How to Change the Wi-Fi on a Canon Printer: A Complete Guide

Changing internet providers or installing a new router inevitably poses the question of how to change the Wi-Fi on a Canon printer. This procedure is necessary because the device stores the previous network's data and won't be able to connect to a new access point without reconfiguring it. The process seems complicated at first glance, but in reality, it only takes a few minutes if you know the correct steps.

In most cases, you won't need any special drivers or complicated cable manipulation, though USB connection This can sometimes be useful for initial configuration. Modern Canon MFPs and printers feature intuitive screens or a set of buttons that allow you to quickly access the wireless network menu. It's important to know the name of your new network and the current password in advance to avoid interrupting the setup process.

In this article, we'll cover all current reconnection methods, including using WPS technology, which eliminates the need to manually enter long password characters. We'll also cover the specifics of working with models without a display, where all communication is based on blinking LEDs. Please remember that before you begin setup, you must ensure that your router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz range, as many Canon printers do not support the 5 GHz frequency.

Preparatory stage and compatibility check

Before actively reconfiguring the wireless module, it's necessary to perform a basic diagnostic of the current hardware status. Make sure the printer is turned on and in standby mode, not in deep sleep, as some models may not respond to WiFi activation commands in power-saving mode. It's also worth checking that the new router is already configured and transmitting the signal to which you plan to connect the printer.

Pay special attention to your network security type. Canon printers, especially those released several years ago, may not support the latest encryption protocols, such as WPA3. In this case, you may need to temporarily change your router settings. WPA2-PSK (AES)to allow the device to authenticate. This is standard practice for older but still functional devices that still print perfectly.

Gather all the necessary information before starting the process. You will need:

• 📶 The exact SSID name (your WiFi network name), which is case-sensitive.
• 🔑 Current wireless network password.
• 📟 The Canon printer itself with access to the control panel.
• 💻 A smartphone or computer connected to the same network to install drivers (optional).

⚠️ Important: If your router uses split-band functionality (Smart Connect), and the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks have the same name, the printer may not find the network. Temporarily separate them in your router settings or create a guest network on the 2.4 GHz band only.

Connection method via WPS button

The fastest and easiest way to change the Wi-Fi connection on a Canon printer without manually entering a password is to use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method is ideal if your router has a physical WPS button or if this feature is available in the router's web interface. You don't need to know the password or search for the network in a list; everything happens automatically.

First, find the button WiFi or Wireless on your printer's control panel. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the power light or wireless network icon starts flashing. On some models without a display, such as the PIXMA MG or TS series, you need to press the smartphone connection button (phone icon) and the WiFi button simultaneously until the power light lights up.

Further actions depend on the presence of a display on the device:

• 🖥️ On models with a screen: go to Settings → LAN settings → Wireless LAN and select WPS (Push Button).
• 🔘 For models without a display: After activating the search mode (the indicator flashes), press the WPS button on your router within 2 minutes.
• 🔄 Wait until the WiFi indicator on the printer stops flashing and turns solid, indicating a successful connection.

If the indicator continues to flash or turns orange, the connection is not established. In this case, repeat the procedure, ensuring you are close enough to the router and that the time interval between button presses does not exceed two minutes. This method is the most reliable, as it eliminates the possibility of entering password errors.

Setting up via the printer menu (for models with a display)

Owners of more advanced models, such as the Canon PIXMA TR series or MAXIFY, have the option to manually select a network and enter the password directly from the device's screen. This method gives you complete control over the process and allows you to see a list of available networks, which is especially useful if your network is hidden or the router is located far away.

Using the navigation buttons or the touch screen, go to the main menu and select Settings (gear icon). Then follow the path Device → LAN settings → Wireless LAN. Select an option Select network or Other networks, if your access point is not in the recent list.

After selecting your network name (SSID), the printer will ask for a password. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the security key:

• 🔤 Pay close attention to the case of letters, as passwords are case-sensitive.
• 👁️ Use the "Show Password" feature (if available) to ensure you've entered it correctly before confirming.
• ✅ Click "OK" or "Done" to complete the setup.

⚠️ Note: Interfaces may vary depending on the model. If you don't find an exact menu match, look for sections labeled "Network," "Wireless," or an antenna icon.

What should I do if the on-screen keyboard is inactive?

Sometimes the system blocks input if the encryption type isn't selected. Make sure WPA2-PSK is selected in the security settings. If the screen is touch-sensitive, the surface may need to be calibrated or cleaned.

Once the data is entered successfully, the printer will attempt to obtain an IP address from the router. If successful, a connection message will appear on the screen, and the wireless network indicator will glow blue. You can now proceed to installing the software on your computer to complete the integration process.

Using the Canon PRINT app to set up

A modern and very convenient way to change the WiFi on a Canon printer is to use a mobile app. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY For Android or iOS smartphones. This method is especially useful if the printer doesn't have a display and the WPS button on the router is unavailable or doesn't work. The app acts as an intermediary, transmitting network settings directly to the device.

First, make sure your smartphone is connected to the new WiFi network you want to connect the printer to. Download and install the app from the official store (Google Play or App Store). Launch the app and tap the "Add Printer" icon (usually in the upper left corner). If the printer was previously connected to a different network, the app may prompt you to reset the network settings—consent to this.

The setup process via the app is as follows:

1. Select your printer model from the list or let the app find it automatically.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions: you will be asked to press and hold the button Direct or WiFi on the printer until the smartphone icon appears.
3. The application will automatically transfer data about the current WiFi network (SSID and password) to the printer.

This method also allows you to immediately check the device's functionality by offering to print a test page. If the print is successful, the printer has successfully migrated to a different network and is ready to work with any devices in your home. The app also provides access to additional features, such as scanning to the cloud and checking ink levels.

Resetting the printer's network settings

Sometimes standard methods don't work, and the printer continues to "remember" the old router, ignoring new commands. In such cases, you need to perform a full network reset. This will reset the WiFi module to factory settings, deleting all saved connection profiles.

For models with a display, the procedure is usually performed through the menu: Settings → Device → LAN settings → Reset LAN settingsConfirm the action, and the device will reboot the network module. For models without a display, such as the Canon PIXMA MG2500 or MG3600, a button combination is used.

To reset on models without a screen:

• 🛑 Press and hold the button Stop (triangle in a circle) until the indicator Alarm (orange) will not blink a certain number of times (usually 1 or 2, depending on the model).
• 📶 Or press the buttons simultaneously Wireless And Stop and hold them for about 5-10 seconds until the power indicator flashes.
• 🔄 Release the buttons and wait until the WiFi indicator starts blinking quickly, signaling that it is ready for a new setup.

After the reset, the printer will enter connection standby mode. You can now restart the setup process using any of the methods described above. A reset often resolves issues where the printer is stuck trying to connect to a non-existent network.

Installing drivers and checking the connection

Once the printer is connected to the new WiFi network, you need to make sure the computer can see it. If you change the router, the operating system may consider the old device offline. You may need to remove the old printer from the device list and add it again.

Go to Control Panel → Devices and printers (or Printers and scanners (in Windows 10/11). If your old printer is not listed, click Add a printerThe system will search for devices on the network. If the printer is found, Windows will automatically install the drivers.

The table below lists common problems and their solutions during the verification phase:

If the automatic search doesn't yield results, use the installation disc or download the full driver package from the official Canon website, selecting your model and operating system. During the installation process, select "Wireless" as the connection type and follow the installation wizard.

⚠️ Note: After changing your router, your printer's IP address may have changed. If you were using a static IP for network printing, you'll need to update the printer port settings in the device properties on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to connect a Canon printer to a hidden network (SSID Hidden)?

Yes, this is possible, but only through the printer's menu (if it has a screen) or through the app. The automatic search won't reveal the hidden network. You'll need to select "Enter manually" and accurately specify the network name and security type.

The printer sees the 5 GHz network but won't connect. What's wrong?

Most Canon printers only operate on the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts a 5 GHz network with the same name, the printer may attempt to connect to it and fail. Separate the network names in your router settings or ensure that the printer is connecting to the 2.4 GHz band.

How do I find my printer's IP address after changing my WiFi?

On models with a display, look in the "Device Information" or "Network Report" menu. On models without a display, press and hold the "Wireless" or "Stop" button (depending on the model) to print a network configuration report, which will show the IP address.

Do I need to reinstall drivers when changing my router?

Usually not. If the network name (SSID) remains the same (you simply changed the router to a similar one with the same settings), the printer will connect automatically. If the network name or password has changed, you don't need to change the drivers, but you will need to reconfigure the printer's WiFi connection.