How to Connect Canon Printer to WiFi
Connecting a Canon printer to WiFi allows compatible computers and mobile devices on the network to communicate with the printer without a permanent USB connection. The exact menu names and setup options can vary by model, but the basic wireless setup process is similar for many Canon printers.
How Do I Connect My Canon Printer to WiFi?
Turn on the printer and WiFi router, open the printer's wireless or network setup options, select your network, and enter the WiFi password when requested. After the printer connects, add it to your computer or compatible device and test the connection by printing a document.
Before Connecting Your Canon Printer to WiFi
Before changing wireless settings, make sure the printer is powered on and ready. Your wireless router should also be operating normally.
It helps to have the following information ready:
- Your WiFi network name.
- The correct WiFi password.
- Access to the printer's control panel or wireless setup controls.
- The computer, laptop, or mobile device you intend to use with the printer.
- The exact Canon printer model in case the wireless setup procedure differs.
How to Connect a Canon Printer to WiFi
If your printer has a display or network setup menu, you can generally begin the wireless connection from the printer itself.
Step 1: Turn On the Printer
Make sure the printer has completed its startup process and is not displaying an error that must be resolved first.
Step 2: Open Wireless Settings
Use the printer controls to locate the network, wireless LAN, or WiFi setup options available on your model.
Step 3: Start Wireless Setup
Select the appropriate wireless setup method. Depending on the printer, the available options may differ.
Step 4: Select Your WiFi Network
When available networks are displayed, select the network you want the printer to use.
Step 5: Enter the WiFi Password
Enter the network password carefully. Wireless passwords can be case-sensitive, so check letters, numbers, and special characters before continuing.
Step 6: Wait for the Connection
Allow the printer time to establish the network connection. The printer may display a connection confirmation or wireless indicator when setup is successful.
Step 7: Add the Printer to Your Device
Once the printer is connected to WiFi, add or install it on the computer or compatible device you want to print from.
Connect a Canon WiFi Printer to Windows
After the printer joins your wireless network, make sure the Windows computer is connected to the appropriate network as well.
- Turn on the Canon printer.
- Confirm that the printer is connected to WiFi.
- Open the printer settings in Windows.
- Choose the option to add a printer or device.
- Select your Canon printer when it appears.
- Complete the available installation prompts.
- Print a test document.
If the computer cannot detect the printer, see Canon printer not connecting to computer .
Connect a Canon WiFi Printer to Mac
Once the Canon printer is connected to your network, you can add it through the printer settings available on your Mac.
- Confirm that the printer is powered on.
- Make sure the printer and Mac are using the intended network.
- Open the printer settings on the Mac.
- Choose the option to add a printer.
- Select the Canon printer if it appears.
- Complete setup and test printing.
For additional setup information, see connect Canon printer to Mac computer .
How to Connect a Canon Printer to a Phone
Compatible Canon printers may also be used with supported mobile devices. The available connection and printing options depend on the printer model, phone, operating system, and network configuration.
In many cases, start by connecting the printer to the wireless network and making sure the phone is connected to the appropriate network. Then use the printing method supported by your printer and mobile device.
See our dedicated Canon printer to phone connection guide for more information.
How to Reconnect a Canon Printer After Changing WiFi
If you replace your router or change the WiFi network name or password, the printer may continue trying to use the previous network information.
In that situation:
- Confirm the new network name and password.
- Open the wireless settings on the printer.
- Start the network setup process again.
- Select the new WiFi network.
- Enter the new password.
- Wait for the printer to reconnect.
- Check the printer connection on your computer or other device.
If the printer still appears unavailable after reconnecting, you may also need to review its status on the computer.
What to Do If Your Canon Printer Won't Connect to WiFi
A wireless connection can fail because of an incorrect password, network configuration, temporary router problem, weak signal, outdated connection information, or another communication issue.
Start with these checks:
- Confirm that WiFi is working for other devices.
- Check that you selected the intended network.
- Re-enter the WiFi password carefully.
- Move the printer closer to the router if the wireless signal is weak.
- Restart the printer and router when appropriate.
- Check whether the router or WiFi credentials were recently changed.
- Run the wireless setup process again if the printer has outdated network information.
Canon Printer WiFi Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to Check |
|---|---|
| WiFi network does not appear | Check router availability, wireless signal, printer network settings, and whether the network configuration is supported by the printer. |
| WiFi password is rejected | Verify the password and check capitalization, numbers, and special characters. |
| Printer was working before router change | Reconfigure the printer with the current network name and password. |
| Computer cannot find printer | Check that the printer is connected to the network and review the printer setup on the computer. |
| Printer connects but appears offline | Check printer status, connection, selected printer, and print queue. |
| Connection keeps dropping | Check wireless signal quality, router stability, network changes, and printer network settings. |
If the printer is connected to the network but appears offline on your device, see Canon Printer Offline .
Canon PIXMA Wireless Setup Guides
Wireless setup controls can differ between printer models. These model-specific guides may help when the general setup process does not match the controls on your printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I connect my Canon printer to a new WiFi network?
Open the printer's wireless setup options, select the new network, and enter the current WiFi password. The exact procedure varies by printer model.
Why won't my Canon printer connect to WiFi?
Possible causes include an incorrect password, wrong network selection, weak wireless signal, changed router settings, outdated network information, or another communication problem.
Why can't my computer find my Canon printer on WiFi?
First confirm that the printer has successfully joined the network. Then check the printer setup on the computer and make sure the connection has not been interrupted.
Do I need to reconnect my printer after changing routers?
Usually, yes. If the new router uses different network credentials, the printer needs the new wireless information before it can reconnect.
Can I connect a Canon printer to WiFi without USB?
Many compatible wireless models support a wireless setup method that does not require a permanent USB connection. Available methods depend on the specific printer model.
Related Canon Printer Guides
