Printing from Your Phone to a Canon Printer via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Wireless printing from your smartphone to a printer Canon Using Wi-Fi saves time and eliminates the need to transfer files to a computer. However, many users encounter problems: the printer can't find the network, the phone can't detect the device, or printing stops halfway through the document. In this article, we'll cover all setup steps—from preparing the equipment to troubleshooting common errors.

It is important to understand that the process depends on the printer model (for example, Canon PIXMA MG3640 or Canon MAXIFY MB2720 support different connection protocols) and phone operating systems. We will look at universal methods for Android And iOS, as well as nuances for printers with support AirPrint, Mopria and a branded application Canon PRINT.

If your printer was released before 2018, check its specifications on the website Canon — Some older models require an additional USB connection for initial Wi-Fi setup. Modern devices (2019 and newer) usually support direct printing Wi-Fi Direct or via a router.

1. Preparing your Canon printer for wireless printing

Before connecting your phone, make sure the printer itself is properly configured to work on the network. Most models Canon (for example, series PIXMA or MAXIFY) have a built-in Wi-Fi module, but it needs to be activated and configured.

Turn on the printer and wait for the self-test to complete. Locate the button on the control panel. Wi-Fi (usually indicated by an antenna icon) and hold it for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing. This will put the device into network setup mode. On some models (e.g., Canon TS3440) you need to go to the menu Settings → Wireless.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer was previously connected to a different network, reset the network settings through the menu. Network → Reset Wi-Fi SettingsThis will remove all saved passwords and make it easier to connect again.

Next, select one of the connection methods:

• 📶 Via router: The printer and phone connect to the same Wi-Fi network. Suitable for continuous use.
• 🔄 Wi-Fi Direct: Direct connection between your phone and printer without a router. Convenient for one-time printing when visiting or at the office.
• 🖥️ Via USB (for older models): temporary connection to a computer to set up Wi-Fi.

For most users, the first option is optimal. Select your network from the list on the printer display, enter the password (use the keys on the keypad to enter the password), and confirm the connection. The Wi-Fi indicator should be lit. blue (or green - depending on the model), signaling a successful connection.

2. Setting up your phone for printing on Canon

Once the printer is connected to the network, set up your phone. The process differs depending on Android And iOS, but in both cases you will need to install additional software.

For Android Download the official app Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY (for inkjet printers) or Canon PRINT Business (for laser) from Google PlayTo the owners iPhone you need to install the same application from App StoreAn alternative is to use a built-in function. AirPrint (available on models Canon with support of this technology, for example, PIXMA TR8620).

Before installation, check:

• 📱 OS version: Android 8.0+ or ​​iOS 12+. Older versions may not support modern printing protocols.
• 🔋 Phone charging: at least 30%. Interrupting the process due to low battery may reset the settings.
• 📡 Wi-Fi: The phone and printer must be on the same network. If you use Wi-Fi Direct, disconnect your phone from other networks.

After installing the application Canon PRINT Launch it and follow the setup wizard. The app will automatically find printers on your local network. If the device isn't showing up, click Add a printer manually and enter its IP address (you can find it on the printer display or in the menu Network → TCP/IP Settings).

3. Printing documents and photos from your phone

Once the printer and phone are connected, you can start printing. Let's look at the process using an app as an example. Canon PRINT and built-in functions Android/iOS.

In the appendix Canon PRINT On the main screen, select the file type:

• 📄 Documents: The supported formats are PDF, Word, Excel, TXT. You can print from Google Drive or Dropbox.
• 🖼️ Photos: Print from your gallery, Instagram, or cloud storage. Quality settings are available (e.g. 300 dpi for glossy paper).
• 🌐 Web pages: Enter the URL and the app will convert the page to a printable PDF.

To print via Android without application:

1. Open the document or photo in the appropriate application (for example, Google Photos or Chrome).
2. Click ⋮ → Print.
3. In the list of printers, select Canon XXX (Wi-Fi).
4. Adjust the parameters: number of copies, orientation, color.

On iPhone with support AirPrint:

1. Open the file in an application (eg. Photo or Files).
2. Tap Share → Print.
3. Select a printer Canon from the list.
4. Specify the number of pages and click Seal.

⚠️ Attention: When printing photos from your phone, turn off the option Web optimization in the application settings Canon PRINTIt reduces the resolution, which can cause blurry photos.

4. Troubleshooting connection issues

If your printer won't print from your phone, check the following:

Printer not found on the network:

• 🔌 Make sure the printer is turned on and the Wi-Fi light is on blue (does not flash red).
• 🔄 Restart the printer and router (turn off the power for 30 seconds).
• 📡 Check that your phone and printer are connected to the same network. Android This can be seen in the Wi-Fi settings, iOS - by the network icon in the control panel.
• 🛠️ Update your printer firmware via Canon IJ Network Tool (download from the website) Canon).

Printing error or blank sheets:

• 🖨️ Check ink/toner levels. On printers Canon PIXMA This can be done through the menu Settings → Printer Status.
• 📄 Make sure the paper in the tray is the correct size (A4, A5, etc.).
• 🔧 Reset the print queue: On your phone, close all printing-related apps and restart Canon PRINT.

Canon PRINT app won't open or crashes:

• 📲 Update the app to the latest version.
• 🧹 Clear the app cache in your phone settings (Settings → Applications → Canon PRINT → Storage → Clear Cache).
• 🔄 Reinstall the app.

What to do if the printer prints gibberish?

This could be due to encoding incompatibility or a corrupted file. Try:

1. Save the document in PDF format and print it.

2. Change the font in the source file to a standard one (for example, Arial or Times New Roman).

3. Update printer drivers through the official website Canon.

If the problem persists, check router firewall - some models block printing protocols (for example, port 9100). Go to your router settings (usually at 192.168.1.1) and temporarily disable the firewall for the test.

5. Alternative ways to print from your phone

If standard methods don't work, try alternative solutions:

1. Cloud printing via Google Cloud Print (for older models):

Although the service Google Cloud Print Some printers are officially closed. Canon (For example, PIXMA MG7720) still support its analogs. To do this:

1. Connect the printer to your account Google through Canon PRINT.
2. Open the document in Google Drive and select Print → Saved Printers.

2. Printing via USB-OTG (for Android):

If Wi-Fi is not working, connect the printer to your phone directly via USB cable and adapter OTGMake sure your printer supports Mopria Print Service (install the application of the same name from Google Play).

3. Using Email Print:

Some models Canon (For example, MAXIFY MB5420) have a print-by-email function. The printer generates a unique address (for example, canon12345@print.canon.com), to which you can send a document or photo from your phone.

6. Optimizing print quality from mobile devices

Printing from a phone often suffers from low resolution or incorrect colors. To improve results:

For photos:

• 📸 Use original files (not compressed by messengers).
• 🎨 In the print settings, select Without fields And High quality.
• 🖼️ For glossy paper, enable the option Photo mode (available in Canon PRINT).

For documents:

• 📑 Choose a format PDF instead of DOCX - It preserves formatting better.
• 🖨️ Set draft mode Saving ink.
• 📏 Check the zoom: sometimes the phone automatically crops the edges (this can be fixed in the settings) Layout).

A critical detail: printers Canon PIXMA with the system FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) require original inks for accurate color reproduction. Using compatible cartridges may result in streaking or faded colors.

If the colors on your printout differ from those on your phone screen, calibrate your printer:

1. Click Settings → Maintenance → Printhead Calibration.
2. Follow the instructions on the display (you will need an A4 sheet of paper).
3. After calibration, print a test page (Settings → Test Print).

7. Wireless Printing Security

Wi-Fi printing is convenient, but it exposes potential vulnerabilities. Follow these guidelines:

Network protection:

• 🔒 Use WPA3 (or at least WPA2) for Wi-Fi encryption. Ditch the outdated WEP.
• 🔑 Change your router password regularly (every 3–6 months).
• 📡 Disable the feature WPS in the router settings - it is vulnerable to hacking.

Printer settings:

• 🖨️ Enable a password on the printer control panel (Settings → Security → Password).
• 📋 Turn it off Wi-Fi Direct, if you don't use it constantly.
• 🔄 Update your printer firmware—manufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities.

If the printer is used in an office, set it up list of allowed devices by MAC addresses. This will prevent unauthorized phones from connecting. Also consider using VPN for remote printing (for example, via Canon PRINT Business with support IPsec).

⚠️ Attention: Do not store confidential documents (passports, contracts) in the printer's memory. After printing, delete them using the menu. Settings → Storage → Clear data.

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

My Canon printer won't connect to Wi-Fi. What should I do?

Check:

• The distance between the printer and the router (should be no more than 10 meters without obstacles).
• Router settings: disable the mode 802.11r (Fast Roaming), it may conflict with printers.
• Wi-Fi Channel: Switch the router to a channel 6 or 11 (less busy).

If nothing helps, reset the printer to factory settings (Settings → Device → Reset) and set up the connection again.

Is it possible to print from a phone to a Canon without an app?

Yes, if the printer supports:

• AirPrint (for iPhone/iPad).
• Mopria (for Android).
• Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection).

On Android You can also use the built-in print function via Settings → Connected devices → Printing.

Why does my Canon printer print blank sheets?

Possible reasons:

• Ink is out (check the level in Canon PRINT).
• The print head nozzles are dry (run cleaning: Settings → Maintenance → Deep Clean).
• The paper source is not selected correctly (check the tray).
• The file is damaged (try printing another document).

How to print from a phone to a Canon via USB?

To do this you will need:

1. Adapter USB-OTG (for Android).
2. Cable USB-A to USB-B (usually comes with the printer).
3. Application Mopria Print Service (for Android) or Canon PRINT.

Connect the printer to your phone, wait for the drivers to install, and select the file to print.

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

No, printers Canon do not support printing by BluetoothFor wireless printing, use Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct. The exception is some portable models (for example, Canon SELPHY CP1500), which support connection via NFC for printing photos.