Step-by-Step Canon iP90 Setup Utility for macOS and Windows

Canon iP90 Setup Utility: Driver, Software, and Configuration TipsThe Canon iP90 is a portable inkjet printer designed for mobile professionals who need on-the-go printing. Setting it up correctly — including installing the appropriate drivers, using Canon’s setup utility, and configuring the printer for your operating system and use-case — ensures reliable performance and better print quality. This article walks through step-by-step installation, software options, troubleshooting, and practical configuration tips for Windows and macOS, plus advice for mobile printing and maintenance.

Overview: What is the Canon iP90 Setup Utility?

The Canon iP90 Setup Utility is software provided by Canon that helps install printer drivers, manage connection settings (USB or, for compatible variants, PC Card/parallel setups), and configure printer preferences. For older devices like the iP90, modern operating system compatibility can be a challenge; official utilities or drivers might not be available for the latest OS versions, so knowing alternative approaches is useful.

Before you start: Requirements and preparation

• Check the exact model number (Canon iP90 or iP90v variant) and your computer’s OS version.
• Ensure you have a working USB cable and, if applicable, any required adapter (some iP90 variants use a PC Card or proprietary interface).
• Charge or insert the printer’s battery (portable models often require battery power for operation).
• Have administrative rights on your computer to install drivers and utilities.
• Back up any critical printer settings if moving from an existing installation.

Downloading drivers and the setup utility

1. Canon support site: Start at Canon’s official support page. Search for “iP90” plus your OS (Windows ⁄₁₁, macOS versions). If Canon provides an official driver or setup utility for your OS, download the package labeled “Drivers & Downloads” or “Setup Utility.”
2. Legacy drivers: If the model is legacy and current Canon pages don’t offer a driver for your OS, look for archived or legacy driver pages on Canon’s site. Use the exact model number to avoid installing incorrect packages.
3. Third-party or generic drivers: If no official driver exists for your OS, consider:
   • Built-in OS drivers: Both Windows and macOS sometimes include generic printer drivers that allow basic printing.
   • Gutenprint/ Gutenprint-based drivers: Open-source printer drivers that support many older inkjet models.
   • Caution: Avoid untrusted third-party driver websites. Prefer official Canon archives, well-known open-source projects, or the OS’s built-in options.

Installing on Windows

1. Unpack the downloaded driver/setup utility and run the installer as Administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
2. Follow the installer prompts:
   • Choose connection type (USB).
   • Accept license agreements.
   • Wait for the driver and utility to install; the system may prompt to connect the printer when ready.
3. Connect the iP90 to the PC when instructed. Windows should detect the device and complete the driver setup.
4. Test print: Print a test page from Devices and Printers → right-click Canon iP90 → Printer Properties → Print Test Page.
5. If Windows does not accept the driver:
   • Use Compatibility Mode: Right-click installer → Properties → Compatibility → run in compatibility mode for an older Windows version (e.g., Windows 7).
   • Install in Add Printer wizard: Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a printer → The printer that I want isn’t listed → Add local printer or network printer with manual settings → Use existing port (USB001) → Have Disk → point to extracted .inf files.

Installing on macOS

1. Official driver: Run the downloaded DMG or PKG and follow prompts. macOS may request permission to allow the installer in System Settings → Privacy & Security.
2. If no official driver exists:
   • Try AirPrint (unlikely for iP90, which is older and likely lacks network/AirPrint support).
   • Use built-in generic drivers: System Settings → Printers & Scanners → + → Add Printer; macOS may list the iP90 and select a generic or Gutenprint driver.
3. If the printer isn’t detected:
   • Confirm cable and battery.
   • Use System Information → USB to see if macOS recognizes the device at the hardware level.
4. Print a test page from an application or the printer dialog.

Configuration tips for best results

• Paper settings: Use the Setup Utility or printer properties to set the correct paper size and type (plain, glossy, photo). Mismatched settings produce poor color or misfeeds.
• Print quality vs. speed: For documents, choose Normal or Fast; for photos or important graphics, use High or Photo mode.
• Color management: For consistent color, let applications manage color profiles (e.g., Photoshop) and select sRGB or an ICC profile appropriate to Canon inks and paper.
• Borderless printing: If supported, enable borderless mode in the printer preferences for edge-to-edge photos; note it may slightly crop the image.
• Firmware: If Canon provides firmware updates for the iP90, install them via the setup utility. Firmware updates can fix issues but follow instructions precisely to avoid bricking the printer.

Mobile and remote printing options

• Direct mobile printing: The iP90 is primarily a wired portable printer. It lacks native Wi‑Fi printing and AirPrint in most cases. For mobile devices:
  • Use a laptop as a print server: Connect iPhone/Android to the laptop and share the printer, then print via the laptop.
  • USB OTG: Some Android devices support USB OTG and can connect to USB printers using third-party apps; compatibility is hit-or-miss.
• Cloud/Network workarounds: Use a computer as a bridge (install Canon iP90 on the PC, then use printer sharing or Google Cloud Print alternatives through third-party server software).

Troubleshooting common issues

• Printer not recognized by OS:
  • Confirm cable and battery.
  • Try another USB port and cable.
  • Check Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (macOS) to verify hardware enumeration.
• Driver fails to install:
  • Run installer as Administrator or use Compatibility Mode (Windows).
  • Use Have Disk option pointing to extracted .inf files.
• Poor print quality:
  • Run print head nozzles check and cleaning cycles (via setup utility or printer properties).
  • Replace or reseat ink cartridges, check expiration, and ensure correct cartridges for the iP90 model.
• Paper jams or feeding issues:
  • Use manufacturer-recommended media and inspect paper path for debris.
  • Align paper correctly and avoid overfilling the tray.
• Error lights or codes:
  • Consult the iP90 user manual for specific blink/error patterns. Often, re-seating cartridges or completing a power cycle clears transient errors.

Maintenance and longevity tips

• Keep inks capped and cartridges seated when not in use to prevent drying.
• Print a nozzle check or a small page every few weeks if the printer sits idle; this prevents clogging.
• Store extra ink cartridges and paper in a cool, dry place.
• Use original Canon cartridges if consistent color and reliability are critical; third-party cartridges may work but can cause head-clogging or inconsistent results.
• Clean the exterior and paper path gently—avoid solvents and let any internal cleaning cycles handle print head maintenance.

When to consider replacement

• If the printer regularly refuses to initialize, produces repeated unfixable print defects, or replacement parts/cartridges become unavailable or prohibitively expensive, consider replacing it with a modern portable printer that supports wireless, AirPrint, and current OS drivers. Modern portable printers also often provide better mobile printing workflows.

Quick checklist (summary)

• Verify model and OS compatibility.
• Download official drivers/setup utility from Canon or reputable archives.
• Install as Administrator (Windows) or allow installer in macOS Privacy & Security.
• Connect printer when instructed and run a test page.
• Configure paper type, print quality, and color management.
• Run periodic maintenance: nozzle checks, cleaning, and occasional printing.
• If official drivers are unavailable, try OS-generic drivers or Gutenprint.

If you want, I can:

• Provide step-by-step screenshots for Windows or macOS installation.
• Locate official Canon driver links for your exact iP90 model and OS (tell me your OS and model variant).