set up my pixma g7020 but it won't connect to wifi, just keeps failing

Diagnosis

The Canon PIXMA G7020 frequently fails during the initial wireless setup because its network hardware is exclusively compatible with 2.4GHz bands. Modern "Smart" or "Mesh" routers often use a single SSID (network name) for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, a feature called Band Steering. When the G7020 attempts to handshake with the router, the router often tries to push the printer toward the 5GHz band or fails to negotiate the handshake because the printer cannot "see" the 5GHz signal, resulting in a generic "Connection Failed" or "Cannot connect to wireless LAN" error message.

Additionally, this model often struggles with WPA3 security protocols. If your router is set to "WPA3 Only," the G7020 will fail to authenticate even with the correct password. You can confirm this is the issue if your smartphone or laptop connects to the Wi-Fi instantly, but the printer hangs at the "Connecting..." screen for several minutes before timing out. Another common culprit is the "Quiet Mode" or "Eco Mode" settings on some routers that throttle the signal strength during the initial pairing phase, preventing the printer from completing the DHCP request.

How to Fix It

To bypass the finicky automatic setup wizard, you must perform a Manual Connect directly from the printer's physical control panel. This forces the printer to target the specific 2.4GHz frequency and bypasses the buggy software handshakes of the Canon setup app.

1. Power on the printer and ensure the home screen is displayed. Press the Setup button (represented by a pliers and screwdriver icon).
2. Navigate to Device settings and press OK.
3. Select LAN settings and press OK.
4. Select Wireless LAN setup and press OK.
5. Choose Manual connect from the list. This is critical; do not choose "Standard setup" or "WPS."
6. The printer will now scan for available networks. Wait for the list to populate and select your 2.4GHz network SSID. If you have a combined network, select the one you usually use.
7. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the on-screen alphanumeric keyboard. Note: The keyboard is case-sensitive. Use the arrow keys to toggle between uppercase, lowercase, and symbols.
8. Press OK to confirm the password. The printer will attempt to acquire an IP address. Once the screen displays "Connected," the hardware link is established.
9. On your computer, open the Canon printer driver settings and select "Search for printers on the network" to finalize the software link.

If That Didn't Work

• Separate your Router Bands: Log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and disable "Smart Connect" or "Band Steering." Create two distinct SSIDs: one named "Home_Wifi_2.4" and one named "Home_Wifi_5." Connect the G7020 specifically to the 2.4GHz band. This is the most successful long-term fix for Mesh systems like Eero, Nest, or Orbi.
• Adjust Security Protocol: Change your router's wireless security setting from "WPA3" to "WPA2-AES" or "WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode." The G7020 cannot communicate with WPA3-only encryption, which is now the default on many newer Wi-Fi 6 routers.
• Assign a Static IP: If the printer connects but then goes "Offline" frequently, use the printer's LAN settings to change "IPv4 Address" from "Auto/DHCP" to "Manual." Assign an IP address outside your router's typical DHCP range (e.g., 192.168.1.200) to prevent IP conflicts.
• Disable Firewall Temporarily: If the printer is connected to the router but the computer cannot find it, temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall or macOS Firewall. If the printer suddenly appears, you need to add the Canon "ijnetwork" process to your firewall's allowed exceptions list.

Heads Up

• Avoid WPS: The Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button method is notoriously unstable on the G7020 and often leads to "Authentication Failed" errors. Always prefer Manual Connect.
• Ink Maintenance: Since this is a MegaTank model, ensure you do not let the ink levels drop below the lower line on the tanks, as air bubbles in the print head can sometimes cause the printer to report a "General Error" which mimics a connectivity failure in the software.
• Firmware Updates: Once connected, go to Setup > Device settings > Firmware update. Canon frequently releases patches that improve the stability of the wireless radio.
• Power Cycle: If the printer loses connection after a power outage, unplug both the router and the printer for 30 seconds. Plug the router in first, wait for it to fully boot, and then plug in the printer to ensure a clean DHCP handshake.