Changing your internet provider or simply buying a new router is always stressful for all your home appliances, and Canon Pixma printers This is no exception. Devices stop seeing the network, lose settings, and require re-authorization to resume printing. The process of reconnecting seems complicated only at first glance, but knowing the correct steps allows you to complete the task in just a few minutes.
There are several ways to return Canon Pixma Online: from automatic setup via the WPS button to manual parameter entry via a USB cable. The method you choose depends on the specific model of your MFP and whether you have the necessary accessories on hand. It's important to understand that reset network settings does not remove the drivers from the computer, but requires them to be re-bound to a new IP address.
In this article, we will examine in detail all the current reconnection methods, including using a mobile app. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYYou'll learn how to properly reset your network settings so your printer stops searching for the old router, and how to avoid common password errors. Be prepared to play around with the buttons on the device a bit.
Preparing equipment and resetting old settings
Before setting up, make sure the new equipment is ready for use. The router must be turned on and broadcasting the network, and the computer or smartphone must be within range of a strong signal. If the printer was previously connected to a different network, it may attempt to find that network, ignoring available access points.
To get started successfully, please follow these steps:
- 🔌 Make sure the router is turned on and the indicators are green or blue.
- 📶 Make sure your device (PC or phone) is connected to the new WiFi network.
- 🖨️ Turn on the printer Canon Pixma and wait for initialization to complete.
- 🔑 Find out the password for the new WiFi network in advance if it is not saved in the device's memory.
A critical step is clearing the printer's memory of old connection profiles. Failure to do so may result in automated systems attempting to reconnect to a router that no longer exists. On many models in the series Canon Pixma TS, MG, or TR To do this you need to hold down the button Direct or the button with the image of a smartphone until the power indicator flashes.
⚠️ Important: The network settings reset process may take up to one minute. Do not unplug the printer while the lights are flashing to avoid damaging the printer's software.
After the reset, the wireless indicator will usually start blinking, indicating that it is in connection standby mode. This means that network module is active and ready to search for a new router. Now you can proceed directly to choosing the pairing method.
WPS method: the fastest way to connect
Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Allows you to connect devices without entering long passwords. This is ideal if you have a modern router and don't want to mess with manual settings. Most models Canon Pixma support this function if there is a corresponding button on the case or it is accessible through the menu.
The algorithm of actions is extremely simple:
- 📡 Press the WPS button on your router (usually it is labeled with the appropriate abbreviation).
- 🖨️ On the printer, press and hold the button Direct or button WiFi (depending on model) until the power indicator flashes twice.
- ⏳ Wait about 2 minutes until the network indicator lights up steadily.
If your printer has a screen, the process may look different: you need to go to the menu, select LAN settings, then Wireless LAN and select the item WPS connectionAfter this, a confirmation request may appear on the router or printer screen. A successful connection is confirmed by the wireless network indicator lighting steadily.
It's worth noting that the WPS method won't work if the router is too far from the printer or if the WPS function is disabled in the router's security settings by the administrator. In such cases, you'll have to use more traditional methods using a cable or smartphone.
Setup via USB cable and computer
The classic and most reliable method, guaranteed to work even with older router models, requires a computer with the drivers installed (or an installation disk/file from the Canon website) and a USB-A to Type-A cable (or a printer cable). This method is advantageous because the installation program will automatically transfer the WiFi settings from your computer to the printer.
The installation process is as follows:
- Download the full package of drivers and utilities for your model Canon Pixma from the official website.
- Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions.
- When the program asks you to select the connection type, specify Wireless connection.
- At the right moment, the program will ask you to connect the printer to the computer via a USB cable.
After connecting the cable, the installer will detect the device and prompt you to transfer network settings. The computer will "tell" the printer the name of your new network and password. Once the printer's WiFi indicator lights up, you can disconnect the cable—the device will remain connected to the network.
☑️ Checklist for connecting via USB
If the setup program does not detect the printer after connecting the cable, try using a different USB port, preferably located directly on the motherboard, rather than through a USB hub.
Using the Canon PRINT mobile app
Modern models Canon Pixma interact perfectly with smartphones. The application Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY Available for iOS and Android, it allows you to set up a network without a computer. This is especially convenient if you don't have a USB cable handy or are far from a desktop computer.
To set up, follow these steps:
- 📱 Download and install the app Canon PRINT on your smartphone.
- 📶 Connect your smartphone to the WiFi network to which you want to connect the printer.
- 🖨️ Turn on the printer and make sure the wireless light is blinking.
- 🔍 In the app, tap "Add Printer" and follow the on-screen prompts.
The app will find the device on the local network or offer to connect it directly. In some cases, you may need to temporarily switch to the printer's direct network (usually called Canon_ij_XXXX) to transfer the password from the main router. After successful data transfer, the printer will automatically switch to the main network.
What should I do if the app doesn't see the printer?
Make sure Bluetooth and location are enabled on your smartphone. Also, make sure you're not using mobile data (4G/5G) instead of WiFi. In rare cases, rebooting the router and restarting the search may help.
This method is especially effective for the series models TS, TR and GThis minimizes the risk of password errors, as the data is transferred automatically from the phone's settings. However, if you have a very old printer model that doesn't support modern communication protocols, this method may not work.
Troubleshooting network visibility and driver issues
Even with proper setup, situations may arise where the computer doesn't see the printer on the network. Often, the problem lies in the fact that after changing the router, the printer's settings have changed. IP address, issued to the printer, and the computer continues to access the old address. Frequency band conflicts are also possible.
Common causes of problems:
- 📡 5 GHz band: Many older Canon printers don't see 5 GHz networks. Make sure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network.
- 🔒 Encryption type: Your printer may not support new security standards (WPA3). Try temporarily setting it to WPA2-PSK.
- 🚫 MAC address filtering: If the router has a whitelist of devices enabled, the printer's MAC address must be added manually.
To check the connection status, you can print a network connection report. On models with a display, this can be done through the menu. Device Settings -> Report -> Network connectionOn models without a screen, the following combination often helps: hold down the button Stop (triangle in a circle) until the indicator flashes twice, then release.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The WiFi indicator is blinking | Searching for network or connection error | Check the password and range of the router |
| The indicator is on, but the PC doesn't see it. | Different subnets or firewall | Check Windows Firewall settings |
| The printer does not enter setup mode. | Software crash or freeze | Unplug the printer from the power outlet for 5 minutes. |
| Error installing driver | Software version conflict | Completely remove old Canon drivers |
⚠️ Note: If you're using a guest WiFi network on your router, your printer may be isolated from other devices. To print over the network, connect your MFP to the main (Private) network, not the guest network.
Frequently asked questions and additional recommendations
In conclusion, it's worth touching on a few frequently overlooked nuances. For example, after changing your router, you may need to update the IP address in the scanner settings on your computer. If network scanning stops working, go to the device properties in the control panel and check the port.
Don't forget about security either. After setting up your printer on a new network, it's recommended to check whether the device can be accessed from the external network (internet), if your router has this feature. For home printing, local access is sufficient.
In some cases, a simple but effective method can help: completely power off the router and printer by unplugging them for 1-2 minutes. Then, turn on the router first, wait until it fully boots up, and only then turn on the printer. This allows the device to correctly obtain a new IP address via DHCP.
What should I do if my Canon Pixma printer can't see the 5 GHz network?
Most Canon Pixma models only operate in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts a single network with a common name (Smart Connect), try separating the networks into different names (SSIDs) in the router settings, for example, "MyWiFi" and "MyWiFi_5G." Connect the printer to the network without a 5G adapter.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden network (Hidden SSID)?
Technically, this is possible, but extremely difficult. Canon printers don't work well with hidden networks. It's recommended to temporarily make the network visible, connect the printer, and then, if absolutely necessary, hide the SSID. However, after doing this, the printer may lose its connection and be unable to find the network again.
How many devices can be connected to a printer via WiFi?
Up to five computers can be connected to a single Canon Pixma printer on a local network for printing and scanning. This is a standard protocol limitation for home devices of this class.