What To Know
- Imagine being able to print documents from your laptop while on the go, or sending a photo to your home printer from your smartphone.
- Download it, connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network, and you’ll be able to print from your smartphone or tablet, regardless of your location.
- Once WOL is enabled, you can use a free WOL tool, such as Wake-on-LAN for Windows or a similar app for macOS, to send a WOL packet to your printer’s MAC address.
Ever found yourself needing to print something urgently, only to realize your Canon printer is powered off? Frustrating, right? Well, fret no more! This guide will walk you through the various ways to how to wake up your Canon printer remotely, turning those printing emergencies into a breeze.
The Power of Remote Printing: Why It Matters
In today’s connected world, remote printing has become an essential tool for productivity and efficiency. Imagine being able to print documents from your laptop while on the go, or sending a photo to your home printer from your smartphone. The ability to wake up your Canon printer remotely unlocks a world of possibilities, allowing you to:
- Print from anywhere: Whether you’re at work, traveling, or simply in another room, you can access your printer and print documents remotely.
- Boost productivity: Save time and effort by eliminating the need to physically walk to your printer every time you need to print.
- Stay connected: Remote printing allows you to easily share documents and photos with others, even if they are not physically present.
Method 1: Utilizing Canon’s Remote Printing Features
Canon printers offer a variety of built-in features designed to make remote printing a seamless experience. Here’s how to leverage these features:
- Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY: This free app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Download it, connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network, and you’ll be able to print from your smartphone or tablet, regardless of your location.
- Canon Image Gateway: For more advanced users, Canon Image Gateway offers a cloud-based platform that allows you to store, manage, and print documents remotely. It also supports remote scanning, making it a comprehensive solution for your printing needs.
Method 2: Leveraging Your Router’s Wake-on-LAN (WOL) Feature
Wake-on-LAN (WOL) is a powerful technology that allows you to power on a computer or device remotely. Many Canon printers support WOL, making it a reliable way to wake them up from afar.
Here’s how to enable and use WOL on your Canon printer:
1. Check your printer’s manual: Consult the user manual for your specific Canon printer model to see if it supports WOL.
2. Enable WOL in your printer’s settings: If your printer supports WOL, you’ll need to enable it in the printer’s settings menu. The specific steps may vary depending on the model.
3. Configure your router: You’ll need to configure your router to allow WOL traffic. This typically involves enabling the “Wake-on-LAN” option in your router’s settings.
4. Use a WOL tool: Once WOL is enabled, you can use a free WOL tool, such as Wake-on-LAN for Windows or a similar app for macOS, to send a WOL packet to your printer’s MAC address. This will power on the printer remotely.
Method 3: Employing Third-Party Software Solutions
If the built-in features and WOL don’t meet your needs, you can explore third-party software solutions designed for remote printing. These solutions often offer advanced features, such as:
- Scheduling print jobs: Schedule print jobs to be sent to your printer at specific times.
- Monitoring printer status: Track the status of your printer remotely, including ink levels and paper jams.
- Secure printing: Ensure that only authorized users can access your printer remotely.
Some popular third-party remote printing solutions include:
- PrinterLogic: Offers a comprehensive cloud-based printing management platform that supports remote printing, secure printing, and more.
- PaperCut MF: A versatile solution that provides features like remote printing, print tracking, and cost control.
- UniPrint Infinity: A comprehensive remote printing solution that supports a wide range of printers and operating systems.
Method 4: Harnessing the Power of Cloud Printing Services
Cloud printing services like Google Cloud Print and HP ePrint provide a convenient way to print from any device with an internet connection. While not directly designed for Canon printers, you can often use them with a compatible printer or by using a third-party app.
Here’s how to use cloud printing services with your Canon printer:
- Google Cloud Print: Some Canon printers support Google Cloud Print directly. If yours does, you can add it to your Google Cloud Print account and print from any device.
- Third-party apps: If your Canon printer doesn’t support Google Cloud Print, you can use a third-party app like Printopia or Cloud Print for Canon to bridge the gap. These apps allow you to print from your computer or mobile device to your Canon printer through the cloud.
Tips for Successful Remote Printing
To ensure a smooth and reliable remote printing experience, consider these tips:
- Strong Wi-Fi connection: A stable and strong Wi-Fi connection is crucial for remote printing. Ensure your printer and devices are connected to a reliable network.
- Firewall settings: Make sure your firewall is configured to allow communication between your devices and your printer.
- Printer driver updates: Keep your printer drivers up to date to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
- Security measures: When using third-party software or cloud printing services, prioritize security by choosing reputable providers and enabling strong passwords.
Beyond the Basics: Troubleshooting Remote Printing Issues
While remote printing is generally straightforward, you may encounter occasional issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:
- Printer not responding: Check your Wi-Fi connection, ensure the printer is powered on, and verify that the correct printer driver is installed.
- Printing errors: Try restarting your printer and devices, updating the printer driver, and checking the printer’s status for errors.
- Connection issues: Ensure your firewall is not blocking communication, and check your router settings for any potential issues.
Unveiling the Future of Printing: Remote Printing and Beyond
Remote printing is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the future of printing. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative and convenient ways to print from anywhere, anytime. From intelligent document management systems to 3D printing on demand, the possibilities are endless.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I wake up my Canon printer remotely if it’s not connected to Wi-Fi?
A: No, you need a Wi-Fi connection for remote printing. Your printer must be connected to your network for you to access it remotely.
Q: Is remote printing secure?
A: The security of remote printing depends on the methods you use. Always prioritize strong passwords, use reputable software, and configure your network securely.
Q: What if my printer doesn‘t support WOL?
A: If your printer doesn‘t support WOL, you can still use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, Canon Image Gateway, or third-party software solutions for remote printing.
Q: Can I print from my phone to my Canon printer without an app?
A: Some Canon printers support AirPrint, which allows you to print directly from iOS devices without a dedicated app. However, for Android devices, you’ll generally need a printing app.
Q: What are the benefits of using a third-party remote printing solution?
A: Third-party solutions often offer advanced features like scheduling print jobs, monitoring printer status, and secure printing, which may not be available with built-in options.
