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How to Change Wifi on Canon Printer? Canon Printer Network Update

Introduction Changing the wireless network on a Canon printer is a task many users face at some point. Whether you have switched internet providers, replaced your router, moved to a new home or office, or simply updated your WiFi password, knowing exactly How

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Changing the wireless network on a Canon printer is a task many users face at some point. Whether you have switched internet providers, replaced your router, moved to a new home or office, or simply updated your WiFi password, knowing exactly How to Change Wifi on Canon Printer? devices can save you time and frustration. Canon printers are built for home and small office use, and most modern models support wireless connectivity, but the steps to update that connection vary depending on the printer model and the tools you have available.

This guide walks you through every reliable method for a Canon printer network update. You will learn how to use the printer’s built-in control panel, the WPS button, the Canon mobile app, desktop setup software, and even a temporary USB connection. We also cover how to reset network settings, troubleshoot common problems, and follow best practices so your printer stays connected. By the end of this article, you will have a clear, step-by-step roadmap for changing WiFi on any Canon printer you own.

Table of Contents

Why You Might Need to Change WiFi on Your Canon Printer

There are several common situations that make a Canon printer network update necessary. Understanding your specific scenario helps you choose the right method and avoid unnecessary steps.

  • You replaced your old router with a new one, which means the network name (SSID) or password has changed.
  • Your internet service provider updated your equipment, and the new gateway broadcasts a different WiFi signal.
  • You changed your WiFi password for security reasons, and the printer can no longer authenticate.
  • You moved the printer to a different room or building where it now needs to connect to a separate access point or extender.
  • You are setting up a previously used Canon printer that was connected to someone else’s network.
  • The printer’s wireless settings were accidentally reset, erased, or corrupted during a power outage or firmware update.

In each of these cases, the printer will typically show an offline status, fail to print wirelessly, or display a “Unable to connect” message on its screen. Knowing How to Change Wifi on Canon Printer? hardware lets you restore connectivity without calling technical support.

Before You Start: What You’ll Need

Before you begin the process of changing WiFi on your Canon printer, gather the following items. Having everything ready prevents interruptions and reduces the chance of errors.

  • The printer itself: Make sure it is powered on and in a ready state. If it has an LCD screen, it should be awake and not displaying an error.
  • Network name (SSID): Know the exact name of the WiFi network you want the printer to join. Check the spelling carefully, including uppercase and lowercase letters.
  • WiFi password: Have the network security key handy. If you do not know it, check the label on your router or log into your router’s admin page.
  • A computer, smartphone, or tablet: Depending on the method, you may need a device connected to the same network to run setup software or the Canon app.
  • A USB cable: Only needed if you plan to use the temporary USB setup method on certain models.
  • Router access: For WPS setup, you need physical access to the router so you can press its WPS button.

It is also a good idea to place the printer within range of the router during setup. Thick walls, large appliances, and other electronics can interfere with the initial connection, even if the printer works fine in its permanent location afterward.

Overview of Methods to Change WiFi on Canon Printer

Canon offers multiple ways to update wireless settings because their printer lineup ranges from basic home inkjets to advanced all-in-one office models. The method you choose depends on whether your printer has a touchscreen, whether you have access to a computer, and whether your router supports WPS.

Here is a quick look at the five primary methods covered in this guide:

  • Control Panel Method: Best for printers with an LCD screen or touchscreen. You enter WiFi credentials directly on the device.
  • WPS Push Button Method: Fastest option if both your printer and router support WPS. No typing required.
  • Canon PRINT App Method: Convenient for mobile users. You use a smartphone or tablet to send network details to the printer.
  • Wireless Setup Tool on Computer: Useful when the printer lacks a screen or when you prefer configuring settings from Windows or macOS.
  • Temporary USB Method: A fallback option for models that need a wired connection to transfer wireless settings before disconnecting the cable.

If you are unsure which method applies to your model, check the printer’s manual or look for a screen and buttons on the front panel. The next sections explain each method in detail so you can follow the exact steps for How to Change Wifi on Canon Printer? devices in your home or office.

Method 1: Using the Printer Control Panel (LCD Models)

Many Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY, and imageCLASS printers include an LCD display and navigation buttons. This is often the most direct way to change WiFi on Canon printer hardware because you do not need a separate computer or app.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Turn on the Canon printer and make sure it is not printing or copying anything.
  2. Press the Home, Menu, or Setup button on the control panel. The exact label depends on your model.
  3. Use the arrow keys to navigate to Wireless LAN setup, Network settings, or WiFi settings, then press OK.
  4. Select Wireless LAN setup or Change WiFi network if prompted.
  5. Choose SSID settings, Select network, or a similar option to see a list of available networks.
  6. Find and select your WiFi network name from the list. If your network does not appear, choose Manual setup or Enter SSID and type it exactly as it appears on your router.
  7. When prompted, enter the WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard or the printer’s navigation buttons. Take care with uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  8. Confirm the entry and select Apply, OK, or Connect.
  9. Wait for the printer to display a confirmation message such as “Connected” or “Connection successful.”
  10. Print a network configuration page or a test page to verify the connection is working.

If the printer fails to connect, double-check the password and make sure the router is broadcasting on the 2.4 GHz band. Many Canon printers do not support 5 GHz WiFi networks, which is a common cause of connection failure during a Canon printer network update.

Method 2: Using WPS Push Button

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) allows you to connect a printer to a router without entering a password. This method is ideal if you want a quick wireless setup and your router has a physical WPS button.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place the Canon printer near the wireless router so both devices can communicate clearly.
  2. Press and hold the WiFi button on the printer until the power lamp flashes, or follow your model’s specific instructions to enter WPS mode. Some models require you to press the Home or Setup button and select WPS from the menu.
  3. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router. The router will begin searching for WPS-enabled devices.
  4. Wait for the printer’s WiFi lamp to stop flashing and remain lit. This indicates a successful connection.
  5. Print a test page from a computer or mobile device already on the network to confirm the printer is reachable.

WPS is convenient, but not every router has a WPS button, and some security-conscious users disable WPS in their router settings. If WPS does not work, use one of the other methods described in this guide for How to Change Wifi on Canon Printer? models.

Method 3: Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App

Canon’s official mobile app makes it easy to manage printer settings from a smartphone or tablet. This method works well for printers that do not have an advanced control panel but support wireless setup through a mobile device.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Download and install the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Open the app and make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the WiFi network you want the printer to use.
  3. Power on the Canon printer and place it within range of the router.
  4. In the app, tap Add Printer, Register Printer, or the plus (+) icon, depending on your app version.
  5. Choose Wireless setup or Change WiFi network when the app asks how you want to connect.
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your network name and enter the password. The app will send these details to the printer.
  7. Wait for the app to confirm that the printer has been added and connected to the network.
  8. Print a test page directly from the app to verify the setup.

If the app cannot find the printer, try restarting both the printer and your mobile device. Also confirm that your phone is not using a VPN or private WiFi address feature that might block local network communication.

Method 4: Using Canon Wireless Setup Tool on a Computer

For Canon printers without a touchscreen, or for users who prefer configuring hardware from a desktop, Canon provides a Wireless Setup Tool for Windows and macOS. This utility helps you change WiFi on Canon printer units by temporarily communicating with the printer over USB or wirelessly during setup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Visit the official Canon support website and search for your printer model.
  2. Download the Wireless Setup Tool or the full driver and software package for your operating system.
  3. Install the software on your computer, following the on-screen prompts.
  4. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable if the setup tool requires a wired connection during configuration.
  5. Launch the Wireless Setup Tool and select your printer from the detected devices list.
  6. Choose the option to Change wireless settings, Update WiFi network, or Configure wireless LAN.
  7. Select your WiFi network name (SSID) from the list or enter it manually.
  8. Enter the WiFi password and click Next, Apply, or Finish.
  9. Disconnect the USB cable if instructed, and allow the printer to connect wirelessly.
  10. Print a network status page from the computer to confirm the printer is online.

Make sure your computer is connected to the same WiFi network you want the printer to use. If the setup tool cannot detect the printer, temporarily disable firewall software or check that the USB cable is firmly connected.

Method 5: Temporary USB Connection for Network Setup

Some Canon printer models require a temporary USB connection to transfer wireless network information before they can operate without a cable. This is common on certain entry-level inkjets and older all-in-one models.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Connect the Canon printer to your computer using a USB cable while both devices are powered on.
  2. Install the printer driver and software from Canon’s website if you have not already done so.
  3. Open the printer setup utility or the Canon IJ Network Tool on your computer.
  4. Select the option to configure wireless settings or change the WiFi network.
  5. Choose your desired SSID and enter the password through the computer interface.
  6. Send the settings to the printer. The utility will write the wireless configuration to the printer’s memory.
  7. Disconnect the USB cable when the software indicates setup is complete.
  8. Allow the printer to reboot or reconnect, then print a test page over WiFi.

After disconnecting the USB cable, the printer should remember the wireless settings. If it reverts to an offline status, repeat the process or try the control panel method instead.

How to Reset Network Settings on a Canon Printer

Sometimes a Canon printer holds onto old network information and refuses to accept new WiFi credentials. In these cases, resetting the network settings clears the previous configuration and gives you a clean slate for How to Change Wifi on Canon Printer? hardware.

Reset Steps

  1. Turn on the printer and make sure it is in a ready state.
  2. Press and hold the Stop, Resume, or Reset button. On some models, you may need to hold the WiFi button instead.
  3. Continue holding until the alarm or power lamp flashes a specific number of times. Check your manual for the exact flash pattern, as it varies by model.
  4. Release the button. The printer’s network settings should now be restored to factory defaults.
  5. Proceed with one of the WiFi setup methods described earlier to enter your new network information.

Resetting network settings does not erase printed documents or saved fax numbers on most models, but it will remove saved WiFi passwords and IP addresses. Only perform a reset if you are prepared to set up the wireless connection again from scratch.

Troubleshooting Common WiFi Change Issues

Even with the right steps, wireless setup can sometimes fail. Below are the most frequent problems users encounter when changing WiFi on Canon printer devices, along with practical solutions.

Printer Does Not See the WiFi Network

  • Make sure the router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network. Many Canon printers do not support 5 GHz-only networks.
  • Move the printer closer to the router during setup.
  • Check if the network name is hidden. If so, use manual SSID entry instead of selecting from a list.

Incorrect Password Error

  • Verify that you are entering the password exactly, including capitalization and special characters.
  • If you recently changed the router password, make sure all devices are using the new one.
  • Try resetting the printer’s network settings and entering the password again.

Printer Connects but Shows Offline

  • Restart the printer, router, and computer.
  • Assign a static IP address to the printer through your router’s admin page so its address does not change.
  • Remove and re-add the printer on your computer or mobile device.

WPS Connection Fails

  • Press the router’s WPS button within two minutes of activating WPS on the printer.
  • Confirm that WPS is enabled in your router’s settings.
  • Switch to the control panel or Canon app method if WPS continues to fail.

Cannot Connect After Router Replacement

  • Reset the printer’s network settings to remove the old router’s credentials.
  • Set up the printer as if it were new, using the new SSID and password.

If none of these steps work, consult Canon’s official support site for firmware updates or contact their customer service for model-specific assistance.

Comparison: Which Method Should You Use?

Not every setup method fits every situation. The table below compares the five approaches so you can decide which is best for your Canon printer network update.

Method Best For Equipment Needed Difficulty Speed
Control Panel (LCD) Printers with screens; direct entry of credentials Printer only Easy Fast
WPS Push Button Quick setup without typing passwords Printer and router with WPS Very Easy Fastest
Canon PRINT App Mobile users; printers without advanced screens Smartphone or tablet Easy Moderate
Wireless Setup Tool (PC/Mac) Desktop configuration; headless printer models Computer and USB cable Moderate Moderate
Temporary USB Entry-level models requiring wired transfer Computer and USB cable Moderate Moderate

If your Canon printer has a color LCD, start with the control panel method. If you want the fewest steps and your router supports it, try WPS. For models without a screen, the Canon app or computer setup tool usually works best.

Tips and Best Practices for Canon Printer WiFi

Following a few best practices can make future wireless changes easier and help your printer maintain a stable connection.

  • Keep the printer on 2.4 GHz: Unless your specific Canon model explicitly supports 5 GHz, connect it to a 2.4 GHz network for better compatibility and range.
  • Record your network details: Save your SSID and password in a secure place so you can quickly re-enter them if the printer loses its settings.
  • Assign a static IP: Log into your router and assign a fixed IP address to the printer. This prevents “printer offline” errors caused by changing DHCP addresses.
  • Update firmware: Check Canon’s support site periodically for firmware updates that improve wireless performance and fix bugs.
  • Avoid network name changes: If you rename your WiFi network, remember that all wireless devices, including the printer, will need to be reconnected.
  • Place the printer wisely: Keep it away from microwaves, cordless phones, and large metal objects that can cause interference.
  • Print a network page: After any Canon printer network update, print the network configuration page to verify the SSID, signal strength, and IP address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change WiFi on a Canon printer without a computer?

Yes. If your printer has an LCD control panel, you can enter the new WiFi name and password directly on the device. You can also use the Canon PRINT app on a smartphone or tablet.

Why won’t my Canon printer connect to 5 GHz WiFi?

Most Canon home and small office printers only support the 2.4 GHz wireless band. If your router combines both bands under one name, try separating them or temporarily disabling 5 GHz during setup.

How do I find my printer’s current WiFi network name?

Print a network configuration page from the printer’s control panel or setup menu. The page lists the connected SSID, IP address, and signal strength.

What should I do if I forgot my WiFi password?

Check the sticker on your router, log into your router’s admin page, or contact your internet service provider. You cannot recover the password from the printer itself.

Does resetting network settings delete my saved documents?

No. A network reset typically clears only wireless settings, passwords, and IP configurations. Stored documents, faxes, or scan jobs usually remain intact, though this varies by model.

How often should I update my printer’s WiFi settings?

Only when you change your router, network name, password, or internet provider. There is no need to update WiFi settings on a regular schedule if the connection remains stable.

Can multiple devices print to the same Canon printer over WiFi?

Yes. Once the printer is connected to your network, any computer, phone, or tablet on that same network can send print jobs, provided the correct drivers or apps are installed.

Conclusion

Changing the wireless connection on a Canon printer does not have to be complicated. Whether you prefer using the built-in control panel, pressing a WPS button, configuring settings through the Canon mobile app, or running setup software on a computer, there is a method that fits your situation. The key is to gather your network name and password beforehand, place the printer near the router during setup, and confirm the connection with a test page.

If you run into trouble, remember that resetting the printer’s network settings often clears old data and lets you start fresh. By following the steps in this guide, you now know exactly How to Change Wifi on Canon Printer? models ranging from basic inkjets to advanced all-in-one devices. Keep this article handy for the next time you update your router, move offices, or change your WiFi password, and your Canon printer will stay ready to print whenever you need it.