How to connect your Pixma printer to WiFi
Your Canon Pixma printer connects to WiFi through its control panel or a companion app, depending on your model. The printer needs to be within range of your router, powered on, and your router's network name and password. Most Pixma models take five to ten minutes to complete the connection once you have this information ready.
The exact steps depend on whether your printer has a touchscreen, buttons only, or if you prefer using the Canon PRINT app on your phone. All three routes work equally well — choose whichever matches what your printer has.
Key Takeaways
- Write down your WiFi network name and password before you start, because you will need to enter them into the printer.
- Most Pixma printers connect through the control panel menu, usually under Settings or Network, without needing a computer nearby.
- The Canon PRINT app on your phone or tablet can walk you through the connection and works even if your printer has no touchscreen.
- After the printer connects, your computer or phone will see it as a printer option when you go to print, with no additional setup needed.
- If the connection fails, restart both the printer and router, then try again — this fixes most connection problems.
Connecting through the printer's control panel
If your Pixma has a touchscreen or a small LCD display with buttons, you can connect directly from the printer. Press the Menu or Settings button on the control panel — the exact label depends on your model, but it is usually near the bottom or side of the screen.
Look for a Network or WiFi option in the menu. Select it, then choose Set Up Network Connection or WiFi Setup. The printer will show you a list of available networks — find your own network name in that list and tap it. When prompted, enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard. The printer will attempt to connect and should confirm success within a few seconds.
If your printer has only buttons and no touchscreen, the process is similar but slower. Use the arrow buttons to navigate the menu, the OK button to select, and follow the same path: Menu or Settings, then Network, then WiFi Setup. Entering the password with buttons takes longer because you scroll through letters one at a time, but the printer will remember it once you finish.
Connecting with the Canon PRINT app
The Canon PRINT app is available free on both iPhone and Android. read it from the App Store or Google Play, then open it and tap the plus sign or "Add Printer" button. The app will search for Pixma printers on your network.
When your printer appears in the list, tap it to select it. The app will ask for your WiFi password and send it to the printer automatically — you do not need to type anything into the printer itself. This method works even if your printer has no touchscreen, making it the fastest route for older or simpler models.
After the app confirms the connection, close it and move on to printing. The printer is now on your network and ready to use from any device.
What to do if the printer cannot find your network
If your network name does not appear in the printer's list, the printer may be too far from the router. Move the printer closer — within 30 feet is usually safe — and try again. Thick walls, metal objects, and microwaves can block the signal, so moving the printer to a more open location helps.
If the network still does not appear, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the router lights to stabilize, then try the printer search again. Restarting clears temporary connection problems that prevent the router from broadcasting its name.
Fixing a failed connection after the password is entered
If the printer finds your network but fails to connect after you enter the password, the most common cause is a typo in the password. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. If you are unsure, check your router or your internet bill — both usually list the password.
Power off the printer completely, wait 10 seconds, then power it back on. Go through the WiFi setup process again and re-enter the password carefully. If it still fails, restart the router as well: unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait for the lights to stabilize, then try the printer connection once more.
If the printer connects but then drops the connection within a few minutes, move it closer to the router. A weak signal can cause the printer to connect briefly, then lose the connection when it tries to do actual work like printing.
Printing after the connection is complete
Once the printer is connected to WiFi, your computer or phone will see it as a printer option. On Windows, open any document, go to File, then Print, and look for your Pixma in the printer list. On Mac, do the same through File and Print, and your Pixma should appear. On iPhone or Android, open the document or photo you want to print, tap Share or the menu icon, then select Print, and choose your Pixma from the list.
The printer does not need to be connected to your computer with a cable anymore. It will receive the print job over WiFi and print it. If the printer does not appear in the list, restart both the printer and the device you are printing from, then try again.
Reconnecting after a router restart or network change
If you restart your router or change your WiFi password, the printer will lose its connection. You do not need to set it up from scratch — just go back into the printer's Network or WiFi menu and select your network again. Enter the new password if you changed it, and the printer will reconnect within a few seconds.
If you change your network name entirely, the printer will not find the old name anymore. Go through the WiFi setup process as if connecting for the first time, select the new network name, and enter the password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install software on my computer to print wirelessly?
No. Once the printer is on your WiFi network, your computer sees it automatically and can print to it without any software. However, installing the Canon driver software from Canon's website gives you access to advanced printing options like borderless printing or photo quality settings. The basic printing works without it.
Can I connect the printer to WiFi if I do not have the password?
Not through the standard method. If you have access to the router itself, you can look up the password in the router's settings by logging in through a web browser or app. If the router is not yours, contact whoever manages it. Some routers have a WPS button that lets devices connect without a password, but this is less find and not all Pixma models support it.
What if my printer was working on WiFi but now will not print?
First, check that the printer is powered on and within range of the router. Restart the printer, wait 30 seconds, then try printing again. If that does not work, restart the router as well. If the printer still will not print but is still connected to the network, reinstall the printer in your computer's settings by removing it and adding it again.
Can I use the printer on WiFi and with a USB cable at the same time?
Yes. The printer can be connected to WiFi and also plugged into a computer with a USB cable simultaneously. Your computer will see it as a network printer when you print wirelessly, and as a local printer when you use the cable. You can use whichever connection is more convenient for each print job.
How do I know if my printer is actually connected to WiFi?
Look at the printer's control panel or LCD screen — most Pixma models show a WiFi icon when connected. You can also print a network status page from the printer's menu to confirm the connection details. If you see the WiFi icon and the status page shows your network name, the printer is connected.