Canon Pixma Wireless Setup
Canon Pixma printers share a similar wireless playbook: join the 2.4 GHz network, install Canon's full driver, and verify with a test print and scan. This guide applies to popular lines like MG, TS, TR, G (MegaTank), and MAXIFY MB units that use the Pixma toolkit. Use these steps to connect from scratch or to fix a printer that keeps blinking or going offline after a router change.
Know Your Network
Pixma models operate on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If your router combines 2.4 and 5 GHz into one SSID, consider temporarily separating them so the printer can choose the correct band. Write down the exact SSID and password, verify another device can browse the web on that network, and disable VPN on the computer you will use. If you rely on a mesh system, place the printer near the primary node for initial setup and avoid guest networks that isolate devices.
Reset Before Reconnecting
When moving to a new router or changing passwords, reset the printer's network settings so old data does not interfere. On most Pixma models, hold the Stop button until the alarm lamp flashes 15 times, then release. The printer restarts with cleared wireless information. Some models offer a reset through Setup > Device settings > Reset settings; use that if available.
WPS Push Button
If your router supports WPS, this is the fastest path. Put the printer into WPS mode (often by holding Wi-Fi until it flashes, pressing Color, then pressing Wi-Fi again). Within two minutes, press the router’s WPS button. The Wi-Fi lamp should blink and then stay solid. If the attempt fails, make sure WPS is enabled and try again near the main router, not a satellite.
Standard Setup via Control Panel
From the printer menu, go to Wireless LAN setup or Wi-Fi settings. Choose Standard setup, select your SSID from the list, and enter the password using the arrow keys. Watch for case sensitivity. When successful, the Wi-Fi light turns solid. If you see a connection error, re-enter the password and confirm the router is using WPA2 or mixed WPA2/WPA3 (avoid WPA3-only for older Pixma models).
Cableless Setup with Canon Software
Download the Canon setup package for your Pixma series. Run it, select Wireless LAN Connection, then Cableless setup. The installer will ask you to start wireless mode on the printer (fast-blinking Wi-Fi light) and will send the credentials automatically. If the installer cannot find the printer, connect a USB cable when prompted so it can push the Wi-Fi details over USB; remove the cable after pairing.
Add the Printer on Windows
After the printer joins Wi-Fi, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and click Add device. Pick your Pixma when it appears. If it does not, add it by IP using the address from your router’s device list. Make sure the Canon driver is selected, not a generic driver, so you keep scanning, borderless options, and maintenance tools. Print a test page and run a scan from the Canon utility to confirm both paths.
Add the Printer on macOS
Install the Canon IJ driver for your model. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click the plus sign, and select the printer when it shows up. Choose the Canon driver (not AirPrint) in the Use menu. If discovery fails, add by IP with the printer’s address and protocol set to IPP or LPD depending on your model. Test print and scan after adding.
Mobile Printing
On phones and tablets, install Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY. Add the printer while on the same Wi-Fi. For iOS, AirPrint should then show your Pixma in any app’s print dialog. On Android, enable the default print service or Mopria for direct printing from Chrome and Gmail. If the app cannot see the printer, reconnect to 2.4 GHz and disable VPN or private DNS temporarily.
Prevent Offline Errors
Reserve the printer's IP in your router so computers always talk to the same address. Avoid guest networks with client isolation. Leave the printer powered on or in sleep mode; frequent power cycling can cause discovery delays. If you change router settings later, redo the wireless setup immediately and update the port on Windows if the IP changes.
Maintenance for Reliable Output
Run a Nozzle Check after setup to verify ink delivery. If you see gaps, run Cleaning and recheck. Align the print head if text looks fuzzy. Use quality paper and genuine or reputable compatible inks to avoid clogs. Print something weekly to keep ink flowing and to confirm the network connection still works. Update firmware through Canon's tools when offered; many updates improve Wi-Fi stability.
Quick Checklist
- Reset network settings if the printer was connected before.
- Use WPS, standard setup, or cableless setup to join 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
- Install Canon's full driver on Windows or macOS.
- Reserve the printer IP to prevent “offline” messages.
- Test from both a computer and a phone after pairing.
- Run nozzle checks and alignments to confirm print quality.
With these steps, any Canon Pixma model can be connected wirelessly with confidence and stay available for every device in your home or small office.