The Canon MX870 is a versatile all-in-one printer that meets the needs of both home and office environments. With features like high-quality printing, scanning, and faxing, it is a reliable companion for professionals and families alike. One of the standout attributes of this printer is its wireless connectivity, which allows you to print from anywhere within your network without the hassle of connecting cables. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of connecting your Canon MX870 printer wirelessly, ensuring an effortless setup.
Why Choose Wireless Printing?
Before diving into the setup process, let’s discuss why wireless printing can be a game-changer for your printing needs.
Benefits of Wireless Printing
- Convenience: No need to deal with cumbersome cables, providing you with more flexibility in choosing the location of your printer.
- Multiple Device Connectivity: Connect several devices such as laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones to one printer, making it easy for everyone in the household or office to print.
Wireless printing also saves space and reduces clutter, making your workspace or home environment much more organized.
What You Need Before Starting
Before you begin the wireless setup for your Canon MX870, ensure that you have the following:
Essential Requirements:
- A wireless router with an active internet connection.
- Your Canon MX870 printer configured and powered on.
- Your computer, tablet, or smartphone connected to the same wireless network.
- The Canon printer driver installed on your computer. You can download it from the Canon Support website.
With these essentials in hand, you are ready to proceed with the wireless setup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Your Canon MX870 Printer Wirelessly
Now that you have everything ready, follow these steps to connect your Canon MX870 printer to your wireless network.
Step 1: Prepare the Printer
- Locate the Control Panel: On your Canon MX870 printer, locate the control panel.
- Access Wireless Settings: Press the Menu button on the control panel. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Wireless LAN setup option, and then press OK .
Step 2: Choose Your Connection Method
The Canon MX870 printer offers several methods for wireless setup. You can choose between the standard setup method and the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method. Below, we will outline both methods for convenience.
Method 1: Standard Setup
- Select Wireless LAN Setup: Once you choose Wireless LAN setup in the Menu, the printer will search for available networks.
- Choose Your Network: When your network appears on the screen, select it using the arrow keys and press OK.
- Enter Your Password: If your network is secured, you will be prompted to enter the Wi-Fi password. Use the numeric keypad to input your password, and then press OK.
- Confirm Connection: The printer will attempt to connect to your network. Once successfully connected, a confirmation message will appear on the screen.
Method 2: WPS Setup
If your router supports WPS, you can use this method for a quicker setup.
- Select Push Button Method: In the Wireless LAN setup, select the WPS configuration option, then press OK.
- Activate WPS on Your Router: Press the WPS button on your router. You typically have a short window (about 2 minutes) to complete the next step.
- Confirm Connection: After a few moments, the printer will indicate whether the connection is successful. If successful, it will print a network configuration page confirming the details.
Step 3: Installing the Printer Driver
After connecting the printer to the wireless network, you need to install the printer driver on your computer.
- Download the Driver: Go to the Canon Support website and search for the Canon MX870 printer driver suitable for your operating system.
- Run the Installer: Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer driver.
- Select Connection Type: During the installation process, select the Wireless connection option. This will allow your computer to detect the printer you’ve just set up.
- Finalize Installation: Follow further prompts until the installation is complete. You will usually be prompted to print a test page.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a straightforward setup, you might encounter issues connecting the Canon MX870 printer wirelessly. Below are some common problems and their solutions.
Printer Not Found on Network
- Check Wireless Signal: Ensure that your printer is within range of your router and the Wi-Fi signal is strong.
- Restart Devices: Sometimes, a simple restart of the printer, router, and computer can resolve connectivity issues.
Connection Failed
- Verify Password: Ensure that you entered the correct Wi-Fi password during setup.
- Check Router Settings: Make sure your router is not blocking the printer’s MAC address and that the network is functioning correctly.
Using Canon MX870 with Different Devices
Once your Canon MX870 is connected to your Wi-Fi network, you can use it not just with your computer but also with other devices. Here’s how to connect it to various platforms.
Connecting to Windows
- Add Printer: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
- Select Add Printer: Click on the Add a printer option and select your Canon MX870 when it appears.
- Follow Prompts: Complete the installation by following the on-screen prompts.
Connecting to macOS
- Open System Preferences: Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Select Printers & Scanners: Click on Printers & Scanners, then select Add Printer or Scanner.
- Choose Your Printer: From the list, select your Canon MX870 and follow the prompts to add it.
Mobile Devices and Cloud Printing
In this digital age, printing directly from your mobile device has never been easier.
- Download Canon Print App: Find the Canon Print app on your device’s app store.
- Connect App to Printer: Open the app and follow the prompts to connect it to your Canon MX870.
- Print from Your Device: Once connected, you can easily select photos or documents from your mobile device and print them directly to your Canon printer.
Conclusion
Connecting your Canon MX870 printer wirelessly opens up a world of convenience and flexibility, making your printing tasks easier than ever. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth setup and seamless operation of your printer. Don’t forget to troubleshoot common issues, and explore the vast capabilities of your printer, including printing from various devices. Embrace the efficiency of wireless printing, and transform the way you handle your printing needs today!
What are the requirements for connecting the Canon MX870 wirelessly?
To connect your Canon MX870 printer wirelessly, you need to ensure that you have a wireless router with an active internet connection. Make sure your computer or mobile device is also connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to. It’s essential to check that the Wi-Fi signal is strong enough to maintain a stable connection during the setup process.
Additionally, your printer should have the latest firmware updates installed for optimal performance. You can check for updates through the Canon website or via the printer’s display menu. Having the necessary USB cable on hand may also be useful, as it can help complete the setup if you encounter any issues during the wireless configuration.
How can I connect my Canon MX870 to a Wi-Fi network?
To connect your Canon MX870 to a Wi-Fi network, begin by turning on the printer and navigating to the home screen using the control panel. Select ‘Setup’, then go to ‘Wireless LAN Setup’ and choose ‘Easy Setup’. The printer will search for available Wi-Fi networks. Once your network appears, select it and enter the Wi-Fi password when prompted.
After entering the password, the printer will attempt to connect to your network. You’ll receive a confirmation message on the display screen once the connection is established. If successful, your printer is now configured to communicate wirelessly with any device on the same network. You can now proceed to install the necessary drivers on your computer or mobile devices.
What should I do if my printer cannot find the Wi-Fi network?
If your Canon MX870 cannot find your Wi-Fi network, first ensure that the router is functioning correctly and that the Wi-Fi signal is strong. Check if the network is hidden; if it is, you’ll need to manually enter the network name (SSID) during the setup process. Additionally, ensure that there are no obstructions or electronic devices that could interfere with the signal between the router and the printer.
Another possibility is that the printer’s wireless function is disabled. Verify by navigating to the ‘Wi-Fi’ settings on the printer’s control panel. If necessary, try restarting both the printer and the router. In some cases, resetting the printer’s network settings can help; you can do this through the setup menu. After resetting, attempt the Wi-Fi connection process once more.
Can I print from mobile devices wirelessly using the Canon MX870?
Yes, you can print wirelessly from mobile devices using the Canon MX870. To do this, you will need to install the Canon PRINT app, available on both iOS and Android platforms. Once the app is installed, ensure that your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer. Open the app and follow the instructions to add your printer.
After successfully connecting the app to your Canon MX870, you can select documents, images, or web pages directly from your mobile device to print. The app also allows you to access cloud services and scan documents, making it a versatile tool for mobile printing. Ensure you have granted the necessary permissions for the app to function properly.
How can I troubleshoot common wireless printing issues with my Canon MX870?
If you encounter wireless printing issues with your Canon MX870, the first step is to check the printer’s connection status. Make sure your printer is powered on and connected to the Wi-Fi network. You can verify the connection status by printing a network configuration page using the printer’s control panel. If the printer is not connected, repeat the setup process.
Another common problem is that the printer might be offline on your computer or mobile device. This can often be resolved by restarting the printer and the device from which you’re trying to print. You can also check the printer queue on your computer to see if any print jobs are stuck and cancel them if necessary. If problems persist, consider reinstalling the printer drivers on your devices.
What steps should I follow to reset the network settings on my Canon MX870?
To reset the network settings on your Canon MX870, start by turning on the printer and accessing the Setup menu from the control panel. Navigate to the ‘Device Settings’ option, then select ‘Reset.’ From the list, choose ‘Reset Network Settings.’ Confirm your selection when prompted; this will clear all saved network configurations and return the printer to its default state.
After resetting, you’ll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network by following the initial wireless setup process again. This can help resolve persistent connection issues or misconfigurations that may have occurred during previous setups. Be sure to have your Wi-Fi credentials handy to re-establish a successful connection.