How to Set Up a Canon Printer

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Your Canon printer comes with a variety of features. This guide will help you set up your printer so you can start using it.

To get started you will need the following:

• The printer
• Required cables
• Ink cartridges
• Paper
• A computer
• An internet connection

We assume you already have your printer unboxed and plugged in.

2. Connect Your Canon Printer to Wi-Fi

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

3. Introduction

Connecting your printer to your router with an Ethernet cable allows you to print from virtually any device connected to the same router. This may save you space by reducing the number of printers you need, and a good amount of money on the ink cartridges they would go through. This guide will go over steps to get your printer connected to your router via Ethernet cable.

In order to complete these steps, you will need a router attached to your modem, an additional Ethernet cable available, and your printer must have an Ethernet port on the rear.

4. Connect via Ethernet

1. In order to connect to a wired Ethernet connection, your printer needs to have an Ethernet port on the rear. This will vary depending on the model printer you have.
   

1. Acquire an Ethernet cable and connect it to the port on the back of the printer.
   

1. Take the other end of the Ethernet cable and plug it into your router's Ethernet port.
   

1. This is all that is needed to get your printer physically connected to your network.

5. Download Drivers

1. Open a web browser and navigate to https://www.usa.canon.com
2. Click on Support and then Drivers & Downloads.
   

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2. Enter the model of your device, and select it from the drop down and then click on Go.
   

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2. Scroll down to where recommended driver is and click Select.
   

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2. Click Download to start the download process.
   

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2. Open the file downloaded to proceed to setup.
   Edge / Internet ExplorerClick on Run to start the installer.
   

1. Google ChromeClick the file downloaded in the bottom left corner.
   

1. Mozilla FirefoxClick Save File, click the Download Arrow, and click the file you downloaded.
   

1. Safari (Apple)Click the Download Arrow and select the file to open.
   

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2. Canon typically uses self-extracting installers. This means that once you open the downloaded file that the installer program should launch automatically.

6. Connect via Ethernet

To install your Canon printer on a wired network using an Ethernet cable:

1. You can launch the installer from the CD that came with your printer or from the file you downloaded using your internet browser. It is however recommended to launch it from the latter to install the latest software available.
2. On the welcome screen, click on Next.
   

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2. Select your place of residence and click on Next.
   

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2. Agree with the License Agreement by clicking on Yes.
   

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2. Select the Use the printer with wired LAN connection connection method the click on Next.
   

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2. If you haven't already, connect the printer to your router using an Ethernet cable, make sure it's turned on and click on OK.
   

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2. Wait for the printer to be detected on the network.
   

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2. Select your printer from the results list then click on Next.
   

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2. Once the printer is installed click on Complete to exit the setup.
   

7. Connect via USB (Prep)

This is just a preparatory step. Only perform it when requested by the installation software.

1. Acquire a USB cable compatible with the printer. One end (1) goes into the computer and the other end (2) goes into the printer.
   

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2. Locate the USB ports on the front, back or sides of the computer.
   

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2. Locate the USB port on the side or back of the printer. Make sure not to confuse it with the any other ports that might be next to it. Look for the USB symbol next to the port. The number and layout of the ports varies by printer.
   

8. Download Drivers

1. Open a web browser and navigate to https://www.usa.canon.com
2. Click on Support and then Drivers & Downloads.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Enter the model of your device, and select it from the drop down and then click on Go.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Scroll down to where recommended driver is and click Select.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Click Download to start the download process.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Open the file downloaded to proceed to setup.
   Edge / Internet ExplorerClick on Run to start the installer.
   

1. Google ChromeClick the file downloaded in the bottom left corner.
   

1. Mozilla FirefoxClick Save File, click the Download Arrow, and click the file you downloaded.
   

1. Safari (Apple)Click the Download Arrow and select the file to open.
   

1. 
   
2. Canon typically uses self-extracting installers. This means that once you open the downloaded file that the installer program should launch automatically.

9. Connect via USB

To install your Canon printer locally using a USB cable:

1. You can launch the installer from the CD that came with your printer or from the file you downloaded using your internet browser. It is however recommended to launch it from the latter to install the latest software available.
2. On the welcome screen, click on Next.
   

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2. Select your place of residence and click on Next.
   

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2. Agree with the License Agreement by clicking on Yes.
   

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2. Select the Use the printer via USB connection method the click on Next.
   

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2. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable, make sure it's turned on and wait for it to be detected.
   

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2. Once the printer is installed click on Complete to exit the setup.