Wi-Fi Connection · Driver Download · Windows, Mac, iOS & Android · Troubleshooting
⚠ Watch Out for Lookalike Sites: Several third-party sites impersonate Canon’s official setup portal. The warning signs are easy to spot: the URL ends in .com instead of .canon, the site asks you to register or pay before you can download anything, or the domain contains hyphens or unusual extra letters. Canon printer setup is always free. If any site asks for payment, close the tab immediately and type ij.start.canon directly into your browser address bar.
So you’ve just unboxed a new Canon printer and you’re staring at a box full of cables, ink cartridges, and a quick-start sheet that somehow makes everything seem more complicated than it should be. We’ve been there. The good news is that Canon’s setup process is genuinely straightforward once you know exactly what to do — and that’s what this guide is for.
This guide covers the complete ij.start.canon setup process — every step from unboxing to your first print. Driver download, wireless connection on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, model-specific button sequences, and fixes for the errors that trip people up most often. Written specifically for users in the United States and Canada, with no steps skipped and no fluff in between.
Figure 1: Complete Canon printer setup at a glance — five steps from unboxing to your first print
It sounds obvious, but running through this checklist before you open a browser saves a surprising amount of time. The vast majority of setup failures we see come down to one item on this list being missed — and they’re all fixable in under a minute.
Figure 2: Verify all five items before downloading anything from ij.start.canon
This is where a lot of people run into trouble before setup even begins. The correct address is https://ij.start.canon — and the important part is that it ends in .canon, not .com. Canon actually owns the .canon top-level domain, so there’s no need for a .com address. Lookalike sites use .com addresses and often have hyphens or extra characters in the domain name. A quick glance at your browser’s address bar before you click download is all it takes.
Figure 3: Verify the .canon domain before downloading — if it ends in .com, leave the site
There are three ways to connect your Canon printer to a network. Most people should use Method A. We’ve included the other two because they genuinely save the day in specific situations — particularly if you’re setting up in a home with an older router or a tricky Wi-Fi configuration.
This is Canon’s automatic pairing method and it handles most of the technical handshake for you. Here’s how to activate it depending on what type of printer you have:
Once the printer is in pairing mode, go to your computer and run the installer file you downloaded in Step 1. When it asks how you want to connect, choose Wireless LAN Connection. Enter your Wi-Fi network name and password when prompted. When the Wi-Fi lamp on the printer stops flashing and stays solid, the connection is confirmed.
If your router has a WPS button (most home routers made after 2015 do), this is actually the fastest option. It skips the password entry entirely.
Connect a USB cable directly from the printer to your computer. Run the installer and select USB Connection when prompted. This bypasses all Wi-Fi complications and gets your printer working immediately. You can switch to wireless later through the printer’s LAN settings once the main driver is installed.
| Option | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full Software Package (Recommended) | Print driver + IJ Scan Utility + My Image Garden + network tools | Most home users — complete features in one install |
| Drivers Only | Core print driver only — no scanning or photo apps | Limited disk space or print-only setups |
The Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app is genuinely one of the better printer apps out there. It handles setup, printing, and scanning all from your phone — no computer needed for mobile jobs once it’s configured.
For quick one-off printing without opening the app, you can use AirPrint: tap the Share icon in any iOS app, choose Print, and select your Canon.
Android users can also enable Mopria Print Service in Android settings for basic wireless printing without needing the Canon app at all.
The TS3522 is consistently one of the best-selling Canon printers in the US and Canada — and it also generates more setup questions than any other model we deal with. The reason is its button-only interface: there’s no full touchscreen, so you can’t just tap through menus. The steps below are written specifically for this hardware.
Figure 4: Canon PIXMA TS3522 — exact button sequence to enter wireless pairing mode
| LCD Icon | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| B | Printer is in Easy Wireless Connect mode — waiting for a signal | Go to your computer immediately and run the setup software |
| C | Wi-Fi connection established — network address has been assigned | Setup successful — continue to driver installation |
| Flashing (no icon) | Pairing mode timed out after approximately 2 minutes | Repeat the button sequence — verify router is on 2.4 GHz |
| Model | Wi-Fi Button Location | Pairing Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TS3522 | Top panel | Hold 3 sec → ON lamp flashes blue | LCD shows “B” when ready |
| TS3722 | Top panel | Hold 3 sec → ON lamp flashes | Same sequence as TS3522 |
| TR4720 | Front panel | Hold Wi-Fi → LCD prompt appears | Touchscreen guided setup |
| TR4820 | Front panel | Hold Wi-Fi → WPS option on LCD | Common at Walmart and Costco |
| MG3620 | Top panel | Hold Wi-Fi → flashing blue/green | Blue = 2.4 GHz · Green = success |
| G3270 | Top panel | Hold Wi-Fi → lamp flashes | MegaTank — verify 2.4 GHz |
| TS6420a | Top panel | Touchscreen → Wireless LAN Setup | Full LCD guided flow |
This step gets skipped more often than it should. Firmware updates fix wireless drop issues, improve compatibility with newer routers, and patch security vulnerabilities. Once your driver installation is complete, the setup utility will usually prompt you to check for available firmware — accept it. If you missed the prompt, you can do it manually:
A test print is the only reliable way to confirm that drivers, firmware, and your network settings are all working together correctly. Here’s how to do it on each platform:
This is the most common error we see, and it almost always comes down to one of three things. Work through these in order and you’ll find the fix:
This one frustrates a lot of people because the error message usually doesn’t tell you that security software is the cause — the installer just freezes or fails silently. What’s happening is that your firewall is blocking the network discovery packets Canon’s setup tool sends to locate your printer on the local network.
The fix is straightforward: temporarily disable Windows Firewall and your antivirus, complete the full installation, then turn both back on immediately. A driver that installs cleanly with security software paused will work perfectly once protection is restored.
If you replaced your router or changed your Wi-Fi password and your printer suddenly won’t connect, the stored credentials inside the printer are now wrong. The fastest fix is a full LAN reset: go to Settings → Device Settings → LAN Settings → Reset LAN Settings → confirm. This clears everything and lets you start the wireless setup process from scratch.
Figure 5: Canon error codes E02–E08 and their fixes at a glance
| Error Code | Meaning | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| E02 | No paper or paper not loaded correctly | Load paper into the tray, press OK |
| E03 | Paper jam inside the printer | Open the cover and carefully remove the jammed paper |
| E04 | Ink cartridge not recognised | Remove the cartridge and firmly reinsert it |
| E05 | Cartridge installed in the wrong slot | Check orientation — black cartridge goes on the right, colour on the left |
| E08 | Ink absorber is nearly full | Service will be required soon — contact Canon support |
If you got here by searching for ij start cannon with two N’s — you’re in exactly the right place. This is one of the most common search typos for Canon’s setup portal, and it’s made by millions of users every month. Completely understandable: the brand name is Canon, so adding an extra “n” to get “cannon” feels natural.
Figure 6: “ij.start.cannon” is a common misspelling — the correct Canon portal uses one “n” and ends in .canon
Here’s the thing: there is no official Canon site at the double-N address. Any site that shows up when you search that misspelled version is a third-party site — and some of them will try to charge you for something that should be completely free. The correct address is ij.start.canon with one “n”, and this guide covers everything you need to complete your setup through that portal.
What is the correct URL for Canon printer setup?
The official URL is https://ij.start.canon — ending in .canon, which is Canon’s own registered top-level domain. It’s not a .com address. Always check your browser’s address bar before downloading anything.
What is “ij.start.cannon” with two N’s?
“ij.start.cannon” with two N’s is a very common misspelling of Canon’s setup portal, searched by millions of users. No official Canon site exists at this address. The correct spelling is ij.start.canon — one “n,” ending in .canon.
Is Canon printer setup free?
Yes, completely free. The official portal at ij.start.canon requires no payment, no account, and no subscription. If any site asks you to pay for Canon driver downloads, leave immediately — that’s not Canon.
Do I need a CD to install Canon drivers?
No. All Canon drivers and software are available free at ij.start.canon. Canon PIXMA printers sold at retailers in the US and Canada — including Best Buy, Walmart, Costco, and Staples — no longer include a setup CD in the box.
Does Canon PIXMA support 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
No. All current Canon PIXMA inkjet models support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only. If your router is set to 5 GHz only, you’ll need to enable the 2.4 GHz band before starting wireless setup.
How do I know when my Canon printer is connected to Wi-Fi?
The Wi-Fi lamp on the printer stops flashing and stays solid. On the TS3522 specifically, the LCD displays the “C” icon when the connection is confirmed. On touchscreen models, a confirmation message appears on screen.
Why does my Canon printer say “Printer Not Found” during setup?
The three most common causes are: your computer is on a different network than the printer, your router is broadcasting on 5 GHz only, or your firewall is blocking the setup tool. Work through the troubleshooting section above in order.
What is the difference between Full Package and Drivers Only?
Full Package installs the print driver, IJ Scan Utility, My Image Garden, and network management tools. Drivers Only installs just the core print driver. For home users who want scanning functionality, always choose Full Package.
Can I print from my phone without a computer?
Yes. Download Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). iPhone users can also use AirPrint directly. Android users can use Mopria Print Service for basic wireless printing without any additional app.
What does “https ij start canon setup” mean?
This is how many users type Canon’s printer setup web address into a search engine. It refers to the official Canon setup portal at https://ij.start.canon — where you download drivers and receive step-by-step installation guidance for your specific printer model.
If you’ve worked through this guide and your printer still isn’t cooperating, the issue is usually something specific to your router model, OS version, or printer firmware that a general guide can’t fully account for. Our support team handles Canon printer setup issues daily across the US and Canada.
Common issues we resolve: printer not found errors · Wi-Fi dropping after setup · driver conflicts on Windows 11 · scanning not working on macOS · Canadian ISP router configuration
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