Canon Printer Won't Connect to WiFi? 8 Fixes to Try Now
Canon printers are reliable but WiFi connection issues are frustratingly common, especially after router changes, internet provider upgrades, or network updates. Here are the most effective fixes in order. For general WiFi printer setup see our complete WiFi setup guide.
Fix 1: Check Your WiFi Band
Most Canon printers only support 2.4GHz WiFi, not 5GHz. If your router broadcasts both bands with different names, make sure you are connecting your Canon to the 2.4GHz network. If your router uses the same name for both bands (band steering), temporarily disable 5GHz in your router settings during printer setup. This is the most common cause of Canon printers failing to find or connect to the network.
Fix 2: Reset Canon Network Settings
On your Canon printer: press and hold the Stop button until the orange lamp flashes 15 times, then release. This resets all network settings to factory default without affecting other printer settings. After the reset, reconnect to WiFi from scratch using the Wireless LAN Setup in the printer menu.
Fix 3: Use Canon PRINT App
Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app free from the App Store or Google Play. The app provides a guided WiFi setup significantly more reliable than using the printer control panel alone. Open Canon PRINT → tap the printer icon → Set Up New Printer and follow the step-by-step instructions. The app detects common connection issues automatically. Once connected, the Canon PRINT app also enables printing from iPhone and Android.
Fix 4: WPS Setup Method
Press and hold the WiFi button on your Canon printer until it flashes once, then release. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router for 3-5 seconds. The WiFi light on the printer will flash rapidly then turn solid when connected. This bypasses password entry entirely and is the most reliable connection method for routers that support WPS.
Fix 5: Check Router Security Settings
Some router security settings block printer connections. Log into your router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and check: AP isolation or client isolation is disabled, MAC address filtering is not blocking your printer, and no firewall rules are blocking the printer's IP. These settings are commonly enabled on routers provided by internet service providers.
Fix 6: Update Canon Firmware
Outdated printer firmware causes WiFi compatibility issues with newer routers. Check for firmware updates via the Canon PRINT app (Printer Settings → Firmware Version → Check for Updates) or through the printer menu (Setup → Device Settings → Firmware Version → Update). Firmware updates frequently resolve WiFi connection problems introduced by router firmware updates.
Fix 7: Move Printer Closer to Router During Setup
Temporarily move your printer to within 3 metres of your router for initial WiFi setup, then move it to its permanent location once connected. Walls, appliances, and distance all reduce WiFi signal during the connection handshake. If your Canon loses connection frequently in its permanent location, consider a WiFi extender positioned between the printer and router.
Fix 8: Full Factory Reset
If nothing else works: on your Canon printer, go to Setup → Device Settings → Reset Settings → Reset All. This returns the printer to factory defaults. Set up WiFi again from scratch after the reset. While time-consuming, a full reset resolves persistent connection problems caused by corrupted settings. After reconnecting, install or reinstall drivers — see our driver installation guide for complete steps.