So, you’ve just got a Canon printer, and your USB cable is nowhere to be found — or maybe it’s just not working anymore. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people face this exact problem. Thankfully, connecting your Canon printer to your laptop without a USB cable isn’t as tricky as it might seem. You’ve got wireless options that make printing just a few clicks away.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything, step by step. We’ll cover wireless connection options for Canon printers, how to set up Wi-Fi or Bluetooth printing, and what apps or software you might need. By the end, you’ll be printing without a cable like a pro, no matter your laptop or printer model.
Why Connect Canon Printer Without USB Cable?
Before we dive in, let’s address why you’d want to avoid USB cables:
- Maybe your USB cable is lost, damaged, or just too short.
- You want to print from multiple devices without plugging and unplugging cables.
- You prefer the convenience of wireless printing at home or in the office.
- Your laptop lacks a USB port (think newer MacBooks or ultra-thin laptops).
If any of this sounds familiar, keep reading.
What Wireless Connection Options Are Available for Canon Printers?
Canon printers usually support two main wireless options:
| Connection Type | What It Is | Compatibility & Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Connects printer and laptop to the same wireless network | Works with almost all laptops, great for home/office networks |
| Bluetooth | Direct wireless connection over short distances | Supported on fewer Canon models, usually for mobile printing |
Wi-Fi Printing
This is the most common wireless method. Your printer and laptop both connect to the same Wi-Fi network, and they “talk” through that network. This way, you can print from your laptop without any physical cable.
Bluetooth Printing
Bluetooth is like a direct wireless handshake between your laptop and printer. It’s less common in Canon printers and works best for simple jobs or mobile devices close to the printer.
Step 1: Check Your Printer’s Wireless Capabilities
Before trying anything, make sure your Canon printer actually supports wireless printing. Most newer models do, but some older or budget models might not:
- Look for Wi-Fi or wireless logos on the printer.
- Check the printer’s manual or Canon’s website for your model’s specs.
- On the printer’s screen/menu, see if there’s a “Wireless LAN setup” or similar option.
If your printer doesn’t support wireless at all, you might need to consider a network print server device or get a wireless-capable printer.
Step 2: Prepare Your Printer for Wireless Connection
Assuming your printer supports Wi-Fi (which most do), here’s how to get it ready:
Option A: Use the Printer’s Control Panel
- Turn on your printer.
- Navigate to the Settings menu.
- Find the Wireless LAN Setup option.
- Select it, and the printer will search for available Wi-Fi networks.
- Choose your Wi-Fi network name (SSID).
- Enter your Wi-Fi password using the printer’s keypad (be patient – it can be slow).
- Once connected, the printer should show a confirmation message or a blue Wi-Fi light.
Option B: Use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
If your Wi-Fi router supports WPS (most modern routers do), this is an easier option:
- Press the WPS button on your router.
- Within two minutes, press the WPS button or select the WPS option on your printer.
- The printer and router will connect automatically without entering a password.
Note: WPS is convenient but less secure than manual setup, so use it only on trusted networks.
Step 3: Connect Your Laptop to the Same Wi-Fi Network
Now, make sure your laptop is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer. This is crucial — if they’re on different networks or one is on Ethernet, they won’t see each other.
On Windows:
- Click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar.
- Select your home/office Wi-Fi network.
- Enter the password if needed.
On Mac:
- Click the Wi-Fi icon on the top right.
- Select the network.
- Connect with the password.
Step 4: Install Canon Printer Drivers and Software
Even if you don’t have a USB cable, you still need the right drivers and software so your laptop can recognize the printer.
- Head to the official Canon website and enter your printer model.
- Download the latest drivers and Canon print utility software for your laptop’s operating system (Windows or Mac).
- Install the drivers, and follow the prompts.
Pro tip: Don’t skip this step! Without drivers, your laptop won’t know how to talk to the printer, even if the wireless connection is established.
Step 5: Add the Printer to Your Laptop
On Windows 10/11
- Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click Add a printer or scanner.
- Your laptop will search for available printers on the network.
- When your Canon printer shows up, select it and click Add device.
- Wait for the installation to finish.
If your printer doesn’t appear:
- Double-check the printer is on and connected to Wi-Fi.
- Make sure your laptop is on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Restart both devices and try again.
On Mac
- Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
- Click the + button below the list of printers.
- Your printer should show up under the Default tab.
- Select your Canon printer and click Add.
- Mac will download the driver if necessary, and the printer will be added.
Step 6: Test Print Wirelessly
After setting everything up, print a test page:
- On Windows: Go to Printers & scanners > select printer > Manage > Print a test page.
- On Mac: Go to Printers & Scanners > select printer > Options & Supplies > Utility > Print Test Page.
If it works, congrats — you’re now printing wirelessly!
What If My Printer or Laptop Doesn’t Support Wi-Fi?
Some older Canon printers don’t have built-in Wi-Fi. In that case, you have a couple of alternatives:
1. Use Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App (Mobile Hotspot)
If your printer supports it, you can print via your phone’s hotspot:
- Connect your phone to a mobile hotspot.
- Connect the printer to the same hotspot network.
- Use Canon’s app to print documents stored on your phone or tablet.
2. Bluetooth Printing Setup (If Supported)
If your Canon printer supports Bluetooth, you can pair it with your laptop:
- Enable Bluetooth on both devices.
- Search for available devices on your laptop.
- Select your Canon printer and follow pairing instructions.
Note: Bluetooth printing is less common and slower than Wi-Fi, but handy for quick jobs.
Apps and Software for Wireless Printing
Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App
This free app, available for iOS and Android, lets you print and scan directly from your smartphone or tablet to compatible Canon printers over Wi-Fi. It’s especially useful if you want to print photos or documents stored on mobile devices.
Canon PRINT Business
Designed for office printers, this app supports wireless printing, scanning, and device management.
Canon IJ Network Tool
A Windows or Mac utility to detect and configure Canon printers on your network.
Troubleshooting Wireless Connection Issues
Problem: Printer Not Found on Network
- Make sure both devices are on the same network.
- Restart the printer, laptop, and router.
- Disable VPNs or firewall software that might block communication.
Problem: Drivers Not Installing Correctly
- Download drivers directly from Canon’s site rather than using default OS drivers.
- Confirm you’re installing the correct version for your OS (Windows 10, 11, Mac Big Sur, etc.).
- Run driver installation as administrator if possible.
Problem: Printer Keeps Disconnecting
- Check Wi-Fi strength near the printer.
- Avoid interference from other wireless devices.
- Update printer firmware via Canon’s official site.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I connect my Canon printer without the official Canon app? | Yes, with the right drivers and network setup, but the app simplifies printing and scanning. |
| My laptop doesn’t have Bluetooth, can I still print wirelessly? | Definitely! Wi-Fi printing works without Bluetooth and is preferred. |
| What if I have multiple laptops? | Connect all to the same Wi-Fi network, and add the printer on each laptop separately. |
| Can I print from my smartphone to my Canon printer? | Yes, using Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app or AirPrint on iPhones. |
| Is wireless printing slower than USB? | Sometimes, yes, but usually the difference is minimal unless you’re printing huge files. |
Final Thoughts
Connecting your Canon printer to your laptop without that USB cable is easier than you might think. You just need to be patient with the setup — especially entering Wi-Fi passwords on a tiny printer screen. Most problems come down to being on the same network and having the right drivers.
So, next time you find yourself without a USB cable or want to print from another room, remember: wireless printing is a solid option. If you get stuck, Canon’s support site has model-specific guides, and your router manual can help with Wi-Fi settings.
Happy printing!
References
[1] According to Canon USA Support, wireless setup varies by model but generally involves connecting the printer to the same Wi-Fi network as your laptop (https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support).
[2] Microsoft Support explains how to add wireless printers to Windows 10 and 11 effectively (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-a-printer-in-windows-10-4541b0ea-4fe8-4c92-a2d3-df3ac6650e5f).
[3] Apple Support details how to add a printer on macOS and connect over Wi-Fi (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201539).
If you’ve questions or want me to guide you through your specific Canon model, just ask!
Danny Inayat