Are you struggling to connect your Canon Pixma MG3520 printer to WiFi? You’re not alone. Many users find it challenging to set up their wireless printer without proper guidance. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you connect your Canon Pixma MG3520 to WiFi seamlessly, ensuring you can print from any device in your network. We’ve broken down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps, making it accessible for users of all technical skill levels.
Understanding the Canon Pixma MG3520
The Canon Pixma MG3520 is a multifunction inkjet printer known for its versatility and user-friendly features. From printing high-quality photos to scanning documents, it’s a reliable choice for home and office use. Additionally, the MG3520 supports wireless printing, allowing you to send documents directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer without the hassle of cables.
Before diving into the connection process, it’s essential to understand some key features of this printer:
- WiFi Connectivity: Supports a variety of wireless printing protocols, simplifying the process of connecting to your home network.
- Mobile Printing: Compatible with Canon’s mobile printing applications, enabling easy printing from iOS and Android devices.
To ensure a smooth setup, make sure your wireless network is functional and within range of your printer.
Gathering Necessary Information
Before you begin the connection process, gather the following information:
Your WiFi Network Details
- Network Name (SSID): This is the name of your WiFi network.
- WiFi Password: The password is required to connect to your network.
Make sure to have this information readily available as you’ll need it during the setup.
Connecting the Canon Pixma MG3520 to WiFi
There are various methods to connect your Pixma MG3520 to WiFi, including the WPS method and manual setup. Here’s a detailed exploration of each method.
Method 1: Using WiFi Protected Setup (WPS)
WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) is a convenient way to connect your printer to your WiFi network without entering your password manually. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions for WPS Setup
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Check WPS Compatibility: Ensure that your WiFi router is WPS-compatible. Look for the WPS button on your router—it’s often labeled as such or illustrated with a symbol.
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Power On the Printer: Turn on your Canon Pixma MG3520 by pressing the power button.
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Locate WPS Button on Your Router: Find the WPS button on your wireless router. Note that some routers may require you to go into the settings first.
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Press the WPS Button: Press and hold the WPS button for about 5 seconds. This will activate WPS mode on your router.
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Activate WPS on Your Printer:
- Press and hold the Wireless button (it looks like a radio tower) on your printer for about 5 seconds.
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The power lamp will flash, indicating that the printer is in WPS mode.
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Wait for Connection Confirmation: After a few moments, the printer will automatically connect to your WiFi network. The power lamp will stop flashing and remain lit when the connection is successful.
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Print a Test Page: To confirm that everything is working well, print a test page. You can do this by navigating to the printer’s control panel and selecting the option to print a test page.
Method 2: Manual WiFi Setup Using Printer Control Panel
If your router doesn’t support WPS or if you prefer manual configuration, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Instructions for Manual Setup
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Power On the Printer: Ensure your Canon Pixma MG3520 is switched on.
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Access the WiFi Setup Menu:
- On the printer’s control panel, press the Menu button.
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Navigate to Wireless LAN Setup by using the arrow keys, then press OK.
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Select Standard Setup:
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Choose Standard Setup from the options presented and press OK.
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Search for Your Network:
- The printer will search for available WiFi networks. Wait for the scan to complete.
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You’ll see a list of networks; use the arrow keys to locate your SSID (Network Name), and press OK.
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Enter WiFi Password:
- When prompted, enter your WiFi password using the printer’s keypad. The layout may seem like a phone keypad; refer to the visual guide on the screen for letters and numbers.
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Once the password is entered correctly, press OK.
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Connection Confirmation: The printer will attempt to connect to your network. A confirmation message will appear once connected.
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Print a Test Page: As a final step, print a test page to make sure the connection is successful.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you encounter issues during the connection process, don’t panic. Here are some common troubleshooting tips that can help:
Basic Checks
- Check WiFi Signal Strength: Ensure that your printer is within the optimal range of your router.
- Restart Devices: Restart both your printer and router to refresh connections.
- Update Firmware: Check for any firmware updates for your printer that may affect connectivity.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Printer not found during setup | Ensure that the printer is turned on, and try moving it closer to the router. |
| Cannot print after successful setup | Verify that the printer is set as the default printer on your computer and check the connection status. |
Using Your Canon Pixma MG3520 After WiFi Setup
Once your printer is successfully connected to your WiFi network, you can enjoy a seamless printing experience. Here’s what you need to know next:
Downloading the Canon Printing App
To make wireless printing even easier, consider downloading the Canon PRINT app. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and offers additional functionalities, such as scanning and cloud printing. Here’s how to get started:
- Go to your device’s App Store or Google Play Store.
- Search for “Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY.”
- Download and install the app.
- Follow the in-app instructions to connect your printer and start printing from your mobile device.
Accessing Printer Settings
You might want to adjust various printer settings after connecting it to WiFi. To access the printer’s settings:
- Open the Canon PRINT app or your computer’s printer settings.
- From there, you can change settings related to print quality, paper size, and more.
Final Thoughts
Connecting your Canon Pixma MG3520 printer to WiFi doesn’t have to be challenging. With this detailed guide, you can easily set up your printer to enjoy hassle-free wireless printing from any device in your network. Remember, whether you choose the WPS method or the manual setup, a little patience and attention to detail will go a long way.
By following these steps, you will be well on your way to maximizing your printer’s capabilities, ensuring that you can print everything from essential documents to cherished photos with ease. Happy printing!
What are the basic requirements to connect my Canon Pixma MG3520 to WiFi?
To connect your Canon Pixma MG3520 to WiFi, you’ll need a few essential items. First, ensure that you have a wireless router with an active internet connection. You should also have your WiFi network name (SSID) and password handy, as you’ll need them during the setup process. Additionally, ensure that your printer is powered on and has ink and paper installed.
You will also need a computer or mobile device for the setup, particularly if you’re using the Canon PRINT app. This app is available for both Android and iOS devices, making it easy to manage your printer settings and connections. Make sure the device you use is connected to the same WiFi network you intend to connect your printer to for seamless integration.
How do I start the wireless setup on my Canon Pixma MG3520?
To initiate the wireless setup process on your Canon Pixma MG3520, first, ensure the printer is powered on. Hold the “Wi-Fi” button on the printer until the green light starts flashing. Next, press and hold the “Maintenance” button (the one with the wrench icon) until the Orange Alarm light flashes. This process puts your printer in a mode ready to connect to your WiFi network.
After this, move to your computer or mobile device to access the Canon PRINT app. Follow the on-screen instructions to locate your printer and select your wireless network. Enter the necessary credentials, and once the information is confirmed, your printer will connect to the WiFi network.
Can I connect my Canon Pixma MG3520 to WiFi without a computer?
Yes, you can connect your Canon Pixma MG3520 to WiFi without using a computer by utilizing the Canon PRINT app on your mobile device. Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and ensure your smartphone or tablet is connected to the same WiFi network you want the printer to join.
Once the app is installed, open it and follow the prompts to add your printer. The app guides you through the WiFi setup process, allowing you to input your WiFi network name and password. This method streamlines the process and makes it accessible even if you do not have a computer at hand.
What should I do if my Canon Pixma MG3520 fails to connect to WiFi?
If your Canon Pixma MG3520 fails to connect to WiFi, check the WiFi signal strength in the area where the printer is located. A weak signal can hinder the connection, so ensure your printer is within range of the router. Restart your router and printer, as this often resolves connectivity issues by refreshing the network connection.
Another step would be to verify the WiFi credentials you entered during setup. Ensure there were no typos in the SSID or password. Sometimes, specific security settings on your router could prevent the printer from connecting, so check if your router is set to a security protocol compatible with the printer, such as WPA or WPA2.
Can I print wirelessly from my smartphone or tablet?
Yes, you can print wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet using the Canon PRINT app. Once your Canon Pixma MG3520 is connected to your WiFi network, open the app on your device, and it should automatically detect the printer. You can then select documents, photos, or images you wish to print directly from your device.
The Canon PRINT app also allows you to customize your print settings, such as paper size and print quality. It’s an excellent way to print on-the-go, ensuring that you can print your pictures or important documents from anywhere within your WiFi network range.
How can I check the connection status of my Canon Pixma MG3520?
To check the connection status of your Canon Pixma MG3520, you can print a network configuration page directly from the printer. This can typically be done by navigating to the printer’s settings or maintenance menu and selecting the option to print the network status or configuration page. This page will show you whether the printer is currently connected to the WiFi network and provide additional network information.
Alternatively, you can also use the Canon PRINT app to verify the connection status. Open the app, navigate to the printer settings, and it should display the current connection status along with the network name. If the printer is not connected, the app will usually provide prompts to help you reconnect.
What should I do if my printer is connected but not printing?
If your Canon Pixma MG3520 is connected to the WiFi network but not printing, the issue might be related to print jobs stuck in the queue or the printer being set to “offline.” Start by checking the print queue on your computer or device. If there are any pending jobs, clear the queue or restart the print job.
You should also ensure that the printer is set to “online” mode. You can check this by going to your device’s ‘Devices and Printers’ settings. Right-click on your printer and select the option to “Set as Default Printer.” This may fix the problem, making sure all print jobs are directed to the Canon Pixma MG3520.