Having trouble with your Canon printer won't connect to WiFi? This common issue can stem from incorrect network settings, outdated firmware, or signal interference. Our quick guide walks you through easy troubleshooting steps to get your printer back online canon printer not connecting to wifi—no tech expertise needed. Fix connectivity issues fast and restore smooth wireless printing in just a few minutes.
Experiencing issues where your Canon printer won’t connect to WiFi? Whether it’s a home office setup or a busy workspace, losing wireless connectivity can halt productivity and cause major frustration. Fortunately, this is a common issue and can usually be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps.
This guide walks you through why your Canon printer may not connect to WiFi—and how to fix it quickly and effectively.
Before diving into solutions for canon printer won't connect to wifi, it’s important to understand why this issue happens. Here are some typical causes:
Incorrect WiFi password or network name (SSID)
Printer too far from the router
Incompatible WiFi frequency (2.4GHz vs. 5GHz)
Outdated firmware or drivers
Router settings blocking the connection
IP conflicts on your network
Printer network settings misconfigured
Start by turning off your printer and unplugging it for 30 seconds. Do the same for your WiFi router. After restarting both, attempt to reconnect your Canon printer to WiFi.
Ensure the SSID (network name) and password are correct. If you’ve recently changed your WiFi password, your printer won’t be able to reconnect unless you update that information on the device.
Steps:
Re-enter WiFi credentials via the printer’s control panel
Double-check capitalization and special characters
Most Canon printers support only the 2.4GHz band and will not connect to a 5GHz-only network.
Solution:
Log into your router settings and make sure 2.4GHz is enabled
If your SSID merges both bands, try splitting them into two separate networks
Distance and physical obstacles like walls or metal surfaces can weaken the signal. Place your printer closer to the router (within 10–15 feet) to ensure a strong connection.
Many Canon printers support WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), allowing easy connection without entering credentials.
Steps:
Press the WPS button on your router
Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your Canon printer
Your printer should connect automatically to the network.
For touchscreen models:
Go to Setup > Network Settings > Wireless LAN Setup
Select your network (SSID)
Enter your WiFi password carefully
For non-touchscreen models, use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app on your smartphone to complete the setup.
Outdated firmware can prevent the printer from connecting to newer WiFi routers.
Steps:
Visit Canon’s official support website
Enter your printer model and download the latest firmware
Follow the update instructions carefully
Keeping firmware up to date improves connectivity and security.
If the printer stores incorrect WiFi details or multiple profiles, it may cause a connection failure.
Steps:
Go to Settings > Device Settings > Reset Settings > Reset Network Settings
Reconnect the printer using manual setup or WPS
If the router has strict settings, it might block new devices:
Disable MAC address filtering or add your printer’s MAC address
Temporarily disable firewalls to test the connection
Enable DHCP (automatic IP assignment)
If you're using a VPN, firewall, or third-party antivirus software, it might block your printer from connecting.
Solution:
Temporarily disable the software and try connecting
Once connected, create an exception for the printer in the software settings
If IP conflicts are occurring, your printer might fail to stay connected.
Steps:
Assign a static IP via your router’s admin panel
Alternatively, assign it via the printer’s advanced settings
This can make the connection more reliable long-term.
If nothing works, reset the printer to factory defaults and start over.
Steps:
Navigate to Settings > Reset > Reset All Settings
Reconfigure everything from scratch, including WiFi setup
Most Canon inkjet printers only support 2.4GHz networks. Ensure your router is broadcasting 2.4GHz and connect to that network.
Even if connected, outdated drivers or software conflicts can prevent printing. Make sure you’ve installed the latest drivers from Canon’s support page.
You can print a network configuration page from the printer’s settings menu. This page will show the printer's current IP address and other network info.
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a feature that allows you to connect devices by pressing a button instead of entering a password. Both your printer and router must support WPS for this to work.
This could be due to weak signal strength, interference, or IP conflicts. Place the printer closer to the router, assign a static IP, and update the firmware to reduce disconnections.
Yes, the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app helps set up wireless printing and connects your printer to WiFi via your smartphone or tablet.
No. As long as the printer and your device are connected to the same WiFi network, internet access is not required for wireless printing.
When your Canon printer won’t connect to WiFi, don’t panic—these issues are often easy to fix. Start with the basics: check your WiFi credentials, make sure you’re on the 2.4GHz band, and move the printer closer to the router. If problems persist, update firmware, check router settings, and consider resetting the network settings.