Choosing between the Canon PIXMA TR4722 and Canon PIXMA TR4520 can feel confusing, especially when both printers appear similar in features and design. Many users search for differences only after they start the setup process and notice that the installation steps or driver requirements are slightly different.
Although both printers belong to Canon’s PIXMA series and support wireless printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, the setup experience is not exactly the same. Differences in driver compatibility, WiFi configuration, and installation software can affect how easily each printer connects to a computer or network.
At Printer Offline Fix, we frequently help users troubleshoot installation issues with Canon printers. Understanding how the setup process differs between the TR4722 and TR4520 can prevent common problems like driver errors, printer detection failures, or wireless configuration issues.
This guide explains the key setup differences between Canon TR4722 and TR4520, how to install both printers correctly, and what to do if the installation process fails.
Overview of Canon PIXMA TR4722 and TR4520
Before comparing the setup process, it helps to understand the role of each printer in Canon’s product lineup.
The Canon PIXMA TR4722 is a newer all-in-one printer designed for home offices and small businesses. It supports wireless printing, automatic document feeding, mobile printing, and cloud services.
The Canon PIXMA TR4520 is an earlier model in the same series. It also provides printing, scanning, copying, and faxing features but uses slightly older driver architecture and installation tools.
Both printers rely on Canon’s official setup portal to download drivers and software.
Canon Setup Portal for Both Printers
Both the TR4722 and TR4520 use Canon’s official setup website:
From this portal, users can:
- Download printer drivers
- Install Canon setup software
- Configure wireless connections
- Update firmware
However, the driver packages and installation workflow differ slightly depending on the printer model.
Driver Installation Differences
One of the biggest setup differences between the two printers involves driver installation.
Canon TR4722 Driver Setup
The TR4722 uses newer Canon driver packages designed to work smoothly with modern operating systems like Windows 11 and updated versions of macOS.
The installation process usually includes:
- Printer driver
- Scanner driver
- Canon printer management software
- Firmware update utilities
The TR4722 installer typically detects the printer automatically when it is placed in wireless setup mode.
Canon TR4520 Driver Setup
The TR4520 driver package is slightly older and sometimes requires manual steps during installation.
For example, users may need to:
- Run the installer as administrator
- Restart the computer after installation
- Manually add the printer in Windows settings
In some cases, the installer may not detect the printer automatically, especially on newer operating systems.
Wireless Setup Differences
Both printers support wireless printing, but the WiFi setup process is not identical.
Canon TR4722 Wireless Setup
The TR4722 typically uses a guided wireless setup wizard.
To connect the printer:
- Turn the printer on
- Press and hold the wireless button
- Wait for the WiFi light to blink
- Run the setup software from ij.start.canon
The installer usually detects the printer automatically and prompts you to select your WiFi network.
This makes the wireless setup process relatively simple.
Canon TR4520 Wireless Setup
The TR4520 sometimes requires additional steps before it can connect to WiFi.
Users may need to:
- Reset the wireless settings
- Connect the printer using a temporary USB cable
- Run the wireless configuration tool
Because this printer uses older network configuration software, it may take slightly longer to detect the device.
Operating System Compatibility
Another difference between the TR4722 and TR4520 involves operating system support.
TR4722 Compatibility
The TR4722 is optimized for modern systems, including:
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
- macOS Ventura and newer versions
The drivers are regularly updated to maintain compatibility.
TR4520 Compatibility
Although the TR4520 works with modern operating systems, some users report issues during installation.
Common problems include:
- Driver installation failures on Windows 11
- Printer detection issues
- Outdated driver packages
These issues can usually be resolved by downloading the latest drivers from Canon’s support website.
Printer Detection During Setup
During installation, the setup wizard attempts to detect the printer automatically.
TR4722 Detection
The TR4722 usually appears quickly in the installation wizard if the printer is in wireless setup mode.
The improved detection system makes the setup process faster.
TR4520 Detection
The TR4520 may take longer to appear during installation.
In some cases, users must:
- Restart the printer
- Restart the router
- Run the setup wizard again
Detection delays are usually caused by network configuration issues rather than hardware problems.
Setup Speed Comparison
In general, the Canon TR4722 installs faster than the TR4520.
This is because:
- The driver package is newer
- The setup wizard is more automated
- Wireless detection works more reliably
The TR4520 still installs successfully but may require extra troubleshooting steps.
Mobile Printing Setup
Both printers support mobile printing through Canon applications.
However, the setup experience differs slightly.
TR4722 Mobile Setup
The TR4722 integrates easily with the Canon PRINT app, allowing users to connect the printer directly from a smartphone.
This simplifies mobile setup significantly.
TR4520 Mobile Setup
The TR4520 also works with the Canon PRINT app but sometimes requires completing the initial setup on a computer first.
After the computer installation finishes, the mobile app can detect the printer.
Common Setup Problems for Both Printers
Despite their differences, both printers can experience similar installation problems.
These issues include:
- Driver installation failures
• Printer not detected during setup
• WiFi connection errors
• Firewall blocking installation
• Printer appearing offline after setup
Most of these problems can be fixed by reinstalling the drivers or resetting the printer’s network settings.
Troubleshooting Setup Issues
If either printer fails during setup, try these steps:
Restart the printer, router, and computer.
Remove previous Canon drivers before reinstalling new ones.
Ensure the printer is in wireless setup mode.
Disable antivirus or firewall temporarily during installation.
Download drivers directly from the Canon setup portal.
These steps resolve most installation errors.
Which Printer Is Easier to Set Up?
Between the two models, the Canon PIXMA TR4722 is generally easier to set up.
Its newer driver architecture and improved wireless detection allow for a smoother installation process.
The TR4520 still performs well but may require additional troubleshooting during setup.
Final Thoughts
Both the Canon PIXMA TR4722 and TR4520 are capable all-in-one printers designed for home and small office use. While their core features are similar, the setup experience differs due to driver updates, wireless configuration tools, and operating system compatibility.
The TR4722 offers a more streamlined installation process thanks to updated drivers and improved wireless detection. The TR4520 may require a few extra steps during installation but still functions reliably once properly configured.
For the best results, always download drivers from the official Canon setup portal and follow the installation instructions carefully.
Understanding these setup differences helps users install their printers more efficiently and avoid common problems during configuration.
