Canon printers are known for their reliability and high-quality printing. But like any wireless device, they can sometimes run into frustrating issues when connecting to a Wi-Fi network. If your Canon printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi or you constantly face the Canon printer not connecting to Wi-Fi problem, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this issue due to network settings, outdated firmware, or simple misconfigurations.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes and little-known fixes that can help you quickly restore your Canon printer’s wireless connectivity.
Before jumping into solutions for canon printer won't connect to wifi, it’s important to understand why this happens. Some common reasons include:
Incorrect Wi-Fi password or SSID entry
Router compatibility issues (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz)
Weak or unstable wireless signals
Firewall or security settings blocking connection
Outdated printer firmware or drivers
Printer’s network settings misconfigured
Knowing the root cause makes troubleshooting much easier.
Most Canon printers connect only to the 2.4 GHz band. If your router is broadcasting on 5 GHz only, the printer won’t detect the network. Log in to your router settings and enable 2.4 GHz. After that, try reconnecting the printer.
A simple restart often clears temporary glitches. Power off your printer, unplug your router for 30 seconds, then power both back on. This forces a fresh connection and resolves minor network conflicts.
If you’ve changed your Wi-Fi password or upgraded your router, your Canon printer may still be trying to connect with old settings. Go to the printer’s Setup > Device Settings > Reset Settings > Reset Network Settings and then reconfigure Wi-Fi.
Sometimes, printers fail to auto-detect hidden or special-character SSIDs. Instead of selecting from the list, manually type your Wi-Fi network name and password. Ensure that you use the correct case (uppercase/lowercase) and avoid extra spaces.
Outdated firmware can cause connectivity problems. Visit the official Canon support page and download the latest firmware for your printer model. Updating ensures compatibility with new router security standards like WPA3.
Weak signal strength can prevent the printer from establishing a stable connection. Move the printer closer to your router and avoid walls, metal objects, or electronic interference between them.
Some Canon printers struggle with advanced security protocols. If your router uses WPA3 only, try switching it to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode. Also, ensure that MAC address filtering is turned off or that your printer’s MAC address is whitelisted.
Many Canon printers support the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method. Press the WPS button on your router and then on the printer within 2 minutes. This automatically connects the printer without requiring manual password entry.
On your computer, uninstall the Canon printer drivers and reinstall the latest version from Canon’s official site. Outdated or corrupted drivers can sometimes interfere with Wi-Fi communication.
For mobile users, download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app (available on Android and iOS). The app provides a step-by-step setup process and can sometimes bypass issues that occur during manual setup.
If you’ve tried all the above fixes and your Canon printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi, it might be a hardware issue such as a faulty wireless card. In that case, contacting Canon customer support or taking the printer to an authorized service center is the best option.
Q1. Why is my Canon printer not connecting to Wi-Fi after a router change?
When you upgrade or reset your router, your printer still stores the old SSID and password. Reset the printer’s network settings and reconnect with the new credentials.
Q2. Can Canon printers connect to 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
Most Canon printers only support 2.4 GHz networks. Ensure your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Q3. Why does my Canon printer keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
This can happen due to weak signals, router restarts, or firmware bugs. Try placing the printer closer to the router and updating firmware.
Q4. How do I fix Canon printer error messages related to Wi-Fi?
Check your router settings, re-enter Wi-Fi credentials, and restart both devices. Error codes usually point to authentication or signal issues.
Q5. Is there a mobile app to fix Canon Wi-Fi setup issues?
Yes, the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app helps detect and set up printers wirelessly on smartphones.
Dealing with a Canon printer not connecting to Wi-Fi can be frustrating, but most issues can be fixed with simple troubleshooting. Whether it’s switching to the correct frequency band, updating firmware, or resetting network settings, these little-known fixes can save time and stress.