The Canon PIXMA TR4720 printer is compatible with macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 through macOS Big Sur 11. It also supports iOS and iPadOS devices.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to setting up your Canon PIXMA TR4720 with a Mac:
1. General Setup and Connection Options
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 supports various setup and connection methods for your Mac:
- Easy Setup: The printer includes an “Easy setup” option within its Fax settings menu to guide you through the initial configuration based on your telephone line and intended fax usage [Fax Setup Guide].
- USB Connection: You can connect your printer directly to your Mac using a USB cable. Ensure the USB cable is securely plugged into the printer’s USB port (located at the back) and your computer. If you encounter issues with the connection, try unplugging and re-connecting the USB cable, making sure no printer operation is in progress. For macOS, confirm that the lock icon in the “Printers & Scanners” screen is unlocked (you may need administrator credentials to unlock it).
- Wireless Connection (via Wireless Router):
- This is the recommended method if you have a wireless router.
- The printer communicates using the 2.4 GHz frequency band (IEEE802.11n, IEEE802.11g, or IEEE802.11b).
- Ensure your printer’s Wi-Fi setting is enabled. If the Wi-Fi icon is not displayed on the printer’s LCD, navigate to Setup button > Device settings > LAN settings > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi enab./disable and select Enable.
- The Canon Wi-Fi Connection Assistant software for macOS can assist with network settings, diagnosis, and repair of connection issues.
- When configuring, verify that the Network name (SSID) and network key (password) set on the printer match those of your wireless router.
- If you are connecting to an AirPort Base Station on macOS via LAN, ensure you use alphanumeric characters for the network name (SSID).
- For enhanced security, Canon recommends using WPA/WPA2 encryption for your Wi-Fi network.
- Wireless Direct Connection (Direct to Printer):
- This method allows direct communication between your Mac and the printer without requiring a wireless router.
- You can connect up to five devices to the printer simultaneously using Wireless Direct.
- Important Note: While using Wireless Direct, the printer will not have Internet access, and your connected device’s Internet connection may automatically switch to a mobile data connection, incurring potential transmission fees.
- To enable Wireless Direct on the printer:
- Make sure the printer is turned on.
- Press the Setup button.
- Select Device settings and press OK.
- Select LAN settings and press OK.
- Select Wireless Direct and press OK.
- Select Switch WL Direct and press OK.
- Confirm by selecting Yes and pressing OK.
- To connect your Mac to the printer via Wireless Direct:
- Enable the Wi-Fi function on your Mac.
- From your Mac’s Wi-Fi list, select the network named “DIRECT-XXXX-TR4700series” (where “X” represents alphanumeric characters, specific to your printer’s MAC address).
- Enter the password when prompted. This password is automatically generated when the printer is first turned on. You can check it on the printer’s LCD or by printing the network settings information.
- For security, it is advised to enable the “Confirm request” setting on the printer, which will display a confirmation screen when a Wi-Fi Direct compatible device attempts to connect.
2. Drivers for Mac
To ensure proper functionality, you should download the latest MP Drivers (Printer Driver) for your Canon PIXMA TR4720 from the official Canon website. If you are updating or reinstalling drivers in a network environment, the existing network settings on the printer will generally not be affected.
3. Troubleshooting for Mac Connections
If you experience issues printing or connecting your Canon PIXMA TR4720 to your Mac, consider the following:
- Power Status: Ensure both the printer and your Mac (or other devices) are turned on. If already on, try cycling the power.
- Wi-Fi Status: Verify that Wi-Fi is enabled on your Mac and on the printer (check for the Wi-Fi icon on the printer’s LCD). If the Wi-Fi icon is not displayed, enable it through the printer’s settings.
- Proximity: For optimal wireless communication, place the printer, your Mac, and the wireless router closer to each other. Obstacles such as walls containing metal or concrete can hinder wireless signals, so consider placing them in the same room.
- Network Settings Verification: Print out the printer’s network settings information to cross-reference details like the IP address and SSID.
- Firewall Interference: Your security software’s firewall might be blocking Canon software from accessing the network. If a warning appears, allow access.
- Administrator Password: If you forget the administrator password for the printer, you may need to re-configure the setup.
- Changes in Network Environment: If you replace your wireless router or change its settings, or if the printer’s connection method (Wi-Fi/USB) is altered, you might need to re-setup the printer.
- Wi-Fi Connection Assistant: Utilize the Canon Wi-Fi Connection Assistant for macOS to diagnose and potentially resolve network status problems.
- Print Quality: If print quality is poor, ensure the appropriate print quality is selected for the paper type. Increasing the print quality setting may help resolve blurring or uneven colors. Deep cleaning the print heads twice may be necessary if ink output is poor; if issues persist after this, the FINE cartridge might be damaged or out of ink, requiring replacement. Be aware that unplugging the power cord may delete faxes stored in the printer’s memory.