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Canon Printer Not Connecting to WiFi: Troubleshooting Guide

How to Connect Canon Printer to WiFi

A Canon printer not connecting to WiFi (Call Us: +1-801-878-6858 USA) is one of the most frustrating issues for both home and office users. Wireless printing is supposed to be convenient, but when the printer refuses to connect to WiFi, it disrupts workflows, delays printing jobs, and becomes a major inconvenience.

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1. Why Your Canon Printer Won’t Connect to WiFi

Before jumping into the solutions, it’s important to understand what causes WiFi connection failures. Canon printers rely on stable, secure wireless networks to function correctly. A minor router configuration issue, weak WiFi signal, outdated firmware, or wrong password can break the connection instantly.

Common Causes of Canon Printer WiFi Issues

  1. Weak or unstable WiFi signal

  2. Incorrect WiFi password

  3. Printer too far from the router

  4. Router using unsupported frequency (5GHz instead of 2.4GHz)

  5. IP address conflict

  6. Router firewall blocking the printer

  7. Outdated firmware or drivers

  8. Incorrect network settings on printer

  9. WPS connection failure due to wrong timing

  10. Network name (SSID) mismatch

  11. MAC filtering enabled on router

  12. Router overloaded or outdated

By identifying the cause, you can apply the correct fix more effectively.

2. Initial Checks Before Troubleshooting

Before diving into advanced solutions, make these quick checks:

✔ Check WiFi Signal Strength

Move the printer closer to the router.

✔ Ensure Printer Is Not in “Sleep Mode”

Press Power or Resume to wake it.

✔ Restart Devices

  • Restart Canon printer

  • Restart router

  • Restart computer

A simple restart fixes many wireless issues.

✔ Verify WiFi Password

Make sure the password you entered is correct. Many failed attempts happen due to typing errors.

✔ Check if Your Router Uses 2.4GHz

Most Canon printers do not support 5GHz WiFi.
Make sure your router broadcasts a 2.4GHz band.

If these checks don’t solve the issue, proceed with the methods below.

3. How to Connect Canon Printer to WiFi (Standard Setup Method)

Different Canon models have different menus, but the general process is similar:

Steps:

  1. Turn on the Canon printer.

  2. Press Menu / Setup / WLAN (depending on model).

  3. Select Wireless LAN Setup.

  4. Choose Standard Setup.

  5. Printer will search for available networks.

  6. Select your WiFi SSID.

  7. Enter your WiFi password.

  8. Confirm and wait for connection.

If the connection is successful, the WiFi LED will stop blinking and remain solid.

If the setup fails, continue with the troubleshooting steps below.

4. Fix Canon Printer Not Connecting to WiFi (All Methods)

Here are the most effective methods to fix WiFi connection problems on all Canon printers including PIXMA, MG, G, MX, TS, TR, and MAXIFY series.

Method 1: Reconnect WiFi Using WPS Button

If your WiFi router supports WPS (most modern routers do), this is the easiest method.

Steps:

  1. Turn on the Canon printer.

  2. Press the WiFi button until the WiFi light flashes.

  3. Press and hold the WPS button on your router for 3–5 seconds.

  4. The printer’s WiFi light will blink while connecting.

  5. When the light turns solid, the connection is successful.

Common WPS Issues:

  • You didn’t press the router’s WPS button quickly enough

  • Router WPS feature disabled

  • Printer too far from router

  • Router security mode incompatible

Try again or use standard setup if WPS fails repeatedly.

Method 2: Make Sure the Printer Is Connected to 2.4GHz Band

Canon wireless printers do not support 5GHz networks.

To fix this:

  • Log in to your router settings.

  • Make sure 2.4GHz WiFi is enabled.

  • Connect the printer to the 2.4GHz SSID.

  • Keep printer and router in the same room.

Dual-band routers often create separate network names like:

  • Home_WiFi_2.4G

  • Home_WiFi_5G

Choose the correct one for your printer.

Method 3: Reset Network Settings and Reconnect

If you previously changed router settings or password, the printer may still hold old data.

Reset Canon Printer Network Settings

Most Canon models follow this method:

  1. Go to Setup / Settings

  2. Select Device settings

  3. Choose Reset Setting

  4. Select LAN Settings

  5. Confirm Reset

After reset, reconnect the printer using Standard Setup or WPS.

Method 4: Check Router Password and Security Type

Canon printers support WPA/WPA2 security.
If the router uses WPA3 only, the printer may fail to connect.

Fix:

  • Change WiFi security to WPA2 or Mixed Mode (WPA2/WPA3)

  • Re-enter password carefully

  • Avoid special symbols if printer struggles to read password

After updating settings, reconnect the printer.

Method 5: Disable MAC Address Filtering on Router

If MAC filtering is enabled, the router may reject your printer.

Steps:

  1. Log in to router admin panel

  2. Go to Wireless → MAC Filtering

  3. Turn Off MAC Filtering

  4. If you need filtering ON, add printer MAC manually

This resolves “Connection Rejected” issues.

Method 6: Assign a Static IP Address

Printers often disconnect when their DHCP IP address changes.

Solution:

Assign a static IP.

Steps:

  1. Print Network Configuration Page from Canon printer

  2. Note printer’s IP address

  3. Log in to router

  4. Go to DHCP settings

  5. Reserve that IP for your Canon printer

This stabilizes wireless communication.

Method 7: Update Canon Printer Firmware

Firmware bugs often cause WiFi instability.

Steps:

  1. Visit Canon Support Website

  2. Search your printer model

  3. Download latest Firmware

  4. Install via USB or WiFi

Many users report WiFi reconnecting immediately after a firmware update.

Method 8: Restart or Reset Your WiFi Router

Network congestion or old router firmware can block Canon printers from connecting.

Restart Router

Unplug router → wait 15 seconds → plug back in.

Factory Reset Router (last option)

Reset button → hold for 10 seconds → reconfigure WiFi
(This will remove all devices and settings.)

Method 9: Reinstall Printer Drivers on Windows and Mac

Sometimes the printer connects to WiFi, but your device does not recognize it.

✔ On Windows

  1. Go to Control Panel

  2. Printers & Devices

  3. Right-click Canon → Remove

  4. Download latest driver from Canon

  5. Reinstall printer

✔ On Mac

  1. Go to Apple Menu → Printers & Scanners

  2. Remove Canon printer

  3. Add printer again

  4. macOS will auto-install drivers

Correct drivers ensure smooth communication on the network.

Method 10: Turn Off VPN and Firewall Temporarily

VPNs change your IP address and block local devices like printers.

Fix:

  • Disconnect VPN

  • Turn off firewall temporarily

  • Try adding printer again

If it works, add an exception for your printer in firewall settings.

4. Fix Canon Printer WiFi Issues Based on Error Messages

Different Canon models show different messages. Here’s how to handle the most common ones.

Error: “Cannot Find Access Point”

This means the printer cannot detect your WiFi router.

Solutions:

  • Enable SSID broadcast on router

  • Move printer closer to router

  • Ensure 2.4GHz WiFi is active

  • Remove obstructions

Error: “Wrong Password” or “Failed Authentication”

Fix:

  • Re-enter password carefully

  • Avoid special characters if printer keypad struggles

  • Update router security to WPA2

Error: “WiFi Setup Failed”

Fix:

  • Reset network settings

  • Reconnect via WPS

  • Restart router

  • Update firmware

Error: “Cannot Connect to Server”

Occurs when the printer cannot reach the internet.

Fix:

  • Check router internet connection

  • Update DNS settings

  • Set Google DNS (8.8.8.8) on printer if supported

5. Canon Printer Not Connecting to WiFi on Windows – Detailed Fix

Windows users often face WiFi discovery, firewall, and spooler-related problems.

Fixes:

  • Update WiFi & printer drivers

  • Disable WiFi metered connection

  • Restart Print Spooler

  • Remove and re-add printer

  • Check Windows Firewall

  • Ensure PC is on same network as printer

Restart Print Spooler

  1. Press Win + R

  2. Type services.msc

  3. Find Print Spooler

  4. Right-click → Restart

6. Canon Printer Not Connecting to WiFi on Mac – Detailed Fix

macOS may block printers due to network filters or old configuration.

Fixes:

  • Reset Printing System

  • Remove & re-add printer

  • Disable Mac Firewall

  • Reconnect WiFi

  • Update macOS

Reset Printing System

  1. Go to Printers & Scanners

  2. Right-click white space

  3. Select Reset printing system

  4. Add printer again

7. Advanced Fix: Use Canon IJ Network Tool

Canon’s network tool helps configure WiFi manually.

Use It To:

  • Assign printer IP

  • Search for printer on network

  • Reset LAN settings

  • Change wireless mode

Install the tool from the Canon support site.

8. When to Reset Canon Printer to Factory Settings

Reset your printer only if:

  • Printer shows wrong network every time

  • Frequent disconnections occur

  • Setup fails repeatedly

After reset, reconnect WiFi from scratch.

9. How to Prevent Canon Printer WiFi Problems (Pro Tips)

✔ Use Quality Router

Avoid extremely cheap router models.

✔ Keep Printer Close to Router

Ideal distance: 1–6 meters.

✔ Assign Static IP

Reduces disconnections significantly.

✔ Restart Router Weekly

Improves network stability.

✔ Update Firmware Regularly

Both router & printer updates matter.

✔ Avoid WiFi Rush Hours

Network congestion can cause failure in offices or apartments.

✔ Keep Printer Software Updated

Use the Canon IJ utility to check updates.

10. FAQs on Canon Printer Not Connecting to WiFi

1. Why is my Canon printer not connecting to WiFi?

Because of weak WiFi, wrong password, wrong frequency, IP conflict, or router issues.

2. Does Canon printer support 5GHz WiFi?

No. Most models support 2.4GHz only.

3. Can VPN block wireless printing?

Yes. VPNs change IP routing and block local devices.

4. Why does my Canon printer keep disconnecting?

Because of DHCP IP changes, weak WiFi, offline, or firmware issues.

5. How do I reset my Canon printer WiFi?

Go to Reset → LAN Settings → Reset WiFi.

Conclusion

A Canon printer not connecting to WiFi is a common problem, but the solutions are straightforward. Whether the issue is related to weak signal, incorrect settings, router problems, or outdated firmware, following the troubleshooting steps in this detailed 2500-word guide will help you reconnect your printer easily.

By updating router settings, using correct WiFi frequency, resetting network settings, assigning static IP, reinstalling drivers, and using WPS or standard setup, you can restore wireless connectivity and enjoy smooth, hassle-free printing again.