f you’ve just bought a Canon printer or you’re trying to reconnect it after a system update, you might be wondering how to connect your Canon printer to a computer. The good news is that Canon has made this process user-friendly, regardless of whether you're using a Windows PC or a Mac. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you exactly how to connect your Canon printer to your computer using both wired and wireless methods.

When people search “connect my Canon printer to computer,” it’s often because they’re either setting it up for the first time, switching from a USB to wireless setup, or experiencing connection issues after upgrading software. Whether you fall into one of those categories or you’re just being proactive, you’ll find clear, detailed instructions here. The term “connect my Canon printer to computer” doesn’t have to be associated with frustration—it’s something anyone can do in a few simple steps.

You may have tried multiple tutorials and still find yourself asking, “Why can’t I connect my Canon printer to computer?” This guide answers that too, with troubleshooting tips and expert advice. And by the end, you’ll feel confident every time you need to connect your Canon printer to your computer, even if it’s a new one.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to get started.

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Before you begin the connection process, make sure you have the following items and information:

  • A Canon printer (preferably powered on and with ink/paper loaded)

  • A Windows or Mac computer

  • A USB cable (if opting for a wired setup)

  • Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password (for wireless setup)

  • Access to the official Canon website (ij.start.canon) to download drivers and setup tools

Having these ready ahead of time will make your setup experience smoother and faster.

Method 1: Connect My Canon Printer to Computer via USB Cable

This is often the easiest and most direct way to connect your Canon printer to a computer. USB connections are ideal for users who prefer a stable connection without the need for Wi-Fi.

Step-by-Step USB Setup for Canon Printer

  1. Unbox and power on the printer:
    Make sure your Canon printer is fully unboxed and connected to a power outlet. Turn it on.

  2. Connect the USB cable:
    Plug one end of the USB cable into the printer and the other end into an available USB port on your computer. Wait a few seconds.

  3. Allow automatic driver installation (Windows):
    Most modern operating systems will detect the new hardware and automatically install the necessary drivers. You may see a notification pop up saying, “Setting up device.”

  4. Manually install drivers if needed:
    If the driver doesn’t install automatically, go to https://ij.start.canon. Enter your printer model and download the latest driver for your operating system. Follow the installation prompts.

  5. Print a test page:
    Once installation is complete, open your system’s printer settings. Select your Canon printer and click on "Print Test Page" to make sure everything is working properly.

For Mac users, the system might prompt you to download the driver from Apple’s servers or you may need to use the Canon software package directly from the Canon website.

Method 2: Connect My Canon Printer to Computer via Wi-Fi

Wireless setup is especially useful for those who want to print from multiple devices or locate their printer away from the computer. Canon makes this process fairly simple with their built-in Wi-Fi configuration tools and the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY mobile app.

Step-by-Step Wireless Setup for Canon Printer

  1. Turn on the printer and ensure it’s in Wi-Fi setup mode:
    On most Canon printers, press and hold the Wi-Fi button until the Wi-Fi lamp begins to flash. The printer should now be in setup mode.

  2. Connect the printer to Wi-Fi using the printer’s control panel:
    Navigate through the printer's LCD screen to find the Wi-Fi setup wizard. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Once connected, a confirmation message will appear.

  3. Download the setup software:
    Visit https://ij.start.canon. Enter your printer model and select the appropriate software for your operating system. Download and install the software.

  4. Run the installation program:
    Launch the Canon installer and follow the instructions. When prompted, choose the “Wireless Connection” option. The software will search for printers connected to your network.

  5. Select your printer:
    Once detected, select your printer from the list and finish the installation. The software will confirm when setup is complete.

  6. Print a test page:
    As always, it's a good idea to print a test page to ensure the printer is properly connected and configured.

Connect Canon Printer Wirelessly Using WPS Button

Some routers and Canon printers support WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which allows for a secure, fast connection without entering a password.

  1. Press the WPS button on your router.

  2. Within two minutes, press the Wi-Fi button on your Canon printer.

  3. The printer will automatically connect to the network.

Once connected, proceed with installing the printer software on your computer via ij.start.canon.

Method 3: Use Canon’s Mobile App to Connect

Canon also offers a mobile-friendly way to connect your printer, which can be useful if you don’t want to deal with a desktop setup at all.

  1. Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from the App Store or Google Play.

  2. Open the app and tap "Add Printer."

  3. Follow the prompts to connect your printer to Wi-Fi and pair it with your mobile device.

  4. You can also use this method to install the printer on your computer by downloading Canon's software directly via the app's links.

This method is surprisingly quick and especially helpful for users without easy access to a traditional PC or Mac.

How to Connect My Canon Printer to a Computer with Windows 11 or 10

If you’re running Windows 11 or 10, the setup process is very similar to previous versions, but with a more streamlined interface.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Click Add Device.

  3. Select your Canon printer from the list.

  4. If Windows does not find it, click “Add manually” and select the type of printer connection (USB, IP address, etc.)

  5. Follow on-screen instructions.

This method works for both wired and wireless Canon printer connections.

How to Connect My Canon Printer to a Mac

  1. Turn on the printer and ensure it’s connected to Wi-Fi or via USB.

  2. Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  3. Click the “+” button to add a new printer.

  4. Select your Canon printer from the list.

  5. If it prompts you to download software, approve it and follow the instructions.

Canon printers work seamlessly with macOS, especially if you're using official drivers from Canon’s website.

Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Connect My Canon Printer to Computer?

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you’re still having issues after following the steps above, here are a few things to check:

Printer is not turning on:
Ensure it’s plugged in and powered on. Try another outlet if necessary.

Printer not detected on network:
Make sure the printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Reboot your router and printer if needed.

Driver issues:
Uninstall any previously installed Canon printer drivers. Download the correct driver from ij.start.canon for your model and operating system.

Firewall or antivirus blocking connection:
Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus software during installation to see if they are interfering with detection.

Wi-Fi signal too weak:
If your printer is far from the router, move it closer or use a Wi-Fi extender to strengthen the signal.

FAQs About Connecting Canon Printers to Computers

Can I connect my Canon printer to more than one computer?
Yes, especially if the printer is connected via Wi-Fi. Simply install the software on each device and connect to the same network.

Do I need internet access to connect the printer?
You need internet access initially to download the Canon driver and software from the official website. After that, printing can work offline if using USB.

Can I print from my phone and computer using the same printer?
Absolutely. Once your Canon printer is connected to Wi-Fi, any device on the same network can print to it.

What if my printer was previously connected and now it's not?
Try removing the printer from your device settings and reinstall it using the steps outlined above.

Does Canon support AirPrint for Apple devices?
Yes, many Canon printers support AirPrint, allowing you to print directly from iPhone, iPad, or Mac without installing additional drivers.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to connect my Canon printer to computer doesn’t have to be a struggle. Whether you're using a USB connection, a wireless setup, or even your mobile device, Canon provides multiple flexible options to suit every user’s needs. By visiting ij.start.canon and following these steps, you’ll have your printer connected in no time.

As technology evolves, Canon continues to update their software and connection methods to keep things simple and efficient. Whether you're tech-savvy or a complete beginner, the ability to connect my Canon printer to computer has never been easier.

Take a moment to bookmark this guide so you can return to it any time you need to reconnect, help a friend, or troubleshoot future issues. Once you’ve connected your printer successfully, you'll enjoy the freedom of printing anything from anywhere, whether at home, work, or on the go.