How to Reconnect Canon PIXMA Printer to Laptop? (Tutorial Steps)

Connecting your Canon PIXMA printer to your laptop helps you print documents and photos, but sometimes the connection may drop due to Wi-Fi or software issues. Whether your printer is wireless or USB-connected, reconnecting it doesn’t take long once you know the right steps. This blog will help you understand the common reasons behind disconnection and show you "How to reconnect your Canon printer quickly". From checking your Wi-Fi settings to reinstalling the right printer drivers, we are going to walk you through simple steps to get your printer working again so you can continue printing without any interruptions.

Common Reasons for Disconnection

A Canon printer may disconnect from a laptop or computer due to many reasons, linked to network issues, printer driver errors, or physical connection faults. Here are some common causes:

Network and Connection Issues

• Weak Wi-Fi signal: A poor wireless signal can lead to lost connections between the computer and printer.

• Interference: Devices like microwaves, cordless phones, or other electronics can disrupt Wi-Fi signals.

• Changed network settings: If you recently updated your Wi-Fi name or password, then the printer may lose its link to the network.

• IP address conflict: When your router assigns a new IP address to the printer, it may break communication with the laptop.

Software and Settings Problems

• Outdated or corrupt drivers: Old or damaged printer drivers can stop proper communication between the printer and your laptop.

• “Use Printer Offline” mode: This setting can make the printer appear offline even when it’s connected.

• Stuck print jobs: A blocked print queue may prevent the printer from responding.

• Firewall or antivirus interference: Security software can sometimes block the printer’s network communication.

Physical Connectivity Issues

• Loose or faulty USB cable: For wired setups, a damaged or poorly connected cable can cause disconnection.

• Improper setup: If the printer was connected before driver installation, then it might not be recognized by the system.

These are the main reasons your Canon printer might disconnect. In the next section, I am going to explain how to reconnect it step by step.

Steps to Reconnect Canon PIXMA Printer

If your Canon printer has disconnected from your laptop or computer, you can reconnect it by following a few simple steps. The process may vary depending on whether you are using a wireless or wired (USB) connection.

For Wireless Connection

1. In the beginning, make sure your printer is powered on and ready.

2. On the printer’s control panel, open the Setup menu and select Wireless LAN Setup.

3. Next, choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. The blue Wi-Fi light will stay on once the connection is successful.

4. After that, visit the official Canon support website - ij.start.canon and search for your printer model.

5. Now, you must download a suitable printer driver and software for your laptop’s operating system.

6. Then, open the downloaded file and perform the on-screen steps. When asked, select the Wi-Fi Network Recommended option. The setup tool will detect and connect your printer automatically.

7. Once the installation completes, go to your laptop’s Printers & Scanners settings and confirm that your printer appears in the list.

For USB Connection

1. Before you connect, you will need to download a compatible driver for your printer model from Canon’s official support page.

2. Plug one end of the USB cable into your laptop and the other into your printer. Make sure both devices are off before connecting.

3. After that, turn on the printer and your computer, then open the driver setup file to start installation.

4. If prompted, then you must select USB Connection as the connection type and continue following the installation steps.

5. After the setup process, check your laptop’s Printers & Scanners menu to make sure your printer is added.

After Installation

1. Now, you must print a test page to confirm that your printer is working properly.

2. You can also install the Canon PRINT app for wireless printing and scanning from your laptop or mobile device.

These are the steps that should help you reconnect your Canon printer and get back to printing without interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

How Do I fix Canon Printer Connection Problems?

Learn 'How to fix your printer connection problems', start by restarting your printer, router, and laptop to clear any temporary errors. Also, make sure your printer and laptop are linked to the same wireless network, as being on different networks can block communication. After that, open the printer’s control panel and check that the Wi-Fi connection is enabled and showing a stable signal. Next, you have to visit Canon’s official site to download the required printer drivers. In case the problem still continues, try resetting the printer’s network settings and setting up the Wi-Fi network again. Moreover, you can also turn off your computer’s firewall for a short time to see if it is blocking the printer connection.

Question

How Can I Put My Canon Printer in Pairing Mode?

To put your printer in pairing mode, start by turning on the printer and waiting until it’s ready. Next, you will need to press and hold the Wi-Fi button until the blue Wi-Fi light begins to blink. This shows that the printer has entered pairing or setup mode. On some Canon PIXMA models, you might need to press the Wi-Fi and Color buttons together or complete the on-screen steps on the printer’s display. Once the Wi-Fi light flashes, it means the printer is ready to connect to your Wi-Fi network or pair with your operating system (computer or phone).

Question

Why Is My laptop Not Recognizing My Canon PIXMA Printer?

If your laptop is not recognizing your printer, then it is mainly due to connection errors or missing printer drivers. The printer may not be properly linked to Wi-Fi, or the USB cable may be loose or faulty. Outdated printer drivers can also cause this problem. You can try restarting devices (printer and laptop) to refresh the connection. Make sure you have installed the right driver for your printer from the Canon support website. In addition, you can run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter to detect and fix setup issues before reinstalling the driver if needed.

Source: How to Reconnect Canon PIXMA Printer to Laptop