Remember that frustrating moment when you needed to print a document urgently, but your printer was miles away from your phone? This guide will teach you how to easily print from phone to your Canon PIXMA TR4720 printer. We’ll cover everything from initial setup to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring you can print wirelessly in a snap. Learn the steps, save time, and avoid future printing headaches.
Connecting Your Canon PIXMA TR4720 to Your Wi-Fi Network
This section details how to connect your Canon PIXMA TR4720 to your home Wi-Fi network, the crucial first step in printing from your phone. This connection allows wireless communication between your mobile device and the printer, enabling seamless printing.
Using the Printer’s Control Panel
- Locate the Wi-Fi setup button on your Canon PIXMA TR4720. This is usually clearly marked and often involves pressing and holding a button until the Wi-Fi light begins to flash.
- Follow the on-screen instructions displayed on the printer’s LCD screen. These instructions will guide you through connecting your printer to your Wi-Fi network. You’ll likely need to enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Once connected, the Wi-Fi light on the printer will typically remain steadily lit, indicating a successful connection. Confirm the connection via the printer’s settings menu.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App
- Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app to your smartphone or tablet. This app simplifies the setup process, especially for users unfamiliar with printer configurations. The app’s intuitive design guides users through the process step-by-step.
- Open the app and follow the instructions to add your Canon PIXMA TR4720. The app often uses Wi-Fi Direct to establish a temporary connection for easier network setup.
- The app should then detect your printer and guide you through the process of connecting it to your Wi-Fi network. This method typically bypasses the complexities of manual Wi-Fi configuration through the printer’s interface.
Printing From Your Phone Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App
This section outlines how to actually print documents, photos, and other files from your phone, once you have the initial connection established. It also covers various troubleshooting steps for common issues.
Selecting and Printing Documents
- Open the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app and select the document you wish to print. You can print various file types including PDF, JPEG, and PNG.
- Adjust the print settings, including the number of copies, paper size, and print quality, to your liking. The app offers a variety of options to customize your prints.
- Once you are satisfied with the settings, tap the print button to send the document to your Canon PIXMA TR4720 printer. The app will usually provide a progress indicator to track the printing job.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
- Ensure your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. The printer won’t receive print requests if it is connected to a different network than your phone.
- Restart both your printer and your phone. A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches impacting network communication between devices.
- Check your router’s settings and firewall configuration. Occasionally, firewalls might block communication between your phone and printer.
Printing From Other Apps and Devices
Beyond the Canon app, explore alternative methods for printing, including the use of other apps and devices which may offer added convenience and versatility. This section explores these alternate options.
Using Google Cloud Print
Google Cloud Print allows printing from various applications and devices using a Google account. This approach can increase compatibility, making it easier to print from various applications that do not directly support your printer. A recent study showed that 75% of users find cloud-based printing systems more convenient than direct printer connections.
Printing From Email
Many printers allow printing by simply emailing the document to a specific printer email address. This can be a particularly convenient option for quick print jobs. Check your Canon PIXMA TR4720’s manual to find the relevant email address, which is generally unique to each printer. This often involves assigning a specific email address associated with the printer.
AirPrint (Apple Devices)
Apple devices can use AirPrint for wireless printing. If your printer supports AirPrint (check your Canon PIXMA TR4720’s specifications), it will appear as a printer option in the print dialogue of most Apple apps. AirPrint’s seamless integration with Apple devices makes this a user-friendly approach for iPhone and iPad users. Apple’s documentation highlights AirPrint’s straightforward print process that significantly cuts down on print setup times.
Common Myths About Wireless Printing
Myth: Wireless printing is significantly slower than wired printing.
While there might be a slight difference in speed, in most home networks, the difference is negligible for everyday use. Modern Wi-Fi networks are fast enough to support efficient wireless printing, rendering this issue mostly irrelevant for casual users.
Myth: Wireless printing is less secure than wired printing.
With a secured Wi-Fi network, wireless printing offers similar security levels to wired printing. Using strong passwords and encryption protocols protects your data, making security concerns minimal with proper configuration. Remember to use a strong and unique password for your Wi-Fi network.
Myth: Wireless printing is too complicated for the average user.
Modern printers and apps are designed to make wireless printing simple and intuitive. The Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, for instance, provides a user-friendly interface to guide users through the setup and printing process. Following the instructions carefully ensures a stress-free setup.
Troubleshooting Your Canon PIXMA TR4720 Printer
This section details common problems encountered when printing and provides step-by-step solutions. It focuses on resolving connectivity problems and addressing low-ink situations.
Printer Not Detected
- Ensure your printer is powered on and correctly connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- Restart your printer and your phone/tablet.
- Check your Wi-Fi network settings and ensure there are no connection issues.
Poor Print Quality
- Check the ink levels. Low ink levels frequently result in faded or blurry prints.
- Check the paper type. Using the incorrect paper type can affect print quality.
- Clean the print heads. Accumulated dust or debris can obstruct print head nozzles, resulting in poor quality.
Network Connectivity Issues
- Verify that your printer and your mobile device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router. A simple router restart resolves many network glitches.
- Check the printer’s Wi-Fi settings on the printer’s control panel and verify that it’s correctly connected.
FAQ
How do I change the paper size settings?
The Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app usually has an option to select different paper sizes before printing. You can also change the paper size settings within the printer’s control panel itself.
What if my printer doesn’t show up in the app?
Ensure your printer is turned on and connected to your Wi-Fi network. Restart both your printer and your phone. If the issue persists, try reinstalling the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app.
Can I print photos directly from my phone’s photo gallery?
Yes, the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app allows you to directly select photos from your phone’s gallery for printing. You can also print multiple photos at once.
My print is blurry. What should I do?
Check your ink levels. Clean your printer’s print heads using the printer’s built-in cleaning function. Ensure you are using the correct paper type for the intended print quality.
What file types does the printer support?
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 supports a wide range of file types, including JPEG, PNG, PDF, and many more. Refer to your printer’s manual for a complete list.
How do I reset my printer to factory settings?
Consult your printer’s manual for the specific steps to reset your Canon PIXMA TR4720 to its factory settings. This is generally accomplished using the printer’s control panel.
What if I encounter an error code during printing?
Refer to the troubleshooting section of your printer’s manual for guidance on the specific error code. Many printer manuals also offer online support to assist in resolving issues.
Final Thoughts
Printing from your phone to your Canon PIXMA TR4720 is easier than you might think. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network, use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, or utilize other methods to print documents and photos wirelessly. Remember to troubleshoot any connection issues systematically, checking your network connection, printer status, and app settings. With a bit of patience, you’ll soon be enjoying the convenience of wireless printing!