How to Add a Canon Printer to a Mac (3 Easy Steps) WiFi, USB

Want to use a Canon printer with your Mac? Whether connecting your printer via WiFi or with a USB cord, there are three easy steps to follow to connect. Here’s how to add a Canon printer to a Mac.

Before attempting to connect your Canon printer and Mac computer, make sure to prepare. Remove your printer and all necessary items from the packaging. Install the ink or toner cartridges and paper to the printer. 

Here are the instructions to connect your Canon printer to a Mac Computer through WiFi and USB.

After the final step in each section, you’ll find tips that may help ensure a connection or links to other troubleshooting pages. 

How to Add a Canon Printer to a Mac Through WiFi 

One way to connect a Canon printer to a Mac is through WiFi.

First, check that your Mac computer and Canon printer are hooked up to the same WiFi. You may not need to do anything else to connect the printer and the Mac.

Follow the steps below if further action is necessary to link the Canon printer to a Mac computer. 

1. Check for updates (both your Mac and the printer software). If there are necessary updates, install them before proceeding. 

2. Connect your printer. You may have to connect a USB from the printer to the Mac to set up WiFi printing capabilities. Once you have connected the printer to the Mac, install the Mac software included with the printer and follow the instructions to connect the printer to the WiFi network. Disconnect the cord connecting the printer and Mac. The printer should hold the connection to the WiFi after disconnection. 

3. Add the printer to your list of printers. Open the Apple menu and go to System Preferences. From there, click Printers & Scanners. If your printer does not appear, click on the + to add at the bottom of the list. The printer may not appear right away. When it does pop up, click the printer and add. Download or update software if you need to. Make sure to install/update as needed.

Here’s how to rename your printer on a Mac. If you no longer need the printer on your computer, here’s how to delete a printer on your Mac.

Tips for Connecting your Canon Printer and a Mac Through WiFi

Here are some tips if you’re having trouble connecting your printer by WiFi. 

• Ensure that your printer and computer are plugged in if needed and turned on. 
• Make sure that your printer and computer are connected to the same network. 
• Need to share your connected printer with another Mac user? Follow these instructions! 
• Click the printer icon to open the queue. If you see the “Resume” button, your printer is paused. Click the “Resume” button to continue printing. Printing may have paused due to an error on another print job. Delete the job with an error to resume printing the current printing job. 

Here’s more about how to connect a Canon printer to WiFi.

Getting your printer online is an important step to connecting your iPad to a printer.

How to Add a Canon Printer to a Mac With a USB 

Another option for connecting your Canon Printer to the Mac computer is through the USB cord. Utilizing a USB cord is typically a simple setup.

1. Check the printer software (printer driver) for updates on your Mac. You can check if your model printer has any updates through the printer manufacturer. 
2. Make sure your printer is ready to go and turn it on. Address any error messages that may pop up on the printer. 
3. Connect the printer to your Mac computer using the USB cable. Download and install any new software if prompted. 

And here’s how to connect your printer to WiFi.

Tips for Connecting a Canon Printer and a Mac With a USB

There are a few basic things to check if you’re having trouble connecting your printer by USB. 

• Ensure that your printer and computer are plugged in if needed and turned on. 
• Check that your USB cord is plugged in tightly to the Mac and printer. 
• If your Mac and printer are turned on and connected snuggly, try these other solutions for issues with a USB. 

Here’s how to reset your Canon printer (8 methods).

Your Turn

How did this go for you? Were you able to successfully connect your Canon printer to your Mac? Please share your experience below.

Have a laptop? Here are 3 ways to connect a Canon printer to your laptop.