WPS Button on Canon Printers: Where to Find It

The WPS button on a Canon printer is typically located on the printer’s control panel, often labeled Wi-Fi or marked with the WPS icon (two arrows forming a circle). Pressing it once puts the printer into WPS pairing mode, allowing it to connect to your router without entering a password. Here’s everything you need to know about finding and using it.

What Is WPS and Why Does It Matter?

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a network security standard designed to simplify connecting devices to a wireless network. Instead of typing a long Wi-Fi password, you press a button on your router and then on your printer—they automatically exchange credentials and connect. Canon includes WPS support on most modern PIXMA, MAXIFY, and imageCLASS models, though the physical button may not always be present. On some Canon printers, especially older or compact models, WPS is only available through the printer’s menu system rather than a dedicated button.

Typical Locations of the WPS Button

Where you’ll find the WPS button depends on your printer’s design and model year. Here are the most common placements:

• On the control panel: Look for a button labeled Wi-Fi or with the WPS icon (two curved arrows). On many PIXMA models, it’s near the power button.
• On the front or side of the printer: Some models place the WPS button on the front bezel or the left/right side, away from the touchscreen.
• Inside the menu: If there’s no physical button, navigate to Settings → Wireless LAN → WPS (or Push Button) on the display.
• On the back panel: A few older models (like the MX series) have the WPS button near the USB port or Ethernet jack.

If you can’t find it, check the printer’s manual or look up the model online—Canon’s support site provides specific instructions for each model.

How to Use WPS to Connect Your Canon Printer

Once you’ve located the button, the process is straightforward. Make sure your router supports WPS (most do) and that WPS is enabled on it. Then follow these steps:

1. Turn on your Canon printer and place it within range of your router (ideally within a few meters).
2. Press the WPS button on your router. It’s often on the back or side, and may be labeled WPS or Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
3. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your printer (or select WPS in the printer’s menu).
4. Wait for the printer’s Wi-Fi indicator to stop blinking and remain solid—this indicates a successful connection.
5. Install the Canon printer driver on your computer or mobile device, and the printer should appear as an available device.

If the connection fails, try again with the printer closer to the router, or restart both devices before retrying.

When Your Printer Has No WPS Button

Many Canon printers, especially budget or compact models, don’t have a physical WPS button. Instead, they rely on the printer’s menu to initiate WPS. On the printer’s touchscreen, go to Setup → Wireless LAN → WPS (Push Button) and follow the on-screen prompts. You’ll still need to press the WPS button on your router. If your printer lacks WPS entirely, you can connect via the USB cable temporarily or use the Canon PRINT app to configure Wi-Fi manually.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

WPS connections can fail for several reasons. Here are the most frequent issues and how to resolve them:

• WPS not supported on the router: Older routers may not have WPS. Check your router’s manual or look for the WPS button—if it’s absent, WPS isn’t available.
• WPS disabled on the router: Some routers allow you to turn off WPS for security. Log into your router’s settings and enable it.
• Distance or interference: Move the printer closer to the router and away from walls, microwaves, or cordless phones.
• Timeout: The WPS window is usually 2 minutes. If you’re slow, the connection fails—simply try again.
• Printer already connected: If the printer is already on a network, you may need to reset its network settings first. On Canon printers, hold the Stop button for 5 seconds to reset Wi-Fi.

If none of these work, consider using the Canon PRINT app or a USB cable to set up the connection.

WPS vs. Other Connection Methods

WPS is convenient, but it’s not the only way to connect your Canon printer. Here’s how it compares:

• WPS (Push Button): Fast and simple, but requires both devices to support it and be near each other.
• WPS PIN: Some routers allow a PIN instead of a button. Canon printers usually don’t support this method, so it’s rarely used.
• Manual Wi-Fi setup: You enter your network name (SSID) and password directly on the printer’s screen. Works with any router, but takes more time.
• USB connection: Plug the printer into your computer with a USB cable. Reliable, but you lose wireless convenience.
• Canon PRINT app: The mobile app guides you through Wi-Fi setup, often using your phone’s Wi-Fi settings. Good for smartphones and tablets.

For most users, WPS is the quickest option if both devices support it. If not, manual setup is the most universal fallback.

Security Considerations

WPS has known security vulnerabilities, particularly the PIN method, which can be brute-forced. The push-button method is generally safer because it requires physical access to the button. However, if you’re concerned about security, you can disable WPS on your router after connecting the printer. The printer will remain connected, and you won’t need WPS again unless you change networks. Also, avoid using WPS in public or semi-public places where someone could press the button without your knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there no WPS button on my Canon printer?

Many Canon printers, especially budget models, don’t have a dedicated WPS button. Instead, WPS is available through the printer’s menu (usually under Wireless LAN settings). If your printer doesn’t have WPS at all, you can connect manually by entering your Wi-Fi password on the printer’s screen or via the Canon PRINT app.

How long do I have to press the WPS button?

You typically have about 2 minutes between pressing the WPS button on your router and initiating WPS on your printer. If you exceed this window, the connection fails, and you’ll need to start over. Some routers have a shorter window, so act quickly.

Can I use WPS to connect my Canon printer to a mobile hotspot?

Most mobile hotspots don’t support WPS. Instead, use the manual Wi-Fi setup method—enter the hotspot’s SSID and password on the printer’s screen. Some Canon printers also allow connection via the Canon PRINT app, which can guide you through the process.

What does the WPS button look like on a Canon printer?

The WPS button is usually labeled Wi-Fi or has the WPS icon (two curved arrows forming a circle). On some models, it’s a small button with the text WPS next to it. If you’re unsure, check your printer’s manual or look up the model online.

Does pressing the WPS button on the printer affect its existing connection?

Yes, pressing the WPS button will initiate a new WPS connection, which may overwrite the current Wi-Fi settings. If the printer is already connected to a network, you may need to reset the network settings first (hold the Stop button for 5 seconds) before using WPS.

Is WPS safe to use?

WPS push-button is generally safe because it requires physical access to the router’s button. However, WPS PIN is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. If you’re concerned, you can disable WPS on your router after connecting your printer—the printer will stay connected, and you won’t need WPS again unless you change networks.

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