Before You Start
Having these things ready before you begin will make the setup much smoother.
- Your Wi-Fi network name and password (check the label on your router if you are not sure)
- The model number of your Canon printer — printed on the front of the printer or on a label on the bottom
- A computer, phone, or tablet to download the driver
- The USB cable that came with the printer (useful as a backup)
- Ink cartridges installed and protective tape removed from each one
Connecting a Canon Printer to Wi-Fi
Canon offers two main methods for connecting to Wi-Fi: the Wireless LAN Setup from the printer's control panel, and WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) for routers that support it.
- 1Power on the printer and wait for it to fully start up
- 2On the printer control panel, press the Wi-Fi button or navigate to Settings, then LAN Settings, then Wireless LAN Setup
- 3Select Easy Wireless Connect or Standard Setup depending on your model
- 4For Standard Setup: select your Wi-Fi network name from the list and enter your password
- 5For WPS: press the WPS button on your router, then press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer until the Wi-Fi light flashes — they will connect automatically
- 6Wait for the Wi-Fi light on the printer to become solid (not flashing) — this confirms a successful connection
Tip: WPS is the easiest method if your router supports it — no password entry required. Look for a button labeled WPS on your router. If you are not sure whether your router has WPS, check the router's label or manual.
Installing the Canon Driver on Your Computer
After the printer is connected to Wi-Fi, install the driver on each computer that will use it.
- 1Go to usa.canon.com/support and search for your printer model number
- 2Select your operating system and download the Drivers and Software package
- 3Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions
- 4When asked for a connection type, choose Wireless LAN Connection
- 5The installer will search for your printer on the network and add it automatically
- 6Print a test page to confirm the setup is complete
Using the Canon PRINT App for Mobile Setup
Canon offers a free app called Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY that makes it easy to set up and use your printer from a smartphone or tablet.
- 1Download Canon PRINT from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play (Android)
- 2Open the app and tap the printer icon in the upper left corner
- 3Tap Add Printer and follow the on-screen instructions
- 4The app will guide you through connecting the printer to your Wi-Fi network if it is not already connected
- 5Once added, you can print photos, documents, and web pages directly from your phone
Reconnecting a Canon Printer After a Wi-Fi Change
If you changed your Wi-Fi password, got a new router, or moved to a new home, your Canon printer needs to be reconnected to the new network.
- 1On the printer, navigate to Settings, then LAN Settings, then Reset LAN Settings (or Wireless LAN Setup)
- 2This clears the old Wi-Fi settings
- 3Follow the Wi-Fi connection steps above to connect to the new network
- 4On your computer, you may need to remove the printer from Printers and Scanners and add it again
Common Canon Printer Setup Problems
Here are the issues homeowners run into most often when setting up a Canon printer.
- Printer not found during driver installation: Confirm the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Restart both the printer and router and try again.
- Wi-Fi light keeps flashing after setup: A flashing Wi-Fi light means the printer is not connected. Re-run the wireless setup and double-check the password.
- Printer connects but computer cannot print: Remove the printer from Printers and Scanners and add it again. The IP address may have changed since setup.
- Error message about ink cartridges: Make sure all cartridges are fully seated and that the protective orange tape has been removed from each one.
- Driver installation fails: Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation. Some security programs block printer driver installers.