Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer: A Compact Way to Print Photos Anywhere
The Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer is a small, portable printer designed for people who want to turn smartphone photos into physical prints without needing a traditional inkjet printer. Its pocket-friendly design, wireless connectivity, and sticker-backed photo paper make it especially useful for travel, scrapbooking, journaling, parties, and everyday memories.Unlike conventional photo printers, the IVY 2 doesn't require ink cartridges. It uses ZINK (Zero Ink) technology, with the color-forming technology built into the compatible photo paper. Canon says the printer can produce a 2 × 3-inch print in 50 seconds or less.
What Is the Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer?
The IVY 2 is a smartphone-focused mini photo printer that connects wirelessly through Bluetooth 5.0 and the Canon Mini Print app. You can select a picture from your phone, make simple edits, and send it directly to the printer.The printer supports both regular Canon ZINK photo paper and compatible pre-cut sticker media. The 2 × 3-inch format is small enough for wallets, notebooks, planners, scrapbooks, and decorative projects.One of its biggest advantages is portability. Because it has a built-in rechargeable battery, you don't need to keep it connected to a power outlet while printing.
Key Features
Here are some of the features that make the IVY 2 appealing:
- ZINK Zero Ink printing
- 2 × 3-inch photo prints
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Borderless printing
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- Up to 20 sheets per charge
- Around 45 minutes charging time
- Canon Mini Print app support
- Sticker-backed photo paper
- Automatic paper sensor
- Compact, portable design
Canon lists a print resolution of up to 313 × 512 dpi and a maximum paper capacity of 10 sheets plus one SmartSheet.
How Does It Work?
Using the Canon IVY 2 is fairly straightforward. First, charge the printer and install the Canon Mini Print app on your compatible Android or iPhone device. Turn on Bluetooth and connect the printer through the app.After selecting a photo, you can personalize it with available editing features such as filters, frames, stickers, text, emojis, and collages. Once you're happy with the design, send it to the printer.The printer uses heat to activate the color-forming elements in ZINK paper, so there is no traditional ink cartridge to replace. Canon describes the paper as smudge-free, water-resistant, and tear-resistant.
Print Quality and Speed
The IVY 2 is designed primarily for convenient, fun photo printing rather than professional photographic output. Its small 2 × 3-inch prints are well suited to casual snapshots, notes, labels, and creative projects.Canon rates the print time at 50 seconds or less, although actual results can vary depending on conditions and the image being printed. Borderless printing is also supported, allowing photos to fill the available print area.
Battery Life
A rechargeable lithium-ion battery is built into the printer. Canon estimates approximately 20 sheets per charge, while a full charge can take about 45 minutes under the specified charging conditions.That makes the IVY 2 practical for short trips, events, and occasions where carrying a larger printer isn't convenient.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very compact and easy to carry
- No ink cartridges required
- Wireless smartphone printing
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Sticker-backed paper is useful for crafts
- Simple mobile editing features
- Rechargeable battery
- Borderless 2 × 3-inch printing
Cons
- Prints are relatively small
- Requires compatible ZINK paper
- No Wi-Fi connection
- No memory-card slot
- Ongoing paper costs can add up
- Better suited to casual printing than professional photography
Canon specifically lists the IVY 2 as having no Wi-Fi capability or memory-card compatibility, so smartphone-based printing is the main workflow.
Is the Canon IVY 2 Worth Buying?
The Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer makes the most sense if convenience and portability matter more to you than large, high-resolution prints. It is particularly attractive for students, travelers, scrapbookers, journal users, families, and anyone who enjoys turning smartphone pictures into physical stickers.If you regularly print dozens of large photos, a traditional photo printer may be a better choice. But for quick 2 × 3-inch memories that you can print and stick almost anywhere, the IVY 2 offers a simple and enjoyable experience.
Final Verdict
The Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer is a convenient option for anyone who wants instant physical photos from a smartphone. Its compact size, ZINK ink-free printing, Bluetooth 5.0, rechargeable battery, and creative Canon Mini Print app make it easy to use at home or on the go.It isn't designed to replace a full-size photo printer, but that's not really its purpose. The IVY 2 is about making photo printing quick, portable, and fun—especially when you want your digital memories to become physical keepsakes.