To add a Canon wireless printer to a Mac, connect the printer to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac, then open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, select your Canon printer, and click Add. Apple says that if your printer supports AirPrint, you don’t need to install an app or driver.
These steps follow Apple’s Add and manage printers on Mac guide. For getting a Canon printer onto Wi-Fi in the first place, we used Canon’s Easy Wireless Connect setup for macOS article for the PIXMA TS3720 as an example; the exact buttons differ by Canon model, so check the instructions for yours.
Before You Start
- Unpack the printer, install ink, add paper, and turn it on. Apple says to make sure it isn’t showing any errors.
- Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network using Canon’s instructions for your model.
- Make sure your Mac is on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Update macOS in System Settings > General > Software Update, and check Canon’s site for printer software updates.
How to Add a Canon Wireless Printer to a Mac
- Open the System Settings app.
- Click Printers & Scanners in the sidebar. Apple notes you may need to scroll down.
- Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
- Select your Canon printer from the list.
- Click Add.
Result: The printer appears in your printer list. Apple says macOS uses AirPrint to connect when the printer supports it, so you can print without extra drivers.
Shortcut: Apple says you can also open a document, choose File > Print, and pick the printer from the Printer pop-up menu. If it isn’t listed, choose Add Printer. Apple also mentions the Print Center app as a quick way to add a printer.
How to Connect a Canon Printer to Wi-Fi From a Mac
If your Canon printer isn’t on Wi-Fi yet, Canon’s example for the PIXMA TS3720 uses Easy Wireless Connect:
- Press and hold the printer’s Wireless connect button until the light flashes.
- Download and open Canon Inkjet Smart Connect on your Mac.
- Choose Set Up Now, then follow the prompts. Canon says the installer finds the printer and shows the last five characters of its serial number; select Connect.
- When the Add Printer screen appears, select your printer (listed as Canon model Series), and click Add.
Apple adds that some Wi-Fi printers need a temporary USB connection to set up Wi-Fi; once setup is done, you can unplug the cable.
If Your Canon Printer Doesn’t Show Up
- Wait a minute or two after turning the printer on. Apple says some printers need a moment to join the network.
- Check the network. The printer and Mac must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Install Canon’s software. If your printer isn’t compatible with AirPrint, Apple says to install the latest software from the manufacturer’s website.
- Add it by IP address. In the Add Printer window, Apple says you can add a network printer by its IP address if it supports AirPrint, HP Jetdirect (Socket), LPD, or IPP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Canon driver to print from a Mac?
Not if your printer supports AirPrint. Apple says AirPrint lets you print without installing an app, driver, or other software. Older Canon models without AirPrint need Canon’s Mac software.
Can I add a Canon printer with a USB cable instead?
Yes. Apple says to connect the printer to your Mac with the right cable; if your Mac has a single USB-C port, use a multiport adapter.
For USB connections, other printer brands, or an older Mac with System Preferences, see our general guide to adding a printer to a Mac.
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Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read hundreds of millions of times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.