Changing internet providers or routers often presents office equipment owners with a difficult problem: how to reconnect the device. If you're looking for a way to change the WiFi password on a Canon printer, it's likely your equipment has stopped connecting to the network after changing key router security settings. This is a common situation, requiring updating the network settings in the MFP or laser printer itself.
The process of restoring the connection depends on the specific model of your equipment and the presence of a display on the case. Network parameters They are stored in the device's internal memory, and simply changing them on the router isn't enough—the printer must receive the new data. We'll cover all the current methods, from using buttons on the device to specialized software on your computer.
Before you begin setup, make sure you know the new password for your wireless network. Without precise character input, including case-sensitive letters and special characters, authorization will fail. It's also important that the router and printer be within a strong signal range during the configuration process.
Preparing to change network settings
The first step is to check the current hardware status. Make sure the printer is turned on and in standby mode, not in deep sleep. If any error indicators are illuminated on the device, they must be resolved before working with the network module. Wireless connection will not work correctly if there are system failures.
You will need to know the exact name of your network (SSID) and the new access key. Please note that some older Canon models only support the range 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts a 5 GHz network with the same name, the printer may not see it or be unable to connect. In this case, guest mode or a separate network for older devices must be enabled on the router.
⚠️ Important: When entering a password on the printer screen or computer, pay close attention to the capitalization of the letters. The characters "A" and "a" are interpreted as different characters by the system, which is a common cause of connection errors.
It's recommended to prepare the computer or smartphone you plan to use to manage the settings in advance. If you're using a laptop, connect it to the same WiFi network you'll be connecting the printer to. This will automatically copy the network settings if you use WPS or automatic setup.
Changing the password through the printer control panel
On models with a color touchscreen or an extended keypad, the procedure is most straightforward. You need to access the network settings menu. Typically, the path looks like this: Settings (gear icon) → Device settings → LAN settingsIn some episodes, for example, Canon PIXMA G-series, the menu may be called "Wireless Network Settings".
Within the menu, find "Wireless LAN settings." Select "Setup Wizard." The printer will begin searching for available networks. When your router's name appears on the screen, select it. The system will prompt you to enter a new password.
- 📱 Use the on-screen arrows or navigation buttons to select symbols.
- 🔤 Switch between numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters using a special button.
- ✅ After entering all the characters, be sure to click "OK" or "Apply" to save.
After confirming the information, the printer will attempt to connect to the router. A successful connection is confirmed by the WiFi indicator on the printer flashing and then turning solid. If the indicator turns red, the password was entered incorrectly or the signal is too weak.
Using Canon IJ Network Tool for setup
If fiddling with buttons on a small screen is inconvenient, it's better to use a computer. There's a utility for this. Canon IJ Network ToolIt's included with the drivers, but is often installed separately. You can download it from the official support website by entering your device model.
Run the program as administrator. In the main window, select your printer from the list of detected devices. Even if it's currently offline, the program can see it via a USB cable or a temporary direct connection. Go to "Settings" and find the "Wireless LAN" tab.
Program menu path: Settings → Wireless LAN Settings → Change NetworkHere you'll see a full range of settings. You can select your network from the list of available ones (SSID) and enter a new password in the corresponding field. The program will automatically generate the correct data packet and send it to the printer. This is the most reliable method, eliminating manual entry errors.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Your wireless network name | On the bottom of the router or in the WiFi settings |
| Security Type | Encryption type (usually WPA2-PSK) | In the router interface |
| Network Key | WiFi network password | Created by the user |
| IP Address | The device's network address | Network report or router |
☑️ Pre-launch check for IJ Network Tool
WPS method: quick connection without entering a password
The easiest way to change the WiFi password on a Canon printer without manually entering it is with WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). It allows the network information to be transferred automatically when the devices are physically connected. This method works if your router supports WPS and the feature is enabled.
Press the WPS button on your router. It's usually located on the back panel and may be combined with the reset button (requires a short press). The WiFi indicator on the router should start blinking, indicating searching mode. Within 2 minutes, press the "Wireless" button or the dedicated button with the smartphone/cloud icon on the printer.
⚠️ Note: The WPS function is considered less secure than manually entering a complex password. If you use this method in an office, we recommend disabling WPS support in the router's admin panel after setup.
The printer and router will exchange encryption keys. The indicator on the MFP will blink during the data exchange and turn solid upon success. The computer can be turned off during this process, as the setup occurs directly between the printer and router.
What to do if the WPS button does not work?
If the router doesn't respond to pressing, the function may be blocked in its web interface. Access the router settings via a browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find the Wireless or WiFi section, and enable WPS. This method also won't work if the router has a MAC address filter.
Resetting the network settings of a Canon printer
In cases where the printer has "remembered" old data and refuses to accept new ones, or if you purchased a used device, a hard reset is necessary. This will return the network module to factory settings. It's important to understand that network reset does not affect printer counters or print quality settings, it only clears the LAN/WiFi configuration.
Most models without a display have a button combination. Often, you need to hold down the "Direct" button or the button with the smartphone icon for 5-10 seconds until the power indicator flashes. On models with a display, the procedure is usually as follows: Settings → Device settings → Reset settings → LAN settings only.
After the reset, the printer will enter connection standby mode. The wireless network indicator will begin blinking rapidly. This indicates that the device is ready for reconfiguration using any of the methods described above. You can now rerun the setup wizard and enter the updated password.
- 🔄 Resetting removes static IP addresses if they were entered manually.
- 🔌 After the procedure, you may need to reboot the router to issue new DHCP leases.
- 📡 The printer will return to the default "Infrastructure mode".
Diagnosing connection problems
Even if you enter the correct data, errors may occur. If the WiFi indicator is blinking slowly or is orange, check the security standards. Modern routers often use mixed mode. WPA2/WPA3Older Canon models may not support the WPA3 protocol and require the router to be switched to compatibility mode. WPA2-PSK (AES).
Another common issue is a hidden SSID. If your network name is hidden, the printer won't be able to find it in the list during automatic search. In this case, select "Enter network name manually" in the printer menu and print the case-sensitive SSID, or temporarily enable network name display in your router.
⚠️ Note: Router and printer firmware interfaces are subject to update. If the menu items described differ, look for similar names or refer to the documentation for your specific model on the official website.
It's also worth checking if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router. If this filter is enabled, a printer with a new (or reset) MAC address won't be allowed onto the network, even with the correct password. You need to find the printer's MAC address (printed in the network report) and add it to the whitelist of allowed devices on the router.
Why does the printer see the 5 GHz network but not connect?
Many users mistakenly believe that if a printer "sees" the network, it can connect. However, the Wi-Fi modules in Canon printers often only operate in the 2.4 GHz band. If the router combines 2.4 and 5 GHz networks under a single name (Smart Connect), the printer may attempt to connect to the 5 GHz network and fail. Solution: separate the networks on the router, giving them different names, such as "Home_2.4" and "Home_5," and connect the printer to the former.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the WiFi password on a Canon printer using a phone?
Yes, if your model supports Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY technology. To do this, temporarily connect your phone to the printer via Direct Connect, launch the app, select device settings, and enter the new router password in the LAN section.
What should I do if I forgot my WiFi password and can't connect my printer?
You can view the password on any already connected Windows computer. Go to "Network and Sharing Center," select the wireless network properties, then the "Security" tab and check "Show characters as you type."
Does the password reset when the printer is unplugged?
No, network settings are stored in non-volatile memory. They are retained even if the power is completely turned off. Changing the password requires a reset procedure via the menu or software.
Do all Canon printers support password change?
All models with a WiFi module support this feature. If you have a printer without a wireless module (USB only), the concept of a WiFi password is not applicable, as it does not connect directly to the network.