Modern home offices often rely on compact all‑in‑one printers, and the Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a popular choice thanks to its low cost and wireless features. If you’re searching for how to setup Canon TR4720 printer and, specifically, how to connect your Canon TR4720 to Wi‑Fi reliably, this guide walks through recommended methods, common pitfalls, and simple fixes so you can print from phones, tablets, and computers without frustration.
Why Wi‑Fi setup matters for the PIXMA TR4720
Reliable Wi‑Fi connection determines whether the TR4720 can accept print jobs from multiple devices, support mobile printing (AirPrint, Mopria), and use Canon’s mobile apps. The TR4720 supports IEEE 802.11 b/g/n on the 2.4 GHz band and offers several connection methods: Easy Wireless Connect (recommended), Wireless Direct (access‑point mode), WPS (if your router supports it), and a manual connect option. Choosing the right method and following a few network checks will reduce setup time and prevent intermittent disconnects.
Key components and preparatory checks
Before you begin, make sure you have the following: the TR4720 plugged in and turned on; your Wi‑Fi network name (SSID) and password (case sensitive); a computer or mobile device on the same network; and the latest Canon installer or the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app. Confirm your Wi‑Fi network is 2.4 GHz (the TR4720 does not use 5 GHz). If you use a mesh or dual‑band router, ensure the device you run the installer from is connected to the same SSID you want the printer to use.
Also check for common blockers: temporary VPN connections, software firewalls that block device discovery, or router settings like AP isolation that prevent networked devices from talking to each other. If you plan to use WPS, verify the router supports the WPS push‑button method.
Step‑by‑step: reliable ways to connect your Canon TR4720 to Wi‑Fi
There are three reliable paths for most users: Easy Wireless Connect (recommended), WPS push‑button (fast if available), and Manual Connect via the printer’s menu. Choose one that matches your equipment and comfort level.
- Easy Wireless Connect (recommended) — On the printer, press and hold the Menu/Wireless Connect button for about three seconds to enter Easy Wireless Connect mode. The printer will show a confirmation that it is waiting to receive network information. On a computer, download and run Canon’s TR4720 installer (Windows or macOS) and follow the prompts; on a phone or tablet, use the Canon PRINT app. The installer/app sends the SSID and password to the printer so it joins the network.
- WPS push‑button — If your router supports WPS, select the WPS Connect option on the printer, then press the WPS button on the router within the time window. The devices should pair automatically. Note: WPS is convenient but less secure; only use it if you understand the tradeoffs.
- Manual connect — Use this if Easy Wireless Connect fails or you must enter credentials directly on the printer. From wireless settings on the printer, choose your SSID and type the password with the printer keypad. If you need numbers, uppercase, or symbols, follow the printer’s character cycle instructions (the keypad cycles character types; consult the manual if needed).
Benefits and things to consider when choosing a method
Easy Wireless Connect is typically the most foolproof when paired with Canon’s installer or app because it automates credential transfer and installs drivers. WPS is fastest but can fail on some routers or be blocked by router security settings. Manual connect avoids needing a computer but can be tedious if your password is long or uses many symbols. For multi‑user homes, network mode (router) is preferable to Wireless Direct so everyone can print while connected to the same Wi‑Fi network.
Other considerations: the TR4720 operates on 2.4 GHz, so if your router uses band steering or hides the SSID for each band, temporarily disable band steering or unhide the SSID during setup. Also, ensure your network uses WPA or WPA2‑PSK; enterprise or captive‑portal networks usually won’t work without additional configuration.
Common problems and proven fixes
If the printer isn’t discovered by the installer, first power‑cycle the printer and router (turn off, wait 30 seconds, and restart). Temporarily disable VPNs and any firewall software on your computer during setup — the installer sometimes needs to communicate over local network ports. If setup times out during WPS, move the printer closer to the router, or try the Easy Wireless Connect method instead.
For intermittent disconnects after a successful setup, try these steps: reserve a DHCP address for the TR4720 in your router (static lease) so the printer keeps the same IP; update the printer software/firmware and the computer drivers; avoid routers that force frequent network reassignments; and check for router features such as client isolation or strict guest network rules that interrupt printer access.
Trends, firmware and local network context
Home networking has shifted toward mesh routers and stricter default security. That can be helpful for privacy but sometimes complicates discovery for older devices. Canon continues to publish setup guidance and targeted support pages for the TR4720; using manufacturer installers or the Canon PRINT app reduces compatibility problems. If you’re on an ISP‑managed gateway with locked settings, call your ISP support to confirm WPS and local device discovery aren’t blocked.
Also note that public or enterprise Wi‑Fi (school, hotel, office) often blocks peer device communication. The TR4720 is intended for private home or small office networks; if you need to print on a managed network, consult your network administrator about a dedicated printing VLAN or connecting via USB.
Practical tips to speed a successful setup
1) Before you start, write down your SSID exactly and your Wi‑Fi password including capitalization and symbols. 2) Use the Canon PRINT app for mobile setup — it’s designed to work with Easy Wireless Connect and simplifies character entry. 3) When installers can’t find the printer, temporarily disable desktop firewalls or uninstall VPN clients until setup completes. 4) If entering the password on the printer, learn how to switch the keypad between lowercase, uppercase, numbers, and symbols (consult Canon’s manual or the on‑screen help).
5) For persistent connectivity problems, assign the printer a reserved IP address in your router DHCP settings; this reduces chance of losing access due to IP reassignment. 6) If your router broadcasts separate SSIDs for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, connect the computer to the 2.4 GHz SSID during setup and keep everything on that band for the TR4720. 7) Keep the printer’s firmware and the Canon drivers updated — updates fix bugs and improve network compatibility.
Quick setup checklist
| Step | Action | Troubleshooting |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Power on TR4720 and router; confirm SSID & password | Restart devices if not visible |
| 2 | Use Easy Wireless Connect (hold Menu/Wireless Connect for ~3 seconds) | Run Canon installer or Canon PRINT app on device |
| 3 | Try WPS push‑button if available | Use Easy Connect if WPS times out |
| 4 | Manual connect: enter SSID and password on printer if needed | Refer to manual for entering numbers/symbols |
| 5 | Install drivers and test print | Temporarily disable firewall/VPN during install |
| 6 | Assign static DHCP lease for stable connectivity | Check router logs or Canon support for persistent drops |
Summary and final recommendations
Connecting your Canon TR4720 to Wi‑Fi reliably is straightforward when you follow the manufacturer’s recommended methods. Start with Easy Wireless Connect using the Canon installer or Canon PRINT app; if that’s not possible, WPS or manual connect are valid alternatives. Prepare by confirming SSID and password, temporarily disabling VPNs or firewalls during install, and keeping devices on 2.4 GHz. If the printer drops off the network, reserving an IP for the TR4720 and updating drivers/firmware often resolves recurring issues.
If you still run into trouble, Canon’s support pages and step‑by‑step KB articles include screenshots and videos for the TR4720, and Canon technical support can walk through network‑specific settings when needed.
FAQ
- Q: Can the TR4720 connect to 5 GHz Wi‑Fi?A: No — the TR4720 supports 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n) only. Use the 2.4 GHz SSID during setup and operation.
- Q: Why won’t the installer find my TR4720?A: Common causes include VPN/firewall blocking local discovery, the computer on a different SSID (5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz), or router features like AP isolation. Temporarily disable VPNs/firewalls and ensure both devices are on the same SSID.
- Q: How do I enter numbers and symbols when manually typing the Wi‑Fi password?A: The TR4720 keypad cycles character sets — follow the on‑screen prompts or consult the TR4700 series web manual for precise keypad navigation to switch between lowercase, uppercase, numbers, and symbols.
- Q: The printer keeps disconnecting — what next?A: Try reserving a DHCP address in your router for the printer, update firmware and drivers, and check for router settings that sleep or isolate clients. If problems persist, contact Canon support for deeper diagnostics.
Sources
- Canon USA — PIXMA TR4720 Support & Specifications — product specs, wireless details and support resources.
- Canon Support — Start Easy Wireless Connect on the Printer (TR4720) — official steps to place the TR4720 in Easy Wireless Connect mode.
- Canon Support — Connecting Your Printer to a Wireless Network (Manual Connect) — manual connect instructions and troubleshooting tips.
- Canon TR4700 Series Web Manual — Easy Understanding Network Connections — background on wireless modes and Wireless Direct vs router network connections.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
