Connecting your Canon printer directly to your computer or smartphone using Wireless LAN’s Access Point Mode is a convenient way to print without needing a traditional wireless router. This method establishes a direct connection between your device and the printer, ideal for situations where a network isn’t readily available or for a straightforward, ad-hoc setup. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to establish this connection and start printing.
Understanding Wireless LAN Direct Connection
Canon printers offer a versatile feature called “Access Point Mode,” allowing them to act as a wireless access point. Instead of joining an existing Wi-Fi network, your computer or smartphone connects directly to the printer’s wireless signal. This is particularly useful for:
- Printing on the go: When you’re in a location without Wi-Fi, like a home office without a router or a temporary workspace.
- Guest printing: Allowing visitors to easily print from their devices without giving them access to your main network.
- Simplified setup: Bypassing the need to configure printer settings to join a wireless network.
This direct connection method supports up to 5 devices simultaneously, making it suitable for small groups or individual use with multiple devices.
Steps to Connect to Your Canon Printer in Access Point Mode
Follow these steps to set up a direct wireless connection to your Canon printer:
1. Activate Access Point Mode on Your Canon Printer
First, ensure your Canon printer is powered on. Locate the Wi-Fi button on your printer’s control panel. Press and hold this button, and release it as soon as the POWER lamp begins to flash. Count for three flashes of the POWER lamp before releasing the button.
After releasing the Wi-Fi button, observe the POWER lamp. It should change from flashing to a solid, lit state. This indicates that the printer has successfully switched to Access Point Mode and is now broadcasting its own wireless signal.
If the POWER lamp continues to flash, repeat step 2 to ensure Access Point Mode is correctly activated.
Note: To confirm your printer’s current wireless setting, you can print a network setting information page directly from your printer. Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on “Printing Out Network Setting Information.” You can typically find this option within the printer’s settings menu or by using a combination of button presses on the control panel. For advanced security settings adjustments in Access Point Mode, you may utilize the IJ Network Tool, which is often included with your printer software.
2. Connect Your Device to the Printer’s Wireless Network
Now, turn on the Wi-Fi capability on your computer or smartphone.
For Smartphones (Android/iOS):
Open the “Settings” menu on your device and navigate to the “Wi-Fi” settings. Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled.
For Computers (Windows/macOS):
Ensure your computer’s Wi-Fi is turned on and searching for available networks.
From the list of available Wi-Fi networks displayed on your device, locate and select the network name (SSID) that corresponds to your Canon printer. The SSID will typically follow a format like “XXXXXX-iP110series,” where “XXXXXX” represents the last six digits of your printer’s MAC address.
When prompted for a password, enter your Canon printer’s serial number. This serial number serves as the default password for direct wireless connections. You can find the serial number printed on a sticker located on the rear of your printer. It consists of 9 alphanumeric characters, usually starting with four letters followed by five numbers.
Once you enter the serial number as the password, your device will connect directly to the Canon printer’s wireless network.
Printing via Direct Wireless Connection
With your device successfully connected to the Canon printer, you can now proceed with printing. Open the document or photo you wish to print, and select the print option from your application. Choose your Canon printer from the list of available printers. Your print job will now be sent wirelessly from your device directly to the printer.
This direct wireless LAN connection method offers a straightforward solution for printing directly to your Canon printer, bypassing the need for a traditional wireless network. Enjoy the convenience of wireless printing with this simple setup.
