How to Install My Canon Printer to My Computer

Setting up a Canon printer on your computer doesn't have to be complicated—especially if you're using Canon's official setup portal: ij.start.canon. Whether you're connecting your printer via Wi-Fi, USB, or even a wired LAN, this easy-to-follow guide will walk you through every step of installing your Canon printer on your Windows or Mac computer.

 

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By the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to:

  • Download the correct drivers and software

  • Connect your printer to your computer

  • Troubleshoot common setup problems

Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

To successfully install your Canon printer using ij.start.canon, make sure you have the following:

  • A Canon printer (any model that supports computer installation)

  • A Windows PC or Mac

  • An active internet connection

  • Your Wi-Fi network name and password (if connecting wirelessly)

  • A USB cable, if installing via USB

Step 1: Visit ij.start.canon

  1. Open your web browser on your computer.

  2. Type ij.start.canon in the address bar and press Enter.

  3. You’ll be taken to Canon’s official setup portal.

This site is designed to detect your region and operating system automatically. It will direct you to the appropriate Canon support page for your printer model.

Step 2: Enter Your Printer Model

On the ij.start.canon homepage:

  1. Click on the “Set Up (Start Here)” button.

  2. In the search bar, enter your Canon printer model (e.g., PIXMA TS3520, MAXIFY GX7020, etc.).

  3. Select your model from the dropdown list.

Once selected, Canon will redirect you to your model’s dedicated setup page.

Step 3: Download the Recommended Software

On your printer’s setup page, you’ll see a button that says:

Download or Download the Setup File

Click this button to download the official setup utility for your printer. This tool will:

  • Install drivers and utilities

  • Help you connect the printer to your computer (via Wi-Fi or USB)

  • Automatically detect your operating system (Windows or macOS)

After downloading, locate the setup file (usually in your Downloads folder), then double-click it to begin installation.

 

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Step 4: Run the Canon Setup Utility

Once the installer launches:

  1. Click Start Setup or Next.

  2. Accept the license agreement when prompted.

  3. The tool will begin preparing your computer for installation.

During this phase, the installer may check your network environment and system compatibility. Make sure your printer is turned on before moving forward.

Step 5: Choose Your Connection Type

You’ll be given two primary options to connect your printer:

Option 1: Wireless Connection (Wi-Fi)

Recommended for wireless printing from multiple devices.

  1. Choose Wireless LAN Connection.

  2. The tool will search for your Canon printer on the network.

  3. If not found, you may need to put the printer into Wi-Fi setup mode:

    • On models with a screen, go to Wi-Fi Setup > Easy Wireless Connect

    • On button-only models, press and hold the Wireless or Wi-Fi button until the light flashes

  4. Once the printer is in setup mode, the installer will detect it and allow you to enter your Wi-Fi network name and password.

  5. After a successful connection, the printer will be registered to your computer.

Option 2: USB Connection

Ideal for a single computer or offline use.

  1. Select USB Connection in the setup tool.

  2. When prompted, plug in the USB cable from your printer to your computer.

  3. The tool will detect the printer and automatically install the required drivers.

Tip: For USB setup, don’t plug in the cable until the software tells you to.

 Step 6: Complete the Installation

Once the connection is successful, the software will:

  • Install the latest printer drivers

  • Install optional tools like Canon Easy-PhotoPrint Editor or My Printer

  • Register your printer to Canon’s software for maintenance and updates

You may be prompted to print a test page—this is optional but helpful to confirm everything works.

Step 7: Install Scanner Drivers (If Applicable)

If your Canon printer includes scanning functionality (most PIXMA, TR, and MAXIFY models do):

  1. The installer will automatically download and install the Canon IJ Scan Utility.

  2. This allows you to scan documents and images from your printer to your computer.

  3. After installation, you’ll find the scan utility in your list of installed applications.

You can also scan directly from the Canon PRINT app, if you want mobile scanning.

Optional: Set Up on a Mobile Device

If you'd like to also set up your Canon printer on your smartphone or tablet, you can use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app:

  1. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

  2. Open the app and tap Add Printer.

  3. Follow the prompts to connect your printer via Wi-Fi.

  4. The app will automatically detect and register the printer.

This is ideal for printing photos, scanning documents, and managing ink levels from your phone.

Troubleshooting Tips Install My Canon Printer to My Computer 

Canon Printer Not Detected?

  • Make sure the printer is powered on and not in sleep mode.

  • Check that both your computer and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

  • Try restarting your router, computer, and printer.

  • For USB setup, try a different cable or port.

Canon Setup Utility Stuck or Freezing?

  • Disable any firewall or antivirus temporarily during installation.

  • Run the installer as administrator (right-click > “Run as Administrator” on Windows).

  • Re-download the installer from ij.start.canon to ensure it’s not corrupted.

Additional Canon Tools You May Want to Install

After installation, you might want to explore these optional tools:

  • Canon My Printer – Helps with maintenance, troubleshooting, and driver updates

  • Canon Easy-PhotoPrint Editor – For editing and printing photos easily

  • Canon IJ Network Tool – Useful for advanced wireless/network configurations

These can all be downloaded from your printer’s model page on ij.start.canon.

Final Thoughts

Installing your Canon printer using ij.start.canon is a quick and reliable method that works for both beginners and tech-savvy users. Whether you're using Windows or Mac, connecting via Wi-Fi or USB, the step-by-step setup process is designed to be smooth and straightforward.

With your printer now installed and ready, you can enjoy seamless printing, scanning, and photo editing across all your devices.

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