HowToFixWiFiSimple fixes  •  Better connection
Troubleshooting and Repair

How to Reset Canon Printer Wifi? Unlink Old Network

Introduction Canon printers are among the most reliable devices for home and office use, but wireless connectivity issues can still disrupt your workflow. Whether you have switched internet providers, replaced your router, changed your WiFi password, or moved

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Canon printers are among the most reliable devices for home and office use, but wireless connectivity issues can still disrupt your workflow. Whether you have switched internet providers, replaced your router, changed your WiFi password, or moved your printer to a new location, knowing How to Reset Canon Printer Wifi? is an essential troubleshooting skill. Resetting the wireless settings clears old network credentials, resolves connection conflicts, and gives you a fresh start for pairing your Canon printer with a new network.

This guide covers every available method for resetting Canon printer WiFi, including how to unlink an old network and reconnect to a new one. You will find step-by-step instructions for the control panel, WPS push-button setup, the Canon PRINT app, and full factory resets. We also include troubleshooting tips, best practices, a comparison table, and answers to frequently asked questions so you can get your printer back online quickly.

Table of Contents

Why You Might Need to Reset Canon Printer Wifi?

There are several common situations where resetting your Canon printer’s wireless settings becomes necessary. Understanding these scenarios helps you decide whether a simple network refresh or a full factory reset is the right approach.

First, if you have replaced your router or modem, your printer is likely still trying to connect to the old network. Even if the new router has the same network name and password, security keys and handshake protocols can differ enough to prevent a successful connection. Resetting the printer clears the old configuration so it can discover and join the new network.

Second, changing your WiFi password means the saved credentials on the printer are no longer valid. The printer may show an offline status or repeatedly fail to connect. A wireless reset removes the outdated password and lets you enter the new one.

Third, moving to a new home or office introduces a completely different network environment. The old SSID may no longer exist, and the printer will keep searching for a network that is out of range. Resetting the WiFi settings stops this fruitless searching and prepares the printer for a new setup.

Fourth, intermittent connectivity problems, such as the printer going offline randomly or print jobs getting stuck in the queue, can sometimes be traced to a corrupted wireless profile. Resetting the network settings often clears these glitches without requiring you to reinstall drivers.

Finally, if you are giving the printer to someone else or selling it, you should unlink the old network and reset wireless settings to protect your network credentials and privacy.

Before You Begin: Preparation Checklist

Before you start the reset process, gather everything you need so you do not have to pause in the middle of setup. Being prepared makes the process smoother and reduces the chance of errors.

  • Identify your Canon printer model. Look for the model number on the front or back of the device. Common series include PIXMA, MAXIFY, and imageCLASS. Menu names can vary slightly between models.
  • Have your WiFi network name (SSID) and password ready. You will need these to reconnect after the reset.
  • Make sure the printer is powered on. Most reset functions require the printer to be in a ready state, not in sleep mode or powered off.
  • Keep a computer, smartphone, or tablet nearby. You may need it to download the Canon PRINT app, access the router, or reinstall printer software after the reset.
  • Understand what will be erased. Resetting WiFi settings removes saved network names and passwords. A full factory reset may also erase custom paper settings, language preferences, and stored fax numbers, depending on the model.
  • Position the printer near the router during setup. A strong signal makes initial reconnection easier.

How to Reset Canon Printer Wifi? Using the Control Panel

Most Canon printers allow you to reset wireless settings directly from the built-in control panel. This is usually the fastest method when you are standing in front of the device.

Step-by-Step Control Panel Reset

  1. Turn on the Canon printer and wait until it reaches the ready state.
  2. Press the Setup, Home, or Menu button on the printer’s control panel. The exact label depends on your model.
  3. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to Device Settings, LAN Settings, or Wireless LAN Settings.
  4. Select Reset LAN, Reset Wireless LAN Settings, or a similar option.
  5. Confirm your selection when the printer asks if you want to restore wireless settings to factory defaults.
  6. Wait for the printer to complete the reset. The WiFi indicator light may flash or turn off temporarily.
  7. Restart the printer by turning it off and on again to ensure the changes take effect.

If your printer has a touchscreen, the process is similar: tap Settings, choose Device Settings, select LAN Settings, and look for the reset option. On some imageCLASS laser printers, you may need to press Additional Functions or Menu, then navigate to Network Settings before finding the reset command.

Remember that this method only resets network settings. It does not delete print history, saved documents on a computer, or ink level information.

How to Reset Canon Printer Wifi? Using the WPS Button

WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) is a convenient way to connect a printer to a router without entering a password manually. While WPS is primarily a connection method, it can also be used after clearing old network settings to establish a fresh link.

Step-by-Step WPS Reset and Reconnect

  1. Make sure your wireless router has a physical WPS button. Most modern routers do, but older models may not support this feature.
  2. On the Canon printer, press and hold the WiFi button until the power lamp flashes or the WiFi light begins to blink.
  3. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
  4. Wait for the printer’s WiFi light to stop flashing and remain steady. This indicates a successful connection.
  5. If the connection fails, repeat the process or try a different reset method.

WPS is best used when you want to connect quickly and do not want to type a long password. However, it does not always “unlink” an old network on its own. If the printer still remembers the previous SSID, you may need to perform a control panel reset first, then use WPS to connect to the new network.

Security note: WPS is convenient but less secure than WPA2 or WPA3 password authentication. If you are in a high-security office environment, consider using the control panel or app method instead.

How to Reset Canon Printer Wifi? Using the Canon PRINT App

The Canon PRINT app is available for iOS and Android devices. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing printer settings, including wireless network configuration.

Step-by-Step App Reset

  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 mobile device is connected to the same WiFi network you want the printer to use.
  3. Tap Add Printer or Register Printer and select your Canon model from the list.
  4. Once the printer is detected, open the printer settings or device settings within the app.
  5. Look for Wireless LAN Settings, Network Settings, or Reset Network Settings.
  6. Select the option to reset or clear wireless settings.
  7. Confirm the action and wait for the app to notify you that the reset is complete.

Using the app is especially helpful if your printer’s control panel is difficult to read or if you prefer managing settings from your phone. Keep in mind that the printer must be discoverable on the network for the app to communicate with it. If the printer is completely offline, you may need to use the control panel or WPS method first.

How to Reset Canon Printer Wifi? Full Factory Reset

A full factory reset is more thorough than a wireless-only reset. It restores the printer to its original out-of-the-box state, which means all saved networks, custom settings, and preferences are erased.

Step-by-Step Factory Reset

  1. Power on the printer and allow it to idle.
  2. Press Setup, Home, or Menu on the control panel.
  3. Navigate to Device Settings or Settings.
  4. Select Reset Settings, Restore Default, or Factory Reset.
  5. Choose Reset All or All Data rather than just LAN settings.
  6. Confirm your choice. The printer may restart automatically.
  7. After the restart, set up the printer from scratch, including language, date, time, and WiFi connection.

Use a factory reset only when necessary, such as when you are troubleshooting persistent errors, preparing to sell the printer, or when a wireless-only reset does not solve the problem. After a factory reset, you will need to reinstall printer software on your computers and mobile devices.

Unlinking the Old Network: Step-by-Step

One of the most important parts of How to Reset Canon Printer Wifi? is making sure the old network is truly unlinked. If the printer still attempts to connect to a previous router, you may experience connection conflicts, slow performance, or an offline status even after entering new credentials.

How to Unlink an Old Network

  1. Access the printer’s LAN Settings or Wireless LAN Settings menu from the control panel.
  2. Look for an option labeled Stored Networks, Saved SSIDs, or Network List.
  3. Select the old network name from the list.
  4. Choose Delete, Forget, or Remove.
  5. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
  6. Repeat for any additional old networks you want to remove.
  7. Exit the menu and restart the printer.

If your printer model does not show a list of saved networks, performing a Reset LAN or Reset Wireless LAN Settings action effectively unlinks all saved networks at once. Afterward, the printer will no longer attempt to join the old network automatically.

It is also a good idea to restart your router after unlinking the old network. This clears any cached device associations on the router side and gives both devices a clean starting point.

Reconnecting Your Canon Printer to a New WiFi Network

Once you have reset the WiFi settings and unlinked the old network, you are ready to connect to your current wireless network. You can use any of the methods described earlier, but the standard wireless setup is usually the most reliable.

Standard WiFi Reconnection Steps

  1. Turn on the printer and place it within range of your router.
  2. Open the Wireless LAN Setup or WiFi Setup menu on the printer’s control panel.
  3. Select SSID Settings or Select Network.
  4. Choose your network name from the list of available networks. If your network is hidden, select Manual Setup and enter the SSID exactly as it appears.
  5. Enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard or arrow buttons. Take care with uppercase and lowercase letters, as WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.
  6. Confirm the settings and wait for the printer to connect. The WiFi indicator light should become steady when the connection is successful.
  7. Print a network configuration page or a test page to verify connectivity.

After reconnecting, add the printer to your computer or mobile device again. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and select Add device. On macOS, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners and click the + button. For mobile devices, open the Canon PRINT app and add the printer if it is not already listed.

Comparison: Reset Methods at a Glance

Not every reset method is ideal for every situation. Use the table below to choose the approach that fits your needs.

Reset Method Best For Pros Cons Difficulty
Control Panel Reset Quick network refresh without a computer Fast; no extra devices needed; clears saved WiFi credentials Menu names vary by model; requires navigating small screens Easy
WPS Button Fast reconnection when router supports WPS No password entry needed; quick pairing Does not always unlink old networks; less secure Easy
Canon PRINT App Users who prefer mobile device management Intuitive interface; good for touchscreen-less printers Requires app installation; printer must be discoverable Easy
Full Factory Reset Persistent errors or preparing to sell the printer Clears all settings and stored networks completely Erases custom preferences; requires full re-setup Moderate

Troubleshooting Common Issues After Reset

Even after successfully resetting your Canon printer WiFi, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.

Printer Not Found After Reset

If your computer or phone cannot find the printer after the reset, make sure both devices are on the same network. Restart the printer and the router, then try adding the printer again. If you are using a USB connection for setup, switch to wireless setup once the network credentials are entered.

Cannot Connect to 5GHz WiFi

Many Canon printers only support 2.4GHz wireless networks. If your router broadcasts a combined 2.4GHz and 5GHz network under the same name, the printer may fail to connect. Try separating the bands in your router settings or temporarily disabling 5GHz during printer setup.

WPS Connection Fails

WPS has a short timing window, usually two minutes. If you press the router’s WPS button too late, the connection will fail. Also, some routers have WPS disabled by default for security reasons. Check your router’s admin panel to ensure WPS is enabled.

Printer Shows Offline After Reconnect

An offline status often means the printer lost its IP address or the computer is looking for an old port. Restart the printer, then set a static IP address for the printer through your router’s DHCP reservation list. On your computer, remove the old printer entry and add it again using the new IP address.

Canon PRINT App Cannot Detect Printer

Make sure your phone is connected to the same 2.4GHz network you want the printer to use. Close and reopen the app, then restart the printer. If detection still fails, use the control panel to connect to WiFi first, then open the app.

Tips and Best Practices for Canon Printer WiFi

Keeping your Canon printer connected reliably takes more than just knowing how to reset it. Follow these best practices to minimize future wireless issues.

  • Use the 2.4GHz band. Most Canon printers do not support 5GHz. If your router uses a single network name for both bands, consider splitting them or connecting the printer to the 2.4GHz band specifically.
  • Place the printer near the router during initial setup. Once connected, you can move it to a more convenient location, but a strong signal during pairing reduces setup failures.
  • Update printer firmware. Canon periodically releases firmware updates that improve WiFi stability. Check the Canon support website for your model and install updates when available.
  • Assign a static IP address. Use your router’s settings to reserve an IP address for the printer. This prevents the printer from going offline when its DHCP lease expires and the address changes.
  • Keep network credentials handy. Store your WiFi name and password in a secure place so you can re-enter them quickly after a reset.
  • Restart your printer regularly. Powering the printer off and on once every few weeks can clear temporary network glitches.
  • Avoid too many saved networks. If you frequently change networks, unlink old ones periodically to prevent the printer from attempting to connect to outdated routers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting WiFi delete my print queue?

No. Resetting wireless network settings removes saved WiFi credentials, but it does not delete documents waiting in the print queue on your computer. However, jobs sent to the printer before the reset may not complete if the connection is lost during the process.

How do I know if my Canon printer is connected to WiFi?

Most Canon printers have a WiFi indicator light. When the light is steady (not flashing), the printer is connected. You can also print a network configuration page from the control panel to confirm the IP address and connection status.

Can I reset Canon printer WiFi without a computer?

Yes. You can reset WiFi settings using the printer’s control panel, the WPS button on your router, or the Canon PRINT app on a smartphone or tablet. A computer is not required for the reset itself.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You can find your WiFi password on a label attached to your router, in your router’s admin settings, or on another device already connected to the network. You will need the password to reconnect the printer after resetting it.

How often should I reset my Canon printer WiFi?

Only reset the WiFi when you encounter connection problems, change routers, change your WiFi password, or move to a new location. There is no need to reset it on a regular schedule if the printer is working properly.

Does a factory reset remove ink level data?

A factory reset generally restores system settings and network configurations. It does not physically reset ink tank levels or ink cartridge chips, though some models may reset internal counters. You should still check ink levels manually after a reset.

My printer still shows the old network after reset. What now?

Perform a Reset LAN or Reset Wireless LAN Settings action again, making sure to confirm the reset. Then restart both the printer and the router. If the old network persists, try a full factory reset and reconnect from scratch.

Conclusion

Learning How to Reset Canon Printer Wifi? is a practical skill that saves time and reduces frustration when your printer loses its connection. Whether you use the control panel, WPS, the Canon PRINT app, or a full factory reset, the goal is the same: clear old network credentials, unlink the previous router, and establish a clean connection to your current WiFi network.

By following the step-by-step instructions in this guide, you can reset your Canon printer’s wireless settings with confidence. Remember to prepare your network name and password ahead of time, place the printer near the router during setup, and use best practices such as static IP assignment and firmware updates to keep the connection stable.

If you run into issues, refer to the troubleshooting section and the comparison table to choose the right method for your situation. With a little patience, your Canon printer will be back online and ready to handle all your printing needs.