This guide is intended specifically for Canon camera users to set up a wired connection to Zno Instant.
For a more comprehensive article about how to use Zno Instant, which is not camera maker specific, please see How to use Zno Instant.
What You’ll Need
- Phone
- OTG Cable
- Camera Mount (optional)
- Zno Instant already downloaded onto your phone.
Watch this tutorial video to learn how to configure your Canon camera or continue reading below.
Step 1: Adjust Camera Settings
- Set your Canon camera power to stay on for the longest time.
- Set the photo format to JPG.
- Check the camera's external connection settings and turn off: Bluetooth, WiFi, FTP transfer, etc (ignore turning off these settings if not applicable).
Note: For Canon Z series cameras when a USB cable is connected to supported reverse charging phones, the phone will continuously power the camera. A consequence of this feature is that it leads to rapid depletion of the phone's battery. It is strongly recommended to set "USB Power Delivery" to "OFF" in the camera.
OTG Connection
️️️If you are using your Canon camera with cell phone brands such as OPPO, vivo, OnePlus, iQOO, realme, the OTG function needs to be manually enabled. In your cell phone settings, search for "OTG" and then enable "OTG connection." Huawei and Xiaomi phones are enabled by default.
Pop-Up Authorization
Once you have successfully connected your Canon camera, you may receive a pop-up authorization. If there is a pop-up asking for authorization for the “album” or “gallery,” you will want to click "Cancel." It’s only when Zno Instant specifically asks for authorization that you should click "OK" (see below).
FAQ
1. Why can't my camera connect to Zno Instant APP?
For wired connection, troubleshoot with the following steps:
- If you are on an Android check if the phone system is above 7.1.1 and that an OTG function is enabled on the phone.
- Make sure the data cable is specifed as an “OTG cable.” Just because the plugs on your cable are compatible with both your cell phone and the camera does not mean it’s an OTG cable.
- Make sure you have only selected authorization pop-ups specifically for Zno Instant. Pop-ups for other things such as “album” or “gallery” should not be clicked.
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For Canon R62 & Canon R8 cameras, Please set "Select USB application "> “Photo Import/Remote control"
(5) If you are using an iPhone with a system version that is above iOS 18.0.0, you need to manually open the access permission settings for Files & Folders to use the wired connection mode in Zno Instant. Open Settings > Privacy > Select Files & Folders > Open Zno Instant permissions and toggle it to green.
(6) iPhones’ original charging cable is not supported (a dedicated data cable is required).
(7) The camera's Bluetooth, WIFI, and FTP all need to be turned off (ignore this if there is no relevant setting).
(8) Make sure your Zno Instant APP is updated to the latest version.
(9) Check whether your phone system has opened the camera access permission for Zno Instant.
2. Why does the camera show busy and I cannot press the shutter?
Answer: There might be 3 different causes for this, please check these items in the following order:
- Camera processing or memory card reading and writing speed is slow: Remove the battery and reconnect.Add select "Energy Saving" mode in "Mine - Preference Settings - Camera Read Mode." in the Zno Instant APP.
- Incorrect camera settings: the camera and phone time needs to be synchronized to a local time zone, accurate to seconds.
Also you should turn off the camera "FTP transfer settings” > “Automatic transfer", turn off "Communication settings” > “Built-in wireless settings” > “WIFI/NFC."
- Problem with the OTG data cable: Replace the OTG data cable.
3. The camera always displays "recording"?
There are 3 possibilities, please check and confirm them one by one:
(1) Camera processing or memory card reading and writing speed is slow: Remove the battery and reconnect .
(2) The camera settings are wrong:turn off the camera "FTP transfer settings” > “Automatic transfer", turn off "Communication settings” > “Built-in wireless settings” > “WIFI/NFC."
(3) The camera firmware version is not updated: You can go to the Canon camera official website to upgrade the camera firmware version.
4. The connection appears to be normal, why can't the photos in the camera be uploaded to ZI's Instant Gallery in real time?
The format selected for taking photos might be set to RAW or another format. Please make sure you are taking your photos in JPG format.
For more information, please email support@zno.com.