The fastest way depends on whether you want to use USB or Wi-Fi

A USB cable connection works immediately and requires no setup beyond plugging in the cable and installing the printer driver. A Wi-Fi connection takes a few more steps but lets you print from any device on your network without a cable. Most Canon printers support both, so you can choose based on where your printer sits and how you plan to use it.

The steps differ slightly between Windows and Mac, and between older and newer Canon models, but the core process is the same: connect the hardware, install the driver software, and tell your computer the printer is ready. This guide covers the most common setups.

Key Takeaways

  • USB connection requires only a cable and the Canon driver software, with no network setup needed.
  • Wi-Fi connection requires your printer's model number, your network name and password, and the Canon driver software.
  • You can download the correct driver from Canon's support website by entering your printer model number.
  • After the driver installs, your printer appears in your computer's printer list and is ready to use.
  • If your printer does not appear after installation, restart both the printer and your computer.

USB connection: the direct route

Plug the USB cable into the back or side of your Canon printer, then plug the other end into an available USB port on your computer. Turn on the printer. Your computer will detect the printer and may begin installing drivers automatically, depending on your operating system version.

If automatic installation does not happen, or if you want to ensure you have the latest driver, visit canon.com/support, enter your printer model number in the search box, and download the driver for your operating system (Windows or Mac). Run the installer file and follow the on-screen prompts. When installation finishes, restart your computer.

After restart, open your printer settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners and look for your Canon printer in the list. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, click the plus sign, and select your Canon printer. If it appears, the connection is complete.

Wi-Fi connection: printing from anywhere on your network

Wi-Fi setup requires your printer to join your home or office network. Most Canon printers have a touchscreen menu or buttons on the front panel. Look for a Wi-Fi or network icon, press it, and select your network name from the list that appears. Enter your network password when prompted. The printer will confirm the connection.

Some older Canon models do not have a touchscreen. If yours has only buttons, look for a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button on the printer itself. Press and hold it for a few seconds, then press the WPS button on your router within two minutes. The devices will connect automatically without needing your password.

Once the printer is connected to Wi-Fi, download and install the Canon driver from canon.com/support the same way you would for USB. During installation, the driver will search for printers on your network and find your Canon printer by name. Select it from the list and complete the installation. Restart your computer when finished.

Finding and installing the correct driver

The driver is the software that lets your computer talk to your printer. Canon printers do not work without it, even if your computer detects the hardware. You need the driver for your specific model and your operating system.

Go to canon.com/support and look for a search box or a "Find Support" button. Type your printer model number — it is usually on the front of the printer or on the back panel. If you are not sure of the exact model, look for a label that starts with "Canon" followed by letters and numbers, like "Canon PIXMA MG3620" or "Canon imageCLASS MF445dw".

Select your operating system (Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS, etc.) from the dropdown menu. Canon will show you the available drivers. Download the one labeled "Driver" or "Printer Driver" — not the one labeled "Utilities" or "Manuals". Save it to your Downloads folder, then double-click it to run the installer. Follow the prompts and restart your computer when the installation is complete.

What to do if your printer does not appear after installation

If you installed the driver but your printer does not show up in your printer list, the most common fix is to restart both devices. Turn off your printer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your computer. After both devices are back on, check your printer list again.

If the printer still does not appear, check the physical connection. For USB, try a different USB port on your computer — some ports are faster or more stable than others. For Wi-Fi, make sure the printer is still connected to your network by checking its menu screen. If the network connection shows as disconnected, reconnect it using the steps in the Wi-Fi section above.

If you are still stuck, uninstall the driver completely and reinstall it. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find your Canon printer driver in the list, click it, and select Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor, search for "Canon", and force-quit any Canon processes. Then download and reinstall the driver from Canon's website.

Printing your first document

Once your printer appears in your printer list, you are ready to print. Open any document or image, go to File > Print, and select your Canon printer from the dropdown menu. Choose your settings — number of copies, color or black and white, paper size — and click Print. The document should appear in your printer's queue and print within a few seconds.

If nothing prints, check that your printer is turned on and has paper in the tray. If the printer is on and has paper but still does not print, go back to your printer list and set your Canon printer as the default printer. On Windows, right-click the printer name and select "Set as default device". On Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your Canon printer, and click "Set Default Printer".

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install a driver if my computer recognizes the printer automatically?

Yes. Your computer may detect the printer as a device, but the driver is the software that actually controls it. Without the driver, you cannot print. Always download and install the driver from Canon's website, even if your computer shows the printer in your device list.

Can I use both USB and Wi-Fi at the same time?

Yes. You can connect your Canon printer via USB and Wi-Fi simultaneously, and your computer will use whichever connection is available. This is useful if you want the option to print over the network but also have a direct cable backup if Wi-Fi drops.

What if I lost the USB cable that came with my printer?

You can use any standard USB cable that matches your printer's port type. Most Canon printers use USB Type-B (the square-shaped connector), which is inexpensive and widely available at electronics stores or online retailers. Check your printer's manual or Canon's website to confirm the port type before buying a replacement.

How do I know if my printer is connected to Wi-Fi?

Check your printer's touchscreen or menu display. Most Canon printers show a Wi-Fi icon or signal strength indicator when connected. You can also print a network status page from the printer's menu to confirm the connection and see your printer's IP address.

Can I connect my Canon printer to my phone or tablet?

Yes, if your printer supports Wi-Fi. Download the Canon PRINT app from your phone's app store, make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as your printer, and the app will find your printer automatically. You can then print photos and documents directly from your phone without needing a computer.