Step-by-Step Guide to Canon IJ Wireless Printer Setup
Setting up your Canon IJ wireless printer can seem overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with printer installations or networking. However, Canon simplifies the process with its official setup platform, ij.start.canon, which guides users through downloading drivers, connecting the printer to Wi-Fi, and completing the installation for both Windows and Mac.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every necessary step in the Canon IJ wireless printer setup, from unboxing the printer to printing your first page.
1. What Is Canon IJ Wireless Printer Setup?
Canon IJ Wireless Printer Setup refers to the process of configuring your Canon printer to connect with your Wi-Fi network and computer or mobile device without using a USB cable. This setup allows printing from anywhere within the network's range.
Canon’s official setup portal, ij.start.canon, simplifies this task by offering drivers, manuals, and a guided installer.
2. Advantages of Wireless Printer Setup
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Convenience: Print from laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
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Fewer Cables: Reduces desk clutter.
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Multi-Device Printing: Connect multiple devices to the same printer.
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Remote Printing: Use cloud services to print documents while away from home.
3. Prerequisites Before You Begin
Before starting the setup, ensure:
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A working Wi-Fi network
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The network SSID and password
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A Canon IJ printer (PIXMA, MAXIFY, etc.)
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A computer or mobile device with internet access
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Canon ink cartridges and A4 paper
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Printer’s power cable and USB cable (for temporary setup, optional)
4. Unboxing and Physical Setup
Step-by-Step:
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Unbox the Canon printer carefully.
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Remove all packaging materials and tapes.
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Take out the ink cartridges, power cable, manuals, and any included USB cables.
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Place the printer on a flat surface close to your Wi-Fi router.
5. Connecting the Printer to Power and Loading Paper
Connecting to Power:
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Plug the power cable into the back of the printer and the wall socket.
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Press the Power button to turn on the printer.
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Wait for the printer to initialize.
Loading Paper:
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Open the rear or front paper tray.
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Insert plain A4 sheets.
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Adjust the paper guides properly.
6. Installing the Ink Cartridges
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Open the printer’s ink cartridge door.
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Wait for the ink carriage to stop moving.
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Unpack the ink cartridges.
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Insert each cartridge into its color-coded slot.
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Push down gently until you hear a click.
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Close the cartridge door.
Allow the printer to initialize and perform automatic alignment.
7. How to Connect Canon IJ Printer to Wi-Fi
Option A: Using Control Panel (Touchscreen Models)
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Press the Home button on the control panel.
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Go to Wi-Fi Setup > Wireless LAN Setup.
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Choose Easy Setup or Manual Setup.
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Select your Wi-Fi network name (SSID).
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Enter your Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard.
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Confirm and wait for the printer to connect.
Option B: Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
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Hold down the Wi-Fi button on the printer until the Wi-Fi lamp blinks.
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Press the WPS button on your router within 2 minutes.
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Wait until the Wi-Fi light on the printer becomes solid.
Option C: Temporary USB Connection
For models without a screen:
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Connect the printer to your PC via USB cable.
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Use Canon’s IJ Network Tool to detect and configure Wi-Fi settings.
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After configuration, remove the USB cable.
8. Accessing the IJ Start Canon Website
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Open a web browser on your computer or phone.
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Go to https://ij.start.canon.
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Click on Set Up (Start Here).
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Enter your printer model (e.g., PIXMA TS3122, MG2522).
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Click Go and then Start Setup.
9. Downloading Canon Drivers and Setup Tools
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On the setup page, click Download to get the Canon driver and software.
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Once downloaded, open the setup file (.exe for Windows, .dmg for Mac).
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Follow on-screen instructions to proceed.
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Select your region, agree to the license, and click Next.
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Choose Wireless LAN Connection when prompted.
The setup wizard will search for your printer on the network.
10. Setting Up Canon IJ Wireless Printer on Windows
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Launch the downloaded Canon installer.
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Click Start Setup and follow on-screen steps.
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Select Wireless LAN Connection > Connect via wireless router.
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The wizard will detect your printer and connect it to your network.
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If prompted, confirm printer serial number.
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Once connected, the installer will install drivers and utilities.
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Click Next to finish setup.
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Optionally, set the printer as default.
11. Setting Up Canon IJ Wireless Printer on macOS
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Open the downloaded .dmg setup file.
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Run the Canon IJ Setup Installer.
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Choose Wireless LAN Setup.
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Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
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The installer will detect your Canon printer.
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Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
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Click the + button to add your Canon printer.
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Complete the process by following the remaining instructions.
12. Canon Printer Setup Using a Smartphone or Tablet
You can also use Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app:
For Android/iOS:
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Download the Canon PRINT app from Google Play or App Store.
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Open the app and tap Add Printer.
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Follow prompts to connect the printer to Wi-Fi.
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Use the app to print documents and photos directly from your phone.
This method is ideal for mobile users and supports cloud printing.
13. Running a Test Print
After completing the setup:
Windows:
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Go to Devices and Printers > Right-click Canon printer > Printer Properties > Print Test Page
Mac:
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Go to Printers & Scanners > Select Canon Printer > Options & Supplies > Utility > Print Test Page
Make sure the print quality is good and no ink is missing.
14. Troubleshooting Canon IJ Wireless Printer Setup Issues
Problem 1: Printer Not Found on Network
Solution:
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Ensure printer and PC/phone are on the same Wi-Fi.
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Restart your router and printer.
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Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus.
Problem 2: Incorrect Wi-Fi Password
Solution:
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Re-enter password carefully using correct case.
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Use WPS method if available.
Problem 3: Installation Freezes or Fails
Solution:
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Restart your PC and try again.
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Run the setup file as administrator.
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Ensure internet connection is stable.
Problem 4: Can’t Print After Setup
Solution:
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Check if the correct printer is set as default.
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Restart printer and computer.
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Check ink levels and paper tray.
15. FAQs on Canon Wireless Printer Setup
Q1. Can I set up Canon printer without CD?
Yes, go to ij.start.canon to download drivers.
Q2. Can I use the printer without Wi-Fi?
Yes, use USB for direct connection or print via offline mode.
Q3. Is Canon PRINT app necessary?
No, but it simplifies mobile printing.
Q4. What to do if setup fails repeatedly?
Reset printer network settings and re-run the setup.
Q5. Can I connect multiple devices to one printer?
Yes, any device on the same network can print wirelessly.
16. Final Thoughts
Setting up a Canon IJ wireless printer doesn’t have to be complicated. By following this detailed step-by-step guide, you can easily complete the wireless configuration using ij.start.canon, download the necessary drivers, and connect your printer to a Wi-Fi network.
The flexibility of wireless printing provides a hassle-free, clutter-free environment that supports printing from multiple devices and even cloud platforms. If any issues arise, Canon’s installer tools and mobile apps simplify troubleshooting and allow seamless integration into your workflow.