Canon printers are the go to devices to most people. Their range of products is immensely popular due to the ease of use and reliability. However, to ensure that you keep running the Canon printer effectively, it needs to be updated to the latest firmware version. If you have a Canon printer at your home or office, understanding how to make the latest canon printer firmware update becomes important. This blog will walk you through the exact steps to do that in no time.
Importance of Canon Printer Firmware Update
Keeping up with updates for your Canon printer firmware is essential for the following reasons:
Bug Fixes: Canon provides patches to address bugs that could affect your printer’s functionality and network connection.
Security: Outdated firmware may compromise the security of your device against online attacks.
Compatibility: Firmware updates help ensure better compatibility between your printer and newer operating systems and Canon printer cartridges.
Additional Features: Some firmware updates provide your printer with new features or improved scanning capabilities.
Error Correction: Most printer errors can be easily fixed by installing firmware updates.
What’s needed for the update?
The items below should be available before proceeding with the updating process:
- Stable internet connection via Wi-Fi or Ethernet (needed for online update process)
- The Canon printer must be turned ON, not sleeping or idle
- Paper in the paper tray (some printers require paper to be put before printing a report after updating)
- Printer’s model number (located on a sticker at the rear or base part of the device)
- USB cable (not necessary if the update will be done through the internet only)
- The latest version of Canon software on the computer
Steps to Update Canon Printer Firmware
You can make the latest Canon printer firmware update easily using some simple steps. Here is an overview on some common steps you can follow:
Firmware Update via Wi-Fi
The simplest and most frequently used method for upgrading the firmware on Canon printers involves doing so by connecting to the printer’s interface screen via Wi-Fi. This process is applicable to most Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY, and imageCLASS series printers.
1. Press the Menu or Setup key on your Canon printer’s control panel.
2. Go to Device Settings or Printer Settings menu using the arrow buttons.
3. Go down to find Firmware Update or Web Service Setup option, depending on your printer model.
4. Select Check for Firmware Update or Firmware Update.
5. If there is an update available, press the Yes or OK key to start the download process.
6. Wait until the process is completed without touching your printer.
7. After you update firmware on canon printer, it will restart itself.
Firmware Update using Canon Software
Where there is no built-in upgrade function on your printer, you will need to perform a Canon printer firmware update through the use of the canon desktop software program.
1. Go to Canon’s homepage: https://www.usa.canon.com and click on Support > Software & Drivers.
2. Type in your printer model number and download the latest firmware update file for your operating system.
3. Install the downloaded installer (.exe for Windows and .dmg for Mac).
4. Follow the prompts that appear on your screen and ensure that your printer and computer are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
5. The installer program will automatically detect your printer and install the firmware update.
6. Once the installation is done, click on Finish and restart your printer.
This method can be used as part of the setup procedure of a Canon printer if you need to set up your newly bought Canon printer, whereby the setup wizard will run the necessary checks.
Canon Firmware Update via USB
If you are in an area where the internet connection is poor, using a USB to update the Canon printer firmware would be a better way to do this task. Note that not all Canon printers can do this. Here’s how to update Canon printer firmware using USB:
1. Download the firmware file from the Canon website to your computer.
2. Copy the firmware file to the USB stick (make sure that there are no other files in the root directory).
3. Plug in the USB stick to the USB port of the Canon printer.
4. Go to the setup menu on the control panel of the Canon printer.
5. Choose Device settings > Firmware update.
6. Select Update from USB and follow the on-screen instructions.
What to do if the Canon Printer firmware update fails?
An error in updating the firmware in a Canon printer can be quite irritating; however, it is a problem that is definitely solvable. The most likely causes of the problem and their respective fixes include:
Common Causes & Solutions to Consider
- Internet Connection Problems: It would be advisable for you to ensure your Wi-Fi connection is good.
- Low Printer Battery Level: Check whether the printer is plugged into an electric source.
- Supportive Software is Outdated: Upgrade the IJ Canon software and driver installed on your computer.
- Download Error: Discard the corrupt firmware file and download afresh from the official website.
- Firewall or Virus Protection Issues: Switch off any firewall software for some time and try the process once more.
Reset Canon Printer (Final Solution)
In case the update failure has rendered your printer unusable, the only option left is to reset your Canon printer to its factory defaults. This is done by:
- Press the Setup or Menu key on your printer.
- Navigate to Device Settings > Reset Settings.
- Pick either Reset All or Factory Reset.
- Proceed with your selection and let your printer reboot.
- Following the reset, repeat the Canon printer setup and try updating the firmware again.
How long does a Canon Printer Firmware Update take?
The time required for updating Canon printer firmware depends on several factors:
| Factor | Typical Duration | Notes |
| Wi-Fi Update (Fast Internet) | 3 to 8 minutes | Most common method |
| Wi-Fi Update (Slow Internet) | 10 to 20 minutes | May time out on very slow connections |
| USB Update | 5 to 12 minutes | Speed depends on USB drive quality |
| Canon Software (PC) | 5 to 15 minutes | Includes driver verification steps |
| Large Firmware Files | Up to 25 minutes | Business-grade models only |
Verify if the firmware update was successful
After the firmware update process for the Canon printer, verify that the process was completed successfully:
Printing of a Network Configuration Page: Proceed to Setup>Device Settings>Print Status Sheet.
Verifying Firmware Version Number: The version number of the firmware must match what was provided by Canon Inc. on its official website.
Test Print: A document must be printed to ensure that everything is working correctly.
Error Code Check: If there are no error codes displayed, then your firmware update was successful.
Canon Printer Setup after Firmware Update
In certain scenarios, particularly after resetting a Canon printer and in cases of a major firmware upgrade, it might become necessary to reconfigure your Canon printer setup. These will include:
- Resetting your Wi-Fi network credentials
- Installing printer drivers again on your system (a fresh install is required from Canon’s official website)
- Re-registering the printer with Canon’s online services, if such an option exists
- Configuring printer options like paper size, print quality, or printing language
Canon Printer Setup Shortcut
If you want to complete your Canon printer setup process in the quickest way possible, you can use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from your smartphone to do so.
FAQs
You may need to restart your router and the printer, and try once more. In case this does not help, you will have to manually download the firmware file and use the USB-based update procedure.
Yes, having an internet connection would be necessary. But if you choose to download the firmware file first and update the firmware via USB port, you don’t need an internet connection at all for the printer.
The main reasons for an ongoing update to the Canon printer firmware include either a weak Wi-Fi signal, too many devices connected to the network, or a firmware file that’s very large. You could try placing the printer closer to the router, reducing the number of devices connected to the wireless network, or carrying out the update at off-peak times.
A Canon printer firmware update is one of the easiest and most efficient methods of ensuring that the Canon printer works optimally at all times. If you update the Canon printer firmware using any of these two options or even Canon’s own desktop utility, then the procedure should be very simple indeed.
In case there ever comes a time when the update of Canon printer firmware does not go through successfully, you can rest assured knowing that you can still get things back to normal with a little help from the above troubleshooting tips. Just reset Canon printer and reinstall it from scratch if all else fails.
