Canon printers are among the most trusted printing devices for home and office use, and knowing how to install canon printer correctly is essential to unlock their full potential. Whether you've just purchased a brand-new Canon printer or need to reinstall an existing one after an operating system update, having a step-by-step installation guide saves time and avoids common pitfalls. From driver downloads to network setup, this complete guide walks you through the process for all platforms in 2025.

Let's break down everything you need to know to install a Canon Printer properly on any supported platform.

Choose the Right Installation Path

The setup process varies depending on how you intend to use the Printer via USB, Wi-Fi, LAN, or mobile. Ask yourself:

  • Will the Printer be shared on a home network or connected to one PC?
  • Are you printing from phones or only computers?
  • Do you need scanning and remote access features?

Once you understand your use case, you can follow the most relevant setup method with confidence.

Prepare Your Canon Printer

Before any installation:

  • Place the Printer on a flat, stable surface.
  • Plug in the power cord and turn the Printer on.
  • Install ink cartridges or toner as instructed in the user manual.
  • Load plain A4 or Letter paper in the tray.

Many Canon models now feature interactive LCD screens, making initial configuration intuitive. You'll be asked to choose language, region, and display settings.

Access Canon's Online Support Resources

Canon maintains a robust support portal with model-specific drivers and apps:

  1. Enter your model number (e.g., Canon PIXMA G3010, imageCLASS MF743Cdw).
  2. Select your operating system from the dropdown menu.
  3. Download the full driver & software package for your Printer.

Canon's support site automatically detects your OS version, which helps avoid compatibility issues.

Installation Methods for 2025 Canon Printers

Method 1: Wireless Setup (Wi-Fi)

This is the most flexible option and ideal for shared or mobile printing.

Using the Printer Control Panel:

  1. Go to Wi-Fi Setup → Manual Connect or Easy Wireless Connect.
  2. Select your Wi-Fi network name (SSID).
  3. Enter the password using the on-screen keyboard.
  4. Wait for a confirmation screen or printed status page.

Using Canon PRINT App:

  1. Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app on your phone.
  2. Tap "Add Printer" and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. The app connects your phone and Printer to the same Wi-Fi network.

Method 2: USB Connection

For direct PC-to-printer setups, especially when the internet isn't available:

  1. Connect the USB cable between the Printer and the computer.
  2. Windows or macOS may automatically detect and install drivers.
  3. If not, run the setup file downloaded from Canon's website.
  4. Follow installation instructions to complete the process.

Tip: Use a high-speed USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port for faster print and scan performance.

Set Up on Windows 11 or Windows 10

Once your Canon Printer is connected:

  1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
  2. Click Add a Printer or Scanner.
  3. Choose your Canon Printer from the list.
  4. Follow any additional driver prompts if needed.

Canon's Easy Setup Utility may launch automatically during this process to help with configuration.

Set Up on macOS (Monterey to Sonoma)

macOS has excellent native support for Canon printers:

  1. Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
  2. Click the + symbol to add a Printer.
  3. Select your Canon Printer from the detected devices.
  4. macOS will install default drivers or ask for Canon-provided ones if needed.

If you're scanning, download Canon's IJ Scan Utility Lite for the best performance with macOS.

Connect Canon Printer to Mobile Devices

Canon printers are now fully compatible with smartphones and tablets.

iPhone or iPad

  • Use AirPrint (no drivers required).
  • Open the app (Safari, Mail, Photos), tap Share → Print, and select your Canon Printer.

Android

  • Download Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY from the Play Store.
  • Connect the Printer and phone to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Print directly from photos, documents, or even cloud storage.

Canon's app also allows remote monitoring of ink levels and scanning from your phone.

Advanced Installation: Wired LAN and Business Models

Business-class Canon printers often connect via Ethernet or include built-in administration tools.

To install Canon Printer via LAN:

  1. Plug the Printer into a network switch or router using an Ethernet cable.
  2. Print a network configuration page from the Printer.
  3. Use the IP address listed to access the Printer's web interface.
  4. On Windows, add the Printer via IP address in the "Printers & Scanners" settings.
  5. For macOS, select the IP tab when adding a Printer and enter the IP address manually.

For imageRUNNER, MAXIFY GX, or laser-class models, Canon's Generic Plus UFR II or PCL6 drivers provide complete control.

Troubleshooting During Installation

Even with a straightforward process, you might hit occasional snags:

Can't Detect Printer?

  • Make sure it's powered on.
  • Check USB or Wi-Fi connections.
  • Temporarily turn off firewalls during installation.
  • Restart your router and try again.

Driver Won't Install?

  • Run setup as administrator.
  • Use compatibility mode for older printers on newer OS versions.
  • Ensure you've downloaded the correct driver for 64-bit or ARM-based systems.

Printer Added, but Won't Print?

  • Confirm it's set as the default Printer.
  • Check if the print queue is stuck or paused.
  • Reboot both the Printer and computer, then try again.

Keep Your Canon Printer Updated

Modern Canon printers offer firmware updates to add features, fix bugs, and improve performance.

To update:

  1. Open Canon My Printer or the Canon PRINT app.
  2. Navigate to Settings → Maintenance → Firmware Update.
  3. Follow on-screen prompts to complete the upgrade.

Firmware updates usually require a stable network and should not be interrupted.

Final Checklist to Successfully Install Canon Printer

✅ Power on and prepare the Printer

✅ Choose a USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet connection

✅ Download the latest drivers and utilities from Canon's website

✅ Run installation software or add the Printer manually

✅ Confirm Printer is set as default and working

✅ Install mobile apps for added features

✅ Check for firmware updates every few months

Conclusion

Knowing how to install a Canon Printer in 2025 is more than just plugging it in; it involves understanding the Printer's setup process. With smart devices, cloud printing, and cross-platform support, Canon offers flexible tools for everyone, from casual home users to large businesses.

By using the correct drivers, understanding your network setup, and utilizing mobile or cloud-based features, you can ensure that your Canon Printer performs at its best from the start.