Canon Pixma MG2520 Wireless Setup

If you’re trying to connect a Canon Pixma MG2520 to Wi‑Fi, you’re not alone—this is one of the most searched questions for the MG2500 family. Here’s the important detail up front: the MG2520 itself does not include built‑in wireless hardware. That means there is no direct Wi‑Fi setup like you’d find on MG2522, MG2922, TS series, or MAXIFY printers.

The rest of this guide explains (1) how to confirm your model, (2) how to set up the MG2520 properly over USB, and (3) three practical ways to print wirelessly anyway, using your computer or a print‑sharing device. If your goal is to print from a phone or multiple laptops, these workarounds are the realistic path.

Confirm You Have an MG2520 (Not a Wireless Variant)

Look at the model label on the front or back. If it says MG2520 or MG2500 series without “Wireless,” the printer is USB‑only. Wireless variants are labeled MG2522, MG2920/2922, MG3020, MG3620, TS3xxx, TR series, etc. The MG2520 also does not have a Wi‑Fi button or wireless light.

USB Setup for Windows

1) Download the Canon MG2500 series driver package from Canon support. 2) Run the installer before plugging the USB cable in (unless the installer asks you to). 3) Choose USB Connection when prompted. 4) Connect the printer by USB and wait for Windows to finish detection. 5) Print a test page. Install the full Canon package so you also get maintenance tools and scanning support.

If Windows auto‑adds a generic driver and scanning is missing, remove the printer from Printers & scanners and reinstall using the Canon package.

USB Setup for macOS

On macOS, install the Canon IJ driver for MG2500 series. Connect the MG2520 via USB, then open System Settings > Printers & Scanners and click plus to add it. Choose the Canon driver in the Use dropdown. Print a test page and scan from Preview or Canon IJ Scan Utility to confirm two‑way communication.

How to Print Wirelessly Using Your Computer (Print Sharing)

Even though the MG2520 isn’t wireless, you can share it through a computer that stays on.

On Windows: Add the printer by USB. Then open Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right‑click the MG2520, choose Printer properties, and enable Share this printer. Other computers on the same network can then add it as a shared printer.

On macOS: Add the printer by USB. Then go to System Settings > General > Sharing and turn on Printer Sharing. Choose the MG2520. Other Macs on the same network can add it via Bonjour.

This method works well for households where one desktop remains on most of the day.

Print Wirelessly with a USB Print Server or Router USB Port

Some routers include a USB port that lets you share a USB printer across Wi‑Fi. Plug the MG2520 into the router’s USB port, then enable printer sharing in the router’s admin page. You’ll usually install a small utility on each computer to connect to the shared printer.

Alternatively, you can buy a dedicated USB print server (a small box that connects to your Wi‑Fi and provides a USB printer port). This avoids keeping a computer on all the time. Make sure the print server supports Canon inkjets and, ideally, supports scanning if you need that feature.

Print from a Phone: What to Expect

Phones can’t talk directly to the MG2520 because there is no Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth interface. To print from iPhone or Android, you must print through a computer (print sharing) or through a print server/router USB sharing. Once shared, your phone may see it as an AirPrint printer (iOS) or through Mopria/Print Service (Android), depending on your sharing device. If the shared printer doesn’t appear automatically, you can still print from the phone by sending the file to your computer and printing there.

Common Problems and Fixes

“Why can’t I find Wi‑Fi settings on the printer?” The MG2520 has no wireless menu, so this is expected. Use USB setup. Computer can’t see shared printer: Ensure both devices are on the same network and that the host computer is awake. Scanning doesn’t work over sharing: Many print servers support printing only; scanning still requires direct USB. Printer offline: Replug USB, restart the host computer, and check drivers.

Should You Upgrade Instead?

If you frequently print from multiple devices or need easy phone printing, a wireless Canon model is often worth it. The MG2522 is similar but still not wireless; for Wi‑Fi you’d want MG2922/MG3020/MG3620, TS3322, TR series, or a MegaTank model. The cost difference is often less than a print server, and setup is simpler.

Quick Checklist

• Confirm your printer is truly MG2520 (USB‑only).
• Install Canon MG2500 drivers and connect by USB.
• Enable printer sharing on Windows or macOS if you want wireless use.
• Or use a router USB port / print server for Wi‑Fi printing.
• Consider upgrading if you need built‑in Wi‑Fi and phone printing.

While the Canon Pixma MG2520 can’t connect to Wi‑Fi directly, you can still print wirelessly using sharing or a print server. Set it up by USB first, then choose the wireless workaround that fits your home.