How to Connect Canon Printer to WiFi: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
In today’s digital world, wireless printers have become essential tools for homes and offices alike. They offer convenience, flexibility, and a clean, cable-free setup. Canon, one of the leading printer brands globally, provides reliable and high-performance printers with easy WiFi connectivity. If you’ve recently purchased a Canon printer or need to reconnect it to a new WiFi network, this detailed guide will walk you through every method available to connect your Canon printer to WiFi quickly and efficiently.
Why Connect Your Canon Printer to WiFi?
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why WiFi connectivity is beneficial:
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Convenient Printing: Print from any device without plugging it in directly.
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Multiple Device Access: Connect smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops to a single printer.
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No Cable Clutter: Say goodbye to tangled wires and complicated setups.
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Remote Printing Support: With services like Google Cloud Print and Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, you can print from anywhere.
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Efficient for Home and Office Use: Seamlessly share your printer with family members or office colleagues.
Methods to Connect Canon Printer to WiFi
Canon provides various ways to connect your printer to a wireless network. Here are the most common methods:
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Using the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Button
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Using the Canon Printer’s Control Panel (Standard Wireless Setup)
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Using Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App
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Using IJ Network Device Setup Utility
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Via Computer Installation Software
Method 1: Connect Canon Printer to WiFi Using WPS Button
The WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method is one of the simplest ways to connect your printer to your wireless router without needing to enter a password.
Requirements:
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A wireless router with a physical WPS button.
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A printer that supports WPS.
Steps:
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Turn On the Printer
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Ensure your printer is powered on.
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Press and Hold the WiFi Button
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Press and hold the WiFi button on your Canon printer until the power lamp starts flashing.
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Activate WPS on Your Router
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Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router.
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Check the WiFi Lamp
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When the printer’s WiFi lamp stops flashing and remains lit, the connection is complete.
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Test the Connection
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Print a network configuration page to confirm successful connection.
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Note: If your router doesn’t support WPS, use the standard setup method.
Method 2: Connect Canon Printer to WiFi via Control Panel (Standard Wireless Setup)
Most Canon printers with a built-in display offer a manual wireless setup via the control panel.
Steps:
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Power On the Printer
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Go to the Home Menu
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Press the Home button on the printer's control panel.
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Navigate to LAN Settings
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Select Setup > Device Settings > LAN Settings > Wireless LAN Setup.
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Choose WiFi Network
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The printer will search for available networks.
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Select your WiFi network name (SSID) from the list.
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Enter WiFi Password
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Enter the password using the printer’s control panel.
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Confirm Connection
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The printer will display a message once connected successfully.
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Method 3: Connect Canon Printer to WiFi Using Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App
This method is convenient for users who want to connect via their smartphone or tablet.
Steps:
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Download Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY
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Install the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
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Turn on Printer
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Ensure your printer is powered on and ready for WiFi setup.
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Open the App
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Launch the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app.
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Tap Add Printer
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Follow on-screen instructions and select Connect via Wireless Router.
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Select WiFi Network and Enter Password
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Choose your network and enter the password.
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Complete Setup
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The app will confirm a successful connection.
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Method 4: Connect Canon Printer to WiFi Using IJ Network Device Setup Utility
For printers without a display panel, this method works via your computer.
Steps:
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Download IJ Network Device Setup Utility
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Get it from ij.start.canon.
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Install and Launch the Utility
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Connect Printer via USB Temporarily
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Connect your printer to the computer using a USB cable.
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Select Wireless Setup
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The utility will detect the printer and provide wireless configuration options.
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Choose WiFi Network
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Select your network and enter the password.
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Complete Setup
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Disconnect the USB cable once the printer connects to WiFi.
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Method 5: Connect Canon Printer to WiFi via Computer Installation Software
If you’re setting up your printer for the first time, the installation software offers a guided wireless setup.
Steps:
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Download the Canon Printer Software
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Visit ij.start.canon.
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Run the Setup File
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Install the software and choose Wireless LAN Connection.
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Select 'Connect via Network'
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Choose Your Printer
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The software will search and display available printers.
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Enter WiFi Details
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Select your network and input the password.
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Complete Installation
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Follow the on-screen instructions until the setup is complete.
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Troubleshooting Canon Printer WiFi Connection Issues
If you’re having trouble connecting your Canon printer to WiFi, here are a few tips:
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Restart Devices: Turn off your printer, router, and computer or smartphone, then power them back on.
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Check WiFi Signal Strength: Ensure your printer is within range of your router.
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Update Printer Firmware: Visit the Canon support site for the latest firmware updates.
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Ensure Correct WiFi Password: Double-check your network credentials.
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Disable MAC Address Filtering: Ensure your router isn’t blocking the printer.
Tips for a Stable Canon Printer WiFi Connection
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Place the printer within 5-10 meters of your router.
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Avoid placing it near microwaves or cordless phones.
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Use a dual-band router (preferably 2.4 GHz) for better compatibility.
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Regularly restart your router and printer.
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Update the Canon PRINT app and printer drivers.
FAQs: How to Connect Canon Printer to WiFi
Q1. Can I connect my Canon printer to WiFi without a computer?
Yes. Use the WiFi button (WPS) method, Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, or the printer's control panel for a direct connection without a computer.
Q2. What should I do if my Canon printer won’t connect to WiFi?
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Ensure WiFi is enabled on your router.
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Restart your printer and router.
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Re-enter the correct WiFi password.
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Use a different method like the USB setup via IJ Network Device Setup Utility.
Q3. Is it possible to connect multiple devices to one Canon printer over WiFi?
Yes. Once connected to a wireless network, any device on the same network can send print jobs to the Canon printer.
Q4. Which Canon printers support WiFi connectivity?
Most modern Canon printers, including the PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS, and SELPHY series, support WiFi connectivity. Check your model specifications.
Q5. How do I print a network configuration page on a Canon printer?
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Go to the Setup or Settings menu.
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Select Device Settings > LAN Settings.
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Choose Print LAN Details or Network Configuration Page.
Q6. Can I change the WiFi network on my Canon printer?
Yes. Use the LAN Settings menu on the printer or re-run the setup process to connect to a different network.
Q7. Is there a way to connect my Canon printer to a mobile hotspot?
Yes. Treat your mobile hotspot as a WiFi network. Connect your Canon printer using the same methods as for a regular router.
Q8. Can I connect a Canon printer to WiFi without WPS?
Yes. Use the standard setup via the control panel, Canon PRINT app, or installation software on your computer.
Conclusion
Connecting a Canon printer to WiFi is straightforward, whether you prefer using the WPS button, printer control panel, mobile app, or computer setup utility. Wireless printing provides a clutter-free and efficient printing experience at home or work.
If you face any difficulties, this guide offers multiple connection methods, troubleshooting tips, and FAQs to resolve common issues. Always refer to your printer’s manual or the official ij.start.canon website for model-specific instructions.
Stay connected and enjoy hassle-free wireless printing with your Canon printer!
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