A modern office or home workspace is unimaginable without wireless printing, which eliminates unnecessary cables and allows you to print documents directly from your smartphone. The process of activating the wireless module in devices from this Japanese brand Canon The process may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture of the device, but the general procedure remains similar for most models. In this article, we'll cover all available router connection methods in detail so you can choose the most suitable one for your situation.
Before you begin setting up, make sure that your router It's turned on and in a strong signal range, as a weak connection can cause constant printing interruptions. It's also crucial to know your wireless network password in advance, as it will be required to authorize the device on the local network. If you plan to use WPS, make sure this feature is enabled in your router settings, as it may be disabled by default for security reasons.
It is worth noting that some older models may not support encryption standards. WPA3, so in rare cases it's necessary to temporarily change the router's security settings to more compatible ones. In most cases, modern MFPs Canon PIXMA And Canon MAXIFY Automatically determine the optimal connection parameters. Let's move on to the actual hardware setup.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step should always be a visual assessment of your device's control panel, as the presence or absence of a display radically changes the operating algorithm. On models with LCD screen Navigation is menu-based, while budget options require a combination of buttons. Make sure the cartridges are installed and the protective tape is removed, otherwise the printer may not enter setup mode.
It is important to understand the difference between operating modes: Infrastructure mode (connection via router) and Direct mode (direct connection to the gadget). For full functionality on a home network, we need the first option, which allows all devices on the network to see the printer simultaneously. The second option is useful if the router is temporarily unavailable or you're away from home.
⚠️ Attention: Some Canon printer models have a hidden wireless module power button, which may be combined with the power button or have a separate antenna icon. If the Wi-Fi indicator doesn't light after turning on the printer, carefully inspect the device for an additional button.
Check what frequency your network operates on, as many printers only support the range 2.4 GHz and don't see 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts a single network with dynamic switching, this usually doesn't cause any problems, but if you have separate SSIDs, choose the one that operates on 2.4 GHz. This is the most common reason why a device simply doesn't see your network in the list of available networks.
Setting up Wi-Fi using the WPS button on the router
The fastest way to enable wireless printing is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which allows you to connect devices without entering a password. This method is ideal if you don't want to search for complex characters in the password or if the device doesn't have a keyboard. The algorithm is simple: press the WPS button on the router, then activate the corresponding function on the printer.
On devices Canon with the screen you need to go to the menu, select the item “Wireless network settings” and find the icon WPSAfter selecting this option, the network indicator will begin flashing, indicating that the router is being searched for. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router, and the devices will automatically exchange encryption keys.
If your printer doesn't have a display, look for a button with an antenna or smartphone icon. Press and hold it until the power or network indicator starts flashing. This usually takes about 3-5 seconds, after which the automatic pairing process begins.
- 📡 Press the WPS button on the router (physical or via the web interface).
- 🖨️ Activate WPS mode on your Canon printer via the menu or button.
- ⏳ Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator stops flashing and turns solid.
- ✅ Print a network report to ensure successful connection.
☑️ WPS Readiness Check
It's worth noting that WPS technology is considered less secure than manually entering a password, so it's often blocked by administrators in corporate networks. For home use, this method is perfectly acceptable and saves significant time. However, if the connection fails on the first try, try the procedure again, ensuring that no more than two minutes elapse between button presses.
Manual wireless network setup via menu
If automatic connection doesn't work or your network is hidden, manual data entry is your only option. This method requires a display on the device, as you must navigate through the menu to select the network and enter characters. This method is the most reliable, as it eliminates automatic protocol detection errors.
Enter the wireless LAN setup menu and select "Manual Setup" or "Select Network." Find your router's name in the list that appears (SSID) and press OK. The system will then prompt you for a security key (password), which must be entered using the navigation buttons or the touch screen.
Please be careful when entering your password: letter case is important, and characters like "0" (zero) and "O" (letter) are easy to confuse. After you confirm your entry, the printer will attempt to receive IP address from the router's DHCP server. A successful connection will be confirmed by the wireless network indicator lighting up.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption type | WPA2-PSK | Leave unchanged |
| Obtaining an IP | Automatic (DHCP) | Automatically |
| Opening hours | Infrastructure | Infrastructure |
| SSID | Not defined | Select from the list |
⚠️ Attention: Firmware interfaces may vary depending on the region and firmware version. If you don't see the items described, check the official user manual on the manufacturer's website, as the menu layout may have changed.
What to do if the printer does not see the network?
Make sure your router isn't hiding the SSID. If it is, select "Enter SSID manually" and enter the network name exactly, taking care to ensure proper case. Also, check if your router has a MAC address filter enabled, which could block new devices.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
For smartphone and tablet users, the most convenient setup method is the proprietary app. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYIt is available for platforms Android And iOS It allows you to not only set up your network but also manage photo and document printing. The app takes care of entering passwords and transferring settings to the printer.
Launch the app and add a new printer by following the on-screen instructions. You'll be prompted to select the Wi-Fi network your phone is connected to and enter the password. The app will then transfer this information to the printer via a temporary direct connection or Bluetooth (if supported by the model).
This method is especially useful for models without a display, as the entire control interface is located on your device's screen. During setup, the app may prompt you to update the printer's software, which is recommended for better compatibility and security.
- 📱 Download the Canon PRINT app from the official store.
- 🔗 Connect your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer.
- ➕ Click "Add a printer" and follow the setup wizard prompts.
- 📸 Once finished, set up the photo printing feature for quick access.
It's important to note that the app requires local network access permission, which is requested upon first launch. Without this permission, the app won't be able to detect the printer on the network, even if they are connected to the same router. In iOS, this is called "Local Network" permissions; in Android, it's called "Network Permissions."