touch panels are a completely different matter. We'll cover the main scenarios so you can find the perfect solution for your specific hardware configuration.
Preparing to change network settings
Before you begin the active setup phase, you need to make sure you have complete information about the current network status. You will need to know the exact name of your wireless network (SSID) and the new password you set on the router. Without this information, any manipulation of the printer will be pointless, as the device needs to be "registered" somewhere.
It's also critical to determine your device model. This determines the available management tools. If you have physical access to the control panel, the process will go faster. If the printer is remotely accessible or the screen is not working, you'll have to use software methods via a PC. Make sure the computer you'll be using for setup is connected to the same network as the printer (or directly via USB).
⚠️ Attention: Some corporate networks may have security policies that prohibit connections from devices using older encryption protocols. Make sure your router doesn't use the outdated WEP standard, which modern Canon models may no longer support.
Check the status of the indicators on the device. A blinking wireless icon usually indicates that the printer is waiting for a connection or is attempting to reestablish a lost connection. If the indicator remains steady but printing fails, the device's IP address may have changed after changing the router password, and the computer has simply "lost" the printer on the local network.
Using the printer control panel
The most direct and reliable way to update network information is to use the MFP's built-in interface. This method requires no additional software and works regardless of your computer's operating system. The steps are the same for most models with a display: find the section responsible for external connections.
Click the button Menu or Settings on the device panel. Use the navigation arrows to find the option labeled "Device Settings," "Network Settings," or "Wi-Fi." Within this menu, select "LAN Setup" or "Wireless LAN." The system will prompt you to test the connection or change the settings.
Select your network from the list of available SSIDs. The device will prompt you for a password. Use the navigation keys or the numeric keypad (if available) to enter the new security key. Be careful when entering the key: it's case-sensitive, and characters may appear difficult to see on small monochrome screens.
- 📶 Find the "Device Settings" menu via the main menu button.
- 🔗 Select "LAN Settings" -> "Wireless LAN".
- 🔑 Enter your new Wi-Fi password using the on-screen prompts.
- ✅ Confirm your actions and wait for the connection report to print.
After successfully entering the data, the printer will attempt to establish a connection. If the password is correct, the Wi-Fi indicator will stop blinking and remain solid. In some cases, the device will prompt you to print a network connection report, which will show the new IP address and connection status. This is a useful document for further diagnostics.
Setup via Canon IJ Network Tool
If fiddling with buttons on a small screen is inconvenient or there are none at all, a utility comes to the rescue Canon IJ Network ToolThis is specialized software that allows you to manage your printer's network settings from your computer. Important: For initial setup using this method, the computer and printer must be connected via USB cable, as Wi-Fi connectivity is currently unavailable.
Launch the program and wait for it to detect the connected device. In the main window, select your printer from the list. You'll need to go to the "Settings" menu and select the "Wireless LAN" tab. The current, no longer valid, network settings are displayed here.
Click the "Change" or "Setup" button. The program will prompt you to select a new network from the list of available networks within range. Select your router and enter a new password in the "Network Key" field. The utility will automatically transfer this information to the printer via a USB cable, after which the device will attempt to switch to a wireless connection.
Once the process is complete, the program will report success. You can now disconnect the USB cable. The printer should automatically complete the connection to the access point. If the program returns an error, check whether Windows Firewall or antivirus software is blocking packet exchange between the PC and the printer.
WPS method: quick connection without entering a password
There is a way to avoid manually entering long and complex passwords - technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). It allows you to connect devices with a simple press of a button. However, this method only works if your router also supports WPS and has this feature enabled.
On the router body, find the button with the designation WPSOn a Canon printer, locate the wireless button or the "Direct" button. The key combination varies depending on the model: often, it's holding the Wi-Fi button until the power and network lights flash simultaneously, or pressing the Wi-Fi button and the "Color" or "Black" copy button in sequence.
Sequence for many Pixma models:1. Press the Wi-Fi button on the printer.
2. Press the Color or Black button.
3. Make sure the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking.
4. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the router.
The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys. The printer's lights should stop flashing and become solid, indicating a successful connection. This is one of the fastest methods, but it is less secure because it doesn't require a password, which theoretically makes it easier for unauthorized people to connect if they have physical access to the buttons.
⚠️ Attention: The WPS function is considered vulnerable from a cybersecurity standpoint. Many modern routers have it disabled by default or don't support it at all. If the button on your router isn't responding, check your router's security settings.
Reset network settings to factory defaults
In situations where the printer has "remembered" multiple old networks, is glitching, or won't accept a new password, the most effective solution is a complete reset of the network settings. This doesn't affect print quality settings or cartridge counters, but it completely clears the Wi-Fi module's memory.
For models without a display (PIXMA MG, TS series, etc.), the procedure is often performed using a hidden button combination. Typically, you need to hold down the button Wi-Fi until the power indicator flashes once, then release and immediately press the button Color (Color) and button Wi-Fi Once again. The exact sequence depends on the specific model, so it's best to check the manual.
The exact combination of buttons to reset
For the TS series: Press and hold the Direct button for 3 seconds until the Wi-Fi indicator lights up. Then press the Black or Color button, then the Wi-Fi button. For the MG series: Hold the Wi-Fi button until the Power indicator flashes, release it, press the Color button, then press Wi-Fi.
After the reset, the wireless indicators will begin blinking rapidly, indicating the printer is in network search mode or access point mode. The printer is now "clean" and ready for re-registration. You can re-run the setup wizard from your computer or use the control panel to enter the new network details.
It's important to understand the difference between a full device reset and a network-only reset. A full reset (factory reset) will return all settings to factory defaults, including language settings and regional codes, requiring a complete initial setup of the entire device. A LAN reset only affects IP addresses and Wi-Fi passwords.
Diagnostics and indicator table
Understanding the signals your device emits saves a lot of time. The indicators on your Canon printer's control panel are the primary means of communication between you and the machine when a full-screen display is not available. The different blinking frequencies and colors of the lights convey specific information about the network module's status.
Below is a table explaining the basic wireless indicator states. Please note that the colors may vary depending on the model, but the logic (flashing vs. solid) remains the same.
| Indicator status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Lights up blue/green | Connection established | The problem isn't with Wi-Fi, check your drivers. |
| Blinks slowly | Standby / Searching for network | Run the setup again |
| Flashing quickly | Connection Error / Reset | Check your password or reset it |
| It doesn't burn. | Wi-Fi is off | Press the Wireless button on the case |
If the indicators show an error but you're sure of the password, try temporarily disabling MAC address filtering on your router. Sometimes routers block new connections from unknown devices, even if the password is entered correctly. It's also worth checking the frequency range: older Canon printers may not see the network. 5 GHz and operate only in the 2.4 GHz range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I change the printer password remotely if I'm not at home?
Unfortunately, changing the Wi-Fi network password to which the printer is connected remotely isn't possible using standard tools. This requires either physical interaction with the buttons or an active connection to a PC running the setup utility. However, if the printer is already connected to the network, you can manage the print queue via cloud services like Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY.
What should I do if my printer can't see my Wi-Fi network after changing the password?
Make sure your router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz band. Many Canon models don't support the 5 GHz standard. Also, check that the SSID (network name) isn't hidden in your router settings. Printers often can't connect to hidden networks manually; they need to see the name in the list of available networks.
Did the printer's IP address reset after changing the password?
Yes, the address has most likely changed. If your router assigns addresses dynamically (DHCP), then when you reconnect with a new password, the printer will receive a new IP address. For stable operation in the office, we recommend assigning the IP address to the printer's MAC address in the router settings.
Do I need to reinstall drivers after changing my Wi-Fi password?
Usually not. The driver is a translation program that doesn't store passwords. However, it may take some time for the operating system to recognize that the printer is available on the network again. If printing isn't working, try removing the device from the "Devices and Printers" list and adding it again; the system will automatically find it at the new address.
☑️ Checklist for a successful password change
In conclusion, it's worth emphasizing that regularly changing passwords is a good habit, but it requires a willingness to quickly reconfigure your peripherals. Modern Canon models with support Cloud Link Mobile apps and apps make this process much less painful, allowing you to manage your connection with just one tap of your smartphone's screen. If you have an older model, the methods described above using the control panel or the IJ Network Tool utility remain the only reliable solution.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware interfaces and button layouts may vary slightly depending on the region of sale and year of manufacture. If the described combinations don't work, please refer to the user manual for your specific model on the manufacturer's official website.