HowToFixWiFiSimple fixes  •  Better connection
Troubleshooting and Repair

How to Reset Wifi Settings? Reset Canon Printer Wifi

Introduction Canon printers are among the most reliable choices for home and office use, but wireless connectivity can sometimes become a source of frustration. Whether your printer has gone offline, stopped responding to print commands, or simply refuses to j

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Canon printers are among the most reliable choices for home and office use, but wireless connectivity can sometimes become a source of frustration. Whether your printer has gone offline, stopped responding to print commands, or simply refuses to join a new network, knowing how to reset WiFi settings can save you hours of troubleshooting. This guide walks you through every available method to reset Canon printer WiFi settings, from using the built-in control panel to leveraging the Canon PRINT app and WPS push-button setup.

If you have recently changed your internet service provider, updated your router, or modified your WiFi password, your Canon printer may lose its connection. In many cases, a simple network reset clears stale credentials and allows the device to reconnect cleanly. Throughout this article, we will explore how to reset WiFi settings on Canon printers step by step, explain what to do before you begin, and offer troubleshooting tips for common post-reset issues. By the end, you should feel confident managing your printer’s wireless configuration without needing professional assistance.

Table of Contents

Why You Might Need to Reset Canon Printer WiFi Settings

Wireless printers depend on a stable handshake between the printer, your router, and your devices. Over time, several scenarios can disrupt this relationship. You might have replaced your router and now the printer is still looking for the old network name. Perhaps you updated your WiFi password for security reasons, and the printer keeps failing authentication. In other cases, the printer may show as offline on your computer even though it appears powered on and connected to the display.

Network conflicts, IP address changes, and firmware glitches can also cause intermittent printing failures. When standard troubleshooting like power cycling does not work, resetting the wireless settings removes saved network data and returns the printer’s WiFi module to a clean state. This makes it easier to enter fresh credentials and establish a reliable connection. Understanding when to perform this reset helps you avoid unnecessary service calls and keeps your printing workflow running smoothly.

Before You Begin: Preparation Checklist

Before you start the reset process, gather a few essential items so you do not get stuck halfway through. First, identify your exact Canon printer model. The reset steps can vary slightly between PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS, and other series, so knowing your model number ensures you follow the right instructions. Next, have your WiFi network name (SSID) and password ready. You will need these to reconnect the printer after the reset.

Make sure the printer is plugged into a stable power source and turned on. If you plan to use the Canon PRINT app, install it on your smartphone or tablet and confirm that your mobile device is connected to the same WiFi network you want the printer to use. For WPS setup, verify that your router supports WPS and that the WPS button is accessible. Finally, keep a computer or laptop nearby in case you need to reinstall printer drivers or check network settings after the reset. Having these items prepared makes the process faster and reduces the chance of errors.

How to Reset Wifi Settings? General Methods Overview

There is no single universal button that works on every Canon printer, which is why it helps to understand the main approaches available. Most users can reset WiFi settings through the printer’s onboard control panel, especially on models with an LCD screen and navigation buttons. For newer wireless models, the Canon PRINT app provides a convenient mobile-friendly way to manage network settings. The WPS push-button method offers a quick alternative if your router supports it, while a full factory default restore wipes all saved settings, including WiFi credentials.

Choosing the right method depends on your printer model, your comfort level with technology, and whether you still have access to the current network. In the sections below, we will detail each method so you can decide which one fits your situation. If you are asking how to reset WiFi settings because your printer is completely unresponsive on the network, starting with the control panel method is usually the safest first step before attempting a more aggressive factory reset.

Method 1: Using the Printer Control Panel

For Canon printers with a color LCD touchscreen or a monochrome display, the control panel is often the most direct way to reset wireless settings. Begin by pressing the Home or Menu button on the printer. Use the arrow keys or touchscreen to navigate to Settings, then look for Device Settings, LAN Settings, or Wireless LAN Settings depending on your model. Select the option labeled Reset LAN Settings, Reset Network Settings, or Restore Defaults.

Confirm your selection when prompted. The printer may display a warning that all wireless network information will be deleted. Press OK or Yes to proceed. After the reset completes, the printer will restart its WiFi module and disconnect from any previously saved network. On models without a screen, you may need to press and hold the Stop or Reset button for several seconds until the alarm lamp flashes, then release it to initiate a network reset. Always consult your specific model’s manual if the menu labels differ slightly.

  1. Press the Home or Menu button on the printer.
  2. Navigate to Settings, then Device Settings or LAN Settings.
  3. Select Reset LAN Settings or Reset Network Settings.
  4. Confirm the action when prompted.
  5. Wait for the printer to finish the reset and restart its WiFi module.

Method 2: Resetting via the Canon PRINT App

The Canon PRINT app is available for iOS and Android and simplifies wireless management for supported printers. First, make sure your smartphone or tablet is connected to the same WiFi network you want the printer to use. Open the app and add your printer if it is not already registered. Once the printer appears in the app, tap on the printer name or icon to access its settings menu.

Look for a section called Printer Settings, Network Settings, or WiFi Settings. Within that menu, you should find an option to reset or change the wireless LAN settings. Select it, confirm the action, and wait for the app to communicate with the printer. The app may ask you to re-enter your network SSID and password immediately after the reset. This method is especially helpful if you do not want to navigate small buttons on the printer itself and prefer using a larger mobile screen.

Method 3: WPS Push Button Method

WiFi Protected Setup, or WPS, allows you to connect a printer to a router without typing a password. While this is primarily a connection method, it can also serve as a way to refresh the wireless link if your printer is struggling to maintain communication. To use WPS, place the printer within range of your router. Press and hold the WiFi button on the Canon printer until the power lamp flashes, or follow the model-specific WPS activation sequence described in your manual.

Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router. The printer and router should exchange security information automatically. Once the connection is established, the WiFi lamp on the printer will remain lit. If the connection fails, repeat the process or try one of the other reset methods. Keep in mind that WPS does not erase old network settings the way a dedicated reset does, but it can force the printer to re-establish a handshake with your router.

Method 4: Restoring Factory Defaults for Network Settings

A factory reset is the most comprehensive option and should be used only when simpler methods fail. Unlike a standard WiFi reset, restoring factory defaults may erase not only wireless credentials but also custom paper settings, language preferences, and stored fax numbers depending on the model. To perform this reset, navigate to the Setup or Settings menu on the printer’s control panel. Choose Device Settings, then Reset Settings, and select All Data or Factory Reset.

Confirm the action and allow the printer to restart. After it powers back on, you will need to set up the printer from scratch, including reconnecting it to WiFi, reinstalling drivers on your computer, and reconfiguring any cloud printing services. Because this method wipes more than just network data, it is best reserved for persistent connection errors, forgotten admin passwords, or when you are preparing to sell or give away the printer.

Reconnecting Your Canon Printer to WiFi After Reset

Once the wireless settings have been reset, the printer will no longer remember your network. You must reconnect it before you can print wirelessly again. On printers with an LCD screen, go to the WiFi or LAN setup menu and select your network from the list of available SSIDs. Enter your WiFi password carefully, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. Confirm the entry and wait for the printer to display a connected message.

If your printer lacks a screen, you can use the Canon PRINT app to guide the connection process, or use the WPS method described earlier. After the printer joins the network, print a network configuration page or a test page to verify the connection. On your computer, you may need to re-add the printer through Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners on Windows or System Settings > Printers & Scanners on macOS. This ensures the operating system recognizes the printer’s new network identity.

Comparison: Reset Methods by Canon Printer Model

Different Canon printer series support different reset options. The table below summarizes the most common methods so you can choose the one that matches your hardware.

Method Best For Difficulty Estimated Time Typical Models
Control Panel Printers with LCD screens Easy 2–5 minutes PIXMA TS, TR, MG series
Canon PRINT App Mobile-first setup Easy 3–7 minutes PIXMA TS, iP, MX series
WPS Push Button Quick reconnection without password Easy 1–3 minutes Most wireless Canon printers
Factory Defaults Persistent errors or resale Moderate 5–10 minutes All Canon network printers

Troubleshooting Common Issues After WiFi Reset

Even after a successful reset, you may encounter a few hiccups. If the printer does not appear in the list of available devices on your computer, first confirm that both the printer and the computer are connected to the same WiFi network. Restart your router and printer, then wait a few minutes for the network to stabilize. If you entered the wrong password during setup, the printer will fail to connect. In that case, repeat the reset process and re-enter the credentials carefully.

Some routers separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands into different network names. Canon printers generally work best on the 2.4 GHz band, so make sure you are connecting to the correct one. If the printer remains offline, check for firmware updates through the Canon PRINT app or the Canon support website. Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues with newer routers. Finally, if your printer has a static IP address assigned, a reset may clear it, requiring you to reconfigure IP settings in your router’s admin panel.

Tips and Best Practices for Canon Printer WiFi

To minimize the need for future resets, place your printer within reasonable range of your router and avoid physical obstructions like thick walls or large metal objects. Keep your printer’s firmware up to date, as Canon periodically releases improvements for wireless stability. If your network supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, consider assigning a dedicated 2.4 GHz SSID for IoT devices such as printers to reduce congestion.

Avoid changing your WiFi password too frequently unless necessary, since every connected device including the printer will need updated credentials. If you do change your router, reset the printer’s WiFi settings before attempting to connect to the new network to prevent conflicts with old settings. Lastly, label your printer with its current network name and IP address if you manage multiple devices, which makes troubleshooting faster when issues arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting WiFi settings erase my saved print jobs?

No. Resetting the wireless LAN settings typically removes only network credentials such as your SSID and password. It does not delete documents waiting in the print queue or stored fax data unless you perform a full factory reset.

How do I know if the WiFi reset was successful?

The printer’s WiFi lamp should stop blinking and remain steady, or the LCD screen should show a disconnected or ready-for-setup status. You can also print a network status page to confirm that no network is currently saved.

Can I reset Canon printer WiFi without a computer?

Yes. You can use the printer’s control panel, the Canon PRINT app on a smartphone, or the WPS button on your router. A computer is only needed if you want to reinstall drivers or reconfigure the printer afterward.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You will need to recover your WiFi password from your router’s admin settings or contact your internet service provider. The printer cannot retrieve a forgotten password for you.

How often should I reset my Canon printer’s WiFi settings?

Only when you experience connection problems, change routers, or update your WiFi password. There is no need to reset on a regular schedule if the printer is working normally.

Does a factory reset remove WiFi settings?

Yes. A factory reset wipes all saved settings, including wireless network information. You will have to set up the printer as if it were new.

Conclusion

Resetting your Canon printer’s WiFi settings does not have to be complicated. Whether you use the control panel, the Canon PRINT app, WPS, or a full factory restore, the goal is the same: clear out old or corrupted network data so the printer can connect cleanly to your wireless network. By following the steps in this guide and keeping your network credentials handy, you can resolve most wireless printing issues on your own.

Remember to choose the reset method that matches your printer model and the severity of the problem. Start with the simplest option, such as the control panel or app, before moving to a factory reset. Now that you know how to reset WiFi settings on your Canon printer, you can get back to printing without unnecessary delays or wireless interruptions.