Canon imageCLASS MF632Cdw connected to network but not recognized

[theohster]

I am having a new and somewhat strange problem with my printer. It is connected to my network -- it has an IPv4 address (192.168.1.5 when connected via WLAN, 192.168.1.20 when connected by Ethernet). The printer's display shows that it is connected to my network. However, it does not appear on my network. For example, neither my laptop nor my iPhone can "see" the printer, and when I log into my router it does not appear as an attached device. Printing does not work...unless I connect it to my laptop with a USB cord.

However, and this is where it gets strange, I am able to use Google Cloud Print with it. So the printer appears to be connected to the internet, even though it seems to be invisible to my local network.

I attempted a factory reset, but that did not solve the problem. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[bborcherding]

So I got a solid tech on the phone and he walked me through what seems to be a sound long-term solution (let's see). Essentially start by changed to a fixed IP address on the ImageClass (we changed the last three digits of my to 220). Then download the latest drivers form Canon (hint, be sure to use the right MAC OS version...the default it captured on mine was incorrect and he said this happens with the newer OS versions a lot). After installing the printer and scanner drivers go to settings / printers, remove (-) the prior printer and add (+) the new one. However, don't use the automated add, instead click the web image and add the IP address directly (hint - also be sure to use the LDR option). You will see everything validate and the machine type enter automatically. Hopefully after a year of trying...that's IT

[nofrets]

Huge thanks for sharing, bborcherding. I have no problems with a static IP for the printer if that will get the blasted thing to work reliably. Frankly, it’s a very nice printer when the software works. Again, huge thanks.

[bborcherding]

So I found what I hope is a more elegant solution (even the fixed IP address on the printer has given my family fits). Tonight I changed the printer back to dynamic IP address and let it pick up a new address from my Eero network. I then went into my Eero application and applied a reservation on the IP address that the printer picked up. Now I just use the + on system preferences, it finds the printer (and scanner!) and it works seamlessly. I've deleted and re-added the printer on all my Apple devices and receive much less s**t from my family now. 😉

[Mitchelson]

I have the same maddening problem.  Over and over again I have to turn off the printer, delete the printer from my iMacs, restart both add the printer back just to print a document.  I can't figure out whether something happens to the printer when it sleeps, whether I need to try to figure out how to give it a static IP address on the system or what.

[bborcherding]

@Mitchelson, I'm afraid it seems you'll have to live with this maddeningly enough. I know the root case of the issue is the changing IP addresses, but even solving this with a static address on the printer and/or assigning an IP address from the router doesn't seem to be a permanent fix and Canon doesn't seem to care to resolve with a software update. I've gotten so frustrated that I bought an HP inkjet for my family to use so that I stopped taking grief every time they could no longer print. 

[Mitchelson]

That is what I am trying. Thanks. 

[apple39784]

After I updated the firmware on the Canon MF632Cdw AND removed the LAN connection to it, the struggle with this lost IP addr issue at my house finally abated.  This is a tricky problem because of the interplay among the printer firmware, device drivers on the different computers and mobiles, the IP assignment and lease renewal rules on the router (for DHCP), how each device is configured to handle IP at power save/sleep/shutdown, and how each software prioritizes LAN configs.   When I removed the LAN connection from my printer, I believe it simplified the rules the firmware follows to re-establish its wireless network, and resulted in a more responsive printer.

[bborcherding]

Anyone interested in a lightly used MF743C printer with intermittent network connection issues? Paper and ink included!! 😉  

[Mitchelson]

I used your eero reservation solution and it’s works with one exception.  The printer will still go to sleep and then cannot be found by my iPhone unless I go wake it up. Is there a solution for this?

[cypress]

In Network Settings on the printer I turned on IPV4 and IPV6 with DHCP set to auto and IP acquire to auto. I also enabled direct connection but not thinking that was part of the solution. Worked instantly.