How to Connect Canon PIXMA Printer to Laptop? (Full Guide)

Are you wondering about connecting a Canon PIXMA printer to your laptop? Well, it’s a common query for many people. Many people experience issues with setting up their printers on a laptop, especially when they are not tech-savvy. We live in a time where everything needs to be quick, and in such situations, not knowing how to connect the printer to a device may hold you back from being productive.

Don’t worry, I will guide you through everything step by step. Since I was a teacher in a high school, I have had this habit of explaining things, so I put effort into educating people about printers. I hope that you will find my write-up very helpful once you read it completely. So, here we go!

Method 1: Using a USB Cable

Typically, a printer like the Canon PIXMA features multi-connectivity. You can connect them via wire or wirelessly. The same is with a PIXMA printer. It is compatible with a USB connection. Follow these steps to connect the printer with a USB cable.

1. Connect one end to the USB interface of the printer.

2. Connect the other end of the printer to the USB interface of the computer or laptop.

3. Turn on the printer by connecting it to the wall outlet.

4. Press the power button on the printer to turn it on.

That’s it for connecting the printer to a laptop via USB. The laptop will download and install the necessary printer drivers automatically. However, if it doesn’t, you can install them manually. I will share the proper method to install Canon printer drivers in detail later in this blog.

Method 2: Through a Wi-Fi Network

A wireless connection is the most preferred method Lerarn 'How to Connect a Canon Printer to a Computer'. Let me tell you that there are several wireless ways to connect the printer to Wi-Fi. I will share the two best options: using the printer’s control panel and the WPS push button method.

Option 1: Using Printer’s Control Panel

The control panel is the touchscreen on the printer. It’s used to select settings for the printer, including the wireless printer settings. The control panel may vary from printer to printer. Hence, you should choose a relevant option to select the wireless settings. Ensure that the network you’re using for the printer is the same network to which your laptop is connected. Use these steps to connect the printer to a Wi-Fi network.

1. Go to the printer’s control panel and press the Setup button. (Note: My printer has no touchscreen, so I use the buttons instead. If your printer has a display, use that to select the settings.)

2. Locate the Wireless LAN Setup option by using the arrow buttons on the printer.

3. Now, select 'Other Setup' and then either 'Cableless Setup' or 'Wireless Setup', depending on which your printer displays.

4. Enter your Wi-Fi details if prompted. Otherwise, the software will automatically connect your printer by transferring the Wi-Fi details.

That’s it for connecting the printer to a wireless network using cableless connection on the printer’s display.

Option 2: With the WPS Push Button

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is the easiest and quickest method to connect the Canon printer to a wireless network without inputting the Wi-Fi network name and password. Use these steps to set up the wireless connection.

1. Power on the Canon PIXMA printer from the main wall outlet.

2. Press the Wi-Fi button on the printer and hold it for a few seconds until the wireless light starts flashing blue.

3. After that, tap the WPS button on your router.

4. Allow the Wi-Fi light on the printer to stop flashing and turn solid. It shows that the connection has been successful.

This completes the wireless connection between your Canon printer and the Wi-Fi.

Steps to Add a Canon PIXMA Printer to Your Laptop

When the Canon printer is connected to a wireless network, it’s time to finally add it to the laptop. Ensure that your Windows or Mac laptop is on the same network as your printer. Use these steps to add the printer to a laptop.

Windows

1. Click the Start icon on the PC, and search for Settings.

2. Select Bluetooth & Devices under Settings, and then select Printers & Scanners.

3. Now click the “Add device” option next to Add Printer or Scanner.

4. Choose your printer from the list, and finally, click Add Device to add the printer.

Mac

1. Click the Apple menu and choose the System Settings option.

2. Select Printers & Scanners.

3. Click on the (+) sign at the bottom, and allow the printer to appear in the list.

4. Finally, click the Add button.

That’s it for adding the printer to your laptop. In most cases, the laptop installs printer drivers automatically. But if you want to install them manually, I can help you.

Steps to Download & Install Canon Printer Drivers

As I promised earlier, I will share the steps for installing the printer drivers. I am here with the step-by-step instructions on downloading and installing them. Follow them as mentioned.

Step 1: Downloading Drivers

1. Visit ij.start.canon on your internet browser and select the Support section at the top.

2. Search for your printer model name in the search field and press Enter.

3. Select Software & Drivers on the next window and then select your operating system from the menu.

4. Choose a suitable printer driver package for your printer, and click the Download button.

Let the file download to the Downloads folder on your computer.

Step 2: Installing Drivers

1. Go to the Downloads folder on the computer and locate the driver file.

2. Open the driver file and click Yes to allow the drivers to be installed.

Finally, the Canon printer drivers are installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

How to Connect My Canon PIXMA Printer to a Mobile Device?

Download the Canon PRINT app from the Play Store or App Store on your phone to connect the printer. Once the app is installed, you can open it and tap on the “Add a printer” option to allow the mobile to search for available printers. Finally, select your printer from the list and add it. 

Question

Why Is My Canon PIXMA Printer Not Connecting to My Computer?

Your Canon printer may not connect to the computer when it’s not turned on, and both devices are on different networks. It can also be a minor technical issue with either of the devices. If this happens to you, power cycle both devices and ensure that they are on the same network. 

Question

Why Download & Install Canon Printer Drivers?

Downloading and installing Canon printer drivers is important to allow the printer to communicate with your laptop. Updated Canon printer drivers help the printer work better and may add new features.

Source: How to Connect Canon PIXMA Printer to Laptop