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 touchscreen or buttons to find your network name, enter your WiFi password, and confirm the connection. Once connected, your computer and phone can print to it wirelessly without a cable.

The exact steps depend on your printer model, but the process is similar across Canon's consumer and small-office lines. You'll need your WiFi network name (SSID) and password before you start. If your printer doesn't have a touchscreen, Canon provides a USB cable method as a backup.

Key Takeaways

  • Access the WiFi setup menu on your printer using the home button or menu button, then look for "Network Settings" or "Wireless LAN Setup".
  • Select your network name from the list the printer displays, then enter your WiFi password using the printer's keypad or touchscreen.
  • Write down the IP address the printer shows after it connects — you'll need this to add it to your computer or phone.
  • Install Canon's printer driver software on your computer from Canon's website, which lets your computer find and use the printer over WiFi.
  • If the printer can't find your network, restart both the printer and your WiFi router, then try again.

Finding the WiFi menu on your Canon printer

On most Canon printers with a touchscreen, press the home button (usually a house icon) to reach the main menu. Look for an option called "Network Settings," "Wireless LAN Setup," or sometimes just "WiFi." Tap it to open the wireless connection menu.

If your printer has physical buttons instead of a touchscreen, press the menu button repeatedly until you see a network or settings option appear on the small display. Some older Canon models use a dedicated WiFi button — if you see one, press and hold it for three seconds to start the connection process.

If you're unsure which button to press, check the quick-start guide that came with your printer or search "Canon [your model number] WiFi setup" on Canon's support website. The model number is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer.

Selecting your network and entering your password

Once you're in the wireless setup menu, the printer will scan for available networks and display a list. Find your network name (the one you use on your phone or laptop) and select it. The printer will then prompt you to enter your WiFi password.

Use the printer's keypad or touchscreen to type your password exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter. If your printer has a touchscreen, you'll see a keyboard layout. If it has buttons, you'll navigate through letters and numbers using arrow keys, similar to typing a text message on an old phone.

After you enter the password, the printer will attempt to connect. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. The printer will display a confirmation message or show a connected status icon (often a WiFi symbol) when it succeeds.

Finding and noting your printer's IP address

After the printer connects to WiFi, it receives an IP address — a unique number that identifies it on your network. You'll need this address to add the printer to your computer or phone. The printer usually displays this address on the confirmation screen right after connecting, or you can find it in the network settings menu.

Write down the IP address (it looks like four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.100). You can also print a network configuration page, which lists the IP address along with other connection details. On most Canon printers, this option is in the settings menu under "Print Network Configuration" or "Network Status."

Installing the printer driver on your computer

Your computer needs printer driver software to communicate with the printer over WiFi. Go to Canon's official support website, search for your printer model, and download the latest driver for your operating system (Windows or Mac). Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.

During installation, the driver will ask how you want to connect. Select "Network" or "WiFi" rather than "USB." The installer may automatically find your printer on the network, or it may ask you to enter the IP address you wrote down earlier. If it asks, paste or type that address into the field provided.

After installation completes, restart your computer. Open a document or photo, go to File > Print, and your Canon printer should appear in the list of available printers. Select it and click Print to test the connection.

Adding the printer to your phone or tablet

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Printers & Scanners, tap "Add Printer," and wait for your Canon printer to appear in the list. Tap it to connect. On Android, open Settings > Connected Devices > Printers, tap "Add Printer," and select your Canon model from the results.

Some Canon printers also work with the Canon PRINT app, which you can download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app often finds your printer automatically if it's on the same WiFi network as your phone. Once added, you can print photos and documents directly from your phone without using the standard print menu.

Troubleshooting when the printer won't connect

If your printer can't find your network, restart both the printer and your WiFi router. Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Then try the WiFi setup process again.

If the printer finds your network but won't accept your password, double-check that you're typing it correctly — spaces and special characters count. Try entering the password in all lowercase, even if you normally use capitals. If you're still stuck, restart the printer and try once more.

If your computer can't find the printer after the driver is installed, make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network. Some networks have a separate guest network — if your printer is on the main network and your computer is on the guest network, they won't see each other. Switch your computer to the same network as the printer and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 5GHz WiFi network instead of 2.4GHz?

Most Canon printers only connect to 2.4GHz networks, not 5GHz. If your router broadcasts both, make sure your printer is connecting to the 2.4GHz band. Check your router settings or contact your internet provider if you're unsure which band your network uses.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You can reset your WiFi password through your router's admin panel (usually accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser) or through your internet provider's app. Once you've changed the password, you'll need to disconnect the printer from WiFi and reconnect it with the new password.

Do I need to keep the printer plugged in all the time?

Yes, the printer needs to be powered on and connected to WiFi to receive print jobs from your computer or phone. If you turn it off, you won't be able to print to it remotely until you turn it back on.

Can multiple people print to the same printer?

Yes. Once the printer is on your WiFi network, anyone else on that same network can install the driver and print to it. You don't need to set it up separately for each person.

What if the printer keeps disconnecting from WiFi?

Move the printer closer to your WiFi router if possible — distance and obstacles like walls can weaken the signal. If it still disconnects, restart the printer and check that your router firmware is up to date. Some older Canon printers also have trouble with newer routers; contact Canon support with your model number if the problem persists.