Canon Printer Cannot Find Access Point

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If your Canon printer cannot find the access point (WiFi network), it’s typically due to wireless signal issues, incorrect network settings, or incompatibility with the WiFi frequency. This guide walks through all the necessary steps to resolve the issue and get your Canon printer connected to your wireless network.

Confirm WiFi Network is Broadcasting

Ensure the Router is On and Functioning
  • Make sure your router is turned on and actively broadcasting a signal.
  • Check if other devices (phones, laptops) can see and connect to the same WiFi network.

Restart Router and Printer
  • Turn off the router and printer.
  • Wait 30 seconds, then power them back on.
  • Try scanning for the access point again.

Check WiFi Frequency Compatibility

Use a 2.4 GHz Network
  • Most Canon printers only support 2.4 GHz WiFi, not 5 GHz.
  • Dual-band routers often have two separate SSIDs (e.g., “HomeWiFi” and “HomeWiFi_5G”).
  • Connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz network.

Disable 5 GHz Temporarily (if necessary)
  • Access your router settings and temporarily turn off 5 GHz.
  • This can help older Canon printers detect the access point.

Reduce Wireless Interference

Improve Signal Strength
  • Place the printer closer to the router.
  • Avoid barriers like thick walls, metal furniture, or microwaves between the printer and router.

Change WiFi Channel
  • Log into your router’s admin panel and change the 2.4 GHz channel to 1, 6, or 11.
  • This reduces interference from nearby networks.

Manually Enter the Access Point Name (SSID)

If the printer cannot automatically find the access point:

  1. On the printer, go to Settings > LAN Settings > Wireless LAN Setup.
  2. Choose Other Methods > Manual Setup.
  3. Enter your network name (SSID) manually.
  4. Enter the correct WiFi password (case-sensitive).
  5. Confirm the connection.

Use WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) Method

If your router supports WPS:

Push Button Method
  1. On the router, press the WPS button for a few seconds.
  2. On the printer, press the WiFi button until it starts flashing.
  3. Wait for both devices to connect (usually within 2 minutes).
  4. Once connected, the WiFi light should stay solid.

Check Router Settings

Hide SSID Disabled
  • If your router has SSID broadcast disabled, the printer cannot find the network.
  • Enable SSID broadcast in router settings.

MAC Address Filtering
  • If MAC filtering is enabled, add the printer’s MAC address to the router’s allowed list.
  • You can find the MAC address on the printer’s Network Configuration Page.

Reset Network Settings on the Printer

If previous WiFi settings are interfering:

  1. On the printer, go to Settings > Device Settings > Reset LAN Settings.
  2. Confirm and reset.
  3. After the reset, go back to Wireless LAN Setup and try connecting again.

Update Printer Firmware
  • Outdated firmware may cause WiFi detection issues.
  • Visit the Canon Support site.
  • Enter your model number and download the latest firmware.
  • Install using USB or over the network (if partially connected).

Use Canon’s Setup Tools

Canon IJ Network Tool (Windows)
  • Helps detect and connect Canon printers to your network.
  • Use this tool if the printer still cannot find the access point directly.

Canon PRINT App (Mobile)
  • Download the app on your iOS or Android device.
  • Use Easy Wireless Connect to set up the printer wirelessly via the app.
  • Follow on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

When to Contact Canon Support

Contact Canon Support if:

  • Your printer cannot detect any networks.
  • You’ve verified your network is 2.4 GHz, visible, and working.
  • You’ve reset settings and updated firmware with no improvement.

This could indicate a hardware issue with the printer’s WiFi module or antenna. Canon may offer repair, replacement, or advanced support depending on your warranty status.