The situation when the printer Canon A device that refuses to print from a phone via WiFi is one of the most common problems in modern offices and homes. You send a document, the status displays "Queued" or "Error," and the device remains silent, ignoring incoming commands. This can occur for a variety of reasons, from a simple IP address error to a security protocol version conflict in the router.
Most often, the problem lies not in a physical failure of the device, but in a software conflict between the mobile device and the printer's network module. Smartphones Android and iOS devices require a stable connection and proper port configuration for data transfer. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at why Canon The phone stops detecting it and how to restore the printing without calling a technician.
The first thing to do is check the basic indicators on the device's body. If the WiFi light is blinking or glowing orange, this is a clear sign of a lost connection. A critical factor is often the difference in frequency bands: many older Canon models only support 2.4 GHz, while newer routers default to network merging or only use 5 GHz. Make sure your phone and printer are on the same subnet.
Network connection diagnostics and indicator status
Before delving into complex settings, it's important to understand what the printer "thinks" about the current network status. Control panel display Canon PIXMA or Canon MAXIFY The connection status is much clearer than it seems at first glance. If the wireless indicator is blue but printing doesn't work, it means there's a physical connection, but the data isn't traveling past the router.
If the indicator is blinking blue, the device is searching or attempting to connect. This may mean the printer has "lost" the router after a power outage. This often happens because the router has assigned new IP addresses, and printer The phone is stuck with the old settings, which are now irrelevant. In this situation, the phone simply can't find the device on the local network.
⚠️ Attention: If the WiFi indicator is orange, this indicates a connection error. Don't try to reboot the router endlessly while this indicator is on—first, reset the network settings on the printer itself.
For an accurate diagnosis of network status, it's best to use the built-in test function. On models with a display, the path is usually found in the menu. Settings → LAN → Show LAN settingsOn models without a display, you'll need to press the wireless button and the stop/clear button simultaneously for the device to print a network status report. In this report, you'll be interested in the line IP Address And SSID.
Checking the compatibility of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi bands
One of the most common reasons why Canon printers don't print from phones due to frequency band incompatibility. Most modern routers operate in two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. However, many printer models, especially those released several years ago, exclusively support the 802.11 b/g/n standard, which operates only on the 2.4 GHz frequency.
If your phone is connected to a 5 GHz network and your printer is on a 2.4 GHz network (or vice versa, if the router has separated them into different SSIDs), the devices simply won't see each other, even if they're in the same apartment. Modern routers with this feature Smart Connect or Band Steering The network name is the same, but devices may be on different virtual subnets, which blocks direct printing.
To resolve this issue, log into your router settings (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). You'll need to ensure that a device with your printer's MAC address is allowed to connect, or temporarily separate the networks by giving them different names, such as HomeWiFi_2.4 And HomeWiFi_5Connect your phone to a 2.4 GHz network for initial setup.
- 📡 Check the specifications of your Canon model in the manual to see if it supports the 802.11ac (5 GHz) standard.
- 🔌 Separate the frequencies in your router if banding is enabled to isolate the problem.
- 📱 Make sure your phone's mobile internet (LTE/4G) is disabled when setting up printing so that traffic is strictly via WiFi.
IP address conflicts and DNS settings
The stability of a printer's network operation directly depends on how it is assigned an IP address. By default, most devices use the protocol DHCP, which automatically assigns an address each time you connect. The problem is that after rebooting the router, the printer may receive a new IP address while the phone or computer still has the old one, resulting in printing errors.
To avoid such situations, it is recommended to assign a static IP address to your Canon device. This can be done in two ways: through the printer menu itself (if the model allows it) or, more reliably, through the router settings (function Static DHCP or Address Reservation). You will need the printer's MAC address, which can be found by printing a network configuration report.
It's also worth paying attention to your DNS settings. Sometimes providers change DNS servers, and the printer, in an attempt to update information or check cloud services (for example, Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY or Cloud Print), it freezes while waiting for a response. Try manually entering Google's DNS servers in the printer's LAN settings: 8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4.
The table below lists the main parameters that need to be checked and possibly changed for stable operation:
|
| Parameter | Recommended value | Where to change |
|---|---|---|
| IP mode | Auto (DHCP) or Static | Printer LAN settings |
| SSID (Network Name) | Exactly matches the router | Wireless setup |
| WiFi channel | 1, 6 or 11 (for 2.4 GHz) | Router settings |
| DNS server | 8.8.8.8 (Google) | Printer TCP/IP settings |
☑️ Check IP configuration
Problems with Canon PRINT drivers and app
Even with a perfect network, printing may not work due to software issues. Mobile app Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY is the primary management tool, and its incorrect operation often mimics a hardware failure. An outdated version of the app may not work correctly with newer versions of Android or iOS, causing data transfer failures.
Additionally, the phone's operating system may block the app from running in the background or restrict its access to the local network. Android 10 and higher, as well as iOS 14+, have strict privacy settings that require explicit permission to search for devices on the local network. Without this permission, the phone simply "doesn't see" the printer, even though a physical connection is established.
Try to completely delete the application, restart your phone and install the latest version from the official store (Google Play or App Store). After installation, on first launch, be sure to grant all requested permissions, especially access to "Local Network" and "Geolocation" (needed for scanning WiFi networks).
⚠️ Attention: If you use third-party (non-Canon) printing apps, they may not support all of your MFP's features or may perform unstable. Always use the manufacturer's official software for diagnostics.
Resetting the printer's network settings
If none of the above helps, the most effective method remains a complete reset of the printer's network settings to factory defaults. This will clear all accumulated errors, old passwords, and invalid IP configurations. It's important to understand that this won't affect your personal files, but it will forget the WiFi network and require reconfiguration.
The reset procedure may vary depending on the model. For models without a display, a button combination is often used: hold down the button Direct (or the button with the phone icon) for a few seconds until the power indicator flashes. On models with a screen, the path usually looks like this: Settings (gear) → Device → LAN Settings → Reset LAN Settings.
After the reset, the WiFi indicator should begin blinking rapidly, indicating that you're entering setup mode. At this point, launch the Canon PRINT app on your phone—it should automatically detect the new device and prompt you to set up a connection. Make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network you want to pair with the printer.
What to do if resetting doesn't help?
If even a full reset of the LAN settings doesn't solve the problem, the printer's WiFi module may be damaged or the firmware may be corrupted. In this case, update the firmware via a USB cable by connecting the printer to a computer, or contact a service center.
Alternative connection methods: WiFi Direct and Cloud
When the standard connection via a router ("Infrastructure mode") fails, you can use alternative methods, which are often more stable in a home environment. The first option is WiFi DirectIn this mode, the printer automatically creates an access point, and the phone connects directly to it, bypassing the router. This eliminates issues with router settings and frequency range.
The second option is to use cloud services such as Canon PRINT Cloud or AirPrint (for Apple). For AirPrint to work, it's critical that multicast traffic (mDNS) isn't blocked by your router's settings. If "AP Isolation" is enabled on your router, devices on the same network won't be able to communicate with each other, and AirPrint won't work.
To activate WiFi Direct on most Canon models, simply press the corresponding button on the panel or select an item in the menu. Wireless → WiFi DirectThe network name and password will appear on the printer screen (or in the printed report). By connecting to this network from your phone, you can print documents and photos even without internet access.
- 📶 WiFi Direct Ideal for printing large files, as the transfer speed is higher and there is no load on the main router.
- ☁️ Cloud printing allows you to send documents to a printer from anywhere in the world where there is internet access.
- 🍏 AirPrint does not require driver installation, but requires proper router configuration (open port 5353).
Detailed FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Why does my Canon printer print from my computer but not my phone?
Most likely, your computer and phone are on different subnets or use different frequency bands (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz). Your computer may be connected via cable and your phone via WiFi, and your router may have Client Isolation enabled, preventing communication between wired and wireless clients. Also, check if your phone is using a VPN, which hides the device from the local network.
How to find the IP address of a Canon printer if there is no screen?
On models without a display, you can find the IP address by printing a network configuration report. To do this, press and hold the Stop/Reset button (the triangle in a circle) until the power indicator flashes once, then release. The printer will produce a receipt with technical information, where the line IP Address the required address will be indicated.
Can a Canon printer be connected to 5GHz WiFi?
Most Canon home models (PIXMA, MG, and TS series) only support the 2.4 GHz band. Connecting them to a 5 GHz network is technically impossible due to hardware limitations. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz, you'll need to enable 2.4 GHz support in its settings or create a guest network in that band.
What to do if the print status is "Error" on Android?
Try clearing the print service cache. Go to Settings → Applications → Show system processes → Canon Print Service (or Default Print Service) and tap "Clear Cache" and "Clear Data." Then restart your phone. Also, make sure "Randomize MAC Address" is disabled for your network in the WiFi settings.