What are the Reasons and How to Fix Canon Printer Won’t Connect to WiFi

1. Common Reasons Why Canon Printers Won’t Connect to WiFi

Before jumping to solutions, it’s crucial to understand what might be causing the problem. Here are the most common reasons:

• Weak or unstable WiFi signal

• Wrong WiFi password

• Printer not in range of the router

• Network configuration issues

• Incorrect printer settings

• Outdated or corrupted printer firmware

• Router or modem issues

• Software firewall or antivirus blocking the printer

• Driver problems on connected devices

• Multiple networks causing interference

• SSID broadcast disabled on the router

• MAC address filtering enabled

2. How to Fix Canon Printer Not Connecting to WiFi Issues

A. Basic Troubleshooting

Start with the simple steps. Often, connectivity problems are minor and can be resolved with a few basic checks.

1. Ensure Printer is Turned On
   Make sure your printer is powered on. Check for any warning lights or error codes on the screen.

2. Check Wireless Light
   Most Canon printers have a wireless indicator. If the WiFi LED is off or blinking, the printer is not properly connected.

3. Verify WiFi Credentials
   Make sure you are entering the correct WiFi password during setup. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.

B. Restart Devices

Sometimes, a simple reboot can fix network glitches.

1. Turn off your Canon printer, router, and computer or mobile device.

2. Wait for 30 seconds.

3. Power on the router first, wait until it fully reboots.

4. Turn on your printer and computer.

5. Try reconnecting the printer to the network.

C. Check WiFi Connection

1. Ensure that your router is working properly and other devices can connect to the internet.

2. Make sure the router is not too far from the printer.

3. Avoid obstacles like walls or electronic devices between the printer and router that can cause interference.

D. Reconnect Printer to WiFi

Sometimes, the connection is lost and simply needs to be re-established.

Steps to reconnect:

1. On the printer, go to Setup or Settings.

2. Select Wireless LAN Setup.

3. Choose Easy Setup or Standard Setup.

4. Select your WiFi network name (SSID).

5. Enter your password carefully.

Once connected, the wireless light should become steady.

E. Reinstall Printer Drivers

Corrupted or outdated drivers can cause connection issues.

For Windows:

1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

2. Right-click your Canon printer and select Remove Device.

3. Go to Canon’s official website and download the latest drivers.

4. Install the drivers and re-add the printer.

For macOS:

1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

2. Select the printer and click the minus (-) button to remove it.

3. Download the latest driver from Canon’s support site.

4. Add the printer again using the plus (+) sign.

F. Reset Printer Network Settings

If nothing works, reset your Canon printer’s network settings to default.

How to reset:

1. Go to Setup > Device Settings.

2. Choose Reset Settings > LAN Settings Only or Reset All Settings.

3. Confirm the reset and set up the connection from scratch.

3. Advanced Fixes

A. Firmware Update

Outdated firmware can cause bugs or incompatibility with newer routers.

1. Visit the Canon support website.

2. Enter your printer model.

3. Download the latest firmware update and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: Ensure your printer is connected via USB or already on a network for the update.

B. IP Address Conflict Resolution

When multiple devices share the same IP, it can prevent proper communication.

1. Access your printer's network settings.

2. Assign a static IP address to the printer.

3. Ensure the address is within your router’s DHCP range but not currently used.

You can also reserve the printer’s IP address from your router’s admin panel.

C. Router Settings Adjustments

Some advanced router settings can block printer connections.

• Ensure SSID broadcast is enabled.

• Disable MAC address filtering or add the printer’s MAC.

• Ensure 2.4 GHz band is active (most Canon printers do not support 5 GHz).

• Update router firmware.

• Reduce interference by switching WiFi channels manually.

4. Fixes for Specific Canon Printer Models

Each Canon series might have slight differences in connection setup.

A. Canon PIXMA Series

• Use the WPS method if your router supports it.

• Try using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app for setup via smartphone.

B. Canon MG Series

• These models often face issues when firmware is outdated.

• Manually reconfigure the network using the onboard display.

C. Canon TS Series

• Supports Easy Wireless Connect.

• Use the Canon PRINT app for quick smartphone-based configuration.

5. How to Connect Canon Printer to WiFi: Step-by-Step

A. Using WPS Push Button Method

1. Turn on the printer.

2. Press the WiFi button until the wireless lamp flashes.

3. Press the WPS button on the router within 2 minutes.

4. When the connection is successful, the WiFi lamp will remain lit.

B. Using Standard Setup

1. On the printer, go to Settings > Wireless LAN Setup.

2. Choose Standard Setup.

3. Select your network and enter the WiFi password.

4. Confirm the connection.

C. Using Canon PRINT App

1. Install the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app on your smartphone.

2. Open the app and select Add Printer.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the printer to your WiFi.

4. The app helps detect and connect to your printer wirelessly.

6. When to Contact Canon Support

If you've tried everything and your Canon printer still won’t connect to WiFi, it might be time to get professional help.

Contact Canon Support if:

• The printer keeps disconnecting after a few minutes.

• The printer fails to show any WiFi networks.

• You're getting hardware error codes related to the wireless module.

• The printer won’t accept the WiFi password even after resets.

You can reach Canon support via phone, email, or live chat through their official website.

7. Preventive Measures

To avoid future connectivity problems, consider the following tips:

• Keep your printer firmware and drivers updated.

• Avoid placing your printer near microwaves or cordless phones.

• Ensure your router uses modern security protocols (like WPA2).

• Periodically restart your router and printer.

• Don’t change WiFi network names or passwords frequently.

8. Final Thoughts

A Canon printer failing to connect to WiFi is a frustrating issue, but it’s usually fixable with a structured approach. By understanding the reasons—ranging from signal interference and driver problems to router settings—you can apply the appropriate solution. From simple reboots and network resets to firmware updates and manual setups, this guide covers everything you need to troubleshoot and fix the problem effectively. 

Whether you’re a home user or managing a small office, keeping your printer reliably connected ensures productivity and peace of mind. If you're still facing trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to Canon’s support team for tailored help.