In an age where wireless connectivity is paramount, having a reliable printer that can easily tap into your home or office WiFi network is essential. The Canon TS5120 is a versatile printer that offers exceptional print quality and convenience. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to connect your Canon TS5120 printer to WiFi, ensuring that you can print wirelessly from any device in your network.
Understanding the Canon TS5120 Printer
Before diving into the connection process, it’s important to understand what makes the Canon TS5120 an excellent choice for both home and office settings. This all-in-one printer does not just print; it also scans and copies.
Key Features of the Canon TS5120:
- Compact Design: The TS5120 has a sleek, compact design, making it ideal for small spaces.
- Wireless Printing: With built-in WiFi, you can print from virtually any device.
- Mobile Compatibility: It supports mobile printing via Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and the Canon PRINT app.
- High-Quality Output: The printer delivers crisp documents and colorful photos, thanks to its ink technology.
Now that you know why the TS5120 is a great printer, let’s explore the setup process.
Preparation for WiFi Connection
Before you can connect your Canon TS5120 printer to WiFi, you need to ensure a few things are in place:
Check Your WiFi Network
Ensure your WiFi network is functioning properly. Check that the router is powered on and that you can connect other devices, such as smartphones or laptops, to the network.
Gather Required Information
You will need the following information:
- The SSID (Network Name) of your WiFi
- Your WiFi password (WPA/WPA2 security key)
Power On the Printer
Make sure your Canon TS5120 printer is plugged in and powered on. The printer should be ready for setup, indicated by the power button being lit.
Connecting Your Canon TS5120 Printer to WiFi
You can connect your Canon TS5120 printer to WiFi using two primary methods: the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method and the standard wireless setup method.
Method 1: Using WPS
If your router supports WPS, this method is the quickest way to connect your printer to the WiFi network.
Steps to Connect Using WPS
- Locate the WPS button on your wireless router. This button may be labeled as “WPS” or may have a symbol resembling two arrows forming a circle.
- On your Canon TS5120 printer, press the Settings button. Navigate to the WiFi Setup option using the arrow keys.
- Select WPS (Push button) from the WiFi setup menu.
- Press the WPS button on your router.
- Within two minutes, your printer should connect to the WiFi network. This is confirmed by the printer displaying a connection successful message.
<!—- If WPS is not available, proceed to the standard wireless setup —>
Method 2: Standard Wireless Setup
If your router does not support WPS, you can still connect your Canon TS5120 printer to your WiFi through its standard wireless setup.
Steps for Standard Wireless Setup
- Access the Printer’s Control Panel:
On the printer, press the Home button to access the main menu.
Navigate to WiFi Setup:
Use the arrow keys to go to the Setup menu, then select Wireless LAN Setup.
Select Easy Setup Method:
Choose the Easy Setup option. The printer will search for available networks.
Choose Your WiFi Network:
From the list of networks, select your WiFi SSID (network name) using the arrow keys. Press OK.
Enter WiFi Password:
Use the on-screen keyboard to enter your WiFi password. Confirm that the password is correct, and press OK.
Connection Confirmation:
The printer will attempt to connect to your WiFi network. A message will confirm if the connection is successful.
Print Test Page:
- To ensure everything is set correctly, print a test page. This is typically found in the Printer Settings menu.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
Even with a straightforward setup, some users might encounter issues connecting their Canon TS5120 to WiFi. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Printer is Not Connecting to WiFi
- Check Network Settings: Make sure that the SSID and password entered during setup are correct.
- Placement of Router: Ensure the printer is within the range of the WiFi signal. Walls and other obstacles can interfere with the connection.
- Reboot Devices: Sometimes, rebooting your router and printer can solve connection issues.
WiFi Signal Weakness
If your WiFi signal is weak, consider moving your router closer to the printer. You can also use WiFi extenders to boost the signal strength in your printing area.
Connecting Other Devices to the Canon TS5120
Once your printer is connected to the WiFi, you can print from various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Here’s how to set up printing from different platforms:
Printing from Windows PC
- Install Canon Software: Download and install the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from the Canon website or the Microsoft Store.
- Add Printer: Open the software and add your Canon TS5120 printer using the network search option.
- Print Your Document: Open the document you wish to print, select the print option, choose your printer, and click print.
Printing from Mac**
- Download Canon Drivers: Visit the Canon website to download the latest drivers for your TS5120.
- Connect Printer: Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners and click the + button to add your printer.
- Print Document: Open the desired document, click print, select your connected Canon printer, and proceed.
Printing from Mobile Devices
- Install Canon PRINT App: Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Connect via the App: Open the app, select your printer, and follow the on-screen instructions to start printing directly from your mobile device.
Maintaining Your Canon TS5120 Printer
To ensure optimal performance of your Canon TS5120, it’s important to maintain the printer regularly. Here are some valuable tips:
Regular Software Updates
Keep your printer’s firmware up-to-date by regularly checking the Canon website for updates. This helps with compatibility and security issues.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Clean the Print Head: Regularly running the print head cleaning utility will ensure that the printer maintains its color depth and print quality.
- Check Ink Levels: Monitor your ink levels and replace cartridges when necessary to prevent print quality degradation.
Network Health Check
Periodically check your network connection to ensure strong and stable WiFi, especially if you encounter printing issues frequently.
Conclusion
Connecting your Canon TS5120 printer to WiFi allows for greater flexibility and convenience in printing. Whether you use WPS for a quick setup or the standard procedure, the process is simple and manageable. Once connected, you’ll enjoy the freedom of printing from various devices without the hassle of cables.
By keeping your printer software updated and maintaining your equipment, you can ensure that your Canon TS5120 works effectively for years to come. Now that you know how to connect your Canon TS5120 to WiFi, you are well-equipped to make the most of your printing tasks. Enjoy seamless printing!
How do I prepare my Canon TS5120 printer for WiFi connection?
To prepare your Canon TS5120 printer for a WiFi connection, start by ensuring that your printer is turned on and within range of your WiFi network. Then, access the control panel on the printer. Look for the “Setup” or “Network” option, where you can find the wireless settings. If your printer isn’t connected to a network yet, you may need to navigate to the “Wireless LAN Setup” option.
Once you select “Wireless LAN Setup,” the printer will search for available WiFi networks. When your network appears in the list, select it and enter your WiFi password when prompted. It’s important to type this information accurately to avoid connectivity issues. Once completed, the printer will attempt to connect to the network, which may take a few moments.
What should I do if my Canon TS5120 can’t find my WiFi network?
If your Canon TS5120 printer is unable to find your WiFi network, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. First, make sure that your router is powered on and functioning correctly. Check that other devices can connect to the same network without any problems. If they cannot, there may be an issue with your internet connection or router.
Additionally, ensure that your printer is within the effective range of the WiFi signal. Walls, large furniture, and other electronic devices can interfere with WiFi signals, so moving your printer closer to the router might help. If problems persist, consider restarting both your printer and your router, and then attempt the connection process again from the beginning.
Can I connect my Canon TS5120 to WiFi without a computer?
Yes, you can connect your Canon TS5120 printer to WiFi without using a computer. The printer features a user-friendly control panel that allows you to perform the setup directly. Simply navigate to the “Setup” menu on the printer, and select the option for “Wireless LAN Setup.” The printer will then guide you through the process using its display screen.
This method is particularly convenient for users who do not have immediate access to a computer. You can easily connect the printer to your WiFi network by following the prompts shown on the display. Just make sure you have your WiFi network name (SSID) and password ready, as you will need to input this information during the setup process.
What if my Canon TS5120 printer keeps losing its WiFi connection?
If your Canon TS5120 printer keeps losing its WiFi connection, there are a few possible reasons for this issue. One common cause is interference from other electronic devices or physical barriers. Ensure that your printer is located in an area where it can receive a strong and stable WiFi signal, away from microwaves, cordless phones, or thick walls.
Another potential reason for the instability could be an issue with the router itself. Consider restarting your router to refresh the connection. Checking for firmware updates for both your printer and router may also help resolve connectivity problems. If the issue continues, you might need to reconnect your printer to the network or check the network settings to ensure everything is correctly configured.
How can I print wirelessly from my smartphone to the Canon TS5120?
To print wirelessly from your smartphone to the Canon TS5120, you will first need to ensure that both your printer and smartphone are connected to the same WiFi network. Install the Canon PRINT app on your smartphone, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. Once installed, follow the prompts to add your Canon TS5120 printer to the app.
After successfully adding the printer, open the document or image you wish to print on your smartphone. You can then select the “Share” or “Print” option, depending on the app you are using. Choose the Canon PRINT app from the list of available printing options. When prompted, select your Canon TS5120 and adjust the print settings as desired before tapping “Print” to send the job directly to your printer.
Is it possible to connect my Canon TS5120 printer to a different WiFi network later?
Yes, it is entirely possible to connect your Canon TS5120 printer to a different WiFi network at any time. To do this, you’ll need to follow a similar procedure to the initial setup. Start by navigating to the printer’s control panel and selecting “Setup” or “Network.” From there, choose “Wireless LAN Setup” to begin searching for available networks.
Once you’ve accessed the list of WiFi networks, select the new network you want to connect to and enter the corresponding password. The printer will attempt to connect to the new network, and if successful, you will see a confirmation message on the screen. This process allows you to switch networks according to your needs, ensuring that your printer stays connected wherever you go.