Canon Printer Cannot Connect to Phone

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If your Canon printer cannot connect to your phone, it’s usually caused by Wi-Fi setup issues, outdated app versions, compatibility problems, or incorrect settings. Whether you’re using Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, AirPrint, or Mopria, this guide will help you fix phone-to-printer connection problems on both iPhone and Android.

1. Confirm Printer Supports Mobile Printing

Not all Canon printers support mobile printing. Supported features include:

Feature Supported On
Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY Most PIXMA, MAXIFY, SELPHY models
AirPrint Most Canon printers (iPhone/iPad)
Mopria Most Canon printers (Android)
Wi-Fi Direct Select Canon printers

Check your printer’s manual or Canon’s support site to confirm compatibility.

2. Use Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App

Step-by-Step Setup
  1. Install the app:
  2. Enable Wi-Fi on the Printer:
    • On your printer, go to Settings > LAN Settings > Wireless LAN Setup.
    • Choose Easy Wireless Connect or Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.
    • When the Wi-Fi light starts blinking, proceed to the app.
  3. Open the Canon PRINT app:
    • Tap Add Printer > Register Printer > Connect via Wireless Router.
    • Follow on-screen steps to connect both the phone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network.

3. Check Wi-Fi Connection
  • Ensure both your phone and printer are connected to the same 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
  • Most Canon printers do not support 5 GHz networks.
  • If using a dual-band router, select the 2.4 GHz band for both devices.

4. Use Wi-Fi Direct (No Router Required)

If you don’t have access to a router, use Wi-Fi Direct or Access Point Mode.

Enable Wi-Fi Direct on the Printer
  1. On the printer, go to Wi-Fi settings > Wi-Fi Direct / Direct Connection.
  2. Enable it and note the SSID and password displayed.
  3. On your phone, go to Wi-Fi settings and connect to that SSID.

Then, in the Canon PRINT app:
  • Tap Add Printer > Connect via Direct Connection.
  • The printer should now be accessible.

5. Troubleshooting iPhone Connection Issues (AirPrint)

Confirm AirPrint Support
  • Most Canon printers with Wi-Fi support AirPrint.
  • No app needed; use native iOS printing.

Steps:
  1. Make sure your iPhone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open a document or photo.
  3. Tap Share > Print > Select Printer.
  4. Choose your Canon printer. If not found:
    • Restart both devices
    • Reset Wi-Fi on the printer
    • Update iOS and printer firmware

6. Troubleshooting Android Connection Issues (Mopria)

Use Android’s Native Printing System
  1. Open Settings > Connected Devices > Printing > Default Print Service.
  2. Enable it and tap Add Printer.
  3. If your Canon printer supports Mopria, it should appear.
  4. If not, install the Canon Print Service Plugin from Google Play.

7. Update the Canon PRINT App
  • Go to the App Store or Google Play and check for updates.
  • An outdated app can cause detection and communication failures.

8. Restart and Reset

Restart Devices
  • Turn off the printer and phone.
  • Restart your Wi-Fi router (if using one).
  • Turn everything back on and retry the connection.

Reset Printer Network Settings (if needed)
  • Go to Settings > Device Settings > Reset Settings > Reset LAN Settings.
  • Reconnect to Wi-Fi using the setup method of your choice.

9. Firmware Update (Optional)
  • Visit Canon Support and check for a firmware update for your printer model.
  • Some mobile printing issues are resolved through firmware fixes.

10. When to Contact Canon Support

Reach out to Canon support if:

  • Your printer doesn’t appear after all setup steps.
  • You cannot use AirPrint or the Canon PRINT app despite proper configuration.
  • You see persistent error codes (e.g., 3441, 2110, 300).
  • You’re using a model that previously worked but suddenly stopped connecting.

Canon support can guide you through advanced setup or service the printer if hardware is at fault.