Canon IJ Wireless Printer Setup – Complete Guide for Easy Installation
Setting up a Canon IJ wireless printer is the first step to enjoying seamless, cable-free printing and scanning from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Canon's IJ series includes a range of high-performance wireless printers such as the PIXMA, MAXIFY, and imageCLASS models. These printers are designed with user convenience in mind, making the setup process straightforward and accessible for beginners and tech-savvy users alike.
1. What is Canon IJ Wireless Printer?
Canon IJ wireless printers refer to a wide range of inkjet printers from Canon that support wireless connectivity. The term “IJ” stands for "Inkjet," and these printers are compatible with Canon’s dedicated setup platform—IJ.Start.Canon. Using this platform, users can download drivers, configure WiFi settings, and access various Canon utilities for scanning, printing, and maintenance.
2. Benefits of Canon IJ Wireless Printing
Canon IJ wireless printers offer the following benefits:
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Cable-free operation: No need to connect via USB every time.
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Print from any device: Smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop.
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Cloud printing: Print documents directly from Google Drive or Dropbox.
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Scan wirelessly: Scan and send files to your email or phone.
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Multiple device support: Share the printer among several users.
3. System Requirements
Before beginning the setup process, ensure the following:
For Windows:
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Windows 10/11 (32 or 64-bit)
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Internet connection
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At least 2GB RAM
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Administrator privileges
For macOS:
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macOS 10.13 or later
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Safari or Chrome browser
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Internet access
For Mobile Devices:
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iOS 12 or later / Android 6.0 or later
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Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
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Stable WiFi connection
4. Canon IJ Wireless Printer Setup Methods
You can set up your Canon IJ printer wirelessly using one of the following methods:
Method | Best For |
---|---|
IJ.Start.Canon website | Desktop/laptop users |
Canon PRINT App | Mobile device users |
Wireless LAN Setup | Touchscreen printers |
WPS Push Button | Compatible routers |
USB Setup | Non-screen printers |
5. Method 1: Setup via IJ.Start.Canon Website
The IJ.Start.Canon website is the official Canon support portal for downloading drivers and setting up wireless connections.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Turn on your printer and connect it to power.
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On your computer or mobile browser, go to https://ij.start.canon.
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Type your printer model (e.g., PIXMA TS3420) and click Go.
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Click Start Setup.
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Select your region and language.
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Read and accept the license agreement.
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When prompted, choose Wireless Connection.
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The setup program will now detect your printer.
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Select your WiFi network and enter the password.
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Wait for the installation to complete.
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Print a test page to confirm success.
🖨️ Your Canon printer is now ready for wireless use with your PC or Mac.
6. Method 2: Setup via Canon PRINT App (Mobile Devices)
This method is perfect for iPhone, iPad, and Android users.
Steps:
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Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from the App Store or Google Play.
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Open the app and tap Add Printer.
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Tap Register Printer > Printer Setup.
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Follow on-screen instructions to connect the printer to your WiFi.
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Select your printer model.
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Enter your WiFi network password.
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The app will automatically connect the printer.
📱 Now you can print photos, documents, and scan using just your mobile device.
7. Method 3: Setup via Wireless LAN (Touchscreen Models)
Touchscreen Canon printers offer a built-in Wireless LAN Setup feature.
How to Use Wireless LAN Setup:
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On your printer’s home screen, press Menu.
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Navigate to Wi-Fi Setup > Wireless LAN Setup.
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Choose Easy Setup or Manual Setup.
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The printer scans for nearby networks.
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Select your WiFi network and enter the password.
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Press OK to connect.
💡 A WiFi symbol or confirmation screen indicates a successful connection.
8. Method 4: Setup via WPS Push Button Method
If your router has a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button, use this quick method.
Steps:
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Turn on the printer and router.
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Hold the WiFi button on your Canon printer until the light flashes.
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Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
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Wait for the printer to connect automatically.
⚡ This is the fastest way to connect compatible Canon printers.
9. Method 5: Setup Without Touchscreen or Display Panel
Some basic Canon printers (like PIXMA MG2522) lack a touchscreen. Here's how to connect them.
Steps Using USB:
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Connect your printer to a computer using a USB cable.
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Visit https://ij.start.canon and download setup software.
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During installation, choose Wireless Connection.
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The software will transfer the WiFi settings from your computer to the printer.
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Once connected, unplug the USB cable.
🎯 This method is known as USB-assisted wireless setup.
10. Common Setup Issues and Fixes
Even though Canon's setup process is easy, you might face issues. Here’s how to fix them.
Issue 1: Printer Not Detected
Solutions:
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Ensure the printer is powered on.
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Connect both devices to the same WiFi network.
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Restart your router and printer.
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Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus.
Issue 2: Incorrect WiFi Password
Solutions:
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Re-enter the correct WiFi password.
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Double-check for case sensitivity and special characters.
Issue 3: Mobile App Can't Find Printer
Solutions:
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Make sure Bluetooth and Location Services are turned on.
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Restart the app and your mobile device.
11. Tips for Smooth Wireless Printing
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Use a 2.4GHz WiFi network, as most Canon printers don't support 5GHz.
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Place the printer within 10–15 feet of the router.
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Update your printer firmware regularly.
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Install the Canon Utility Tools for better performance.
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Set your printer to auto-reconnect in case of network loss.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Do I need internet access to use a Canon IJ wireless printer?
No, as long as your device and printer are on the same WiFi network. Internet is required only for downloading drivers.
Q2. Can I use Canon IJ wireless printers with Google Cloud Print?
Google Cloud Print was discontinued in 2020. Canon now supports PIXMA Cloud Link and Mopria for mobile/cloud printing.
Q3. What if I change my WiFi password?
You’ll need to reconnect the printer using one of the wireless setup methods and enter the new password.
Q4. Can I use a Canon IJ printer with multiple devices?
Yes! Once connected to WiFi, your Canon IJ printer can be used by any device on the same network.
Q5. How to reset Canon IJ printer’s WiFi settings?
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Go to Settings > Device Settings > Reset Settings > LAN Settings Only
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Or press and hold the WiFi and Stop buttons (for basic models)
13. Final Thoughts
Setting up your Canon IJ wireless printer is a quick and stress-free process thanks to Canon's easy-to-use setup tools like IJ.Start.Canon and the Canon PRINT app. Whether you’re printing from a laptop, mobile device, or even through voice commands via smart assistants, a WiFi-connected Canon printer brings flexibility, efficiency, and ease to your home or office printing.