How to enable Wi-Fi on a Canon printer: instructions for all models

Connecting a printer Canon Connecting to a wireless network opens up a wealth of possibilities: wireless printing from a laptop, sending documents from a smartphone, and integrating with cloud services. However, many users encounter difficulties even when enabling the Wi-Fi module. The reasons vary, ranging from hidden buttons on the device's housing to obscure menu options in the firmware. This article will help you understand the nuances of activating a wireless connection on printers. Canon - from compact PIXMA MG3640 to the office imageCLASS MF743Cdw.

We will cover not only the standard procedure via the control panel, but also alternative methods (for example, using a USB cable or an application) Canon PRINT). We'll pay special attention to common errors that prevent the printer from detecting the network and how to fix them. If you've previously tried setting up Wi-Fi without success, check the diagnostics section: it contains solutions for 90% of common problems.

1. Preparing the printer for Wi-Fi setup

Before turning on the wireless module, make sure the printer is ready for configuration. This will avoid unnecessary errors and save time.

Equipment requirements:

• 📶 Router: must maintain standards 802.11b/g/n (for older models Canon) or 802.11ac (for new ones). Frequency 2.4 GHz mandatory, 5 GHz — optional.
• 🔋 Nutrition: The printer must be plugged into a power outlet. Wi-Fi setup may be interrupted while running on battery power (if present).
• 📱 Tuning device: A PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet with Wi-Fi support. Some models require a USB cable (included).

Important: Printers Canon PIXMA MG2540S And MG3040 do not have a display - Wi-Fi setup for them is only possible via a USB cable or a button WPS on the router.

If the printer has previously connected to a different network, reset the network settings. To do this:

1. Press and hold the button Stop/Reset (or Wi-Fi) for 5–10 seconds.
2. Wait for the indicator to flash Wi-Fi (usually orange).
3. Release the button and the network settings will be reset.

2. How to enable Wi-Fi on Canon printers

The method for activating the wireless module depends on the printer model and its features. Let's look at all the available options.

2.1. Via the printer control panel

The most universal method for models with a screen (PIXMA TR8620, imageCLASS MF644Cdw and others):

1. Turn on the printer with the button Power.
2. Click Menu (or Settings), then select Network settings → Wireless communication.
3. Activate the option Wireless LAN (or Wi-Fi).
4. Select Setting up a wireless network → Manual setup.
5. Enter your network name (SSID) and password.

For printers without a screen (PIXMA MG2940, MG3640):

• 🔄 Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (or Wireless) until the indicator blinks.
• 📡 Press the button on the router WPS within 2 minutes.
• ✅ The indicator on the printer will light green - the connection is established.

Move the printer closer to the router (maximum 2 meters)|

Make sure your router supports WPS (button on the back panel)|

Check that the Wi-Fi light on your router is on|

Disable the VPN on the device you will be printing from-->

2.2. Via USB cable (for models without display)

If the button WPS missing or not working, use wired connection:

1. Connect the printer and computer with a USB cable.
2. Install drivers from official Canon website (select printer model).
3. Run the program Canon IJ Network Tool (included in the software package).
4. Select the printer from the list and click Setting up a wireless network.
5. Follow the wizard instructions by entering SSID and password.

What should I do if the program doesn't see the printer?

Check if the cable is connected to the port. USB 2.0 (blue connector) - some models Canon don't work with USB 3.0 (black connector).

Disable your antivirus—it may be blocking driver installation.

Restart the printer by holding down the button Power 10 seconds, then try connecting again.

2.3. Via the Canon PRINT app

For smartphones on Android or iOS:

1. Download the app Canon PRINT from App Store or Google Play.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and printer (if supported).
3. Launch the application, select Add a printer → Setting up a new printer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the Wi-Fi network.

⚠️ Attention: application Canon PRINT does not support printers older than 2015. For models PIXMA MG5340 and previously use the USB cable method.

3. Diagnosing connection problems

If your printer does not connect to Wi-Fi, check the following:

🔍 Signal check: If the printer is far from the router, use a repeater or mesh system. To test, temporarily bring the printer close to the router. If the connection is established, the issue is with the router's coverage.

Via the printer control panel|

Using the WPS button|

Via USB cable and PC|

Via the Canon PRINT app|

Another way-->

4. Setting up the printer for Wi-Fi printing

Once connected to the network, you need to configure your devices for wireless printing.

4.1. On Windows

Adding a printer to the system:

1. Open Parameters → Devices → Printers and scanners.
2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
3. Choose yours Canon from the list. If it is not there, click The printer you need is not in the list and enter the IP address manually.
4. Install drivers (if required).

4.2. On macOS

For MacBook or iMac:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers and scanners.
2. Click +, select the tab IP.
3. Enter the printer address (you can find it in the printer menu: Network settings → TCP/IP).
4. Select driver Canon from the list.

4.3. On a smartphone (Android/iOS)

Use the app Canon PRINT:

• 📱 Open the app and select your printer from the list.
• 📄 Upload a document to print (from gallery, cloud, or email).
• ⚙️ Adjust the settings: number of copies, orientation, color/black and white mode.
• 🖨️ Click Seal.

5. Wireless Printing Security

Connecting a printer to Wi-Fi creates potential network vulnerabilities. Follow these recommendations to minimize the risks:

• 🔒 Change the default password on the router. Use a combination of 12+ characters, including numbers and special characters.
• 🌐 Disable WPS, unless you use it regularly. This protocol is vulnerable to brute-force attacks.
• 📡 Configure MAC address filtering on the router, allowing connections only to trusted devices.
• 🔄 Update your printer firmware through Canon IJ Network Tool or the official website.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer is connected to a public network (for example, in an office or cafe), disable the functions Direct Print And Cloud Link in its settings. This will prevent unauthorized access to documents.

For office models (imageCLASS MF743Cdw) set up guest network On the router, create a dedicated printer. This will isolate it from main traffic and protect corporate data.

6. Alternative connection methods

If you can't set up Wi-Fi, consider these alternatives:

6.1. Connecting via Ethernet

For printers with a port LAN (Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw):

• 🌐 Connect the printer and router with a network cable.
• 🖥️ In the printer settings, select Wired network → Turn on.
• 🔄 Restart the printer.

6.2. Access Point Mode (Direct Connection)

The printer creates its own network to which devices connect:

1. On the printer: Settings → Wireless communication → Access point mode.
2. On your device: Connect to the network named CANON_XX_XXXX (the password is indicated on the printer sticker).
3. Start printing via Canon PRINT or manually add the printer to the system.

⚠️ Attention: In access point mode, the printer does not have access to the Internet. This means that the scan-to-cloud functions (Google Drive, Dropbox) will not work.

7. Updating the firmware for stable Wi-Fi operation

Outdated printer firmware may be causing connection issues. Update the firmware:

1. Download the latest version from Canon website (please specify the exact model).
2. Connect the printer to your PC via USB.
3. Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions of the update wizard.
4. Do not turn off the printer until the process is complete (it will take 5-10 minutes).

📌 Note: for models Canon PIXMA TS-series update is possible only through Canon IJ Network ToolMake sure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.

What to do if the update is stuck?

Unplug the printer for 30 seconds, then repeat the procedure.

If the error persists, download the firmware again (the file may have downloaded incorrectly).

For models Canon MAXIFY use the utility Firmware Update Tool from the official website.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi on Canon Printers

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it won't print from my phone. What's wrong?

Check:

• Is the application installed? Canon PRINT and whether it is updated.
• Is the phone on the same network as the printer (e.g. not on a guest network).
• Is the feature enabled? AirPrint (For iPhone) or Mopria (For Android) in the printer settings.

If the problem persists, restart the printer and phone.

How to find the printer's IP address for manual connection?

Print network report:

1. On the printer: Settings → Device Settings → Print report → Network settings.
2. Find the line in the report IP address (For example, 192.168.1.105).

Alternatively: use the utility Canon IJ Network Tool (PC) or check the list of devices in the router's web interface.

Is it possible to connect a Canon printer to two networks at the same time?

No, printers Canon support connection to only one Wi-Fi network. However, some models (imageCLASS MF743Cdw) allow you to quickly switch between saved networks via the menu.

To work simultaneously on two networks, use:

• Wired connection (Ethernet) + Wi-Fi (if the model supports both options).
• Access point mode for direct connections.

My Canon printer isn't detecting the 5 GHz network. What should I do?

Most printers Canon (except for the flagship models from 2023-2026) operate only on the frequency 2.4 GHzSolutions:

• Configure the router to work in mixed mode (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) with the same SSID.
• Turn it off 5 GHz temporarily to set up the printer, then turn it back on.
• Use a separate network 2.4 GHz specially for the printer.

⚠️ Carefully check your router settings: some models Canon (For example, PIXMA TR150) do not support encryption WPA3 — switch to WPA2-PSK.

How to reset Wi-Fi settings on a Canon printer?

Reset methods vary depending on the model:

Model	Reset method
PIXMA MG-series	Hold Stop/Reset 10 seconds until the indicator flashes.
imageCLASS	Go to Settings → Reset → Network settings.
MAXIFY	Click Menu → Installation → Network reset.

After the reset, the printer will return to the factory Wi-Fi settings and will need to be configured again.