If your Canon printer won't connect to WiFi or can’t even find your wireless network, don’t panic. This is a common issue, especially with new WiFi routers, dual-band networks, or outdated printer settings. The good news? Most connection issues can be solved in just a few steps.
In this easy 2025 tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to fix a Canon printer not connecting to WiFi, even when it can’t detect your network at all.
Before jumping into the solutions, it’s helpful to know why this issue occurs. Some common reasons include:
Your printer is only compatible with 2.4GHz networks, but your router is using 5GHz only
The WiFi network name (SSID) is hidden or contains special characters
The WiFi password is incorrect or has changed
Your printer’s firmware or drivers are outdated
There is interference from walls, other electronics, or network congestion
Firewall or MAC filtering settings on your router may be blocking the connection
Whether your Canon printer won't connect to WiFi or can't even find the network during setup, the steps below will help you fix it.
Let’s start with the basics:
Turn off your Canon printer
Unplug your router and wait 30 seconds
Restart your computer or smartphone
Plug your router back in and wait for full power
Turn your printer back on
This simple reboot can fix temporary communication or IP conflicts.
Most Canon printers do not support 5GHz networks, especially older models. If your router is using only 5GHz, the printer won’t find the network.
Log in to your router's admin panel
Make sure the 2.4GHz band is enabled
Rename the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks differently
Connect your printer to the 2.4GHz version
✅ Tip: During setup, ensure your phone or computer is also connected to the 2.4GHz network.
If your Canon printer is not connecting to WiFi, it could be due to an incorrect password or a hidden SSID.
On the printer screen, go to WiFi Setup
Select Manual Setup or Standard Setup
Choose your WiFi network name (SSID) from the list
Enter your password carefully (it's case-sensitive)
Wait for the printer to confirm the connection
If your network doesn’t appear, try entering the SSID manually and connect again.
Sometimes your printer stores old WiFi info that interferes with new connections.
Go to Settings > Device Settings > Reset Settings
Select Reset LAN Settings
Confirm and wait for your printer to reboot
Now go through the WiFi setup again from scratch.
If your printer supports it, the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app can simplify the wireless setup.
Download the app on your iOS or Android device
Open the app and tap Add Printer
Select Set up Wi-Fi Connection
Follow the on-screen prompts
The app automatically connects your phone to the printer and guides it onto the correct WiFi.
This is especially helpful if your printer doesn't have a touchscreen.
An outdated firmware version can cause your Canon printer to not connect to WiFi properly.
Go to the Canon Support Website
Search for your printer model (e.g., PIXMA MG3620, TR4520, etc.)
Download the latest firmware and drivers
Install updates via USB or over the network
After updating, repeat the WiFi setup to see if the issue is resolved.
Your router may be blocking new devices or assigning IPs incorrectly.
MAC address filtering is OFF, or your printer's MAC is allowed
DHCP is enabled (auto IP assignment)
No firewall rule is blocking new devices
SSID broadcast is ON (hidden networks are harder to connect)
You can usually find these settings under Advanced > Wireless Settings in your router dashboard.
If your printer is far from the router or behind thick walls, it may have trouble maintaining a connection.
Move your printer closer to the router during setup
Avoid placing the printer near microwaves or metal surfaces
Consider using a WiFi extender or mesh system for better range
Weak signals often result in dropped connections or setup failures.
✔️ Restart your printer, router, and phone/computer
✔️ Ensure you're using a 2.4GHz WiFi band
✔️ Check WiFi name (SSID) and password
✔️ Reset printer network settings
✔️ Try the Canon PRINT app
✔️ Update firmware and drivers
✔️ Review router firewall and filtering settings
✔️ Improve WiFi signal if needed
If your Canon printer won't connect to WiFi after trying all these steps, you may be dealing with a hardware issue, such as a damaged WiFi module.
In that case, contact Canon Customer Support or visit an authorized Canon service center.
Canon USA Support
Phone, email, and live chat options available
A Canon printer not connecting to WiFi is frustrating, but it's usually something simple like the wrong network band or a typo in your password. With this step-by-step 2025 guide, you should be able to get back to printing wirelessly in no time.