Canon printers are known for excellent photo quality, but connecting them to your iPhone can be hit or miss depending on your model. Whether you have a PIXMA, MAXIFY, or imageCLASS, this guide covers every method to print from your iPhone to your Canon printer.
Does Your Canon Printer Support AirPrint?
Canon has good AirPrint support on newer models, but many popular printers—especially older PIXMA models—don't have it.
Quick Check
- Look for the AirPrint logo on your printer's box or documentation
- Check Apple's AirPrint printer list
- Search "[your Canon model] AirPrint specifications"
Canon Printers With AirPrint
Generally supported:
- Canon PIXMA TR series (TR4520 and newer)
- Canon PIXMA TS series (most models)
- Canon PIXMA G series (MegaTank printers)
- Canon MAXIFY series (most models)
- Canon imageCLASS (most wireless models)
Canon Printers Without AirPrint
Typically not supported:
- Canon PIXMA MG series (older models)
- Canon PIXMA MP series
- Canon PIXMA iP series
- USB-only Canon printers
- Most Canon printers made before 2013
If your Canon doesn't support AirPrint, skip to the PrintCast section or Canon PRINT app section.
Method 1: Native AirPrint
If your Canon supports AirPrint, start here.
Setup
- Ensure your Canon printer is powered on and connected to WiFi
- Confirm your iPhone is on the same WiFi network
- Open any app with printable content
- Tap Share → Print
- Tap Select Printer — your Canon should appear
- Configure settings and tap Print
Troubleshooting AirPrint with Canon
If your Canon printer doesn't appear:
Verify network connection:
- On the printer, navigate to Settings → LAN settings → Confirm LAN settings
- Print the LAN details and verify "Connection: Active"
- Ensure your iPhone is on the same network name
Power cycle properly:
- Turn off the Canon printer using the power button
- Unplug it from power for 60 seconds
- Plug it back in and turn it on
- Wait 2-3 minutes for full initialization
Check Canon firmware:
- Visit Canon Support
- Enter your printer model
- Download and install firmware updates
Disable Quiet Mode: Some Canon printers have a Quiet Mode that affects network performance:
- Access printer settings
- Find Quiet Mode or Silent Mode
- Disable it and test printing
Method 2: PrintCast (Works with Any Canon) {#printcast}
For Canon printers without AirPrint, or when AirPrint is unreliable, PrintCast provides the best experience.
Why PrintCast Excels with Canon
- Uses Canon's Mac drivers — Better print quality than AirPrint in many cases
- Full color management — Canon's ICC profiles work correctly
- Works with PIXMA classics — Even the MG and MP series
- Photo printing optimized — Critical for Canon's photo-focused printers
Setup
- Verify your Canon printer works from your Mac
- Download PrintCast from the Mac App Store
- Launch PrintCast — find it in your menu bar
- Enable your Canon printer
- Print from iPhone — it appears like a native AirPrint printer
PrintCast supports:
- USB Canon printers connected to Mac
- Network Canon printers
- Older PIXMA models
- Professional Canon photo printers
PrintCast is a one-time purchase of $16.99.
Method 3: Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App {#canon-print-app}
Canon's official app for iOS provides direct printing without AirPrint.
Setup
- Download Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY from the App Store
- Open the app and accept permissions
- The app searches for Canon printers automatically
- Select your printer when found
- Follow any additional setup prompts
Printing with Canon PRINT
From within the app:
- Open Canon PRINT
- Tap Photo Print or Document Print
- Select images or files
- Adjust settings (paper size, quality, etc.)
- Tap Print
From other apps:
- Open your document or photo
- Tap Share → look for Canon PRINT or Copy to Canon PRINT
- App opens with your content ready to print
Canon PRINT vs AirPrint
| Feature | Canon PRINT | AirPrint |
|---|---|---|
| Photo print settings | Advanced | Basic |
| Paper type selection | Full range | Limited |
| Borderless printing | Supported | Varies |
| Color adjustment | Yes | No |
| Ease of use | Moderate | Simple |
Canon PRINT Limitations
- Requires app to be open for printing
- Not all apps can share to Canon PRINT
- Connection can be finicky
- No account required (unlike HP), but still less convenient than AirPrint
Method 4: Canon Print Service Plugin
For older Canon printers with WiFi but no AirPrint:
- Download Canon Print Service from App Store
- Enable it in Settings → Printing Services
- Some apps may detect the printer through this service
Note: This method has limited compatibility and isn't as reliable as the others.
Canon-Specific Issues and Fixes
Canon Printer Not Found on iPhone
- Check WiFi indicator — Most Canon printers show WiFi status via LED
- Verify network mode — Printer might be in Access Point mode instead of Infrastructure mode
- Re-run wireless setup — Setup → Wireless LAN setup → follow wizard
- Distance from router — Canon WiFi radios can be weak; move closer
Canon Printer Goes Offline
Canon printers often go offline when idle:
- Disable Auto Power Off — Settings → Device settings → Auto power off → Disable
- Adjust sleep timer — Increase or disable sleep mode
- Enable Bonjour — Some Canons have this option; make sure it's on
- Use Ethernet if available — More reliable than WiFi
Print Jobs Stuck or Canceled
- Clear printer queue — On printer, Settings → Device settings → Clear print jobs
- Restart both devices — Canon printer and iPhone
- Try smaller file — Canon printers can choke on large images
- Check ink status — Canon printers often refuse to print when ink is low
Poor Photo Quality from iPhone
Canon printers are known for photos, so bad quality is frustrating:
- Use Canon PRINT app — More control over quality settings
- Select correct paper type — Critical for Canon photo printers
- Use Photo Paper Plus Glossy II — Canon's best results
- Disable fast/draft mode — Select high quality
- Use PrintCast — Routes through Mac with better color management
Colors Don't Match Screen
- Check ink levels — Low ink affects color accuracy
- Run nozzle check — Maintenance → Print nozzle check pattern
- Clean print head — Maintenance → Cleaning
- Deep clean if needed — Maintenance → Deep cleaning (uses more ink)
- Use Canon paper — Third-party paper may not match Canon's profiles
Error Codes
Common Canon error codes on display:
| Code | Meaning | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| B200 | Print head issue | Turn off, unplug, remove print head, reinstall |
| 5100 | Carriage error | Check for obstructions, restart |
| 6000 | Paper feed error | Check paper path, clear jams |
| 5B00 | Ink absorber full | Service required or manual reset |
| E02/E03 | Paper jam | Clear jam, check for torn pieces |
Which Method Should You Use?
| Your Situation | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Newer Canon with AirPrint | Native AirPrint |
| Photo printing priority | Canon PRINT app or PrintCast |
| Older PIXMA (MG/MP series) | PrintCast |
| AirPrint unreliable | PrintCast |
| No Mac available | Canon PRINT app |
| USB-only Canon | PrintCast (via Mac) |
Canon Printer Recommendations
If you're buying a Canon for iPhone printing:
Best for photos:
- Canon PIXMA PRO-200 — Professional quality, AirPrint built-in
- Canon PIXMA G620 — MegaTank, excellent photos, AirPrint
Best all-around:
- Canon PIXMA TR8620a — Good features, reliable AirPrint
- Canon MAXIFY GX7021 — Fast, business-focused, AirPrint
Best budget:
- Canon PIXMA TS3520 — Basic but AirPrint-capable
- Canon PIXMA TR4720 — Affordable all-in-one with AirPrint
Avoid for iPhone use:
- Older PIXMA MG/MP models — Use PrintCast if you already own one
- USB-only models — Requires PrintCast via Mac
Summary
Canon printers can work beautifully with iPhones, but the method depends on your model:
- AirPrint — Try first if your Canon supports it
- PrintCast — Best for older models or when AirPrint fails (requires Mac)
- Canon PRINT app — Good alternative with more control, no Mac needed
For photo printing specifically, Canon PRINT app or PrintCast often produces better results than AirPrint because they give you access to Canon's full paper type and quality settings.