Canon Printer Error Code 3442: How to Fix It
Easy 15-30 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- 3442
- Brand
- Canon
- Product Type
- printer
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated Fix Time
- 15-30 minutes
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Tools You'll Need
- Computer, tablet, or smartphone (to access router admin panel)
- Web browser
- Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password
- USB cable (optional, for firmware update)
How to Fix Error Code 3442
-
Restart Your Printer and Router
Do not hold down any buttons during the restart. Simply power off, wait, and power back on normally. -
Verify WPS Is Enabled on Your Router
Some ISPs and network administrators disable WPS permanently as a security measure. If WPS cannot be enabled, use the manual wireless setup method instead (see Step 6). -
Retry the WPS Connection With Correct Timing
-
Move the Printer Closer to the Router
-
Check for a 5 GHz Band Compatibility Issue
-
Use Manual Wireless Setup Instead of WPS
Make sure you enter your Wi-Fi password exactly as it is set — passwords are case-sensitive. -
Reset the Printer's Network Settings
Resetting LAN settings will disconnect the printer from all previously saved networks. You will need to set up the wireless connection again from the beginning. -
Update the Printer Firmware
Do not turn off the printer or computer during a firmware update. Interrupting a firmware update can permanently damage the printer's software.
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When to Call a Professional
Contact Canon support (1-800-OK-CANON) or a certified technician if error 3442 persists after all steps above have been completed, if the printer's wireless hardware appears damaged (no Wi-Fi indicator light, unable to detect any networks), or if you are in a managed corporate network environment where router settings cannot be changed without IT administrator involvement. In enterprise or office environments, your IT department should handle the network configuration.Frequently Asked Questions
What does Canon error code 3442 mean?
Canon error code 3442 means the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) wireless connection attempt failed. WPS is a quick-connect method that pairs your printer to a Wi-Fi router by pressing a button on the router. Error 3442 appears when that process does not complete successfully, usually due to timing issues, WPS being disabled on the router, weak signal, or a 5 GHz band incompatibility.
Can I connect my Canon printer to Wi-Fi without using WPS?
Yes. You do not need WPS to connect your Canon printer to Wi-Fi. Use the manual wireless setup option in the printer's network settings menu. Select your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) from the list and enter your Wi-Fi password. This method is often more reliable than WPS and works even when WPS is disabled on your router.
Why does my Canon printer keep failing WPS even after pressing the router button?
The most common reasons are: pressing the WPS button too late (you must press it within 2 minutes of starting WPS on the printer), weak Wi-Fi signal between the printer and router, the router's WPS feature being disabled, or the printer trying to connect to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band it doesn't support. Try moving the printer closer to the router and using the manual setup method as an alternative.
Does Canon error 3442 mean my printer's Wi-Fi is broken?
Not necessarily. Error 3442 is a connection setup failure, not a hardware failure. In the vast majority of cases, the printer's wireless hardware is fine and the error is caused by a configuration or timing issue during WPS setup. Follow the troubleshooting steps — particularly the manual wireless setup — to connect without using WPS at all.
How do I reset my Canon printer's network settings to fix error 3442?
Go to your Canon printer's Settings menu, then Device Settings, then Reset Settings, and select Reset LAN Settings. Confirm the reset. This wipes all saved network configuration and lets you start the wireless setup fresh. After the printer restarts, try connecting to Wi-Fi again using either WPS or the manual setup option.