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Wifi Guide

How to Connect Ts3420 to Wifi? Complete Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Introduction If you have just unboxed a Canon PIXMA TS3420 and want to print wirelessly from your laptop, phone, or tablet, you are in the right place. Many first-time users get stuck on the wireless setup step because the printer’s small LCD screen and limite

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Introduction

If you have just unboxed a Canon PIXMA TS3420 and want to print wirelessly from your laptop, phone, or tablet, you are in the right place. Many first-time users get stuck on the wireless setup step because the printer’s small LCD screen and limited buttons can feel confusing at first. The good news is that once you understand the menus, the whole process takes only a few minutes.

This guide explains How to Connect Ts3420 to Wifi? in plain, beginner-friendly language. You will learn four different connection methods, how to pick the right one for your router, what to do when something goes wrong, and how to keep your connection stable over time. Whether you use Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS, the steps below will get your Canon PIXMA TS3420 online and ready to print.

Table of Contents

What You Need Before You Start

Before you attempt any wireless setup, gather a few things. Having everything ready prevents mid-process frustration and failed connections.

  • Your Canon PIXMA TS3420 printer, plugged into a wall outlet and powered on.
  • The printer’s power cord and, optionally, a USB cable (Type A to Type B).
  • Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. Check the sticker on your router if you are unsure.
  • A smartphone, tablet, or computer connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • The Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, available free on the App Store and Google Play, if you plan to use the app method.
  • A stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. The TS3420 connects most reliably to 2.4 GHz; many routers broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under similar names, so double-check which band your device is using.

Also make sure the printer is within reasonable range of the router. Thick walls and metal objects can weaken the signal and cause the setup to time out.

Understanding the TS3420 Wireless Setup

The Canon PIXMA TS3420 does not have a large touchscreen. Instead, it uses a small monochrome LCD and a handful of buttons: Power, Back, OK, arrow keys, Stop, and Color/Black. Navigation is done by scrolling with the arrow keys and confirming with OK.

Wireless settings live under the Setup menu, represented by a wrench icon. From there you can choose Wireless LAN setup, which offers two paths: WPS (Push button method) and Standard setup. These two paths cover most home networks.

When the printer is not yet connected, a flashing Wi-Fi lamp (the blue wireless icon) indicates it is searching for or waiting on a connection. A steady blue light means the printer is successfully connected to your network.

Method 1: Connect via WPS Push Button

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is the fastest method if your router has a physical WPS button. It skips typing the password entirely.

  1. Turn on the printer and wait until it finishes initializing.
  2. Press the Setup button (wrench icon) on the printer.
  3. Use the arrow keys to select Wireless LAN setup and press OK.
  4. Select WPS (Push button method) and press OK. The printer will display a message asking you to press the WPS button on your router.
  5. Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS button on your router until its WPS light starts blinking.
  6. Wait while the printer and router negotiate. The LCD will show a connecting animation.
  7. When finished, the screen displays Connected and the blue Wi-Fi lamp stops blinking and stays lit.

If the connection fails, the printer usually shows an error code. Note it down before retrying, since it helps with troubleshooting later.

Method 2: Connect via Standard Wireless Setup

If your router does not have a WPS button, or WPS is disabled for security reasons, use the standard method. This requires entering your Wi-Fi password manually using the printer’s arrow keys.

  1. Power on the printer.
  2. Press Setup, then navigate to Wireless LAN setup and press OK.
  3. Select Standard setup and press OK. The printer will search for available networks.
  4. When the list appears, use the arrow keys to highlight your SSID and press OK.
  5. If your network is not listed, choose Other networks or Manual setup and type the SSID exactly, including uppercase and lowercase letters.
  6. When prompted for the password, use the arrow keys to select each character and press OK to add it. Use the Back button to delete a mistake.
  7. After entering the full password, press OK to confirm.
  8. The printer attempts to connect. On success, the screen shows Connected and the Wi-Fi lamp turns solid blue.

Typing a long password with arrow keys can be tedious. If you make a mistake, it is faster to cancel and restart than to delete many characters.

Method 3: Connect Using the Canon PRINT App

The Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app simplifies setup, especially if your phone is already on the Wi-Fi network. This method is popular because the phone’s keyboard is far easier to use than the printer’s buttons.

  1. Download and install the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from your device’s app store.
  2. Open the app and tap Add Printer or the plus icon.
  3. Choose Set up a new printer and follow the on-screen wizard.
  4. When asked, put the printer into setup mode by pressing and holding the Wi-Fi button (or following the app’s prompt) until the blue lamp flashes.
  5. The app detects the printer, asks you to select your Wi-Fi network, and lets you type the password using your phone keyboard.
  6. Confirm and wait for the app to report that the printer is connected.
  7. Print a test page from within the app to verify.

Some phones may temporarily disconnect from Wi-Fi during setup because the printer broadcasts its own temporary network. Follow the app’s instructions to reconnect to your home network afterward.

Method 4: Connect via USB Cable First

If wireless setup keeps failing, you can connect the printer to a computer with a USB cable, install the drivers, and then configure Wi-Fi from the computer. This is the most reliable fallback.

  1. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Download the latest driver and software from Canon’s official support website for the PIXMA TS3420.
  3. Run the installer and choose the USB connection option initially.
  4. Once installation completes, reopen the Canon software and select the option to change or set up the connection type.
  5. Choose Wireless LAN connection and follow the wizard, entering your SSID and password on the computer.
  6. The software sends the settings to the printer over USB, then disconnects USB and switches to Wi-Fi.
  7. Unplug the USB cable and print a test page wirelessly.

This method is especially useful in offices where WPS is disabled and typing on the printer is impractical.

Comparison of Connection Methods

Each method has strengths and weaknesses. Use this table to choose the best approach for your situation.

Method Speed Needs Password Typing on Printer Best For
WPS Push Button Fastest (under 1 minute) No Home routers with a WPS button
Standard Setup Medium (3–5 minutes) Yes Routers without WPS or with WPS disabled
Canon PRINT App Medium (3–5 minutes) No (typed on phone) Smartphone users who prefer a guided wizard
USB Cable First Slowest (10+ minutes) No (typed on computer) Difficult networks or failed wireless attempts

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful steps, wireless setup can fail. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.

Printer Cannot Find Your Network

If your SSID does not appear in the list, your router may be broadcasting on 5 GHz only or hiding its SSID. Log into your router settings and ensure 2.4 GHz is enabled and SSID broadcast is on. Move the printer closer to the router during setup.

Wrong Password Error

Passwords are case-sensitive. Re-enter carefully, watching for similar characters like 0 and O or 1 and l. If you are unsure of the password, check the router label or reset it through your router’s admin panel.

Connection Times Out

This often happens when the WPS button is pressed too late or the signal is weak. Restart both the printer and router, then retry within the two-minute WPS window. For standard setup, re-enter the password without long pauses.

Printer Connects but Cannot Print

If the Wi-Fi lamp is solid but printing fails, the computer may be on a different network or the printer’s IP address may have changed. Restart the printer to refresh its DHCP lease, then re-add the printer in your operating system’s printer settings.

Understanding Error Codes

The TS3420 displays numeric error codes when setup fails. Common ones include connection timeout and authentication failure. Write down the code and consult Canon’s support documentation or the printer manual for the exact meaning and remedy.

Reconnecting After a Router Change

If you replace your router or change your Wi-Fi password, the printer will lose its connection and the blue Wi-Fi lamp will start blinking. You will need to repeat one of the setup methods above. The printer stores only one network at a time, so changing networks overwrites the previous settings.

Before reconnecting, it is wise to reset the printer’s network settings to clear any stale data. You can do this from the Setup menu under Device settings or Reset settings, depending on firmware version. After the reset, run your preferred setup method again.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Keep the printer within 10 meters of the router for the most stable connection.
  • Use a 2.4 GHz network for setup; you can usually keep 5 GHz for other devices afterward.
  • Assign a static IP address to the printer in your router’s DHCP settings to prevent address changes that break printing.
  • Update the printer firmware periodically through Canon’s software to fix bugs and improve compatibility.
  • Avoid placing the printer near microwaves, cordless phones, or thick concrete walls that interfere with Wi-Fi.
  • Print a network configuration page from the Setup menu to confirm the IP address and signal strength.
  • If multiple computers need access, install the Canon driver on each one and point them to the same printer IP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the TS3420 connect to 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

The Canon PIXMA TS3420 is designed for 2.4 GHz networks. Some routers combine both bands under one name, which can cause confusion. For best results, connect to the 2.4 GHz band during setup.

Do I need a computer to connect the printer to Wi-Fi?

No. You can connect using the printer’s own buttons (WPS or standard setup) or the Canon PRINT app on a smartphone. A computer is only needed for the USB-first method.

Why does the Wi-Fi lamp keep blinking?

A blinking blue lamp means the printer is searching for a network or waiting for a connection. It should become solid once connected. If it blinks indefinitely, repeat the setup steps or reset network settings.

How do I find my Wi-Fi password?

Check the label on your router, which usually lists the default SSID and password. If you changed it and forgot, log into your router’s admin interface (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) to view or reset it.

Can I connect the TS3420 to a mobile hotspot?

Yes, as long as the hotspot uses 2.4 GHz and you enter its SSID and password correctly. Keep in mind that printing over a mobile hotspot consumes data.

What if WPS is disabled on my router?

Use the standard setup method, the Canon PRINT app, or the USB-first method. All three work without WPS.

How do I print a network status page?

From the Setup menu, navigate to device or network settings and select the option to print a network configuration page. This page shows your IP address, SSID, and signal strength.

Is it safe to leave the printer connected to Wi-Fi?

Yes. The printer only accepts print jobs from devices on your network. Keep your router password strong and firmware updated for general security.

Conclusion

Connecting the Canon PIXMA TS3420 to your wireless network is straightforward once you choose the right method for your equipment. WPS is fastest for compatible routers, standard setup works everywhere, the Canon PRINT app offers phone-based convenience, and the USB-first method is the ultimate fallback. By following the steps in this guide on How to Connect Ts3420 to Wifi?, you should now have a solid blue Wi-Fi lamp and a printer ready for wireless jobs.

Remember to keep the printer within good range of your router, use 2.4 GHz during setup, and assign a static IP if you experience intermittent printing. If you run into trouble, revisit the troubleshooting section, reset the network settings, and try again. With a stable connection, your TS3420 will serve as a reliable wireless printer for years to come.