Canon updates printer firmware from the printer or a computer. Its MG7720 article shows the printer route: when connected to the internet and a new version exists, the printer shows The latest firmware is on the server, press OK. Otherwise flick the Home screen, tap Setup, Device settings, Firmware update, then Install update and choose Yes and follow the screen instructions; if it is already the latest, it says Update is not required.
The checks in more detail
The same menu lets you check the current version and set an update notification, a DNS server and a proxy server. Canon notes the printer must be connected to the internet, and that Only Check current version is available when LAN is disabled. If the update does not complete, check the LAN cable if wired, check the router and access point settings, and if Cannot connect to the server appears, tap OK and try again later.
Canon also offers updates from a computer, by running the update utility and following prompts, and by USB cable for models that need it, with separate procedures for professional models. Keep the printer powered and connected during the update, do not press buttons and do not turn it off. Note the firmware version before and after. Some firmware updates change supply or cartridge behavior, so read the notes. Update when nobody needs to print, and note the version before and after. If a problem starts after an update, that version and date are what Canon support will ask for. Keep the printer near the router during the update so the connection stays strong, and avoid starting a print job at the same time.
Differential
Likely causes of “Canon printers firmware update will not install”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
No internet
What separates it The printer cannot connect to the server because it has no internet
How to confirm Check the router, and retry later, when the connection is back
- 2
LAN disabled
What separates it Only Check current version shows because the LAN is disabled
How to confirm Enable LAN in the printer's settings, so it can reach the server
- 3
An interrupted update
What separates it The printer is stuck because the update was interrupted
How to confirm Wait for a while, and then contact Canon if the printer stays stuck
- 4
The wrong file
What separates it The computer update fails because the file is the wrong one
How to confirm Match the model and the version of the file that you download
- 5
A proxy or DNS problem
What separates it The server is unreachable because of a proxy or a DNS problem
How to confirm Check the DNS and the proxy settings, and correct any that are wrong
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The model and the firmware version of the printer
- The route that you used to update, such as the printer or the computer
- The message that appears on the screen
- The type of connection that the printer uses
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedOpen Setup
ReversibleOpen Setup on the printer, and go to Device settings, to find the update, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Choose Firmware update
ReversibleChoose Firmware update, and check the version that the printer runs, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Install update
ReversibleInstall the update, choosing Yes when the printer asks whether to install, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Keep power on
ReversibleKeep the power on, and do not touch the buttons until the update ends, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Retry later
ReversibleRetry later if the server is unreachable, since it may be busy, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Use USB or computer
ReversibleUse USB or the computer route if the printer route fails, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Note the version
ReversibleNote the version after the update, to confirm that it installed, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Professional models
- Canon has a separate firmware page for professional models.
- Touch screen
- The menu path is the same on touch screen PIXMA models.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models PIXMA TS6420a, G7020, G6020, GX7021, GX4020, Color imageCLASS LBP632Cdw, imageCLASS MF455dw, Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If updates fail repeatedly, use the computer or USB route
- !If the printer will not start after an update, contact Canon
- !If cartridges behave differently after an update, contact Canon
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Firmware update from the printer.
Updating over USB.
Updating from a computer.
Updating a G-series printer.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I update Canon firmware?+
Setup, Device settings, Firmware update, Install update.
What if it says not required?+
If it says not required, you already have the latest firmware.
Can I update by USB?+
You can update by USB on the models that support it.
What does Cannot connect to the server mean?+
Cannot connect to the server means that you should try again later.
Can I turn off the printer?+
No, do not turn the printer off during an update, since that can leave it stuck.
Do I need internet?+
For the printer route, yes, you need an internet connection.
Can I set notifications?+
Yes in the Firmware update menu.
Can updates change supplies?+
Read the release notes, since an update can change how supplies are checked.