Have you ever found yourself with a fantastic photo on your iPad, eager to print it, only to realize your Canon PIXMA MG2550S printer feels like a world away? You're not alone! Many users wonder how to bridge the gap between their mobile devices and their trusty printers. Good news: while the Canon PIXMA MG2550S isn't a wireless printer by default, there are clever workarounds to get your iPad talking to it. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you can print those precious memories or important documents directly from your iPad. Let's dive in!
Understanding the Challenge: Why Direct Connection Isn't an Option
Before we jump into the solutions, it's crucial to understand why you can't simply connect your iPad directly to the Canon PIXMA MG2550S. The MG2550S is a wired USB printer. This means it's designed to connect to a computer via a USB cable. iPads, on the other hand, are wireless devices that primarily connect to peripherals via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. There's no direct USB port on an iPad for printer connection, nor does the MG2550S have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.
But don't despair! We'll explore two primary methods to overcome this hurdle:
- Using a Computer as an Intermediary: This is the most common and reliable method, essentially turning your computer into a print server.
- Utilizing a Wireless Print Server/Adapter: A more advanced solution for those who want to minimize reliance on a computer.
Let's break down each method step-by-step.
Method 1: Connecting Via a Computer (The Most Recommended Approach)
This method involves setting up your Canon PIXMA MG2550S with a computer (Windows PC or Mac) that is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad. Your computer will then act as a bridge, receiving print commands from your iPad and forwarding them to the printer.
Step 1: Ensure Your Canon PIXMA MG2550S is Properly Set Up with Your Computer
First things first, let's confirm your printer is ready to roll with your computer.
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1.1 Power On and Connect:
- Make sure your Canon PIXMA MG2550S is powered on and connected to your computer via a USB cable. The USB cable should be securely plugged into both the printer and an available USB port on your computer.
- Also, ensure your computer is powered on and fully booted up.
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1.2 Install Printer Drivers (If Not Already Done):
- If you've never connected this printer to your computer before, you'll need to install the necessary drivers.
- For Windows: Windows often automatically detects and installs drivers for new devices. If it doesn't, insert the installation CD that came with your printer and follow the on-screen prompts. Alternatively, visit the official Canon support website (
usa.canon.com/support/products/printers/inkjet-multifunction/pixma-mg-series/pixma-mg2550s - For macOS: macOS typically has good built-in driver support. Connect the printer, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions), then Printers & Scanners, and click the '+' button to add the printer. If it doesn't appear, you may need to download drivers from the Canon website.
- It's crucial that your computer can successfully print to the MG2550S before proceeding. Test this by printing a test page from your computer.
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1.3 Confirm Network Connectivity:
- Verify that your computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad will be. This is absolutely critical for the two devices to communicate. Double-check the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) on both your computer and your iPad.
Step 2: Set Up Printer Sharing on Your Computer
Now, we need to tell your computer to share the connected printer over the network so your iPad can "see" it.
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2.1 For Windows Users (Windows 10/11):
- Open Settings: Click the Start button, then click the Settings gear icon.
- Navigate to Printers & Scanners: Go to Bluetooth & devices (or Devices on older Windows versions), then select Printers & scanners.
- Select Your Printer: Click on your Canon MG2550S in the list of printers.
- Manage Printer Properties: Click on Printer properties.
- Enable Sharing: Go to the Sharing tab.
- Check the box that says "Share this printer". You can give it a recognizable share name (e.g., "CanonMG2550S_Shared").
- Click OK or Apply.
Self-Correction for Windows Sharing: Sometimes, simply checking "Share this printer" isn't enough due to network discovery settings.
- Open Network and Sharing Center: Search for "Network and Sharing Center" in the Windows search bar and open it.
- Change Advanced Sharing Settings: Click on "Change advanced sharing settings" on the left-hand side.
- Expand Private, Guest or Public, and All Networks: Make sure "Network discovery" is turned on for your current profile (usually "Private").
- Under "All Networks," ensure "Turn on sharing to access public folders" is enabled, and importantly, turn off password protected sharing if you want hassle-free access from your iPad. If you leave password protection on, you'll need to enter your Windows user credentials on your iPad (which isn't typically supported for AirPrint).
- Click Save changes.
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2.2 For macOS Users:
- Open System Settings/Preferences: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then select System Settings (macOS Ventura and later) or System Preferences (older macOS versions).
- Navigate to Printers & Scanners: Click on Printers & Scanners.
- Open Printer Sharing: Scroll down and click on Printer Sharing (or Sharing in older versions, then check "Printer Sharing").
- Enable Printer Sharing: Check the box next to "Printer Sharing".
- Select Your Printer: In the list of shared printers, ensure your Canon MG2550S is checked.
- Make sure "Anyone" is selected under "Users" to allow easy access from your iPad. If you want to restrict access, you can add specific users, but for iPad printing, "Anyone" is usually preferred.
Step 3: Connect Your iPad to the Shared Printer
Now for the exciting part – getting your iPad to recognize your shared printer!
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3.1 Ensure iPad is on the Same Network:
- Crucially, ensure your iPad is connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network as your computer. If they are on different networks, this method will not work.
- Go to Settings on your iPad, then Wi-Fi, and confirm the network name matches your computer's.
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3.2 Print from an App:
- Open any app that supports printing (e.g., Photos, Mail, Safari, Pages, Numbers, Keynote).
- Find the Share/Print Icon: Look for the share icon (a square with an arrow pointing upwards) or a print icon (often a printer image or three dots for more options).
- Select "Print": Tap on the share/print icon, then scroll down and tap on Print.
- Choose Your Printer: Tap on Select Printer.
- Your Canon MG2550S (or the shared name you assigned) should now appear in the list of available printers. Tap on it.
- Configure Print Options: Adjust the number of copies, page range, and other settings as needed.
- Print! Tap Print in the top-right corner.
Troubleshooting Tip: If your printer doesn't appear, try restarting your iPad and your computer. Also, ensure your computer isn't in sleep mode.
Method 2: Using a Wireless Print Server or Adapter (For More Advanced Users)
This method is less common for the Canon PIXMA MG2550S specifically because it's a very basic printer, but it offers a way to print without a constantly running computer. A wireless print server is a small device that connects to your USB printer and your Wi-Fi network, effectively making your non-wireless printer "wireless."
Step 1: Acquire a Compatible Wireless Print Server
- 1.1 Research and Purchase:
- You'll need a wireless print server or USB-to-Wi-Fi adapter that supports standard USB printers. Look for devices that explicitly mention support for "USB printers" and "AirPrint" or "Bonjour" for best compatibility with your iPad. Brands like TP-Link, StarTech, and some specialized print server manufacturers offer these.
- Read reviews carefully to ensure it's compatible with your operating system (for setup) and your printer model if possible. Some print servers have compatibility lists.
Step 2: Set Up the Wireless Print Server
This step will vary significantly depending on the brand and model of your wireless print server. Always refer to the user manual that came with your specific device. However, the general steps involve:
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2.1 Connect the Printer:
- Connect your Canon PIXMA MG2550S's USB cable to the USB port on the wireless print server.
- Power on the print server and the printer.
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2.2 Connect to Your Network (Initial Setup):
- Most wireless print servers require an initial setup using a computer. You'll typically connect your computer to the print server's temporary Wi-Fi network or directly via an Ethernet cable (if it has one).
- Access the print server's web-based configuration page (usually by typing an IP address into your browser).
- From this page, you'll configure the print server to connect to your home Wi-Fi network. You'll enter your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.
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2.3 Configure Printer Settings on the Print Server:
- Within the print server's configuration, you'll likely need to select your printer model or a generic "USB printer" option. Some advanced print servers might require you to upload printer drivers.
- Crucially, ensure the print server is set up to support AirPrint (Apple's wireless printing protocol). If it explicitly states AirPrint support, great. If not, look for options like Bonjour or IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) support, as these are often used by AirPrint.
Step 3: Connect Your iPad to the Wireless Print Server
Once your wireless print server is successfully configured and connected to your Wi-Fi network, your iPad should be able to find it.
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3.1 Ensure iPad is on the Same Network:
- As with Method 1, ensure your iPad is connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network as your wireless print server.
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3.2 Print from an App:
- Open any app on your iPad that supports printing.
- Look for the share icon or print icon.
- Tap on Print.
- Tap on Select Printer.
- Your Canon MG2550S (or a generic printer name provided by the print server) should now appear in the list. Tap on it.
- Adjust print options as desired.
- Tap Print.
Important Considerations for Both Methods:
- Computer Must Be On (Method 1): For Method 1, your computer must be turned on and awake for your iPad to be able to print. If the computer is in sleep mode, it won't be able to receive print requests.
- Network Stability: A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for reliable printing from your iPad.
- Printer Drivers: Always ensure you have the correct and latest printer drivers installed on your computer for Method 1. For Method 2, check the print server's compatibility with your printer model.
- Ink and Paper: Don't forget the basics! Make sure your Canon PIXMA MG2550S has sufficient ink and paper loaded.
- Firewall Settings: Occasionally, your computer's firewall might block printer sharing. If you encounter issues, temporarily disable your firewall (for testing purposes only) or add an exception for printer sharing.
Connecting your Canon PIXMA MG2550S to your iPad might seem like a challenge at first due to its wired nature, but by leveraging your computer as a hub or by investing in a wireless print server, you can unlock the convenience of mobile printing. Enjoy bringing your digital creations to life!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check if my Canon PIXMA MG2550S drivers are installed correctly on my computer?
You can check in Windows by going to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. On macOS, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners. If your printer appears in the list without any error messages, and you can successfully print a test page from your computer, the drivers are likely installed correctly.
How to ensure my iPad and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network?
On your iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and note the network name (SSID) it's connected to. On your Windows PC, click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar to see the connected network. On macOS, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. Verify that the network names are identical.
How to troubleshoot if my printer isn't appearing in the "Select Printer" list on my iPad?
First, ensure your computer (Method 1) or wireless print server (Method 2) is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad. Double-check printer sharing settings on your computer. Restart your iPad, computer, and printer. Also, temporarily disable your computer's firewall to see if it's blocking the connection.
How to print specific pages from my iPad using the shared printer?
When you tap "Print" on your iPad, you'll see options to configure your print job. Look for "Range" or "Pages" to specify whether you want to print all pages or a custom range (e.g., pages 3-5).
How to print photos from my iPad to the Canon PIXMA MG2550S?
Open the Photos app on your iPad, select the photo(s) you want to print, tap the share icon (square with an arrow pointing up), then scroll down and tap Print. Choose your shared Canon MG2550S printer and adjust print options.
How to make sure my computer doesn't go to sleep while I'm trying to print from my iPad?
In Windows, go to Settings > System > Power & sleep and adjust the "When plugged in, turn off screen after" and "When plugged in, put device to sleep after" settings to "Never" or a longer duration. On macOS, go to System Settings > Displays > Advanced (or Energy Saver in older versions) and adjust the "Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off" option.
How to update the drivers for my Canon PIXMA MG2550S?
Visit the official Canon support website (
How to connect the Canon PIXMA MG2550S directly to my iPad without a computer or print server?
Unfortunately, you cannot directly connect the Canon PIXMA MG2550S to an iPad without an intermediary device. The MG2550S is a wired USB printer, and iPads do not have direct USB printer connectivity or built-in Wi-Fi for this specific printer model.
How to reduce print quality to save ink when printing from my iPad?
When you tap "Print" on your iPad and select your printer, depending on the app and the printer's capabilities, you might see an "Options" or "Printer Options" button. Tapping this might present settings for print quality (e.g., Draft, Normal, Best). If not directly available, some apps might offer a "Greyscale" option to save color ink.
How to clear the print queue if a print job gets stuck when printing from my iPad?
If a print job gets stuck, first try cancelling it from your iPad's print center (double-tap the home button or swipe up from the bottom, then look for the "Print Center" app). If that doesn't work, go to your computer (Method 1), open the print queue (usually by double-clicking the printer icon in the taskbar or system tray), and cancel the print jobs from there. For Method 2, you might need to access the print server's web interface to clear its queue, or simply restart the print server and printer.
