A little preparation

Before you start

  • Download any needed printer software before leaving your usual network. Wireless Direct may disconnect the computer from its router and Internet access.
  • Use your own printer’s current Direct name/password. These are separate from a router password or printer administrator password.
  • Load suitable paper and open the output support before sending a print.

Step 1:Enable the printer’s direct connection

  1. Turn the printer on and press Setup.
  2. Select Device settings → LAN settings → Wireless Direct, pressing OK at each choice.
  3. Select Switch WL Direct and press OK.
  4. Read the message, choose Yes and press OK to enable it.

This creates the printer connection used by nearby devices; it does not join the printer to your home router.

Step 2:Read the current network name and password

  1. After enabling it, use left/right to view Network name (SSID) and Security protocol.
  2. When asked whether to display the password, choose Yes if you need to read it.
  3. Note the actual DIRECT-…-TR4700series name and password on your own LCD. Keep them private.

The source’s particular password is not a default that every printer shares. Do not change the password just to match a demonstration.

Step 3:Join from the Windows Wi-Fi list

  1. Open Windows Wi-Fi settings and choose this printer’s exact DIRECT network name.
  2. Enter the current password shown by the printer when requested.
  3. If the printer asks to approve a connection, check that the displayed device is yours before selecting Yes.
  4. Wait until Windows reports the Direct network as connected.
  1. Open Windows Settings and its Printers & scanners area. Select the existing matching TR4700 printer or use Add device to discover and add it. Follow the Windows/Canon setup prompts if a driver is required.
  2. Open a local document, choose Print and select the matching printer. Check paper size, media and page range before submitting.
  3. Wait for the sheet to finish and inspect it. If a job is sent to an old router-based entry and does not print, check the currently selected printer connection.

The source demonstrates Windows adding the printer and starting a print. The written completion check is to examine your own finished page; successful connection alone is not the same as completed output.

Use the connection for the right task

Canon also supports smartphone/tablet use through the applicable Canon PRINT app, but this recording follows Windows. Direct mode supports up to five devices, does not let those devices communicate with each other, and does not support a printer firmware update through that mode.

If your aim is ordinary printing while staying on the home network, use router Wi-Fi setup instead. Wireless Direct is a separate option, not a remedy that makes the router password unnecessary for router setup.

A little extra help

Questions & troubleshooting

Why does Windows show no Internet?

It is connected locally to the printer instead of its normal router. That does not by itself mean the Direct printer connection failed.

Which password belongs here?

The current Wireless Direct password displayed by this printer, not the router password, an administrator credential or the video’s example.

Why can the printer not be found?

Check that Wireless Direct is enabled and Windows has actually joined this printer’s Direct network. Then use Printers & scanners to add/select the intended connection.

Can I update firmware through Wireless Direct?

Canon’s restrictions say firmware updates are not available through Wireless Direct. Use the applicable supported update connection instead.

References