Canon Printer Cannot Find Access Point

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If your Canon printer cannot find the access point (Wi-Fi network) during wireless setup, it usually means the printer is unable to detect your router or connect to the wireless signal. This is a common issue and can usually be fixed with a few quick steps.

This guide applies to Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS, and SELPHY printers that support wireless connections.

1. Ensure the Printer Supports Wi-Fi
  • Confirm that your Canon printer model includes Wi-Fi capability.
  • Look for a Wi-Fi logo, wireless settings menu, or refer to the user manual.

2. Restart Devices
  • Turn off the printer, router, and any repeaters/extenders.
  • Wait 30 seconds, then power them back on in this order:
    1. Router
    2. Printer
    3. Computer or phone (if used for setup)

This resets network broadcasting and helps the printer detect the access point again.

3. Ensure Wi-Fi is Enabled on the Printer

Canon Setup Methods:
  • PIXMA/MAXIFY: Use Easy Wireless Connect or Standard Wireless LAN Setup
  • imageCLASS: Go to Menu > Network Settings > Wireless LAN Settings
  • SELPHY: Use the Wi-Fi menu on the LCD screen

Make sure Wireless LAN is set to Enabled.

4. Use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (Not 5 GHz)

Most Canon printers only support 2.4 GHz networks.

Check your router:
  • If you have dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), ensure the 2.4 GHz SSID is enabled and visible.
  • The SSID should not have the same name as the 5 GHz band to avoid confusion.

Tip: Rename your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks to different names (e.g., HomeWiFi_2G and HomeWiFi_5G).

5. Make Sure SSID Broadcast is Enabled
  • Go to your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
  • Ensure SSID broadcast is enabled
  • If the SSID is hidden, manually enter the network name (SSID) and password on the printer

6. Check Distance and Signal Strength
  • Move the printer closer to the router (within 10–15 feet)
  • Remove any physical obstructions like walls, large furniture, or appliances
  • Avoid placing the printer near microwaves, cordless phones, or metal objects

7. Try the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Method

If your router supports WPS:
  1. Press the WPS button on your router
  2. Within 2 minutes, press the Wi-Fi or WPS button on your printer (varies by model)
  3. Wait for the Wi-Fi light to become solid – this means the connection succeeded

Note: If WPS fails or is not available, use standard Wi-Fi setup via the printer’s screen.

8. Manually Enter the Network Name (SSID)

If the printer can’t find your network but it’s working for other devices:

  1. Choose Other networks or Enter manually during setup
  2. Type your exact Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
  3. Enter the correct password (case-sensitive)
  4. Confirm and try to connect

9. Reset the Printer’s Network Settings

To clear incorrect or old network data:

  1. Go to Settings > Device Settings > Reset Settings > Reset LAN Settings
  2. Confirm and restart the printer
  3. Try wireless setup again from scratch

10. Update the Printer’s Firmware

Outdated firmware can sometimes cause wireless issues.

Steps:
  1. Visit Canon Support
  2. Search for your printer model
  3. Download and install the latest firmware using a USB connection or SD card (if supported)

11. Try Using the Canon PRINT App
  1. Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app for iOS or Android
  2. Launch the app and select Set up new printer
  3. Follow on-screen instructions to connect your printer to Wi-Fi
  4. The app will help guide the printer into wireless setup mode

12. When to Contact Canon Support

Contact Canon if:

  • The printer cannot detect any Wi-Fi networks at all
  • You’ve tried multiple networks and reset steps without success
  • The printer displays a “Wi-Fi hardware error” or similar message
  • The Wi-Fi module may be defective

Canon may recommend service, repair, or advanced troubleshooting if the issue is hardware-related.

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