The basic steps to get your Canon printer on your network

Most Canon printers connect to WiFi through a menu on the printer itself, not through your computer. You'll use the printer's buttons or touchscreen to find the WiFi settings, select your network name, type your password, and confirm the connection. Once the printer shows it's connected, your computer or phone can find it on the same network without needing cables.

The exact steps depend on whether your Canon printer has a touchscreen or just physical buttons, but the goal is the same: get the printer talking to your router so devices can send print jobs wirelessly. Most connections take five to ten minutes if you have your WiFi password ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your printer's WiFi settings through the menu button or touchscreen, not through your computer.
  • Select your network name from the list the printer shows, then enter your WiFi password exactly as it appears (uppercase and lowercase matter).
  • Once the printer displays a connected status, restart your computer or phone so it recognizes the printer on the network.
  • If the connection fails, check that your printer and router are in the same room or nearby, and that your password is correct.

Canon printers with a touchscreen

If your Canon printer has a color or black-and-white touchscreen on the front, tap the Menu or Settings button (usually a gear icon). Look for an option labeled Network, WiFi, or Wireless and tap it. The printer will show a list of available networks — these are the WiFi names your router is broadcasting.

Find your network name in the list and tap it. The printer will ask you to enter your WiFi password. Type it carefully, paying attention to capital letters, numbers, and special characters — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". Once you've entered the password, tap OK or Connect. The printer should display a message saying it's connected, usually with a signal strength indicator.

Canon printers with physical buttons only

Older Canon printers without a touchscreen have a small LCD screen and physical buttons below it. Press the Menu button (often marked with lines or a gear symbol), then use the arrow buttons to navigate to Network or Wireless. Press OK to enter that menu.

Use the arrow buttons to select WiFi Setup or Wireless LAN, then press OK. The printer will search for networks and display them on the small screen. Use the arrow buttons to highlight your network name and press OK. When prompted for the password, use the arrow buttons and number pad to type it in — this is slow, but the printer will guide you through it. Once entered, press OK to connect.

What to do after the printer connects

Once your printer shows it's connected to WiFi, restart your computer or phone. This forces your device to refresh its list of available printers on the network. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners and click Add a printer or scanner — your Canon should appear in the list. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, click the + button, and select your Canon from the list.

On a phone or tablet, most printer apps (like the Canon PRINT app) will find the printer automatically once it's on the same WiFi network. Open the app, tap to add a printer, and select your device from the list. You don't need to enter the WiFi password again — the app just needs to see that the printer is already connected.

Fixing a connection that won't work

If your printer can't find your network, check that your router is powered on and that you're typing the network name correctly — it must match exactly what appears in the printer's network list. Move the printer closer to the router if it's more than 30 feet away; thick walls and metal objects can block the signal. Restart both the printer and router by turning them off for 30 seconds, then turning them back on.

If the printer finds the network but rejects the password, double-check that you're entering it correctly. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive and often contain numbers or symbols that look similar (like the number 1 and the letter l, or the number 0 and the letter O). If you're unsure of your password, check your router — many have the password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. You can also log into your router's settings through a web browser to see or change the password.

If the printer connects but your computer can't find it, make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network. Some routers broadcast two networks (one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz) — if your printer is on one and your computer is on the other, they won't see each other. Check your printer's network settings to see which one it's connected to, then connect your computer to the same one.

Using the WPS button for faster connection

Many Canon printers and routers have a WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button that lets them connect without typing a password. On your router, find the WPS button — it's usually on the back or side, sometimes labeled with a WiFi symbol. Press and hold it for a few seconds until a light blinks. Then go to your printer's WiFi menu and select the WPS option. The printer and router will connect automatically within about two minutes.

WPS is faster if your router supports it, but it only works if both devices are within 10 feet of each other. If WPS doesn't work or your router doesn't have the button, use the password method described above — it's more reliable over distance.

Connecting multiple devices to the same printer

Once your printer is on WiFi, any device on the same network can print to it. On a second computer, phone, or tablet, go to the printer settings and add the printer the same way you did for the first device — it will appear in the available printers list. You don't need to reconnect the printer to WiFi; it stays connected to your network, and each device just needs to know it's there.

If a device can't find the printer, make sure it's connected to the same WiFi network as the printer. Some homes have multiple networks (guest networks, 5 GHz networks, etc.), and devices need to be on the same one to see each other. Check your printer's network settings to confirm which network it's using, then connect your device to that same network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to keep the printer plugged into power while it's on WiFi?

Yes. WiFi printers need power to stay connected to the network. If you turn off the printer, it disconnects from WiFi. When you turn it back on, it will automatically reconnect to the network it was previously connected to, so you don't need to set it up again.

Can I print from my phone to a WiFi printer?

Yes. read the Canon PRINT app from your phone's app store, make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network as the printer, and open the app. It will find your printer automatically. You can also use your phone's built-in print function (AirPrint on iPhone, Print to PDF on Android) if your printer supports it.

What if I forget my WiFi password?

Check the sticker on your router — most have the password printed on the back or bottom. If you can't find it, log into your router through a web browser by typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into the address bar. You'll need the router's admin password, which is often the same as the WiFi password or printed on the sticker.

Why does my printer keep disconnecting from WiFi?

Move the printer closer to the router — distance and obstacles like walls weaken the signal. If the printer is far away, consider moving the router or using a WiFi extender. Also check that your router's firmware is up to date by logging into its settings. If the problem continues, restart both the printer and router.

Can I connect my printer to WiFi if I don't have a touchscreen?

Yes. Printers with only physical buttons have a WiFi menu accessed through the Menu button and arrow keys. It's slower to type the password with arrow buttons, but the process works the same way. Some older models may also support WPS button connection, which is faster.