How can I print over WiFi to my Canon printer?

Question

Level 1

17 points

How can I print over WiFi to my Canon printer?

Sometimes I can print and sometimes I can't. When I turn the printer on, my Mac will see it. But then when I try to print, my Mac says "printer is offline". I need to be able to print consistently to this printer 100% of the time. I have a MacBook Air M1 (2020) with macOS Sequoia 15.2. I have a Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw.

I wanted to call this post, "My Canon printer is the devil". But I thought that might be too incendiary. :-)

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.2

Posted on Dec 27, 2024 2:21 AM

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Answer 1

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,557 points

Dec 27, 2024 4:12 PM in response to echoda

Canon appears to have macOS Sequoia 15 drivers as well.

https://www.canon-europe.com/support/consumer/products/printers/i-sensys/lbp-series/i-sensys-lbp246dw.html?type=drivers&language=EN&os=macOS%2015%20(Sequoia)

Also, the Canon LBP246dw is listed as an AirPrint model, so it should even be possible to print without additional drivers/software, at least if the printer is connected to the same network (Wi-Fi router) as the MacBook Air.

About AirPrint - Apple Support

Wiring the printer (Ethernet) to one of the LAN ports of the Wi-Fi router (instead of using wireless printer-to-router) may provide a more stable connection. The MacBook Air could still print wirelessly (via the router).

Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac – Apple Support (UK)

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Answer 2

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,557 points

Dec 30, 2024 5:46 AM in response to echoda

After double-checking all settings and the wireless printer-to-router connection*, you may want to try a full power-cycle sequence (do not forget the Wi-Fi router):

Power off the Wi-Fi router, the Canon printer, the MacBook Air, any iPhones/iPads, and all other devices/computers.
Wait two to three minutes.
Power on the router.
Wait two to three minutes.
Power on the Canon printer.
Wait a minute or two.
Power on the MacBook Air, any iPhones/iPads, and all other devices/computers.

An iPhone/iPad can be used as an AirPrint "test tool".

Use AirPrint to print from your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

*Modern dual-band routers may have "smart" device discovery and automatic band selection. This can be a problem in some cases (splitting/renaming bands may be required).

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Answer 3

AlWeir

Level 5

5,363 points

Dec 27, 2024 4:01 AM in response to echoda

From what I can see on Canon's site, you printer is only supported by Canon up to BigSur

https://www.canon-europe.com/support/consumer/products/printers/i-sensys/lbp-series/i-sensys-lbp246dw.html?type=download&language=EN&os=macOS%2012%20(Monterey)

There might be a firmware update for it

https://www.canon-europe.com/support/consumer/products/printers/i-sensys/lbp-series/i-sensys-lbp246dw.html?type=firmware&detailId=tcm:13-2353456&productTcmUri=tcm:13-2298009

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Answer 4

AlWeir

Level 5

5,363 points

Dec 28, 2024 3:55 AM in response to echoda

Have you turned printer off and on since then?

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Answer 5

echoda Author

Level 1

17 points

Dec 28, 2024 1:00 AM in response to echoda

I thought I updated the firmware on the printer but a couple of days later there was a message on the printer telling me there's a firmware update. I'm trying to use AirPrint. I haven't downloaded any special Canon drivers or software. Printing over ethernet is impossible because of the location of the printer and router. I'm going to use a USB cable for now until I figure out how to print over WiFi.

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Answer 6

echoda Author

Level 1

17 points

Dec 30, 2024 12:53 AM in response to AlWeir

No, I haven't turned it off since I updated the firmware. I'll try that.

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Answer 7

echoda Author

Level 1

17 points

Dec 31, 2024 1:52 AM in response to echoda

After it off and on, it still asks if I want to install the firmware update.

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