How to Connect Canon Printer to WiFi: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Connecting your Canon printer to WiFi allows for wireless printing, easy sharing across multiple devices, and better flexibility in home and office settings. Whether you’re using a Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY, or imageCLASS model, wireless connectivity simplifies your workflow and removes the hassle of USB cables. However, the setup process can vary depending on your device, operating system, and printer model.

1. Why Connect Your Canon Printer to WiFi?

Connecting your Canon printer to WiFi offers several benefits:

  • Wireless Convenience: Print from anywhere within your WiFi range.

  • Multi-Device Support: Print from phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops without cable switching.

  • Mobile Printing: Use Canon’s mobile apps or Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print.

  • Shared Access: Perfect for households or offices with multiple users.

  • Fewer Cables: Reduces clutter and physical limitations.

2. Prerequisites for WiFi Setup

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

  • A WiFi-enabled Canon printer (PIXMA, MAXIFY, etc.)

  • An active wireless network (2.4GHz supported; 5GHz is usually unsupported)

  • WiFi network name (SSID) and password

  • A device (PC, Mac, smartphone) connected to the same network

  • Canon printer powered on and in a ready state

3. Methods to Connect Canon Printer to WiFi

Depending on your model and preference, there are four primary methods:

  1. Using the control panel or touchscreen

  2. WPS Push Button method

  3. Via Canon IJ Network Tool on PC or Mac

  4. Using Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY mobile app

Let’s go through each one.

4. Method 1: Connect Using the Printer’s Control Panel

This is the most common method and works for most Canon printers with a display screen.

Steps:

  1. Turn on your Canon printer.

  2. On the printer's home screen, go to Setup or Settings.

  3. Navigate to Wireless LAN setup.

  4. Choose Easy Wireless Connect or Standard Setup depending on your model.

  5. The printer will search for available WiFi networks.

  6. Select your WiFi network (SSID).

  7. Enter the WiFi password using the on-screen keypad.

  8. Once connected, a confirmation message will appear.

  9. Install Canon drivers or software on your PC/mobile to complete the setup.

Note: Some models like the PIXMA TR or TS series may guide you through the Easy Wireless Connect mode for better results.

5. Method 2: Connect via WPS Push Button

If your router and Canon printer both support WPS, this is a fast, no-password method.

Steps:

  1. Ensure your Canon printer is powered on.

  2. Press the WiFi button on the printer until the power light flashes.

  3. On your router, press the WPS button within 2 minutes.

  4. The printer’s WiFi light will blink while connecting.

  5. Once the light stays steady, the connection is successful.

Pros: No need to enter passwords manually.
Cons: Not all routers support WPS.

6. Method 3: Using Canon IJ Network Tool (Windows & Mac)

Canon’s IJ Network Tool helps configure network settings from your computer.

Steps:

  1. Download the Canon IJ Network Tool from the Canon support website.

  2. Install and launch the tool on your computer.

  3. Connect your Canon printer via USB to the computer.

  4. Select the printer from the tool and click on Wireless Setup.

  5. Enter your WiFi SSID and password.

  6. Disconnect USB after setup completes.

  7. Try a test print to confirm.

7. Method 4: Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY Mobile App (Android/iOS)

If you’re setting up from a smartphone or tablet, Canon’s app simplifies the process.

Steps:

  1. Download Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY from the App Store or Google Play.

  2. Open the app and tap Add Printer > Register Printer.

  3. Choose Easy Wireless Connect.

  4. Follow on-screen instructions to connect the printer to WiFi.

  5. Once detected, your printer will be ready to print from mobile.

Features:

  • Scan directly to phone

  • Check ink levels

  • Print photos and PDFs easily

8. How to Connect Canon Printer to WiFi on Windows

Step-by-Step:

  1. Download drivers from Canon’s support site.

  2. Run the setup.exe file and select Wireless LAN Connection.

  3. Choose Connect via wireless router.

  4. Turn on the printer and press the WiFi button.

  5. The installer will auto-detect the printer.

  6. Select your printer and complete installation.

  7. Print a test page to confirm.

9. How to Connect Canon Printer to WiFi on Mac

Step-by-Step:

  1. Download the Canon driver for macOS.

  2. Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

  3. Click the "+" sign to add a new printer.

  4. Select your Canon printer from the list.

  5. Choose AirPrint or install additional software if prompted.

  6. Ensure printer and Mac are on the same network.

  7. Test print to confirm.

10. Canon Printer WiFi Connection via USB Setup

Some Canon models allow initial WiFi setup using a USB cable.

Steps:

  1. Connect the printer to your computer via USB cable.

  2. Launch the Canon installation software.

  3. Choose Wireless Setup via USB.

  4. Enter WiFi credentials when prompted.

  5. Once connected, remove the USB cable.

  6. Printer is now ready for wireless printing.

11. Troubleshooting Canon Printer WiFi Connection Issues

Sometimes, Canon printers face WiFi setup issues. Here are common fixes:

A. Printer Not Detecting WiFi

  • Ensure the printer is within range of the router

  • Restart the router and printer

  • Make sure the printer is searching the correct 2.4GHz network

B. Incorrect Password Error

  • Double-check for case sensitivity in the password

  • Re-enter the credentials slowly

C. Printer Connected, But Not Showing on PC

  • Check if printer sharing is enabled

  • Disable any firewall or VPN temporarily

  • Reinstall the Canon driver

D. Canon Printer Keeps Disconnecting from WiFi

  • Assign a static IP address to the printer

  • Move printer closer to the router

  • Update router firmware

12. Tips to Maintain a Stable Wireless Connection

  • Keep the printer’s firmware up to date.

  • Always use the official Canon drivers and software.

  • Place the router in a central location.

  • Avoid heavy interference from devices like microwaves or cordless phones.

  • Reboot the router and printer monthly.

  • Use strong and consistent WiFi signals for best performance.

13. Final Thoughts

Connecting your Canon printer to WiFi opens up a world of convenience—whether you're printing from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. While the process might seem intimidating, Canon offers several intuitive methods: control panel setup, mobile app support, WPS, and USB-assisted configuration.

With this guide, you now know exactly how to connect your Canon printer to a wireless network using different methods and platforms. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS, the instructions above provide a reliable path to seamless wireless printing.