
How to Connect Tr4720 to Wifi? Detailed Step-by-Step Connection Guide
Introduction If you have just unboxed a Canon PIXMA TR4720 and you are wondering How to Connect Tr4720 to Wifi?, you are in the right place. This printer is designed to make wireless printing simple, but the first connection can still feel confusing if you hav
Introduction
If you have just unboxed a Canon PIXMA TR4720 and you are wondering How to Connect Tr4720 to Wifi?, you are in the right place. This printer is designed to make wireless printing simple, but the first connection can still feel confusing if you have never set up a wireless printer before. The good news is that the TR4720 supports several connection methods, so you can choose the one that best matches your router, your computer, and your mobile devices.
In this detailed guide, you will learn every reliable way to connect your Canon PIXMA TR4720 to a wireless network. We will walk through push-button WPS setup, manual setup from the printer’s control panel, mobile app setup, USB-assisted setup, and operating-system-specific setup for Windows and macOS. You will also find a comparison table, a troubleshooting section, best practices, and answers to common questions. By the end, you will be able to print, scan, and copy wirelessly with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Canon PIXMA TR4720 WiFi Capabilities
- What You Need Before You Start
- Method 1: Connect Using WPS (Push Button Method)
- Method 2: Connect Using the Printer’s Control Panel
- Method 3: Connect Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App
- Method 4: Connect Using a USB Cable and Setup Software
- Method 5: Connect Using Windows Settings
- Method 6: Connect Using macOS
- Comparison of Connection Methods
- Troubleshooting Common WiFi Connection Issues
- Tips and Best Practices
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Understanding the Canon PIXMA TR4720 WiFi Capabilities
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is an all-in-one inkjet printer built for home and small-office use. It supports standard 802.11 b/g/n wireless networking, which means it can join most modern home WiFi networks. It does not support 5 GHz-only bands in many setups, so if your router broadcasts separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, you should connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz network for the most stable results.
The printer can be added to a network using WPS, a manual wireless setup wizard on the LCD screen, a smartphone app, or a USB cable combined with Canon’s setup software. Once connected, the printer receives an IP address from your router and becomes available to every device on the same network. This shared access is what lets you print from laptops, phones, and tablets without cables.
It is also helpful to know that the TR4720 supports AirPrint for Apple devices and Mopria for Android devices. These standards remove the need for separate drivers in many cases, making mobile printing much easier after the initial WiFi connection is complete.
What You Need Before You Start
Preparing a few items in advance prevents most setup problems. Gather the following before you begin:
- Your Canon PIXMA TR4720 printer, powered on and loaded with paper and ink.
- A wireless router with an active internet connection.
- Your WiFi network name (SSID) and password.
- A smartphone, tablet, or computer connected to the same WiFi network.
- A USB cable (optional, but useful for USB-assisted setup).
- The latest Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app if you plan to use mobile setup.
Place the printer within a reasonable distance of the router during setup. Thick walls, metal cabinets, and microwave ovens can weaken the signal. If possible, keep the printer in the same room as the router for the initial pairing.
Method 1: Connect Using WPS (Push Button Method)
WPS, or Wi-Fi Protected Setup, is the fastest method when your router supports it. It avoids typing the WiFi password on the printer’s small screen.
Steps for WPS Connection
- Turn on the Canon PIXMA TR4720 and wait until it is idle.
- Press the WiFi button on the printer’s control panel.
- Press the OK button when the wireless setup screen appears.
- Select WPS (Push Button Method) and press OK.
- When prompted, press and hold the WPS button on your router for about three to five seconds.
- Return to the printer and press OK if required. The printer will search for the router.
- Wait for the WiFi lamp to stop blinking and remain solid. This confirms a successful connection.
If the connection fails, repeat the process within two minutes of pressing the router’s WPS button, because most routers keep WPS active for only a short window. Also verify that your router actually supports WPS, since some newer routers disable it by default for security reasons.
Method 2: Connect Using the Printer’s Control Panel
If WPS is unavailable, the manual method works on almost every network. This is the most common answer to How to Connect Tr4720 to Wifi? for users with a password-protected network.
Steps for Manual Wireless Setup
- Power on the printer and press the Setup button, shown as a gear icon.
- Navigate to Device settings and press OK.
- Select LAN settings and press OK.
- Choose Wireless LAN setup and press OK.
- Select Standard setup and press OK.
- The printer will search for available networks. Choose your SSID from the list.
- Enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard. Use the arrow keys to move between characters.
- Press OK to confirm. The printer will attempt to connect.
- When the connection succeeds, the WiFi lamp lights solid and a confirmation message appears.
Take your time when entering the password. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, and a single incorrect character will cause the connection to fail. If your network is hidden, choose the option to enter the SSID manually instead of selecting from the list.
Method 3: Connect Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App
The Canon PRINT app is ideal if you prefer using your phone or tablet. It can guide the printer onto the network and then install the printer on your mobile device at the same time.
Steps for App-Based Setup
- Download and install the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Make sure your phone is connected to the WiFi network you want the printer to join.
- Open the app and tap the plus icon to add a printer.
- Select the option to register a printer on the network.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. The app may ask you to temporarily connect your phone to the printer’s own temporary access point.
- Enter your WiFi password when prompted.
- Wait for the app to confirm that the printer is connected.
- Save the printer in the app for future printing and scanning.
This method is especially convenient for households that print mostly from mobile devices. It also keeps the printer’s firmware and app integration up to date.
Method 4: Connect Using a USB Cable and Setup Software
When wireless setup keeps failing, a USB-assisted connection is a reliable fallback. You temporarily connect the printer to a computer with a USB cable, use Canon’s software to configure WiFi, and then remove the cable.
Steps for USB-Assisted Setup
- Download the latest setup software or drivers for the TR4720 from Canon’s official support website.
- Install the software on your computer but do not connect the printer yet.
- When the installer asks for a connection method, choose wireless connection.
- Connect the printer to the computer using a USB cable when prompted.
- Follow the installer to select your WiFi network and enter the password.
- Complete the installation and disconnect the USB cable.
- Test a print job over WiFi.
This method is particularly helpful if the printer’s LCD is difficult to use or if the network has a complex password. It also ensures that the correct drivers are installed on your computer.
Method 5: Connect Using Windows Settings
After the printer is on the WiFi network, you may need to add it to Windows. Modern versions of Windows can often detect the printer automatically.
Steps for Windows
- Open Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices, then Printers & scanners.
- Click Add device or Add printer.
- Wait while Windows searches the network. Select the Canon TR4720 when it appears.
- If it does not appear, click Add manually and choose to add by IP address.
- Enter the printer’s IP address, which you can find on the printer’s network status screen.
- Follow the remaining prompts to finish installation.
- Print a test page to confirm.
If Windows installs a generic driver, consider downloading Canon’s full driver package for access to advanced features such as scanning and maintenance tools.
Method 6: Connect Using macOS
macOS also makes wireless printer setup straightforward, especially with AirPrint support.
Steps for macOS
- Open System Settings and go to Printers & Scanners.
- Click the plus button to add a printer.
- Select the Canon TR4720 from the list, or use the IP tab to enter the printer’s IP address.
- Choose the appropriate driver or AirPrint.
- Click Add.
- Print a test page from any application.
For scanning, install Canon’s IJ Scan Utility or use the Image Capture app that comes with macOS. Both work well once the printer is on the same network.
Comparison of Connection Methods
Each method has strengths. Use this table to decide which approach fits your situation.
| Method | Best For | Speed | Requires Password Entry on Printer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WPS Push Button | Routers with WPS enabled | Fast | No | May be disabled on some routers |
| Control Panel Standard Setup | Most users | Medium | Yes | Works on nearly all networks |
| Canon PRINT App | Mobile-first users | Medium | Handled by app | Great for phones and tablets |
| USB-Assisted Setup | Complex passwords or hidden SSIDs | Slower | No | Also installs drivers |
| Windows Settings | Adding printer to PC | Fast | No | May use generic driver |
| macOS Settings | Adding printer to Mac | Fast | No | AirPrint supported |
Troubleshooting Common WiFi Connection Issues
Even with careful setup, problems can occur. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.
Printer Cannot Find the Network
If your SSID does not appear in the list, the printer may be too far from the router or the network may be hidden. Move the printer closer, restart the router, and try again. For hidden networks, enter the SSID manually.
Incorrect Password Error
Re-enter the password carefully, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. If possible, temporarily simplify the password on the router, connect, and then restore a stronger password.
Connection Drops After Setup
Assign a static IP address to the printer in your router’s DHCP settings, or reserve the printer’s current IP. This prevents the address from changing and breaking the connection. Also update the printer firmware if an update is available.
Router Uses 5 GHz Only
If your router broadcasts only a 5 GHz network, the TR4720 may not connect. Enable a 2.4 GHz network or a mixed-mode network in the router settings, then retry.
Firewall or Security Software Blocks Printing
Temporarily disable the firewall to test. If printing works, add an exception for the printer’s IP address or Canon’s software in your security settings.
Tips and Best Practices
- Keep the printer firmware updated through Canon’s support tools.
- Place the printer away from large metal objects and appliances that cause interference.
- Use a strong but memorable WiFi password, and store it securely.
- Print a network configuration page from the printer to confirm the IP address and signal strength.
- Restart both the printer and router if the connection becomes unstable.
- Use AirPrint or Mopria for quick mobile printing without extra drivers.
- Label the printer in your operating system so multiple users can identify it easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect the TR4720 to WiFi without a computer?
Yes. You can use WPS, the control panel method, or the Canon PRINT app on a smartphone. No computer is required for these methods.
Does the TR4720 support 5 GHz WiFi?
The printer is designed primarily for 2.4 GHz networks. For the most reliable connection, use a 2.4 GHz network or a mixed network that includes 2.4 GHz.
Why does the WiFi lamp keep blinking?
A blinking WiFi lamp usually means the printer is searching for a network or attempting to connect. If it blinks for a long time, the connection failed. Recheck the password and signal strength.
How do I find the printer’s IP address?
Print a network settings page from the printer’s menu, or check the LAN settings screen on the control panel. You can also view connected devices in your router’s admin panel.
Can multiple devices use the printer at the same time?
Yes. Once the printer is on the network, any device on the same network can send print jobs. The printer queues jobs in the order they are received.
What should I do if WPS is disabled on my router?
Use the standard control panel method or the Canon PRINT app instead. These methods do not require WPS.
Conclusion
Learning How to Connect Tr4720 to Wifi? is mostly about choosing the method that matches your equipment. WPS is fastest, the control panel method is the most universal, the Canon PRINT app is best for mobile users, and USB-assisted setup is the most forgiving when passwords or hidden networks complicate things. After the printer joins the network, adding it to Windows or macOS is usually quick, and features like AirPrint and Mopria make mobile printing effortless.
If you follow the steps in this guide and apply the troubleshooting tips when needed, your Canon PIXMA TR4720 will be ready for wireless printing, scanning, and copying in just a few minutes. Keep the printer updated, maintain a strong WiFi signal, and you will enjoy reliable wireless performance for a long time.