Changing the WiFi on your Canon printer is a common task, whether due to upgrading your router, moving to a new location, or resolving connectivity issues. This guide will walk you through multiple methods to change the WiFi settings on a Canon printer and address common issues you might face. In this article, we will discuss:
- Method 1: Via the Printer Control Panel
- Method 2: Use Canon PRINT App (For Smartphones)
- Method 3: Through WPS (WiFi Protected Setup)
- Method 4: Use Canon IJ Network Tool (For Computers)
- Method 5: Reset and Reconnect the WiFi
Method 1: Via the Printer Control Panel
Changing the WiFi connection on a Canon printer via the control panel is one of the most common methods. This method is applicable to Canon printers with built-in screens, such as PIXMA TS or MG series. Here are the detailed steps.
Step 1: Prepare for WiFi Setup
Press the power button to start your Canon printer and ensure it’s in a ready state.
Confirm that your new WiFi network name (SSID) and password are correct.
Ensure the printer is no more than 10 meters away from the router and avoid signal interference.
Step 2: Access the WiFi Settings
Canon printer models with a touchscreen, such as PIXMA TS8320, PIXMA TS9120:
On the printer's touchscreen, tap the "Setup" icon (usually a gear symbol).
In the setup menu, find and tap "Wireless LAN setup" or "Wireless settings."
For models with basic buttons and LCD display, e.g., PIXMA MG3620, PIXMA MX492:
Press and hold the "Wi-Fi" button (or press the "Wi-Fi" icon if available) until the indicator light starts blinking.
Press the Print "Black" and "Color" buttons until the printer displays wireless setup options.
Step 3: Select Your Wireless Network
Select "Wireless Setup" or "Wi-Fi Setup" from the options. The printer will now begin to search for available wireless networks.
From the list, select your Wi-Fi network name (SSID). If your network is not in the list, select "Manual setup" and enter the network name manually.
Step 4: Enter the WiFi Password
If your wireless network is password-protected, the printer will prompt you to enter the password.
Use the virtual keyboard on the printer screen to enter your WiFi password. Make sure to enter the password correctly, paying attention to uppercase and case sensitivity.
After entering the password, confirm and click "OK" or "Connect".
Step 5: Connection Confirmation
The Canon printer will try to connect to the new wireless network.
If the connection is successful, "Connected successful" or a similar message will appear on the screen, and the WiFi indicator light will be steady.
If the connection fails, check the password or make sure the printer is within range of the network.
Step 6: Test the Printer Connection
After completing the Wi-Fi setup, it’s a good idea to print a test page or a document to confirm that the printer can connect to the computer or mobile phone through the new network.
If the printout is successful, the printer has successfully connected to the new WiFi network.
Method 2: Use Canon PRINT App (For Smartphones)
The Canon PRINT app is a user-friendly tool that allows you to update network settings without accessing your computer or printer's control panel. This method is ideal for smartphone users, especially for printers without screens, such as Canon PIXMA TS202.
Step 1: Prepare for Setup
Download and install the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app on your phone or other mobile device. You can download it from the App Store (iOS users) or Google Play Store (Android users).
Make sure your phone and printer are in the same network environment.
Your new WiFi network name (SSID) and password are available.
Step 2: Reset the Printer’s Network Settings
Locate the WiFi button or Stop button on your Canon printer.
Press and hold the button until the power light flashes or the network settings are reset (specific instructions vary by model).
This will reset the printer's WiFi configuration, allowing it to connect to a new network.
Step 3: Open the Canon PRINT App
Launch the app on your smartphone or mobile device.
Tap "Add Printer"or "Register Printer". If your printer is already registered, you may need to remove it and re-add it to update the WiFi settings.
Step 4: Connect the Printer to Your Phone
Follow the in-app prompts to connect your Canon printer to your smartphone:
The app will ask you to temporarily connect to the printer’s wireless network.
Go to your phone’s WiFi settings and select the printer’s network (e.g., "Canon_ij_XXXX").
Return to the application to continue the setup.
Step 5: Select New WiFi Network
The app will display available WiFi networks.
Select your new WiFi network (SSID) from the pop-up list.
Enter the network password when prompted.
The printer will connect to the new network. This process may take a minute.
Step 6: Verify the Connection
Once connected, the app will display a confirmation message.
The printer’s WiFi light will stop flashing and remain steady, indicating a successful connection.
Print a test page to ensure the printer is fully operational.
Method 3: Through WPS (WiFi Protected Setup)
WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) is a quick and convenient way to connect your Canon printer to a new wireless network without manually entering the network password. Most Canon printers support WPS, making it ideal for routers with a WPS button.
Step 1: Prepare for WPS Setup
Your Canon printer and router are powered on.
Your router supports WPS (check for a physical WPS button).
The printer is within range of the router (recommended within 10 meters).
Step 2: Activate WPS on the Printer
Locate the WiFi or Wireless button on your Canon printer to start the WPS mode.
For button models: Long press the WiFi button until the wireless indicator starts blinking.
For touchscreen models: Navigate to "LAN Settings" > "Wireless LAN Setup" and select "WPS" (Push Button Method).
Step 3: Activate WPS on the Router
Immediately after starting the printer WPS mode, press the WPS button on the router and hold it for a few seconds. The printer and router will begin communicating.
The WPS button usually needs to be pressed within 2 minutes, or the printer may exit WPS mode.
Step 4: Confirm Connection
The wireless indicator on the printer will turn steady, indicating a successful connection.
On some models, the printer may print a "Connection Report" to verify.
Step 5: Test the Connection
Print a test page or check the connection through your computer or mobile device.
If using a computer, ensure the printer driver is installed and synchronized with the new network.
Method 4: Use Canon IJ Network Tool (For Computers)
The Canon IJ Network Tool is a software utility designed to help you configure your Canon printer's network settings on a computer. This method is particularly useful for printers without a touchscreen or when manual setup is not convenient. Below are the detailed steps to change WiFi on Canon printer using this tool.
Step 1: Preparation & Installation
The Canon printer is powered on and prepared for configuration.
You have a USB cable to connect the printer to your computer temporarily.
Download and install the Canon IJ Network Tool from the Canon Support website.
Step 2: Reset the Printer's WiFi Settings
Press and hold the Stop button on your printer until the alarm light blinks several times.
Release the button to reset the printer’s network settings.
This ensures the printer is ready to connect to a new network.
Step 3: Connect the Printer to the Computer
Plug both ends of the USB cable into the USB ports of the computer and printer.
Ensure the computer detects the printer.
Step 4: Launch the Canon IJ Network Tool
Open the installed Canon IJ Network Tool on your computer.
On Windows: Look for it in the Start Menu.
On macOS: Locate it in the Applications folder.
The tool will search for connected Canon printers automatically. Select your printer from the list. If it doesn’t show up, make sure the printer is properly connected to the computer.
Step 5: Configure the WiFi Settings
Click "Configuration" or "Network Settings" or a similar option in the tool’s interface.
Select "Wireless LAN Setup" and choose "Search for Access Points". Then the tool will scan for available WiFi networks nearby.
Select your WiFi network name (SSID) in the pop-up network list and click "Connect." If the target WiFi is not displayed, you can enter the network name manually.
Enter your new WiFi password, be case-sensitive, and confirm the settings.
Step 6: Complete the Setup
Once the settings are updated, the tool will apply the new WiFi network to your printer.
Disconnect the USB cable and restart the printer to complete the setup.
You can print a network status report from the printer to confirm the connection. Alternatively, check the printer's status in the Canon IJ Network Tool to ensure it is online.
Method 5: Reset and Reconnect the WiFi
Resetting the WiFi settings on your Canon printer restores its network configuration to factory defaults. This is useful if you need to connect the printer to a new WiFi network or resolve connection issues. Below are step-by-step instructions to how to reset WiFi settings on various Canon printer types.
Reset WiFi on Canon Printers with a Touchscreen
For models like the Canon PIXMA TS Series or Canon MAXIFY Series:
- Turn on the printer. Ensure it is powered on and ready for operation.
- On the home screen, tap the "Setup" or "Settings" icon (gear icon).
- Navigate to "Device Settings" > "Reset Settings."
- Choose "Reset LAN Settings" and confirm your selection.
- The printer will clear all saved network data and return the WiFi settings to default.
Reset WiFi on Canon Printers Without a Screen
For models like the Canon PIXMA MG Series or other basic models:
- Power on the printer.
- Press and hold the Stop or WiFi button until the power indicator flashes once, then release.
- Alternatively, press and hold the Stop button (indicated by a triangle inside a circle) until the alarm light flashes multiple times (usually 15 times).
- Release the button. The printer’s WiFi settings will return to factory default, and it will disconnect from the previous network.
Reset WiFi via Canon IJ Network Tool
For users who prefer using a computer:
- Connect the printer to the computer via a USB cable.
- Launch the Canon IJ Network Tool on your computer.
- Select the printer from the list and navigate to the "Network Settings" section.
- Click on "Initialize Settings" or a similar option to reset the network configuration.
Reset WiFi through Canon PRINT App
If you have already installed the Canon PRINT app on your phone:
- Open the app and tap on the "Printer Settings."
- Select your printer, then tap "Network Configuration" or "Reset LAN Settings."
- Confirm to reset the WiFi settings.
After Resetting the WiFi Settings
After resetting the WiFi settings, the printer will disconnect from the current network. If you need to reconnect to a new WiFi, you can use one of the methods and refer to the detailed steps mentioned above.
FAQs about Changing WiFi Network on Canon Printer
Q1. My printer doesn’t show my WiFi network. What should I do?
- Restart the router and the printer, then try again.
- Move the printer closer to the router to increase signal strength.
- Verify that the network operates on a 2.4GHz frequency, as many printers don’t support 5GHz.
- Check if the SSID is set to "hidden." If so, you need to enter the network name and password during setup manually.
Q2. I forgot my WiFi password. How can I connect my printer?
- Check the router for a label with the default password.
- Log into your router settings or contact your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.
Q3. Why is my Canon printer not connecting to the new WiFi?
- The WiFi password entered may be incorrect. Double-check the password.
- The printer is too far from the router or experiencing signal interference.
- The router’s settings (e.g., firewall or MAC address filtering) may block the connection.
Q4. Why can't my printer print after connecting to WiFi?
- Make sure your computer and phone are on the same network as the printer.
- Restart the printer and computer, and check if you need to update the driver.
Q5. How do I print a network configuration page?
- For touchscreen models: Tap the Setup (gear icon) on the printer's screen. Navigate to Device Settings or Printer Information and select Print Network Settings.
- For button-based models: Press and hold the Wi-Fi or Information button until the indicator light starts blinking. The printer will automatically print the network configuration page.
Q6. Can I use the same printer on multiple WiFi networks?
Canon printers can only connect to one WiFi network at a time. To switch between networks, you'll need to reconfigure the WiFi settings each time. Some advanced Canon printer models support saving multiple network configurations, but you will need to select them when switching WiFi manually.
Conclusion: Change Wireless Network on Canon Printer
Changing the WiFi on your Canon printer is a straightforward process with multiple options to suit your setup and preferences. Whether you prefer using the control panel, a smartphone app, or a computer, these methods will help you connect your Canon printer to a new network hassle-free.
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