Canon Pixma MX490 Wireless Setup
The Canon Pixma MX490 connects smoothly when you follow a deliberate sequence: reset old network data, choose the right 2.4 GHz network, use the wireless LAN setup wizard or WPS, install the full Canon driver, and verify with test prints and scans. This guide covers every step along with common fixes for blinking Wi-Fi lights, offline queues, and drivers that point to the wrong port. Work through in order to avoid repeating attempts.
Prepare for Setup
Position the MX490 near your router for the initial connection. Confirm the 2.4 GHz SSID and password—the printer does not support 5 GHz. If your router merges bands, consider temporarily splitting them so the printer clearly picks 2.4 GHz. Disable VPN on your computer during installation, and if the printer was paired before, reset the network: hold Stop until the alarm flashes 15 times, then release and let it restart.
Wireless LAN Setup from the Panel
Press Setup on the MX490 panel, scroll to Wireless LAN setup, and choose Other setup > Standard setup. The printer scans for networks; select your SSID, press OK, and enter the password carefully. The Wi-Fi lamp should blink during connection and turn solid when done. If you see a failure message, re-enter the password and confirm your router security is set to WPA2 or mixed WPA2/WPA3 (avoid WPA3-only for older devices).
WPS Push Button
If your router supports WPS, use it to avoid typing the password. From Wireless LAN setup, choose WPS (Push button method). When prompted, press the WPS button on your router for a few seconds. The MX490 will search and connect. If it fails, ensure WPS is enabled and try again with the printer close to the main router, not an extender or mesh satellite.
Cableless Setup with Canon Software
Download the Canon MX490 series setup package. Run it, select Wireless LAN Connection, then Cableless setup. The installer will ask you to enable pairing mode on the printer and will send credentials automatically. If detection fails, connect a USB cable when prompted so the software can push Wi-Fi settings directly. Remove the cable after pairing.
Install Drivers on Windows
Use the full Canon driver, not just Windows Update. After the printer joins Wi-Fi, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and click Add device. Select Canon MX490 series. If it does not appear, add by IP using the address from your router or a network status printout (hold Stop until it flashes twice). In Printer properties > Ports, ensure the port matches the current IP or a BJNP network port, and uncheck Use Printer Offline if selected.
Install Drivers on macOS
Install the Canon IJ driver for MX490 and the IJ Network Tool. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click plus, and choose the printer when it appears. Set Use to the Canon driver rather than AirPrint to keep maintenance tools. If the printer doesn't appear, add it via the IP tab with the address from your router and protocol IPP or LPD. Test print and scan from Preview after adding.
Mobile Printing
Install Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY on your phone. Tap Add Printer, then follow the prompts while on the same Wi-Fi. For iOS, AirPrint will also see the MX490 once it's online; print a note from the Files app to confirm. On Android, enable the default print service or Mopria for direct printing without opening Canon's app.
Fix Common Wireless Problems
Blinking Wi-Fi light won't turn solid: Re-enter the correct password or try WPS. Router rejects WPS: Ensure WPS is enabled; if mesh nodes block it, use standard or cableless setup. Printer offline in Windows: Reserve the IP in your router so the port stays valid, then reinstall the driver if needed. Mac cannot find printer: Turn off VPN, make sure you're on 2.4 GHz, and add the printer by IP.
Print Quality After Setup
Run a Nozzle Check from the maintenance menu. If you see gaps or faint text, run Cleaning and repeat the check. Use clean, dry paper and quality cartridges. Poor output can look like a connection issue when the real problem is ink flow. Keep the printer powered so it can sleep and perform auto-maintenance.
Keep the MX490 Online
Reserve the printer's IP in your router for stability. Avoid guest networks with client isolation. If you change your Wi-Fi password or router, redo wireless setup right away. Update firmware via Canon's tools when available to improve connectivity. Print a page each week to confirm the network path and keep ink moving.
Quick Checklist
- Reset old Wi-Fi data if reconnecting.
- Use standard setup, WPS, or cableless setup to join 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
- Install the full Canon driver on Windows/macOS and verify the correct port.
- Reserve the IP to prevent “offline” errors.
- Test from a phone and a computer; run nozzle checks.
Follow these steps and your Canon Pixma MX490 will connect wirelessly, stay visible to your devices, and print reliably without repeated setup loops.