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How to Change the Wifi on Canon Printer? Without Reinstalling Driver

Introduction If you have recently changed your home or office internet connection, moved your router, or simply renamed your wireless network, you may be wondering How to Change the Wifi on Canon Printer? without reinstalling driver software. The good news is

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Introduction

If you have recently changed your home or office internet connection, moved your router, or simply renamed your wireless network, you may be wondering How to Change the Wifi on Canon Printer? without reinstalling driver software. The good news is that in most cases you do not need to uninstall or reinstall your Canon printer driver. The driver is usually tied to the printer itself rather than to a specific Wi-Fi network name, so you can update the printer’s wireless settings and keep printing as before.

This guide walks you through several reliable methods, from using the printer’s control panel to using Canon’s mobile app or desktop utilities. You will also find troubleshooting advice, best practices, and answers to common questions so you can get back online quickly.

Table of Contents

Understanding Canon Printer Wi-Fi Connections

Before changing anything, it helps to understand how a Canon printer connects to Wi-Fi. Most modern Canon inkjet and laser printers support wireless LAN using the 802.11 standard. They can connect to a 2.4 GHz network, and many newer models also support 5 GHz. The printer stores the network name, often called the SSID, along with the security type and password in its internal memory.

Your computer or phone uses a printer driver or app to send print jobs. The driver usually identifies the printer by its network name, MAC address, or a Bonjour or mDNS service name. Because of this, changing the Wi-Fi network does not automatically break the driver. The printer may simply receive a new IP address, and in many cases the computer rediscovers it automatically.

However, if your printer was configured with a fixed IP address on the old network, or if your router assigns addresses in a different range, you may need to update the printer port on your computer. Even then, reinstalling the full driver package is rarely necessary.

Why You Might Need to Change Wi-Fi Without Reinstalling the Driver

There are several common situations where you need to update the printer’s wireless settings while keeping the existing driver. You may have replaced your router, upgraded to a mesh system, changed your internet provider, or moved to a new location. In some cases, the old network still exists but you want the printer on a different band or VLAN for better performance.

Reinstalling a driver can be time-consuming and may reset custom settings such as paper sizes, quality presets, and scan destinations. By changing only the Wi-Fi settings, you preserve those preferences and reduce downtime. This is especially useful in offices where multiple users share the same printer and driver configuration.

Methods Comparison Table

The best method depends on your printer model and what equipment you have available. The table below compares the most common approaches.

Method Best For Requires Computer Requires App Difficulty
Printer Control Panel Printers with LCD screen No No Easy
WPS Push Button Printers without screen No No Very Easy
Canon PRINT App Smartphone users No Yes Easy
Canon IJ Network Tool Advanced network setup Yes No Moderate
Temporary USB Connection When wireless is unavailable Yes No Moderate

Method 1: Change Wi-Fi Using the Printer Control Panel

For many Canon printers with an LCD screen, the simplest way to change the Wi-Fi network is through the built-in menu. This method keeps the driver intact because you are only updating the printer’s wireless credentials.

For Printers with an LCD Screen

  1. Turn on the Canon printer and make sure it is not in an error state.
  2. Press the Setup, Menu, or Settings button, depending on your model.
  3. Navigate to Wireless LAN settings or Network settings.
  4. Select Change network, Wireless LAN setup, or a similarly named option.
  5. Choose Standard setup to scan for available networks.
  6. Select your new SSID from the list.
  7. Enter the Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard.
  8. Confirm the settings and wait for the printer to connect.
  9. Print a network configuration page to verify the connection.

After the printer connects, your computer may automatically detect it on the new network. If not, you can refresh the printer list in your operating system’s printer settings.

For Printers Without a Screen Using WPS

Some compact Canon printers do not have a display. These models often support WPS, or Wi-Fi Protected Setup, which allows a quick connection without typing a password on the printer.

  1. Ensure your router supports WPS and that WPS is enabled.
  2. Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer until the power light flashes or the Wi-Fi light begins to blink.
  3. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
  4. Wait for the printer’s Wi-Fi light to become solid, indicating a successful connection.
  5. Print a test page to confirm.

WPS is convenient, but it may not be available on all routers or in environments where WPS is disabled for security reasons. If WPS fails, use the app or desktop tool method instead.

Method 2: Change Wi-Fi Using the Canon PRINT App

The Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app is a popular option for users who prefer managing their printer from a smartphone. It can guide you through changing the Wi-Fi network without reinstalling anything on your computer.

  1. Download and install the Canon PRINT app from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Connect your smartphone to the new Wi-Fi network you want the printer to use.
  3. Open the app and tap the option to add or register a printer.
  4. Put the printer into wireless setup mode. This usually involves pressing and holding the Wi-Fi button until the light flashes.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions. The app may temporarily connect to the printer’s direct wireless signal.
  6. Select your new home or office Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
  7. Wait while the app transfers the settings to the printer.
  8. Once connected, the printer should appear in the app and be ready for use.

This method is especially helpful for printers without a display. It also keeps your computer driver unchanged, although you may need to ensure your computer is on the same new network to print wirelessly.

Method 3: Change Wi-Fi Using Canon IJ Network Tool

Canon provides a desktop utility called Canon IJ Network Tool, often installed alongside the driver. This tool lets you configure network settings directly from your computer. It is useful when you want precise control or when the mobile app is not convenient.

  1. Make sure the Canon IJ Network Tool is installed on your computer. If not, you can download it from Canon’s support website for your specific model.
  2. Connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable temporarily if it is not already on a network.
  3. Open the Canon IJ Network Tool.
  4. Select your printer from the list.
  5. Choose the option to configure or change the wireless LAN settings.
  6. Select your new SSID and enter the password.
  7. Apply the settings. The printer may restart its network module.
  8. Disconnect the USB cable if you used one.
  9. Verify the connection by printing a network status page.

Because this tool communicates directly with the printer, it can be more reliable than manual menu navigation for complex networks. It also avoids driver reinstallation because it only updates network parameters.

Method 4: Change Wi-Fi via a Temporary USB Connection

If your printer is completely offline or you cannot access its wireless menu, a temporary USB connection can bridge the gap. This approach is common during initial setup and works well when changing networks.

  1. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open the Canon setup utility or IJ Network Tool installed on your computer.
  3. Select the option to change the connection method from USB to wireless.
  4. Choose your new Wi-Fi network and enter the credentials.
  5. Apply the settings and wait for confirmation.
  6. Disconnect the USB cable.
  7. Ensure your computer is connected to the new Wi-Fi network.
  8. Add or select the printer in your operating system if it does not appear automatically.

This method is practical when the printer’s wireless radio is not responding or when you need to move it to a network with different security settings.

Step-by-Step Examples for Popular Canon Models

Different Canon series have slightly different menu layouts. The following examples illustrate common workflows.

Canon PIXMA Series

Many PIXMA models have a small LCD and a dedicated Wi-Fi button. You can usually press and hold the Wi-Fi button until the lamp flashes, then use the arrow keys to select your network and enter the password. Some models offer a LAN settings menu where you can choose Wireless LAN and then Manual setup.

Canon MAXIFY Series

MAXIFY printers often have larger touchscreens. Go to Settings, then Device settings, then LAN settings. Choose Wireless LAN, select Change wireless LAN, and follow the prompts to choose your SSID and enter the password.

Canon imageCLASS Series

For imageCLASS laser printers, press Menu, navigate to Network Settings, then Wireless LAN Settings. Select SSID Settings or Manual Setup, choose the new network, and enter the password. Confirm and restart the network service if prompted.

Troubleshooting Common Wi-Fi Change Issues

Even with the correct steps, you may encounter issues. Here are common problems and solutions.

  • Printer cannot find the new network: Make sure the network is broadcasting its SSID and that the printer supports the band. Many older printers only support 2.4 GHz.
  • Password rejected: Double-check capitalization and special characters. If possible, temporarily simplify the password to test.
  • Printer connects but computer cannot print: The driver may be pointing to an old IP address. Open your printer properties and update the port or let the system rediscover the printer.
  • Connection drops frequently: Move the printer closer to the router, reduce interference, or assign a static IP address in the router.
  • WPS fails: Ensure WPS is enabled on the router and try again within the time limit. If it still fails, use standard setup.
  • Firewall blocks discovery: Temporarily disable firewall or allow printer discovery protocols such as mDNS and SSDP.

If the printer still does not connect, restarting both the printer and the router can clear temporary glitches. As a last resort, resetting the printer’s network settings to factory defaults and repeating the setup may help.

Tips and Best Practices

To make future network changes easier and more reliable, consider the following best practices.

  • Use a consistent SSID name across router upgrades when possible.
  • Prefer WPA2 or WPA3 security for compatibility and safety.
  • Keep the printer firmware updated through Canon’s support tools.
  • Assign a reserved IP address in your router for the printer to prevent address changes.
  • Place the printer within good range of the router to avoid weak signals.
  • Document your printer’s network settings, including IP address and MAC address.
  • Test printing from every device after changing networks.
  • Avoid using hidden SSIDs unless necessary, as some printers handle them poorly.

Following these tips reduces the chance that you will need to reinstall drivers or troubleshoot repeatedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reinstall the driver after changing Wi-Fi?

In most cases, no. The driver remains installed and communicates with the printer by name or IP. You may only need to update the printer port if the IP address changes.

Why does my computer still show the old printer status?

Your operating system may cache the old connection. Restarting the print spooler or removing and re-adding the printer without reinstalling the driver can refresh the status.

Can I change Wi-Fi without a screen on the printer?

Yes. You can use WPS, the Canon PRINT app, or a temporary USB connection with the IJ Network Tool.

What if my printer only supports 2.4 GHz?

Connect it to the 2.4 GHz band of your router. If your router uses a single combined SSID, ensure the printer can connect to the 2.4 GHz radio, or temporarily separate the bands during setup.

Will changing Wi-Fi affect scan-to-computer features?

It can if the computer’s IP address or firewall settings change. Reconfigure scan destinations in the Canon software if needed.

How do I find my printer’s new IP address?

Print a network configuration page from the printer, or check your router’s connected devices list.

Is it safe to reset network settings?

Yes, resetting network settings only clears wireless configuration. It does not remove the driver or affect print quality.

Conclusion

Learning How to Change the Wifi on Canon Printer? without reinstalling driver software is straightforward once you choose the right method for your model. Whether you use the control panel, WPS, the Canon PRINT app, the IJ Network Tool, or a temporary USB connection, the key is to update only the wireless credentials while preserving your existing driver. After connecting, verify the printer’s IP address and test print from all devices. With the steps and tips in this guide, you can switch networks confidently and keep your printing workflow uninterrupted.