In today’s digital age, wireless printing has become a standard convenience for homes and offices alike. Canon printers, known for their excellent quality and advanced features, often include built-in WiFi connectivity. This allows users to print directly from laptops, smartphones, and tablets without cables. However, one of the most common issues users face is the Canon printer not connecting to WiFi.
Understanding the Problem: Canon Printer Not Connecting to WiFi
When your Canon printer not connecting to WiFi, it means your device cannot communicate with your wireless router. As a result, you won’t be able to print documents, and your printer might appear as a Canon printer offline on your device.
The issue could stem from several sources — incorrect network settings, router interference, outdated drivers, or even temporary technical glitches. Identifying the root cause helps in applying the correct solution efficiently.
Common Reasons Why Canon Printer Not Connecting to WiFi
Before jumping into the fixes, it’s essential to understand what might be causing the problem. Below are the most frequent reasons:
1. Weak or Unstable WiFi Signal
If your Canon printer is placed too far from the router, the WiFi signal may be weak. Printers need a stable and strong connection to maintain communication.
2. Wrong Network Credentials
Sometimes, incorrect WiFi passwords or selecting the wrong network (SSID) during setup can prevent your printer from connecting.
3. Outdated Firmware or Drivers
Old or incompatible printer drivers often cause connectivity issues. Updating your printer’s firmware and drivers ensures proper functionality.
4. Router Configuration Issues
If the router’s firewall, security protocol, or MAC filtering settings are not configured correctly, they can block your Canon printer from connecting.
5. Printer Settings Error
Sometimes, the printer’s network settings may have become corrupted or misconfigured, especially after a router change or network update.
6. Network Change
If you’ve recently changed your WiFi name, password, or internet provider, your printer might not automatically reconnect.
7. Canon Printer Offline Mode
Your printer might appear offline on your device even when powered on. This can happen due to network mismatch or device communication errors.
How to Fix Canon Printer Not Connecting to WiFi
Now that we know the causes, let’s move on to effective troubleshooting methods. Follow these steps carefully for a smooth Canon printer setup.
Step 1: Restart All Devices
Start with a simple fix — power cycle your devices.
- Turn off your Canon printer.
- Unplug your router for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
- Restart your computer or smartphone.
- Turn on your printer again and try reconnecting to WiFi.
Often, this refresh clears temporary connectivity bugs.
Step 2: Check WiFi Network and Signal Strength
Ensure your printer is within 6-10 feet of your WiFi router. Avoid placing it near walls, microwaves, or other electronic devices that can cause interference.
On your printer’s control panel, check if the WiFi light is steady (connected) or blinking (disconnected). If blinking, move closer to the router and retry the connection.
Step 3: Verify Correct Network Credentials
During Canon printer setup, double-check that you’ve entered the right WiFi password and selected the correct SSID. Incorrect credentials are one of the most common reasons for failed connections.
If you recently updated your WiFi password, you must re-enter it on the printer.
Step 4: Use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App (for Mobile Setup)
Canon offers an official app that simplifies wireless connection:
- Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Turn on your printer and ensure it’s in WiFi setup mode.
- Open the app and tap Add Printer.
- Follow on-screen instructions to connect your printer to WiFi.
This method works seamlessly for smartphones and tablets, eliminating manual setup errors.
Step 5: Connect Canon Printer to WiFi Manually (for Printers with Display Panel)
If your Canon printer has a screen, you can manually connect it to WiFi:
- Press the Menu or Setup button.
- Navigate to Wireless LAN Setup.
- Choose your WiFi network (SSID) from the list.
- Enter your WiFi password carefully.
- Once connected, you’ll see a confirmation message or solid WiFi icon.
This process ensures your printer is directly linked to your wireless network.
Step 6: Reinstall or Update Printer Drivers
Sometimes, driver conflicts prevent communication between your printer and network.
To fix this:
- Visit Canon’s official website.
- Go to the Support or Drivers & Downloads section.
- Enter your printer model and download the latest drivers.
- Install them on your computer.
Reinstalling updated drivers often resolves hidden connectivity problems.
Step 7: Disable VPN and Firewall Temporarily
Firewalls or VPNs can sometimes block printer communication. If your printer connects to WiFi but doesn’t appear on your computer, temporarily disable your firewall or VPN.
After successfully connecting the printer, you can re-enable security features.
Step 8: Reset Canon Printer Network Settings
If none of the above works, resetting your printer’s network settings might help.
Steps:
- On the printer’s menu, go to Settings → Device Settings → Reset Settings.
- Choose Reset LAN Settings.
- Confirm the reset and restart the printer.
Once done, set up your WiFi connection from scratch using the proper credentials.
Step 9: Check for Firmware Updates
Outdated firmware may cause your Canon printer offline or WiFi connectivity errors.
To update:
- Visit the official Canon website.
- Find your printer model.
- Download and install the latest firmware.
- Restart your printer to complete the update.
Firmware updates improve compatibility and enhance connectivity performance.
Step 10: Use WPS Push Button Setup (Quick Method)
If your router supports WPS (WiFi Protected Setup), this is the easiest way:
- Press and hold the WiFi button on your printer until the WiFi light flashes.
- Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
- Wait for the WiFi light to become steady — it means the printer is connected.
This method works for most Canon PIXMA and MAXIFY printers.
Canon Printer Appearing Offline Even When Connected
Sometimes, even after a successful WiFi connection, your printer might show as Canon printer offline. This means your computer cannot detect it properly.
Try these fixes:
- Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on your Canon printer.
- Select See what’s printing.
- Uncheck Use Printer Offline.
- Restart your computer.
Your printer should now appear online and ready for printing.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Canon Printer WiFi Connection
If the basic fixes don’t work, use these advanced troubleshooting steps.
1. Assign a Static IP Address
Dynamic IP changes can sometimes disconnect printers. Assigning a fixed IP ensures a stable connection. You can set this from your router’s admin panel.
2. Check Router Settings
Ensure that the 2.4GHz band is enabled, as most Canon printers don’t support 5GHz networks. Also, disable any MAC filtering temporarily during setup.
3. Check Proxy Settings
If your computer uses a proxy, it might interfere with communication. Disable proxy settings and retry the connection.
4. Reconnect via Canon IJ Setup
Visit ij.start.canon and follow the on-screen setup instructions to reconnect your printer wirelessly.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Connectivity Issues
To prevent your Canon printer not connecting to WiFi again:
- Always keep your printer firmware updated.
- Avoid frequently changing your WiFi credentials.
- Ensure the router signal is stable.
- Place your printer within a good range of your router.
- Regularly check for driver updates.
Following these tips ensures uninterrupted printing performance.
FAQs About Canon Printer Not Connecting to WiFi
Q1: Why won’t my Canon printer connect to WiFi after a router change?
A: You must reconfigure your printer with the new network name and password since it still tries connecting to the old network.
Q2: My printer connects to WiFi but won’t print. Why?
A: It may show as Canon printer offline. Check your printer status and reinstall drivers if needed.
Q3: Does Canon support 5GHz WiFi?
A: Most Canon printers only support 2.4GHz networks. Ensure your router’s 2.4GHz band is active.
Q4: How do I reset my Canon printer network settings?
A: Navigate to Settings → Device Settings → Reset Settings → Reset LAN Settings. Then reconnect your printer to WiFi.
Q5: What if my Canon printer still doesn’t connect after all steps?
A: Contact Canon Support or visit ij.start.canon for expert assistance and model-specific troubleshooting.
Conclusion
When your Canon printer not connecting to WiFi, it can interrupt productivity and cause frustration. However, with the right troubleshooting steps — from verifying network credentials to reinstalling drivers — you can restore wireless functionality easily. Read more blog