Wireless printing is convenient, but many users face the frustrating problem of a Canon printer not connecting to Wi-Fi. If you’ve tried printing and found your device offline, you’re not alone. The issue usually comes down to router settings, signal interference, or outdated firmware. The good news is that most of these problems can be fixed at home without expert help.
This article provides a complete guide with detailed solutions for when your Canon printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi, ensuring you can get back to printing quickly.
Before fixing the issue canon printer won't connect to wifi, it’s important to understand what causes it. Common reasons include:
Wrong Wi-Fi password or SSID entry
Printer not compatible with 5 GHz networks
Weak or unstable wireless signal
Outdated drivers or firmware
Router security settings blocking access
Misconfigured printer network settings
Now, let’s look at step-by-step fixes for the Canon printer not connecting to Wi-Fi issue.
One of the simplest fixes is restarting both your printer and router. Power them off, unplug for 30 seconds, and then restart. This clears temporary glitches and forces a fresh connection attempt.
When your Canon printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi, the most common culprit is incorrect login details. Double-check your SSID (network name) and Wi-Fi password. Pay attention to uppercase, lowercase, and special characters, as printers are case-sensitive.
Most Canon printers connect only to the 2.4 GHz band, not 5 GHz. If your router is running exclusively on 5 GHz, the printer won’t detect it. Log into your router settings and enable 2.4 GHz to ensure compatibility.
If you changed your Wi-Fi password or replaced your router, reset the printer’s network settings:
On the printer, go to Setup > Device Settings > Reset Settings > Reset Network Settings.
After reset, re-enter your Wi-Fi details.
This removes old saved credentials that may be blocking the connection.
If your router supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), connecting becomes easier:
Press the WPS button on your router.
Within two minutes, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on your Canon printer until the light flashes.
Once the Wi-Fi indicator turns solid, the connection is successful.
This avoids manual password entry and works well if your Canon printer is not connecting to Wi-Fi due to incorrect credentials.
Outdated firmware may prevent your printer from recognizing new router security standards. Visit the Canon support page and download the latest firmware for your model. Updating often resolves hidden bugs and improves wireless stability.
If your Canon printer is too far from the router, the signal may be too weak to connect. Place the printer closer to the router and ensure there are no heavy walls, metal appliances, or electronic devices blocking the signal.
Your router’s security configuration can block connections.
If your router uses WPA3 encryption, switch to WPA2 or mixed mode since many Canon models don’t fully support WPA3.
Check if MAC address filtering is enabled. If yes, add your printer’s MAC address to the allowed list.
Making these changes often fixes the Canon printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi error instantly.
If your network is hidden or has special characters, your printer may not detect it automatically. Choose Manual Setup on your Canon printer, then enter the SSID and password carefully. This ensures the printer can connect even if the network isn’t visible.
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the printer but your computer. Corrupted or outdated drivers can cause connection errors.
Uninstall the existing Canon printer driver from your PC or Mac.
Download the latest drivers from Canon’s official website.
Reinstall and configure wireless printing.
This step resolves software conflicts that might cause the Canon printer not connecting to Wi-Fi issue.
Canon provides the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app for Android and iOS. The app automatically detects compatible printers and guides you through the setup process. This method is especially useful for smartphone users who struggle with manual Wi-Fi entry.
If none of these solutions work, the issue may be hardware-related, such as a faulty wireless card. In that case, it’s best to contact Canon customer support or visit an authorized service center.
Q1. Why is my Canon printer not connecting to Wi-Fi after changing routers?
Because it still tries to connect with old network details. Reset and reconnect with the new SSID and password.
Q2. Can Canon printers connect to 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
Most models only support 2.4 GHz, so ensure this band is enabled on your router.
Q3. Why does my Canon printer keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
Weak signals, outdated firmware, or router restarts may cause repeated disconnections. Place the printer closer and update firmware.
Q4. What’s the easiest method to connect a Canon printer to Wi-Fi?
The WPS button method is the fastest and avoids typing errors.
Q5. Do I need drivers for wireless printing?
Yes, installing the latest Canon printer drivers ensures smooth communication between your devices.
Dealing with a Canon printer not connecting to Wi-Fi can be frustrating, but in most cases, the fixes are simple. From checking network compatibility to updating firmware and resetting settings, these steps usually restore wireless printing quickly.
The next time your Canon printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi, follow this guide step by step, and you’ll likely have your printer online and ready to use within minutes.