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How to Change Wifi on Printer Canon? Reset For Reconnection

Introduction Changing the WiFi network on a Canon printer is one of those tasks that seems simple until you are staring at a blinking wireless light and an error message on your computer. Whether you have a new router, changed your internet provider, updated y

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Changing the WiFi network on a Canon printer is one of those tasks that seems simple until you are staring at a blinking wireless light and an error message on your computer. Whether you have a new router, changed your internet provider, updated your WiFi password, or simply moved your printer to a different room, knowing How to Change Wifi on Printer Canon? can save you time, frustration, and a trip to the support forum.

Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS, and SELPHY printers are built for wireless convenience, but they do not always make the reconfiguration process obvious. Each model family handles network settings a little differently. Some have full-color touchscreens, others rely on a few buttons and indicator lights, and many can be configured entirely through a smartphone app.

This guide walks you through every reliable method for changing the WiFi on a Canon printer. It also explains how to reset your Canon printer for reconnection when the old network settings are stuck or corrupted. By the end, you will be able to get your printer back online on any network, troubleshoot common connection failures, and apply best practices to keep it connected.

Table of Contents

Why You Might Need to Change WiFi on Your Canon Printer

There are several everyday situations that make changing your Canon printer’s wireless network necessary. Understanding the trigger helps you choose the right method and avoid unnecessary resets.

One of the most common reasons is replacing your router. When you get a new router, even if you keep the same network name and password, the printer may still try to connect to the old hardware’s MAC address or security handshake. In those cases, you need to update the printer’s stored WiFi credentials.

Changing your WiFi password is another frequent cause. Canon printers store network credentials internally. If the password changes, the printer will fail to connect and may go offline. You will need to re-enter the new password through the printer’s settings.

Moving the printer to a different location in your home or office can also expose signal problems. If the new spot is too far from the router, you might switch to a mesh network, a WiFi extender, or a different access point. Updating the printer to connect to the stronger signal improves print reliability.

Some users also change networks to separate devices. For example, you might move your printer from a guest network to your main secure network, or from a 5 GHz band to a 2.4 GHz band because many Canon printers work more reliably on 2.4 GHz.

Finally, if your printer is behaving erratically—printing slowly, dropping offline, or refusing to accept print jobs—a full network reset followed by a fresh WiFi setup often clears out corrupted settings.

Prerequisites Before Changing WiFi

Before you begin the process of changing the WiFi on your Canon printer, gather the following items. Having everything ready prevents interruptions mid-setup.

  • Your WiFi network name (SSID): This is the exact name of the wireless network you want the printer to join. Note capitalization and spelling.
  • Your WiFi password: Have the network security key handy. If you do not know it, check the sticker on your router or log into your router’s admin page.
  • A powered-on Canon printer: Make sure the printer is plugged in, turned on, and has paper loaded. You do not need ink cartridges to configure WiFi, but having them installed lets you print a test page immediately.
  • A smartphone, tablet, or computer: Depending on the method, you may need the Canon PRINT app, a web browser, or just the printer’s own control panel.
  • Physical access to the router: If you plan to use WPS, you need to press a button on the router itself.
  • Know your printer model: Canon PIXMA TS, TR, MG, MX, G, and iX series, as well as MAXIFY and imageCLASS models, have slightly different menus. Check the label on your printer if you are unsure.

It is also a good idea to place the printer within 10 to 15 feet of the router during setup. You can move it to its permanent location after the connection is confirmed.

Overview of Methods to Change WiFi on Canon Printers

Canon offers multiple ways to change WiFi settings. The best method depends on your printer model, whether it has a screen, and what tools you have available.

Method Best For Difficulty Time Required Needs Computer or Phone?
Printer Control Panel Printers with LCD screens or buttons Easy to Moderate 5–10 minutes No
WPS Push Button Quick setup without typing passwords Easy 2–5 minutes No
Canon PRINT App Smartphone users and screenless printers Easy 5–10 minutes Yes (mobile app)
Wireless Setup Wizard Guided step-by-step on-screen setup Moderate 5–10 minutes No

If your printer has a touchscreen, the control panel method is usually the fastest. If your printer has no display at all, the Canon PRINT app or WPS method is often your best option.

Method 1: Using the Printer Control Panel

Many Canon PIXMA and MAXIFY printers include a control panel with an LCD screen. This method lets you change WiFi directly on the device without installing software.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Turn on the Canon printer and make sure it is in a ready state, not printing or copying.
  2. Press the Home or Menu button on the printer’s control panel.
  3. Use the arrow keys or touchscreen to navigate to Settings or Device Settings.
  4. Select LAN Settings, then choose Wireless LAN Setup or WiFi Setup.
  5. Choose Wireless Setup Wizard or Search for Networks. The printer will scan for nearby WiFi networks.
  6. From the list of available networks, select your WiFi name (SSID).
  7. When prompted, enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard or printer buttons. Take care with uppercase and lowercase letters.
  8. Confirm the settings and wait for the printer to attempt a connection. A success message should appear on the screen.
  9. Print a network configuration page or test page to verify the connection.

If your Canon printer model does not have a full screen but has a few buttons and LED indicators, you may need to hold the WiFi button until the light flashes, then use the button sequence described in your manual to enter setup mode.

Method 2: WPS Push Button Method

WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) allows you to connect your Canon printer to a router without typing a password. This is useful if your router has a physical WPS button and you want a fast connection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place the Canon printer near the wireless router.
  2. Press and hold the WiFi button on the printer until the power light flashes, or navigate to WPS in the printer’s wireless menu.
  3. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router.
  4. Wait for the printer’s WiFi light to stop flashing and remain steady. This indicates a successful connection.
  5. Print a test page to confirm the printer is communicating with your network.

WPS is convenient, but it does not work with all routers. Some modern routers disable WPS by default for security reasons. If the WPS method fails, use one of the other methods described in this guide.

Method 3: Canon PRINT App

The Canon PRINT app is available for iOS and Android. It is especially helpful for printers without screens or for users who prefer configuring WiFi from a smartphone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Download and install the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Open the app and make sure your phone is connected to the WiFi network you want the printer to use.
  3. Turn on the Canon printer and put it in wireless setup mode. Refer to your printer manual for the exact button combination, usually holding the WiFi or Stop button.
  4. In the app, tap Add Printer or Register Printer.
  5. Select your Canon printer from the list of discovered devices.
  6. Choose your WiFi network and enter the password when prompted.
  7. Wait for the app to send the network credentials to the printer.
  8. Once the app confirms the connection, print a test page from your phone or computer.

Using the app often provides the smoothest experience because it handles the network handshake automatically and can also help with firmware updates.

Method 4: Wireless Setup Wizard

Some Canon models include a dedicated Wireless Setup Wizard in the menu system. This is slightly different from the general control panel method because it guides you through every screen with on-screen prompts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Press Setup or Menu on the printer.
  2. Navigate to Device Settings > LAN Settings > Wireless LAN Setup.
  3. Select Wireless Setup Wizard.
  4. The printer will display a list of detected networks. Select yours.
  5. Enter the network password carefully.
  6. Select Apply or OK and wait for the connection confirmation.

This wizard is ideal if you are changing WiFi because you moved to a new house or office and want a completely fresh network profile on the printer.

How to Reset Canon Printer for Reconnection

Sometimes changing the WiFi is not enough. If the printer refuses to forget the old network, holds onto incorrect credentials, or shows a persistent offline status, you need to reset the Canon printer for reconnection.

There are two main types of resets: a network settings reset and a full factory reset.

Network Settings Reset

A network reset clears only the WiFi and wired LAN settings while leaving other printer preferences intact. This is usually the best first step when you are changing networks.

  1. Turn on the printer.
  2. Press Setup or Menu.
  3. Navigate to Device Settings.
  4. Select Reset Settings or Reset All.
  5. Choose LAN Reset or Network Reset.
  6. Confirm the reset when prompted. The printer will restart its wireless module.

Full Factory Reset

A factory reset returns the printer to its out-of-the-box state. Use this only if a network reset does not solve the problem or if you are giving the printer to someone else.

  1. Press Setup or Menu.
  2. Go to Device Settings > Reset Settings.
  3. Select Reset All.
  4. Confirm the action. The printer will restart and erase all custom settings, including WiFi, paper size preferences, and language.

For some Canon models without screens, you can perform a reset by turning off the printer, holding the Stop or Resume button while turning it back on, and continuing to hold until the indicator lights flash in a specific pattern. Check your model’s manual for the exact sequence.

Reconnecting Your Canon Printer After a Reset

After resetting the Canon printer, it will no longer remember any WiFi network. You must reconnect it as if it were brand new.

  1. Power on the printer and wait for the ready light.
  2. Choose one of the setup methods above: control panel, WPS, Canon PRINT app, or Wireless Setup Wizard.
  3. Enter your current WiFi network name and password.
  4. Wait for the printer to connect. The WiFi indicator should turn solid instead of flashing.
  5. On your computer, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners (Windows) or System Settings > Printers & Scanners (Mac).
  6. If the printer does not appear automatically, click Add printer and select your Canon device from the network list.
  7. Print a test page to confirm everything works.

If you had previously installed Canon printer software on your computer, you may need to reinstall the driver or re-add the printer after the reset, especially if the printer’s IP address changed.

Troubleshooting Common Canon Printer WiFi Issues

Even after following the steps above, you may run into problems. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.

Printer Cannot Find the WiFi Network

  • Make sure the printer is within range of the router.
  • Check that your router is broadcasting its SSID. Hidden networks require manual entry.
  • Verify that your router is using the 2.4 GHz band. Many Canon printers do not support 5 GHz networks.

Wrong Password Error

  • Double-check the password capitalization. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.
  • If you recently changed the router password, perform a network reset on the printer before entering the new one.

Printer Shows Offline on Computer

  • Restart both the printer and the router.
  • On your computer, set the Canon printer as the default printer.
  • Check if the printer has a static IP address that conflicts with another device.

Intermittent Connection Drops

  • Move the printer away from microwaves, cordless phones, and other electronics that cause interference.
  • Update the printer’s firmware using the Canon PRINT app or Canon support website.
  • Reduce the number of devices connected to the same router band.

Cannot Connect After Router Replacement

  • Even if the network name and password are identical, the old connection profile may be cached. Reset the printer’s network settings and set up the WiFi again.

Tips and Best Practices for Stable WiFi Printing

Once you have successfully changed the WiFi on your Canon printer, follow these best practices to keep it connected reliably.

  • Use 2.4 GHz WiFi: Most Canon consumer printers work best on 2.4 GHz. If your router combines 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under one name, try separating them or temporarily disabling 5 GHz during setup.
  • Assign a static IP address: Log into your router and reserve an IP address for the printer’s MAC address. This prevents the printer from going offline when its DHCP lease expires.
  • Keep firmware updated: Canon releases firmware updates that improve wireless stability. Check for updates every few months.
  • Avoid guest networks: Guest networks often have client isolation enabled, which prevents the printer from communicating with computers on the main network.
  • Reboot periodically: Turning the printer off and on once every few weeks can clear temporary wireless glitches.
  • Place the printer openly: Do not tuck the printer inside a closed cabinet or behind thick walls. Wireless signals travel better with a clear line of sight to the router.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Change Wifi on Printer Canon? if my printer has no screen?

Use the Canon PRINT app on a smartphone or the WPS push button method. Both allow you to configure WiFi without using the printer’s control panel.

Can I connect my Canon printer to a 5 GHz network?

Many Canon PIXMA and home office printers only support 2.4 GHz WiFi. Check your printer’s specifications. If your router uses a single name for both bands, you may need to split them in the router settings.

Do I need a computer to change the WiFi on my Canon printer?

No. You can change WiFi using the printer’s control panel, WPS, or the Canon PRINT mobile app. A computer is only needed afterward to reinstall the printer driver if it stops appearing.

How do I find my printer’s WiFi password?

The printer does not store or display the WiFi password in plain text for security reasons. You must obtain the password from your router’s label, admin page, or the person who manages your network.

Will resetting the printer delete my saved documents?

A network reset only clears WiFi settings. A factory reset clears all custom settings but does not affect documents stored on your computer or in the cloud. Any print jobs currently in the queue may be canceled.

Why does my Canon printer keep disconnecting from WiFi?

Common causes include weak signal strength, router interference, outdated firmware, or an IP address conflict. Assigning a static IP and moving the printer closer to the router usually helps.

Can I use WPS if my router does not have a WPS button?

No. Without a WPS button or PIN option in the router’s admin interface, you must use the control panel, Wireless Setup Wizard, or Canon PRINT app to enter the WiFi credentials manually.

How often should I change the WiFi on my Canon printer?

You only need to change it when your network name, password, or router changes. There is no scheduled interval for changing WiFi on a printer.

Conclusion

Knowing How to Change Wifi on Printer Canon? is a practical skill that keeps your home or office running smoothly. Whether you are using a touchscreen control panel, the WPS button, the Canon PRINT app, or the Wireless Setup Wizard, the process is straightforward when you follow the right steps for your model.

If the printer will not connect after entering the new network details, do not hesitate to reset the Canon printer for reconnection. A network reset clears old settings and gives you a clean slate to enter your current WiFi credentials. After reconnecting, apply the best practices in this guide—such as using 2.4 GHz, assigning a static IP, and keeping firmware updated—to avoid future connection problems.

With this guide, you should be able to get any Canon printer back online quickly and keep it printing wirelessly without interruption.