The Canon TR4720 is an all‑in‑one inkjet intended for home and small office use. Setting it up involves confirming the exact model, choosing a connection method (USB, wired or wireless), and installing drivers or apps so computers and mobile devices can print and scan. This overview explains the common setup paths, the supplies and network information you should gather, step‑by‑step connection methods for USB and Wi‑Fi (including WPS and IP settings), how to install drivers and software on major platforms, typical setup errors and remedies, and the post‑setup checks that confirm a stable configuration.
Overview of common setup paths
The typical setup flows split into three paths: direct USB connection for a single computer, wireless network connection for multiple devices, and temporary direct wireless or wireless direct connection for mobile printing. Each path has different dependencies: USB needs a compatible cable and local drivers; Wi‑Fi needs the network name and password and may require IP configuration when network discovery is restricted; wireless direct removes the network but can be limited for scanning and updates. Choosing a path depends on device mix, security posture, and whether the printer will be shared on a network.
What you need before starting
Gathering the right items beforehand speeds setup and reduces troubleshooting. Confirm the model number on the printer label and collect network credentials if connecting to Wi‑Fi. Have a short USB A‑to‑B cable if you prefer wired, and ensure the host computer meets the operating system requirements for Canon drivers.
- Printer model label and serial number
- Power outlet and a brief power cycle plan
- Wi‑Fi network name (SSID) and password; router access if configuring IP settings
- USB cable for direct connect when required
- Computer or mobile device with recent OS updates
Wired connection steps (USB and direct connect)
For a USB direct connection, place the printer within cable reach of the host computer. Turn on the printer, connect the USB cable, and let the operating system detect the device. Modern Windows and macOS often install a generic driver automatically; however, installing Canon’s recommended driver package can enable scanning and custom features. If automatic detection fails, restart both devices and try another USB port or cable. When using a single workstation, USB avoids network configuration but limits shared access.
Wireless setup steps (Wi‑Fi, WPS, and IP considerations)
For networked printing, the most common option is standard Wi‑Fi connection to the same network as client devices. Use the printer’s control panel to select the router SSID and enter the passphrase. If a touchscreen or guided setup is present, follow on‑screen prompts. WPS (Wi‑Fi Protected Setup) can simplify the connection: press the WPS button on the router, then initiate WPS on the printer within the required time window. WPS is convenient but depends on the router supporting it and may be disabled in managed networks.
IP considerations matter when devices do not discover the printer automatically. By default, DHCP assigns an address; static IP or DHCP reservation in the router can stabilize the printer’s address, improving reliability for scanning or network shares. In enterprise or heavily filtered home networks, enable necessary ports for mDNS/Bonjour or configure the printer’s IP manually through the control panel to ensure visibility.
Driver and software installation options
There are several paths to get the required drivers and utilities: download the full driver and MP drivers from the manufacturer’s support page, install via the operating system’s built‑in drivers, or use the Canon mobile app for phones and tablets. The full driver package typically includes scanning utilities and firmware update tools; OS built‑in drivers may be sufficient for basic printing. For Windows, run the downloaded installer before connecting the printer when prompted; on macOS, add the printer via System Settings if it appears under nearby printers. Mobile setups commonly use Canon’s app and either network discovery or a temporary wireless direct connection.
Common setup errors and troubleshooting steps
Missing or incompatible drivers, network discovery failures, and printer offline status are frequent issues. If the host reports the printer is offline, verify the printer shows a ready state on its control panel and is on the same subnet as the client. For driver installation failures, remove previous driver entries, reboot, and reinstall the manufacturer package. Network printing failures often stem from SSID isolation, guest network restrictions, or router firewall rules; test by connecting a laptop to the same SSID and pinging the printer IP. Scanning failures are often driver or firewall related—install scanning utilities that match the OS and confirm any local firewall allows the scanner service.
Paper jams, ink errors, or alignment prompts require following control‑panel instructions; clearing physical obstructions and confirming genuine supplies per the manufacturer’s guidance reduces repeated errors. If firmware updates are pending, install them only on a stable connection to avoid interruption during the update process.
Setup trade-offs, constraints and accessibility considerations
Choosing between USB and networked setups involves trade‑offs. USB offers simplicity and fewer network dependencies but prevents easy sharing and remote printing. Wireless setup maximizes device access but introduces variables like router compatibility, signal strength, and IP stability. Some routers block device discovery protocols, requiring manual IP assignment or router configuration.
Accessibility factors include the physical placement of the printer for users with limited mobility and the availability of mobile apps with accessible interfaces. Driver support varies by operating system version; older OS releases may lack full feature drivers, and some functions like advanced scanning can be limited on built‑in drivers. Manufacturer documentation is the authoritative source for firmware procedures and compatibility lists; when network policies or unique environments are involved, consult official guidance before altering router settings or applying firmware updates.
Post‑setup checks and validation
After setup, run a print test and a scan test from each representative device type (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS). Confirm the printer’s IP address and, if necessary, configure a DHCP reservation or static IP to prevent address changes. Check for available firmware updates through the manufacturer tool and schedule them when the printer will not be in heavy use. Observe connection stability for a day or two: intermittent failures often indicate Wi‑Fi signal issues or router interference and may be resolved by repositioning the printer or using a wired Ethernet bridge if supported.
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Next steps and recommended setup path
For most home or small office scenarios, begin with a wired USB connection to confirm basic printing and scanning functions, then move to a Wi‑Fi network connection if sharing is needed. Use the manufacturer’s full driver package for complete functionality and set a DHCP reservation or static IP to reduce discovery issues. If problems persist after basic troubleshooting, gather model and network details and consult manufacturer support resources or a qualified IT technician for environments with managed networks. These steps prioritize reproducible configuration and clearer diagnostics for longer‑term stability.
