Setting up a wireless connection for an A3 inkjet printer often becomes a key step in organizing a workspace, allowing you to place the device in any convenient place, and not just next to the computer. Model The Canon PIXMA iX6840 offers powerful photo and document printing features, but its initial setup can be challenging due to the lack of a full-fledged menu display. Users often encounter difficulties when trying to connect the device to the router, unable to understand the logic behind the indicator lights.
In this article, we'll cover in detail all available methods for activating the wireless module, from using the WPS button to manual configuration via a computer. You'll learn how to correctly interpret blinking lights and what to do if automatic connection fails. Proper network configuration will ensure stable transfer of large print files without delays.
Before you begin working on the software, make sure the router itself is configured correctly and is transmitting a signal. The printer won't be able to connect to the network if the router's SSID is hidden or if MAC address filtering is enabled, which you may have forgotten. It's also important that the device is located within a strong signal range, especially if the walls between rooms are made of concrete.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step before starting setup is to physically prepare the device and check the basic settings of your local network. Make sure the printer is plugged in and ready, as indicated by the green power indicator. If the device is freshly unpacked, it is recommended to perform the initial cartridge installation and printhead test, although this is not a prerequisite for network setup.
It is critical to check the frequency range supported by your router. Model The Canon iX6840 operates exclusively in the range 2.4 GHz and does not support modern 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts networks with the same name (SSID) for both bands, connection conflicts may occur.
⚠️ Attention: If your router uses the "Smart Connect" feature (combining 2.4 and 5 GHz into a single network), the printer may fail to find the access point or continually lose connection. Temporarily separate the networks in the router settings, assigning a unique name to the 2.4 GHz network.
It's also a good idea to know your Wi-Fi network password in advance, as you'll need to enter it manually during setup. If you're using a corporate network with portal authentication or complex certificates, standard connection methods won't work. You'll need help from a system administrator to allocate a separate segment or enable guest access.
- 📶 Make sure your router is turned on and has a signal within a 10-meter radius.
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the power cable and the absence of errors on the printer panel.
- 🔑 Prepare the exact password for your Wi-Fi network (case sensitive).
- 📱 Have a computer or smartphone with access to the router settings on hand.
Using the WPS button for quick connection
The easiest and fastest way to establish a connection between a printer and a router is the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method eliminates the need to manually enter a password and configure complex encryption settings. To successfully implement this method, your router must also support WPS, which is required for the vast majority of modern equipment.
The process starts with the click of a button Wi-Fi on the printer control panel Canon iX6840. You need to hold it until the power indicator flashes once, then release the button. Immediately after, the wireless indicator will light and begin flashing, indicating that the printer is searching for a device to pair with.
☑️ WPS connection algorithm
Within two minutes of activating the printer mode, you must press the WPS button on your router. On some router models, this button may be combined with a reset function or require a short press via the web interface. After a successful encryption key exchange, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will stop flashing and turn solid blue.
If the indicator continues to flash or turns orange, the connection has failed. In this case, repeat the process, ensuring you stay within the two-minute time limit. Sometimes multiple attempts are required due to delays in the handshake protocol between devices from different manufacturers.
What to do if there is no WPS button on the router?
If there's no physical button, log into the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Find the Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings section and activate WPS programmatically. Some models (such as Keenetic or TP-Link) have a virtual button on the main status page.
Setup via a computer using Canon IJ Network Tool
If automatic connection does not work, the most reliable method is to use specialized software. Canon IJ Network ToolThis utility is included in the full driver package, which can be downloaded from the official support website. It allows you to manage the printer's network settings even without direct access to its menu, as the iX6840 model does not have an LCD screen.
To get started, launch the installed program and wait for it to scan your network for Canon devices. If your printer isn't yet connected to Wi-Fi, it can be detected via a temporary direct connection or a USB cable if you've previously connected them. In the main program window, select your printer and click the button. Setting up or Settings.
In the window that opens, go to the tab Wireless LANHere you'll be asked to select a connection method. Select "Cableless setup" or "Standard setup" if your operating system doesn't support the former. The program will offer a list of available networks—select yours from the list and enter the password.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Your wireless network name | Select from the list |
| Security | Data encryption type | WPA2-PSK (AES) |
| IP Address | The device's network address | Auto (DHCP) |
| Channel | Data transmission channel | Auto / 1, 6, 11 |
Once all the information is entered, the program will send the configuration to the printer. At this point, the Wi-Fi indicator on the device will begin to blink actively. The process takes about a minute. Once complete, the utility will indicate success, and you can close the setup window.
Manually setting a static IP address
For office use cases or to ensure maximum printing stability, it is recommended to assign the printer static IP addressThis will prevent situations where, after rebooting the router, the printer receives a new address and computers lose access to it, requiring a driver reinstallation.
Configuration is done through the printer's web interface. To access it, you first need to know the device's current IP address. This can be done by printing a network settings report: press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer until the power light flashes, then press the button Start (colored) or Black (black) to print the report. In the report, find the IP Address line.
Enter this address into the address bar of a browser on a computer on the same network. The page will open. Remote UI. Go to the section Settings -> Network Settings -> TCP/IPHere you need to change the address acquisition mode from DHCP on Manual (Manually).
⚠️ Attention: When assigning a static IP address, ensure the selected address is outside the range of addresses assigned by the router via DHCP. For example, if the router assigns addresses from 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200, assign the printer the address 192.168.1.50.
After saving the settings, the printer may reboot the network module. You will need to enter the new IP address in your browser to check the interface's availability. On the computers from which you are printing, you may also need to update the printer port in the device properties to specify the new static address.
Diagnosing and solving common problems
Even if you follow the instructions carefully, technical difficulties may arise. Most often, users encounter a situation where the Wi-Fi indicator blinks continuously or remains orange. This indicates an authentication error or incorrect network settings. Check that the Wi-Fi password hasn't changed or that it doesn't use a specific character set that the printer might interpret incorrectly.
Another common issue is an IP address conflict, which occurs when two devices with the same address appear on the network. This causes instability in both devices. If you notice intermittent connection interruptions, try resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults. To do this, press and hold the button. Wi-Fi until the power indicator flashes twice.
It's also worth paying attention to your router's security settings. Protocol WEP This is long outdated and may not be supported by current printer firmware versions, although the iX6840 is an older model and may support it. However, using WPA2/WPA3 is standard. If you have "WPA3 Only" mode enabled, try adding WPA2 support.
- 🔄 Restart your router and printer at the same time to clear the DNS cache.
- 📡 Move the printer closer to the router to avoid signal problems.
- 🛡️ Check the list of blocked devices in your router settings.
- 💻 Make sure your computer and printer are on the same subnet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Canon iX6840 be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, this printer model is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. Connecting to 5 GHz networks is technically impossible. However, if your router broadcasts both networks under the same name, the printer will automatically select the available 2.4 GHz frequency.
How do I reset my printer's network settings to factory defaults?
To reset, press the button Wi-Fi on the control panel and hold it. Watch the Power indicator: when it flashes twice in a row, release the button. This action will clear all saved Wi-Fi profiles and restore the network settings to their original state.
The printer prints very slowly over Wi-Fi, what is the reason?
Slow network printing speeds are often caused by a weak signal or interference from other electronic devices (microwaves, neighboring routers). Try changing your router's broadcast channel to a less congested one (1, 6, or 11) or moving the printer closer to the signal source.
Do I need a USB cable for the initial Wi-Fi setup?
Not always. If your router supports WPS, a cable is not necessary. However, if WPS is not supported and the "Cableless Setup" feature fails, using a USB cable to initially transfer network settings via the Canon IJ Network Tool is the most reliable method.