How to Connect a Canon Printer to WiFi (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)

Does connecting your Canon printer over wi-fi sound like too big of a challenge? You're not the only one! Many users experience problems connecting their new devices, connecting to a reset printer, or receiving a connection error. Luckily, these problems can usually be resolved very quickly by following a few simple steps. 

In this step-by-step guide, we will provide beginner-friendly methods for connecting your canon printer using wi-fi and provide you with some troubleshooting tips in case one method does not work for you.

Quick Answer (Fast Setup)

Here are easy steps for connecting your Canon printer to Wi-Fi:

1. Power on the printer

2. Open the 'Settings' or 'Menu'

3. Locate 'Setup', 'WiFi Setup', or 'Wire-LAN Setup'

4. Select your Wi-Fi Network

5. Enter your Password and hit OK

Your Printer will indicate it is connected by showing a Wi-Fi logo or a "Wireless Connected" message.

Method 1: Connect Canon Printer to WiFi Using Printer Screen

This is one of the standard methods used for establishing connection between your printer (most modern Canon printers such as PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS) and your home network. 

To do this:

1. Turn ON your printer

2. Press the Menu / Setup button

3. Navigate to Wireless LAN Setup

4. Select Standard Setup

5. Select your WiFi network name (SSID)

6. Enter your WiFi password

7. Press OK / Confirm

After about 5 seconds, the printer will say “Connected” or something similar. 

Method 2: Connect Using WPS Button (Fastest Method)

Use this if your router supports WPS (WiFi Protected Setup).

1. Press and hold the WiFi button on your printer

2. Release when the light starts flashing

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

4. Wait for connection confirmation

The WiFi light will stop blinking and stay solid once connected.

Method 3: Connect Using Mobile App (Easiest for Beginners)

You can use the official Canon app. Its name is Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY.

1. Install the app on your phone

2. Turn ON your printer

3. Open the app and tap Add Printer

4. Follow on-screen instructions

5. Select your WiFi network and enter password

This method is highly recommended if your printer has no screen

Method 4: Connect Canon Printer to WiFi Using USB (Backup Method)

Use this if wireless setup is failing.

1. Connect printer to computer via USB cable

2. Install Canon printer drivers

3. Open setup software

4. Choose Wireless Setup

5. Select WiFi network and enter password

6. Disconnect USB after setup.

Troubleshooting: Canon Printer Not Connecting to WiFi

If your Canon printer is not connecting to WiFi, don’t worry, this is very common and usually easy to fix. Follow these solutions one by one until your issue is resolved.

1. Make sure the WiFi password you entered is correct. Even a small mistake like a capital letter or number can prevent connection. Re-enter the password slowly and carefully.

2. Check if your WiFi is working properly. Try connecting your phone or laptop to the same network. If they can’t connect, the issue is with your internet, not the printer.

3. Restart both your printer and router. Turn off the printer, unplug your router for about 30 seconds, then turn everything back on. This often fixes temporary connection issues.

4. Keep your printer close to the router. If the signal is weak or there are walls in between, the printer may fail to connect or disconnect frequently.

5. Make sure your network is 2.4GHz. Many Canon printers do not support 5GHz WiFi networks. If your router is using 5GHz, switch to 2.4GHz or enable dual-band mode.

6. Reset the network settings on your printer and try again. You can find this option under Settings or Setup, usually labeled as “Reset Network Settings” or “LAN Settings Reset.”

7. Check if your printer is already connected to another network. If yes, you may need to reset it before connecting to a new WiFi.

8. Update your printer drivers and software from the official Canon website. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause connection issues.

9. Turn off mobile data or VPN on your phone if you are using the app method. These can interfere with the setup process.

10. If nothing works, try using the USB setup method. It is the most reliable fallback option and usually succeeds when wireless setup fails.

Supported Canon Printer Models

This guide works for:

• PIXMA Series (MG, TS, TR models)

• MAXIFY Series

• imageCLASS Series

Menu names may vary slightly, but steps remain similar

FAQs

1. How to reconnect a Canon printer to WiFi?

1. Go to Settings or Menu on your printer

2. Select Wireless LAN Setup

3. Choose your new WiFi network

4. Enter the updated password

5. Confirm and wait for connection

2. How to reset WiFi settings on a Canon printer?

1. Open the Setup or Settings menu

2. Navigate to Device Settings

3. Select Reset Settings

4. Choose Reset Network Settings

5. Confirm and restart the printer

3. How to connect a Canon printer to WiFi without a screen?

1. Install the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY

2. Turn on the printer

3. Open the app and tap Add Printer

4. Follow on-screen instructions

5. Select WiFi and enter password