How to Connect a Canon TS3522 Printer to Wi-Fi
Getting your Canon TS3522 connected to your home or office Wi-Fi network is usually a straightforward process — but the exact steps depend on your setup, your devices, and which connection method you use. Here's a clear breakdown of how it works, what affects the process, and where things can go differently for different users.
What Wi-Fi Connection Options Does the Canon TS3522 Support?
The Canon TS3522 is an inkjet all-in-one printer designed for home use. It supports wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) connectivity, which means it can join your existing 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and be accessed by any device on that same network — phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.
It does not support 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which is a common point of confusion. If your router is set to broadcast only on 5 GHz, or if your device is connected to a 5 GHz band while the printer is trying to join a 2.4 GHz network, you may run into connection issues.
The printer also supports Canon's PIXMA Print Plan app ecosystem and is compatible with:
- Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app (iOS and Android)
- Apple AirPrint
- Mopria Print Service (Android)
- Google Chrome printing via compatible setups
Each of these paths has its own connection process, which matters when choosing how to set things up.
The Two Main Methods to Connect the TS3522 to Wi-Fi
Method 1: Wireless Setup Using the Printer's Control Panel (Standard Wi-Fi Setup)
This is the most common approach for users connecting to a home router.
- Power on the printer and make sure it's not already connected to a network.
- Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer until the Wi-Fi lamp flashes.
- Press the Color button once — this puts the printer into WPS push-button mode.
- Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
- The Wi-Fi lamp on the printer will flash and then remain steady once the connection is established.
This method relies on WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), a feature built into most modern home routers. It's quick and doesn't require entering a password manually. However, some routers have WPS disabled for security reasons, or the router may not support it at all — in which case this method won't work.
Method 2: Setup via the Canon PRINT App (Recommended for Mobile Users)
If you're connecting from a smartphone or tablet, or if WPS isn't available on your router:
- Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app on your iOS or Android device.
- Open the app and tap Add Printer.
- Follow the in-app instructions, which will walk you through connecting the printer to your Wi-Fi network by entering your network name (SSID) and password directly.
- The app communicates with the printer during setup and handles the credential transfer automatically.
This method works even if WPS is disabled, and it gives you more control over which network the printer joins. It also tends to be more reliable for users with mesh networks, router-level security settings, or guest network configurations.
What Affects Whether the Setup Goes Smoothly 🖨️
Not every setup is identical. Several variables influence how the connection process plays out:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Router WPS support | WPS must be enabled for Method 1 to work |
| 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz band | TS3522 only connects on 2.4 GHz |
| Network security type | WPA2 is standard; older WEP setups may cause issues |
| Mesh or multi-band routers | Band steering can push devices to 5 GHz automatically |
| Mobile OS version | Older Android or iOS versions may affect app compatibility |
| Firewall or router restrictions | Can block printer discovery on the network |
Users with dual-band routers that broadcast a single SSID for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz may find the printer connects successfully but isn't discoverable — because the computer or phone is on the 5 GHz band while the printer is on 2.4 GHz. Temporarily splitting the SSIDs or checking band assignments is a common troubleshooting step in that scenario.
Printing from Different Devices: How Connection Experience Varies
Windows PC
After the printer joins your Wi-Fi network, Windows should detect it automatically. If it doesn't, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add a printer or scanner. Canon also provides a setup utility (downloadable from their support site) that handles driver installation and network detection in one process.
Mac
macOS supports AirPrint natively, so once the printer is on the same network, you can add it through System Settings > Printers & Scanners. Full feature access (scanning, ink level monitoring) may require installing Canon's full driver package.
iOS and Android
With AirPrint (iOS) or Mopria (Android), no additional app is required for basic printing once the printer is networked. The Canon PRINT app adds access to more functions like scan-to-mobile and ink status.
When the Connection Doesn't Work 🔧
Common issues and their causes:
- Printer shows a flashing orange light: Often indicates a network error or failed WPS pairing. Reset the network settings on the printer and try again.
- Printer connects but isn't found by the computer: Check that both devices are on the same network and same band.
- App can't find the printer: Ensure Bluetooth and location permissions are enabled on the mobile device (some apps use these during initial discovery).
- WPS times out: The 2-minute window is strict — both the printer and router button must be pressed within that timeframe.
To reset the printer's network settings and start fresh, press and hold the Stop button, then press the Wi-Fi button — the sequence varies slightly by firmware version, so consulting the printer's quick start guide or Canon's online manual is worth doing if you're unsure.
The Part That Depends on Your Setup
The steps above cover how the TS3522 Wi-Fi connection works in general. But what actually determines your experience — smooth and fast, or requiring a few troubleshooting rounds — comes down to your specific router model, how your network is configured, which devices you're printing from, and whether any security or band-management settings are in play. Those variables are unique to your environment, and they're worth taking stock of before you begin.