How do I get my Canon printer back on Wi-Fi?
How do I get my Canon printer back on Wi-Fi?
Few things are more frustrating than a Canon printer that suddenly drops off Wi-Fi. One moment everything works smoothly, and the next the printer shows offline, refuses to print, or cannot be found by your computer or phone. This is a common issue and usually happens after changes to your network, router, or device settings.
Understanding the cause helps prevent repeat issues. Canon printers depend on a stable wireless connection, and even small changes can break that link.
Common reasons include:
Changes to your Wi-Fi name or password
Router restart or replacement
Printer powered off for a long time
Network switching between bands
Temporary network glitches
Printer firmware or software conflicts
Printer connected to a different network than your device
Weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal
When this happens, the printer may turn on normally but lose wireless communication.
Before starting a full setup, check the basics. Many issues are simple to fix.
Make sure the printer is powered on and shows no error lights
Confirm the Wi-Fi router is working and other devices can connect
Ensure your computer or phone is on the same Wi-Fi network
Move the printer closer to the router
Restart the printer, router, and device
If the printer still shows offline, continue with reconnection.
Steps may vary slightly by model, but the overall process is similar.
If your Canon printer has a screen or buttons:
Turn on the printer
Open Menu or Settings
Select Wireless or Network Settings
Choose Set Up Wi-Fi or Change Network
Select your Wi-Fi name
Enter the password carefully
Confirm the connection
A wireless icon or confirmation message usually appears once connected.
For printers without screens, this is often the easiest method.
Open Canon printer software on your computer
Select Wireless Setup or Change Connection
Choose your printer model
Follow on-screen instructions
Select your Wi-Fi network
Enter the password
Wait for confirmation
Ideal for phones, tablets, or screenless printers.
Install or open the Canon mobile app
Connect your phone to Wi-Fi
Select Add / Set Up Printer
Follow the instructions
Choose your Wi-Fi network
Enter the password
Complete setup
If the printer still won’t connect, reset its network settings.
Open printer Settings
Find Reset or Restore Network Settings
Confirm the reset
Restart the printer
Then repeat the Wi-Fi setup process.
Sometimes Wi-Fi reconnects, but the device doesn’t recognize the printer.
Open printer settings on your computer
Remove old or offline Canon printers
Add the printer again via wireless setup
Set it as the default printer
Restart the printer and computer
Confirm both use the same Wi-Fi network
Set the printer as default
Clear stuck print jobs
Cancel all print jobs
Restart printer services
Reinstall Canon printer drivers
Print a test page
Move the printer closer to the router
Avoid walls or metal objects
Reduce interference from other wireless devices
Why does my Canon printer keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
Network changes, weak signals, router issues, or outdated settings are common causes.
Do I need to reconnect after changing Wi-Fi?
Yes. Any network name or password change requires reconnection.
Can I reconnect without a computer?
Yes. Use the printer control panel or Canon mobile app.
What if my printer has no screen?
Use Canon software on a computer or the mobile app.
How long does setup take?
Usually just a few minutes if details are correct.
Will network reset erase other settings?
No. It only clears Wi-Fi information.
Getting your Canon printer back on Wi-Fi may feel frustrating, but most connection problems are easy to fix with the right steps. Whether the issue started after a network change, router restart, or temporary glitch, reconnecting your printer wirelessly is usually quick and straightforward.