Connect your Canon printer to a wireless network easily using WPS, the printer’s control panel, or the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app. Ensure your Wi-Fi is active, enter the correct network password, and follow on-screen prompts. These simple methods enable smooth, hassle-free wireless printing from your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
 
 
Simple Ways to Connect Your Canon Printer to a Wireless Network
Connecting your Canon printer to a wireless network enhances your printing experience by allowing you to print from multiple devices without the need for physical connections. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions to connect your Canon printer to Wi-Fi using various methods, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free setup.
 

Understanding Wireless Connectivity Options

Canon printers offer several methods to connect to a wireless network:

  1. Standard Wireless LAN Setup: Ideal for home or office networks with a router.

  2. Easy Wireless Connect (Cableless Setup): Simplifies the connection process by allowing the printer to connect without entering network credentials manually.

  3. Wireless Direct Mode: Enables direct connection between your device and the printer without a router.

Preparation Steps

Before initiating the connection process:

  • Ensure Wi-Fi Availability: Confirm that your wireless router is operational and that you have the network name (SSID) and password.

  • Position the Printer: Place the printer within range of your Wi-Fi router to ensure a stable connection.

  • Power On Devices: Turn on both your printer and the device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) you plan to print from.

  • Install Necessary Software: Download and install the latest drivers and software for your printer model from the Canon Support Page.

Method 1: Standard Wireless LAN Setup

This method connects your printer to an existing Wi-Fi network.

  1. Access Setup Menu: On the printer's control panel, navigate to the 'Setup' menu.

  2. Select Wireless LAN Setup: Choose 'Wireless LAN Setup' and press 'OK'.

  3. Choose Network: The printer will search for available networks. Select your network from the list.

  4. Enter Password: Input your Wi-Fi password using the printer's keypad.

  5. Confirm Connection: Once connected, the Wi-Fi indicator light will remain steady.

Note: For printers without a display screen, refer to the specific manual for button-based setup instructions.

Method 2: Easy Wireless Connect (Cableless Setup)

This method allows for a simplified connection process without manually entering network credentials.

  1. Initiate Easy Wireless Connect:

    • Press and hold the 'Wireless' button on the printer until the Wi-Fi lamp flashes.

    • For models like the TS3420, release the button when the 'Direct' icon flashes .

  2. Download Canon Software:

    • On your device, download the appropriate Canon software or app.

  3. Follow On-Screen Instructions:

    • Open the software and follow the prompts to complete the connection process.

Note: Ensure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you intend to connect the printer to.

Method 3: Wireless Direct Mode

This method connects your device directly to the printer without a router.

  1. Activate Wireless Direct:

    • On the printer, press and hold the 'Direct' button until the 'Direct' icon appears.

  2. Connect Device to Printer:

    • On your device, go to Wi-Fi settings and select the network name starting with 'DIRECT-'.

    • Enter the password provided in the printer's manual.

  3. Print Documents:

    • Once connected, you can print directly from your device.

Note: In this mode, your device won't have internet access while connected to the printer.

Installing Printer Drivers and Software

After establishing a wireless connection:

  1. Download Drivers: Visit the Canon Support Page and download the latest drivers for your printer model.

  2. Install Software: Run the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts.

  3. Add Printer to Device:

    • Windows: Go to 'Control Panel' > 'Devices and Printers' > 'Add a printer'.

    • Mac: Navigate to 'System Preferences' > 'Printers & Scanners' > '+' to add the printer.

Printing from Mobile Devices

To print from smartphones or tablets:

  1. Install Canon PRINT App: Available on both iOS and Android platforms.

  2. Connect App to Printer:

    • Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to detect and connect to your printer.

  3. Print Documents: Select the document or photo you wish to print and send it to the printer via the app.

Note: Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Printer Not Detected:

    • Ensure the printer and device are on the same network.

    • Restart both the printer and the device.

  • Slow Printing:

    • Check for network congestion.

    • Move the printer closer to the router to improve signal strength.

  • Connection Drops:

    • Update the printer's firmware.

    • Ensure the router's firmware is up to date.

Conclusion

Connecting your Canon printer to a wireless network enhances flexibility and convenience in your printing tasks. By following the methods outlined above, you can establish a stable wireless connection tailored to your specific needs and printer model.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I connect my Canon printer to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes. Most Canon wireless printers support direct Wi-Fi setup using the printer’s control panel. You can also use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app on your smartphone or tablet to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network without needing a computer.

Q2. What is Easy Wireless Connect on a Canon printer?

Easy Wireless Connect is a simplified setup method that allows your Canon printer to automatically search for and connect to your wireless network without manually entering a Wi-Fi password on the printer. You activate it from the printer’s control panel, then complete the setup via Canon software or app.

Q3. How do I find my Canon printer’s Wi-Fi password?

If you're using Wireless Direct Mode, the Wi-Fi password is usually printed on a label attached to your printer or can be displayed via the printer’s control panel menu under Wireless LAN settings. For regular network connections, you’ll use your home router’s Wi-Fi password.

Q4. Can my Canon printer connect to multiple devices at the same time?

Yes. Once your Canon printer is connected to your wireless network, it can accept print jobs from multiple computers, smartphones, and tablets connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You don’t need to reconnect the printer each time.

Q5. Why is my Canon printer not connecting to Wi-Fi?

Common causes include:

  • Incorrect Wi-Fi password.

  • Printer too far from the router.

  • Network congestion or interference.

  • Outdated printer firmware or drivers.

Restart your router and printer, reattempt connection, and ensure you’re using the latest Canon software or app.

Q6. What should I do if my Canon printer disconnects from Wi-Fi frequently?

  • Check your router’s stability.

  • Update the printer’s firmware.

  • Move the printer closer to the router.

  • Avoid placing the printer near electronic devices that may cause interference.

If the problem persists, try assigning a static IP address to your printer through your router’s settings.

Q7. Can I connect my Canon printer to Wi-Fi using WPS?

Yes, if both your Canon printer and router support WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). Press the WPS button on your router, then press the corresponding WPS button or select WPS setup from your printer’s control panel within 2 minutes. The devices will automatically connect.

Q8. How do I print from my phone to my Canon wireless printer?

  • Install the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from the Play Store or App Store.

  • Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer.

  • Open the app, select your printer, choose the document or photo, and tap Print.

Alternatively, for newer printers, you can also use Apple AirPrint (iOS) or Mopria Print Service (Android).

Q9. Can I print directly from my laptop via Wi-Fi without a router?

Yes — using the Wireless Direct Mode feature, you can connect your laptop directly to the printer’s wireless signal. Enable Wireless Direct on your printer, connect your laptop to the displayed printer network, enter the password from your manual or settings screen, and print without a router.

Q10. Is it safe to use Wireless Direct Mode for printing?

It’s safe for occasional, direct, and local printing. However, since your device disconnects from the internet while connected to the printer's Wi-Fi, it's better to use regular Wi-Fi network printing for frequent or business use.