How to Find a Canon Printer's Wi-Fi Password: All the Working Methods

Forgot your printer's Wi-Fi password? Canon and can't connect new devices? This problem is familiar to many users of multifunctional devices. PIXMA, MAXIFY or imageCLASSWithout the correct password, the printer becomes useless, and printing from a smartphone or laptop becomes impossible. Fortunately, there are several ways to restore access—most of which don't require a factory reset.

In this article we will look at all current methods getting Wi-Fi passwords for printers Canon, including hidden menus, printing reports, using manufacturer software, and even workarounds for older models. Important: Some methods only work with physical access to the device, while others require network utilities. Choose the appropriate option based on your situation.

1. Printing the Network Configuration Page

The easiest and most universal way is to print network report, where all current connection parameters are indicated, including SSID and the Wi-Fi password. This method works on 90% of models. Canon PIXMA (For example, MG3640, TR4720, TS3440) and most devices in the series MAXIFY.

Instructions:

  • 🖨️ Make sure your printer has paper of the correct size A4 or Letter.
  • 🔘 Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (or Settings) on the control panel for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes.
  • 📄 In some models (for example, Canon MG2540S) you need to go to Settings → LAN Setup → Print Report.
  • 📋 In the printed report, find the section Wireless LAN or Wi-Fi Direct - there will be a line Password (sometimes referred to as Network Key or Pre-Shared Key).

⚠️ Attention: On printers with Wi-Fi Direct (For example, Canon SELPHY) The password may differ from the main password of your home network. In this case, you need to connect to the printer's network, not the router.

2. Using the utility Canon PRINT Utility (for Windows/macOS)

If the printer is already connected to the computer via USB or was previously configured via Wi-Fi, you can use the official software from Canon. Utility Canon PRINT Utility Allows you to view current network settings, including the password.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Download and install Canon PRINT Utility With official website (select your printer model).
  2. Connect the printer to the PC via USB (if Wi-Fi does not work).
  3. Launch the utility and select your printer from the list of devices.
  4. Go to the section Printer Settings → Network Settings → Wireless.
  5. Find the field Security key or Wi-Fi password — the current password will be displayed here (possibly in the form of dots; click Show).
What should I do if the utility doesn't show the password?

If the password field is empty or masked, try:

1. Update the printer software via Canon PRINT Utility (chapter Service).

2. Use an alternative utility IJ Network Tool (also from Canon).

3. Connect to the printer via Wi-Fi Direct and reset the network settings via the web interface (see section 4).

On printers of the series imageCLASS (For example, MF269dw) the password can be stored in the menu Administration → Network Settings → Wireless → Security Settings (available only when logged in with administrator rights).

3. Printer web interface (for models with Ethernet or Wi-Fi)

Many modern printers Canon (For example, PIXMA G6020, MAXIFY MB2720) have a built-in web interface, through which you can view and change settings. To get there, you need to know IP address devices.

How to find an IP address:

  • 🖥️ On your computer (if the printer is connected to the network): open Command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter: 
    arp -a

    In the list, find the device with a name containing CANON or Inc..

  • 📱 On your smartphone: Use apps like Fing or IP Scanner to scan the local network.
  • 📄 In the network report (see section 1), the IP address is listed in the section IPv4 Address.

Next:

  1. Enter the printer's IP address into your browser's address bar (e.g. http://192.168.1.105).
  2. Log in (default login/password is often admin/canon or root/password).
  3. Go to the section Wireless LAN or Network Settings.
  4. Find the tab Security — the current password will be displayed here.
📊 What type of connection does your Canon printer use?
Wi-Fi only
Wi-Fi + Ethernet
USB only
Wi-Fi Direct

⚠️ Attention: On some models (eg, Canon LBP6230dw) The web interface may be disabled by default. In this case, enable it through the printer's control panel: Settings → Network Settings → Web Server → On.

4. Reset Wi-Fi settings (if nothing helps)

If all the previous methods have not worked, there remains reset network settingsThis is a radical method, after which the printer will "forget" all saved networks, and you will have to set up the connection again. But you will be able to set New Password.

How to reset settings:

Printer model Key combination Retention time
Canon PIXMA MG (for example, MG3620) Wi-Fi + Stop/Reset 10 seconds
Canon MAXIFY (for example, MB2120) Settings → Reset settings → Yes —
Canon imageCLASS (for example, MF244dw) Menu → Device Settings → Reset All —
Canon SELPHY (eg CP1300) Wi-Fi + Nutrition 5 seconds

After reset:

  • 🔄 The printer will create a new network Wi-Fi Direct with a default password (usually 12345678 or indicated on the sticker on the back).
  • 📶 Connect to this network from your phone/PC and set up the printer again via Canon PRINT app or web interface.
  • 🔒 When connecting to your home router, enter the password for your Wi-Fi network.

Unplug the printer from the power outlet for 30 seconds.

Make sure you have a router nearby to reconfigure.

Prepare your Wi-Fi network password.

Download the Canon PRINT app to your smartphone (in case of problems)-->

5. Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can try non-obvious solutions, which require a little more effort, but sometimes save the day in hopeless situations.

Method 1: Connecting via WPS

Many printers Canon (For example, PIXMA TS6420) support WPS — a technology for quickly connecting to a router without entering a password. If your router also supports WPS:

  1. Activate the WPS mode on your router (usually the button with the inscription WPS or the 🔄 icon).
  2. On the printer, go to Settings → Wireless → WPS and select Push Button Method.
  3. Click OK on the printer for 2 minutes - the device will automatically connect to the network.

Method 2: Extracting the password from the configuration file (for Windows)

If the printer has ever connected to a PC via Wi-Fi, the password may have been saved in the system. To retrieve it:

  1. Open Command line on behalf of the administrator.
  2. Enter the command: 
    netsh wlan show profile name="YOUR_NETWORK_NAME" key=clear

    (replace YOUR_NETWORK_NAME on SSID your Wi-Fi).

  3. In the section Security settings find the line Key content - this is the password.

⚠️ Attention: This method only works if the printer was previously connected to the same network as the computer. If the Wi-Fi password has changed since then, the data will be out of date.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to find or reset a printer's Wi-Fi password, users often encounter common problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

Error 1: The printer does not print the network report.

  • 🔌 Check if the printer is turned on and the power indicator is on.
  • 📃 Make sure there is paper in the tray (some models block printing if there is none).
  • 🖨️ If your printer makes strange noises, there may be a paper jam - remove the paper and try again.

Error 2: The printer's web interface does not open.

  • 🌐 Make sure you are entering the correct IP address (check via arp -a or network report).
  • 🔒 Try a different browser (for example, Chrome or Firefox - Some printers do not work with Edge).
  • 🔄 Restart your printer and router, then try again.

Error 3: After reset, the printer does not connect to Wi-Fi.

  • 📶 Make sure your router is turned on and distributing the network (check on other devices).
  • 🔑 Enter your password carefully - printers Canon case sensitive (eg Password ≠ password).
  • 📱 Use the app Canon PRINT app for customization - it often works better than manual input.

💡 Helpful tip: If your printer is constantly losing its Wi-Fi connection, try assigning it a static IP address in your router settings. This will prevent DHCP conflicts and improve connection stability.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out a Canon printer's Wi-Fi password without accessing the printer itself?

No, this is not possible. The password is stored in the printer's memory, and retrieving it requires physical access to the device (or a USB/Ethernet connection). The exception is if the printer has been previously connected to your computer and the password is saved in the system (see Method 2 in section 5).

I reset my printer, but it still won't connect to Wi-Fi. What should I do?

Please check the following points:

  • 🔌 Make sure your router is in wireless mode 802.11n or 802.11ac (some older printers do not support 802.11ax).
  • 🔒 Temporarily disable WPA3 in the router settings and leave only WPA2-PSK.
  • 📡 Try connecting the printer to the network 2.4 GHz (many models Canon don't work with 5 GHz).

If nothing helps, update the printer firmware via Canon PRINT Utility.

Where can I find the default Wi-Fi Direct password on my Canon printer?

Password Wi-Fi Direct usually indicated:

  • 🏷️ On a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer (near the SSID And Password).
  • 📄 In the network report (see Section 1).
  • 🖥️ In the printer's web interface (section Wi-Fi Direct).

For most models PIXMA The default password is - 12345678 or canon123.

Is it possible to change the printer's Wi-Fi password without resetting it?

Yes, if you know the current password. To do this:

  1. Connect to the printer via the web interface or Canon PRINT Utility.
  2. Go to the section Wireless → Security Settings.
  3. Enter a new password and save changes.

If the current password is unknown, a factory reset is inevitable.

Why can't my Canon printer see my Wi-Fi network?

Possible reasons:

  • 📶 The network operates in the range 5 GHz (switch the router to 2.4 GHz).
  • 🔒 The filter is enabled in the router settings MAC address (add the printer's MAC to the list of allowed ones).
  • 📡 The network SSID is hidden (enable visibility in the router settings).
  • 🔄 The printer is too far from the router (try moving it closer).

📖 Read also

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