Setting up a new Canon printer is usually a straightforward process when you use the correct software and follow the setup instructions for your specific model. The ij.start.canon setup process is commonly used to begin Canon printer installation, download the required software, connect the printer to Wi-Fi or USB, and add the printer to a Windows PC or Mac. (Dial +1-801-878-6858 USA)
Canon's official support pages provide model-specific drivers, software, manuals, setup instructions, and wireless setup information. Canon also notes that software and drivers are specific to the operating system, so selecting the correct printer model and operating system is important.
This complete guide explains how to set up your Canon printer using ij.start.canon, including wireless setup, USB installation, driver installation, Windows and Mac configuration, and solutions to common setup problems.
ij.start.canon is a Canon setup web address used to help users begin the installation process for compatible Canon printers.
The setup process generally involves:
The exact setup process depends on the Canon printer model and the operating system you are using.
For model-specific software and drivers, Canon's official U.S. support website lets you select the printer and operating system before displaying compatible downloads.
Before starting the installation, prepare the following:
It is also recommended to keep the printer relatively close to your wireless router during initial Wi-Fi setup.
The general setup procedure is:
Let's look at each step in detail.
Remove your Canon printer from its packaging carefully.
Remove all protective tape, plastic coverings, foam, and other shipping materials.
Check the printer carefully for packaging material around:
Do not leave shipping materials inside the printer because they can interfere with normal operation.
Place the printer near a suitable electrical outlet.
Connect the power cable to the printer and wall outlet.
Press the Power button.
Wait for the printer to complete its startup process.
If the printer displays an error during startup, resolve the error before proceeding with software installation.
Install the ink cartridges or ink tanks according to your printer's setup instructions.
Depending on the Canon model, the printer may use:
Make sure every cartridge is installed in its correct position.
Do not force the cartridge into place.
Place compatible paper in the printer's paper tray or feeder.
Adjust the paper guides so that they hold the paper correctly.
The paper-loading method varies between Canon printer models, so consult the model-specific setup instructions when necessary.
Before downloading software, identify the exact printer model.
You can usually find the model name:
Examples include:
Canon provides separate support pages and downloads for individual models. For example, Canon's TS3720 support page provides model-specific downloads, manuals, apps, and wireless setup information.
Open your preferred web browser on your Windows PC or Mac.
Enter the official Canon setup address:
Canon IJ Setup
Make sure the address is spelled correctly and that you're using the official Canon domain.
Avoid downloading printer drivers from websites that imitate Canon's setup pages or offer unrelated driver packages.
When prompted, enter your Canon printer model.
For example, if you have a Canon PIXMA TS3720, enter:
TS3720
Select the correct model from the available results.
Choosing the exact model is important because Canon software and drivers vary between devices.
After identifying your printer, follow the setup instructions to obtain the appropriate software.
Canon's support system provides software and drivers according to the selected operating system. Canon specifically notes that not all software and drivers are compatible with every operating-system version.
Depending on the model, you may find:
Download the software recommended for your model.
Once the download finishes:
Don't disconnect the printer during setup unless the installation program instructs you to do so.
Wireless setup is one of the most popular ways to install a Canon printer.
Before beginning, make sure:
During Canon setup, select the Wireless LAN or similar wireless connection option.
The software will guide you through connecting the printer to the network.
If your Canon printer has a display, you may be able to configure Wi-Fi directly from the printer.
Look for an option similar to:
Wi-Fi Setup → Wireless LAN Setup
or:
Network Settings → Wireless Setup
Then:
The menu names and button combinations vary by printer model.
If your printer and router support WPS, you may be able to connect without manually entering the Wi-Fi password.
If WPS is not supported or doesn't work, use the standard wireless setup method.
You can also install a compatible Canon printer using a USB cable.
Try another USB port if your computer doesn't detect the printer.
After installing the Canon software, you can verify the printer in Windows 11.
After the printer has been added, print a test document.
On Windows 10:
If the printer does not appear, verify that the printer and computer are connected to the same network when using wireless setup.
Canon printers compatible with macOS can be installed using the appropriate Canon software and macOS printer settings.
Canon's support pages list operating-system compatibility and available software for individual printer models.
The printer driver allows your computer to communicate correctly with the Canon printer.
To install the driver:
Canon's support pages separate downloads into categories such as Drivers and Software & Utilities, depending on the product.
If your Canon printer includes scanning functionality, you may also need scanning software.
For compatible PIXMA models, Canon may provide IJ Scan Utility or related scanning software.
After installing it, you can typically find the application under:
Start → All apps → Canon Utilities → IJ Scan Utility
You can use supported scanning options to scan:
The exact scanning software depends on your Canon model.
If the Canon setup program cannot find your printer, try the following:
Turn off the printer, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
Restart the Wi-Fi router and wait until the wireless connection is available.
Make sure the printer and computer are connected to the same network.
Verify that the password entered during setup is correct.
Move the printer closer to the router temporarily.
Security software may interfere with printer discovery.
If your Canon printer fails to connect to Wi-Fi:
Canon's product support pages provide wireless setup instructions for supported models and note that wireless printing requires the printer and computer or mobile device to be connected to the same wireless network.
A successful Wi-Fi connection doesn't always mean printing will work.
Check:
If the printer appears offline, restart it and check its connection.
If Windows shows your Canon printer as offline:
If the issue continues, remove the printer and reinstall the Canon software.
If you recently changed your Wi-Fi password, your Canon printer may disconnect from the network.
Reconnect it by opening the printer's wireless settings.
Select the current network and enter the new password.
If the printer continues trying to use the old network credentials, reset its network settings and perform the wireless setup again.
A new router may use a different:
Your Canon printer may need to be configured again.
Connect the printer to the new network and then verify that your computer is connected to the same network.
You generally don't need a CD to install a modern Canon printer.
Use the official Canon setup and support resources to download the appropriate software.
This is particularly helpful for newer laptops that don't include a CD/DVD drive.
The Canon support website provides downloadable drivers, software, manuals, and setup information for supported models.
If your Canon printer is already connected to Wi-Fi and you purchase a new laptop, you usually don't need to reset the printer.
Instead:
Firewall or security software can sometimes interfere with wireless printer discovery.
If the printer is connected to Wi-Fi but isn't detected:
Don't permanently disable your security software just to install a printer.
Guest networks can prevent connected devices from communicating with each other.
For example:
Computer: HomeWiFi
Printer: HomeWiFi-Guest
In this situation, the printer may have internet access but still be invisible to the computer.
Whenever possible, connect both devices to the same primary network.
Once installation is complete, print a test document.
Check:
If your printer includes a scanner, perform a test scan as well.
Before finishing the installation, confirm:
ij.start.canon is a Canon web address used for printer setup resources. It can help users begin the setup process for compatible Canon printers.
Open the official Canon setup website, enter your exact printer model, download the appropriate software, run the installer, choose your connection method, and complete the setup.
The requirements can vary by product and service. Basic printer setup generally depends on the printer's software and connection method rather than requiring a separate account.
Yes, compatible Canon printers can be connected through Wi-Fi. The printer and computer generally need to be connected to the same local network.
Yes. If your printer supports Wi-Fi, you can use a wireless connection instead of USB.
Check that the printer is powered on, connected to the correct Wi-Fi network, and within range of the router. Also check your computer's network connection and firewall.
Incorrect passwords, weak signals, incompatible wireless bands, router settings, and incorrect network configurations can cause connection failures.
Visit Canon Support, search for your exact model, select your operating system, download the appropriate driver, and run the installer.
Yes, setup for compatible Canon printers can be completed on Windows 11 using the appropriate Canon software and drivers.
Yes. Download the appropriate software for your printer and macOS version, then add the printer through System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
Open the printer's wireless settings, select the new network, enter the new password, and complete the wireless setup again.
The ij.start.canon Canon USA setup process provides a convenient way to get a compatible Canon printer ready for printing and scanning. Start by identifying the exact printer model, preparing the printer, and connecting it to power.
For wireless setup, connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network and make sure your computer is using the same network. Then use the official Canon setup resources to download the correct software and driver for your operating system.
You can install a Canon printer through Wi-Fi or USB, depending on the printer's capabilities and your preferred connection method. After installation, add the printer to Windows or macOS and print a test page.
If setup doesn't work, check the Wi-Fi password, network connection, printer distance from the router, firewall, VPN, driver compatibility, and wireless frequency. Canon's model-specific support pages also provide drivers, manuals, setup instructions, and wireless help.
For the safest installation, always download Canon software and drivers from official Canon resources and select the package that matches your exact printer model and operating system.