In an image providing apparatus capable of performing close-proximity wireless communication, it is determined whether or not the image providing apparatus come to an active state by moving close to the image output apparatus (whether or not the apparatus has been remotely woken up) if a connection through close-proximity wireless communication is established. It is decided that the image output apparatus is the primary controller after the connection if the image providing apparatus has been remotely woken up, and the use of an appropriate protocol for the primary controller is decided on. On the other hand, if the image providing apparatus has not been remotely woken up, it is decided that the image providing apparatus is the primary controller after connection, and the use of a corresponding protocol is decided on.