How to Setup My New Canon Printer? (Beginners Guide)

Setting up a new Canon printer might look difficult at first, but in reality, the process is quite simple. Many beginners feel confused in the beginning, yet once they follow the right steps, everything becomes easier. I have been using printers for several years, printing countless notes and documents, which has also helped me learn a lot about their setup and functions. Based on my experience, I will guide you through the complete process of setting up a Canon printer on your computer so that you can start printing without any hassle.

Step 1: Turn on Your Canon Printer

As a beginner, even small things need attention. For instance, you need to turn on the printer using the steps given below.

• First, ensure that you have unboxed the printer and removed all the adhesive tapes and packaging from it.

• Connect the printer’s power cable to a wall socket.

• Press and hold the power button on the printer until the power light starts flashing.

Step 2: Install Ink Cartridges

Once you’ve unpacked the printer, it’s time to insert the ink cartridges into the slots. The way you install cartridges may differ depending on your Canon printer model. Generally, you insert them by opening the front cover and placing the black and color cartridges in their slots.

Unpack the cartridges and install them in the right slot. Gently close the front door, and you’re ready to proceed with the setup.

Step 3: Connect Printer to a Wireless Network

In this step, you need to connect the printer to a Wi-Fi network. You can also choose another method, such as USB or Bluetooth. However, a Wi-Fi connection is preferred. Use these steps to set it up on a wireless network.

Method 1: Using the WPS Push Button

1. Press the icon with pliers and screwdrivers on the control panel of the printer.

2. The screen will show the setup menu. Use the arrow keys to locate the Wireless LAN Setup, and press the OK button.

3. Then, navigate to the WPS push button and press the OK button.

4. The printer’s screen will display a message while it tries to connect.

5. Take the router and press its WPS button until the power light starts flashing.

6. Finally, the printer’s display will show a Connected message.

7. Again, press the setup button with pliers and screwdrivers, and you’ll see a Wi-Fi icon, indicating that it’s connected to a network.

However, the connection varies from router to router. If your router doesn’t have a WPS push button, you need another method to setup the connection.

Method 2: Via Canon Inkjet SELPHY App

You can perform this connection method with a smartphone, whether Android or iOS, or a tablet. Here are the instructions to connect the printer to this app.

1. Launch the Play Store on Android or the App Store on iOS.

2. Search for the Canon Inkjet SELPHY app in the search bar and install it.

3. Open the app, and accept the terms of use.

4. Allow access to the location, and press the Setup button with pliers and screwdrivers on the printer’s panel.

5. The printer’s panel will show Wireless LAN Setup. Press the OK button.

6. Press OK when you see Easy WLConnect.

7. The screen will display "processing" while providing instructions to the printer.

8. The phone will start searching for the printer, and when it shows the printer, click OK.

9. After that, select your wireless router, enter the password, and click OK.

10. The app saves the "Wi-Fi Password" to the printer so it can connect directly to your wireless network.

Finally, press the Setup button on the printer, and it will say Connected. It confirms that the printer is connected to the network, and you’re ready to print through it. Before printing, ensure your computer has the required Canon printer drivers installed.

Step 4: Download & Install Canon Printer Drivers

Printer drivers are the special software that allows communication between a printer and a computer. Without this software, the printer won’t understand the printing commands from the computer. Here are the steps to download and install the printer drivers on your computer.

1. Go to Canon’s official support website (support.usa.canon.com) in your browser.

2. Scroll down and click Software & Drivers.

3. Select your operating system from the options in the drop-down list. Now, select a suitable printer driver package, and click the Download button next to it.

4. The drivers will be saved in your Downloads folder.

5. Open that folder, and then double-click on it.

6. Click the Run option to allow it to make changes to the PC.

An installation window will run on the screen. Let it run and complete the installation process.

Final Words

I taught you all the steps necessary to setup a new Canon printer. I always prefer a wireless connection to setup my printer. However, there are some drawbacks to a Wi-Fi connection, such as network interruptions. But, keeping them aside, a wireless connection works better than other methods, though it can sometimes face network interruptions. Besides, don’t forget to download and install the printer drivers. Otherwise, you may experience problems while printing with your Canon printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

How Do I Add My Canon Printer to a Computer?

Learn how to add a Canon printer to a computer, follow these steps:

1. Click the Windows icon on the computer’s taskbar.

2. Search for Settings and open and select the Bluetooth & devices option.

3. After that, select the Printers & Scanners option.

4. Click the Add Device option to add the printer to your computer.

5. Select your printer’s name from the list to connect it. 

Question

Can I Connect a Canon Printer to My Computer Using USB?

If your Canon printer supports it, you can connect it to a computer with the help of a USB cable. Check if your printer has a USB interface. If yes, you can connect your printer to this connection; otherwise, choose alternative connection methods like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. 

Question

Why Do I Need to Install Drivers to Setup a Canon Printer?

Installing printer drivers is necessary to setup a Canon printer. Printer drivers are programs that allow the computer and printer to communicate properly. If you don’t install them, chances are that your printer won’t respond to printing commands. 

Source: How to Setup New Canon Printer