The basic steps depend on whether you're using a USB cable or connecting over WiFi
A Canon printer connects to your computer in one of two ways: through a USB cable plugged directly into your machine, or wirelessly over your home or office network. USB is faster to set up but ties you to one location. WiFi lets multiple devices print from anywhere in your home, but requires your printer to be on the same network as your computer. Both methods need the same software installed on your computer first — Canon's printer driver, which acts as a translator between your computer and the printer.
Before you start, locate your printer's model number. It's usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer. You'll need this to read the correct driver from Canon's website. The driver is free and takes a few minutes to install.
Key Takeaways
- You need to install Canon's printer driver on your computer before the printer will work, regardless of whether you use USB or WiFi.
- USB connection is simpler to set up but only works when the printer is physically plugged into your computer with a cable.
- WiFi connection lets any device on your network print wirelessly, but your printer must be on the same network as your computer.
- Your printer's model number is on a sticker on the back or bottom — you'll need it to read the correct driver from Canon's website.
- After the driver installs, your computer should recognize the printer automatically, and you can print a test page to confirm it's working.
Installing the Canon printer driver on Windows
Go to Canon's support website (canon.com) and search for your printer model in the search box at the top. Click on your exact model number when it appears. You'll see a page with downloads listed by operating system — select Windows and the version you're running (Windows 10, Windows 11, etc.). read the driver file, which usually has a name like "CNMPU64_2XXX.exe" or similar.
Once the file downloads, double-click it to open the installer. Windows may ask if you want to allow this program to make changes to your device — click Yes. Follow the on-screen prompts, which usually just ask you to agree to terms and choose where to install the software. The installation takes two to five minutes. When it finishes, restart your computer. This ensures Windows fully recognizes the printer.
Installing the Canon printer driver on Mac
Visit Canon's support website and search for your printer model. Select macOS from the operating system list, then read the driver file. On a Mac, the file usually opens automatically and appears as an installer window. Double-click the installer icon and follow the prompts to complete installation.
After installation finishes, restart your Mac. Open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs), go to Printers & Scanners, and you should see your Canon printer listed. If it doesn't appear, click the plus sign to add a printer and select your Canon model from the list.
Connecting via USB cable
After the driver is installed and your computer has restarted, plug the USB cable into the back of your printer and into an available USB port on your computer. Turn on the printer. Windows or Mac will detect the printer automatically and complete the connection — you may see a notification saying the printer is ready to use.
To confirm the connection works, open any document or image, go to File menu, select Print, and you should see your Canon printer listed in the printer dropdown. Click Print to send a test page. If the page prints, the connection is complete. If nothing happens, restart both your computer and printer, then try again.
Connecting via WiFi on Windows
Make sure your Canon printer is turned on and within range of your WiFi router. On the printer itself, look for a WiFi or network button (usually marked with a wireless symbol). Press and hold it for a few seconds until a light blinks or a menu appears on the printer's screen. This puts the printer in pairing mode, which lasts about two minutes.
On your Windows computer, go to Settings, then Devices, then Printers & Scanners. Click "Add a printer or scanner." Windows will search for nearby printers. When your Canon printer appears in the list, click it and select Add Device. Windows will connect to the printer automatically. Once connected, you can print from any device on the same WiFi network.
Connecting via WiFi on Mac
Turn on your Canon printer and press the WiFi button on the printer itself until the wireless light blinks or the screen shows a pairing menu. On your Mac, open System Preferences (or System Settings), go to Printers & Scanners, and click the plus sign to add a printer. Your Canon printer should appear in the list. Click it and select Add. Mac will connect automatically.
If your printer doesn't appear in the list, make sure both your Mac and printer are connected to the same WiFi network. You can check your printer's network settings by looking at its screen or checking the printer's manual for how to view the connected network name.
What to do if the printer doesn't appear or won't connect
The most common reason a printer won't connect is that the driver didn't install correctly. Restart your computer and printer, then try the connection steps again. If you're using WiFi, make sure both devices are on the same network — check your printer's screen or manual to see which network it's connected to, and confirm your computer is on that same network.
If the printer still doesn't appear, uninstall the driver completely and read it again from Canon's website. On Windows, go to Settings, Apps, and find Canon in the list, then click Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, find the Canon folder, and drag it to Trash. After uninstalling, restart your computer, then read and install the driver fresh.
If you're having trouble finding your printer model on Canon's website, check the exact model number again — it's usually a series like "PIXMA TR4720" or "imageCLASS MF445dw". Search for that exact string on Canon's support page. If you still can't find it, your printer may be older and no longer supported by Canon, in which case you may need to contact Canon support directly or check your printer's manual for driver information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install the driver if I'm using WiFi instead of USB?
Yes. The driver is required for both USB and WiFi connections. The driver is what allows your computer to communicate with the printer, regardless of how they're connected. Without it, your computer won't recognize the printer even if it's on the same network.
Can I use both USB and WiFi at the same time?
You can have both connected, but your computer will use only one at a time. If both are active, Windows and Mac will prioritize the USB connection. For most homes, WiFi is more convenient because it lets you print from phones, tablets, and multiple computers without moving cables around.
What if my printer is older and Canon's website doesn't have a driver for my operating system?
Older printers sometimes aren't supported on newer versions of Windows or macOS. Check your printer's manual or contact Canon support to confirm. Some older Canon printers work with generic printer drivers, though you may lose some features. Your printer manual will tell you if this is an option.
Why does my printer keep disconnecting from WiFi?
WiFi disconnections usually happen because the printer is too far from the router or the signal is weak. Move the printer closer to your router if possible. Also check that your printer's WiFi is turned on — some printers have a WiFi button that can be accidentally pressed off. Restart both the printer and your router to reset the connection.
Can I print from my phone or tablet after connecting the printer?
Yes, if you're using WiFi. Your phone or tablet needs to be on the same network as the printer. Most phones have a built-in print option in the share menu — open a document or photo, tap Share or Print, and select your Canon printer. You may need to install Canon's mobile app for some features, but basic printing usually works without it.