Find your printer's WiFi setup method before you start
Canon printers connect to WiFi in one of three ways: through the printer's built-in menu, through the Canon PRINT app on your phone, or through your computer's printer setup. Which one works depends on your printer model and what devices you have nearby. Check the back or bottom of your printer for a model number (usually starts with "MG", "TS", or "TR"), then look up that model on Canon's website to see which methods it supports. Most newer Canon printers support at least two of these routes.
Before you begin, make sure your WiFi network name and password are correct and that your printer is plugged in and turned on. If your printer has a display screen, turn it on and look for a WiFi or network icon. If it does not have a screen, you will use either the app or your computer to start the connection.
Key Takeaways
- Most Canon printers connect through the printer's menu, the Canon PRINT app, or your computer's printer setup—check your model number on Canon's website to see which methods work for yours.
- You will need your WiFi network name and password before you start, and your printer must be plugged in and powered on.
- If your printer has a display screen, use the menu to find WiFi settings and select your network; if it does not have a screen, use the Canon PRINT app or your computer instead.
- After the printer connects, install the Canon printer driver on any computer that will use it, or read the Canon PRINT app on any phone or tablet.
- If the connection fails, restart both your printer and WiFi router, then try again—most connection problems clear up after a restart.
Connecting through the printer's menu (printers with a display screen)
If your Canon printer has a touchscreen or small LCD display, this is usually the fastest way to connect. Press the menu button (often labeled with three horizontal lines or a gear icon) on the printer's control panel. Look for a WiFi, Network, or Settings option. Select it, then look for "WiFi Setup" or "Wireless LAN Setup".
The printer will show you a list of available networks. Find your WiFi network name in that list and select it. When prompted, enter your WiFi password using the printer's keypad or touchscreen. The printer will attempt to connect. If it succeeds, you will see a confirmation message. If it fails, double-check that you typed the password correctly—WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters matter.
Once connected, the printer will display an IP address or a checkmark indicating the connection is active. Write down this IP address if you plan to connect from a computer later. You can now print from any device on the same WiFi network, but you will still need to install the printer driver on computers or read the Canon PRINT app on phones.
Connecting through the Canon PRINT app (phones and tablets)
If your printer does not have a display screen, or if you prefer to use your phone, read the Canon PRINT app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and tap the plus sign or "Add Printer" button. The app will search for Canon printers on your network.
When your printer appears in the list, select it. The app will guide you through connecting the printer to your WiFi. You will enter your network name and password into the app, and the app will send this information to the printer. This method works even if your printer has no screen, because the app handles the setup steps for you.
After the printer connects, you can print directly from the Canon PRINT app on any phone or tablet. You can also print from other apps (like Photos or email) by using the "Share" or "Print" option and selecting your Canon printer. The app also lets you check ink levels and order replacement cartridges.
Connecting through your computer (Windows or Mac)
If you want to print from a computer, you need to install the Canon printer driver first. Go to Canon's support website, enter your printer model number, and read the driver for your operating system (Windows or Mac). Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps.
During installation, the driver will search for your printer on the network. If your printer is already connected to WiFi (either through the menu or the app), the driver will find it automatically. If your printer is not yet connected, the driver will offer to help you set up the WiFi connection. Select your network name, enter your password, and let the driver complete the setup.
Once the driver is installed, your printer will appear in your computer's printer list. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners. Your Canon printer should be listed there. You can now print from any program on that computer by selecting your printer from the Print menu.
Restart your printer and router if the connection fails
If your printer does not find your WiFi network, or if it connects but then disconnects, the first step is to restart both devices. Turn off your printer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your WiFi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
Once both devices have restarted, try the connection again using whichever method you were using (menu, app, or computer driver). Most connection problems clear up after a restart because it resets the communication between the devices.
If the problem continues, check that your printer and router are within reasonable range of each other—most home WiFi networks reach 100 to 150 feet in open space, but walls and metal objects can reduce that distance. Move the printer closer to the router and try again. Also check that you are entering your WiFi password correctly; if you are not sure, log into your router's settings (usually through a web browser or the router's app) and look up the password there.
Install the printer driver on each computer that will use it
After your printer is connected to WiFi, any computer on the same network can print to it—but only if the printer driver is installed on that computer. The driver is the software that tells your computer how to communicate with the printer.
Go to Canon's support website, find your printer model, and read the driver for each computer's operating system. Run the installer on each computer. You do not need to set up the WiFi connection again; the driver will find your printer automatically because it is already on the network.
If you have multiple computers (a desktop and a laptop, for example), you will need to install the driver on both. The same applies to any new computer you add to your home network later. The printer itself only needs to be set up once.
Use the Canon PRINT app for printing from phones and tablets
Once your printer is connected to WiFi, read the Canon PRINT app on any phone or tablet you want to print from. The app will automatically find your printer on the network. You can then print photos, documents, and web pages directly from the app.
The app also works with other apps on your phone. In Photos, Mail, or any other app, look for a Share or Print option. Select "Print", choose your Canon printer, and send the document. This works as long as your phone is on the same WiFi network as your printer.
The Canon PRINT app also shows you your printer's status—whether it is online, how much ink is left, and whether there are any error messages. You can use it to order replacement ink cartridges directly if your printer supports that feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my Canon printer to WiFi if I do not have the password?
No, you need the correct WiFi password to connect. If you do not know it, log into your router's settings through a web browser or the router's app (check the router's label for the login address). You can view or reset the password there. If you cannot access the router, contact your internet provider or the person who set up your network.
Why does my printer keep disconnecting from WiFi?
This usually happens if the printer is too far from the router, if there is interference from other devices, or if the printer's WiFi module needs a restart. Move the printer closer to the router, restart both the printer and router, and try again. If it continues to disconnect, check Canon's support website for your model—some printers have a known WiFi stability issue that Canon addresses in a firmware update.
Do I need to install the driver if I only want to print from my phone?
No, the Canon PRINT app works independently of the driver. You only need the driver if you want to print from a computer. If you only print from your phone, just read the app and connect your printer to WiFi through the app.
Can multiple people print to the same printer?
Yes, as long as everyone is on the same WiFi network and has either the Canon PRINT app installed (for phones and tablets) or the printer driver installed (for computers). Each device will see the printer in its printer list and can send jobs to it.
What should I do if my printer does not appear in the app or driver?
Make sure your printer is powered on and connected to WiFi—check the printer's display screen or look for a WiFi indicator light. Restart both the printer and your phone or computer. If it still does not appear, restart your WiFi router. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall the app or driver, then try again.