Owners of multifunctional devices of the series Pixma often encounter a situation where the standard fast synchronization method WPS becomes unavailable. This may be due to router settings, the lack of a physical button on the router, or incompatibility of security protocols. In such cases, the connection Canon MG3640 requires the use of alternative methods such as entering a PIN or direct connection to a PC.
The process of configuring a wireless network on this MFP is not complicated, but it requires precise adherence to the sequence of actions. Interface The device's setup is minimalistic, with the main load falling on the computer or mobile device's software. Proper setup will allow you to print documents from any device in the house without the need to constantly reconnect cables.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the available methods for activating wireless mode. You'll learn how to use WPS PIN Code for automatic setup and how to manually connect if automatic scenarios fail. We'll also cover common errors that occur during the network search process.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure that your network equipment is ready to interact with the peripherals. Canon MG3640 supports standards IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, meaning it's compatible with most modern routers. However, if your router operates exclusively in the 5 GHz band, the device may not see the network, as it's designed for the 2.4 GHz frequency.
Make sure the printer is turned on and within range of a strong signal. For initial setup, it's best to place the MFP close to the router to avoid packet loss. Also, make sure you know the password for your Wi-Fi network, as you'll need to enter it in the relevant utilities.
⚠️ Attention: If you're using a corporate network or ISP equipment with restricted access, standard home connection methods may not work without administrator rights.
WPS PIN Code Method: Automatic Setup
The most reliable way to connect without using the physical WPS button on the router is the method PIN CodeIn this case, the printer itself generates a unique code that you enter into the router interface or a special settings field. This allows you to securely transmit network information (SSID and password) to the device. Canon.
To start the process, you need to put the MFP into setup mode. Press the button Wireless on the control panel and hold it until the power light starts flashing. Then press the button Black (black) or Color (color), then select the option WPS (PIN Code) Using the navigation buttons, if not selected by default, the device will display or print a report with an eight-digit code.
- 🔑 Find your router's settings page on your computer or browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
- 📡 Go to the Wireless section and find the WPS or QSS subsection.
- 💻 Enter the PIN code received from the printer in the appropriate field on the router page.
- 🔄 Wait until the process is complete; the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer should be solid.
If the router supports the technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup This method is successful 95% of the time, using software. It eliminates the need to manually enter a password, which is especially convenient if you have a complex character set. After successful authorization, the device will automatically remember the network settings.
Manual setup via PC and drivers
In situations where automatic methods fail, it is recommended to use the classic installation path via an installation disc or a driver downloaded from the official website. Canon contains a setup wizard that can detect the device even without an active connection. You will need a temporary connection via USB cable.
Run the setup file (usually Setup.exe or Msetup64.exe) and follow the on-screen instructions. When the wizard asks about the connection type, select "Wireless LAN." The program will prompt you to connect a cable to transfer network settings. This is the most stable method, as the driver automatically configures the printer's network adapter.
☑️ Driver Installation Preparation Checklist
After transferring the settings, the program will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. From this point on Canon MG3640 It should become available in the Windows or macOS device list. If you encounter the "Printer not found" error during the process, try temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus software, which may be blocking the search for devices on your local network.
| Setup stage | User action | Indication on the printer |
|---|---|---|
| Initialization | Launching the installation wizard | The power indicator is on |
| Network search | Selecting an SSID from the list | The Wi-Fi indicator is blinking |
| Data transfer | Connection confirmation | The Wi-Fi indicator is constantly on |
| Conclusion | Disconnecting the USB cable | Print network report (optional) |
Using Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY for Mobile
Modern users often prefer to configure their equipment using a smartphone. Application Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY Available for iOS and Android, it greatly simplifies the process. It allows you to transfer Wi-Fi settings from your phone directly to the printer, bypassing complex router menus.
First, make sure your smartphone is connected to the target Wi-Fi network. Launch the app and tap the Add Printer icon. If the device isn't set up yet, the app will prompt you to enter setup mode. You'll need to tap the button. Direct on the printer to activate direct connection mode, and then select your device from the list of available ones in the app.
The app automatically calculates network parameters and transfers them to the MFP. This method is especially convenient if you don't have a computer nearby. However, it's still recommended to use the desktop version of the software for initial driver installation on a PC, as the mobile app is primarily focused on printing and scanning, not in-depth system configuration.
⚠️ Attention: When using mobile apps, make sure your phone is allowed to access the local network (Local Network) in the OS privacy settings, otherwise the printer search will not be successful.
What should I do if the app doesn't see the printer?
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone (it's used for initial discovery). Also, check that "Guest Network" mode or 4G/5G mobile data isn't activated on your phone—the phone and printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network during setup.
Direct Connect without a router
If the task is to print a document urgently, and the router is unavailable or you are away from home, you can use the mode Direct Connect. In this mode Canon MG3640 It automatically creates an access point to which your computer or phone connects. No router is required.
To activate the mode, press and hold the button Direct on the control panel until the smartphone icon appears on the screen. On your computer or phone, the device's name will appear in the list of available Wi-Fi networks (e.g., Canon-MG3600-series). Connect to it using the password, which can be found in the instructions or on the device's sticker (if you haven't changed it).
This method is ideal for printing photos from your phone while traveling or when your home internet connection is temporarily unavailable. In direct connection mode, the device connected to the printer may lose internet access if it does not support simultaneous operation with two Wi-Fi networks (which is rare for PCs, but is relevant for many smartphones).
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Even if you follow the instructions exactly, errors may still occur. One common issue is that the printer "sees" the network but won't connect. This is often due to the encryption type. Canon MG3640 may not work correctly with new safety standards WPA3It is recommended to set the router to mixed mode. WPA2/WPA3 or temporarily switch to WPA2-PSK (AES).
Another common error is an incorrect date and time in the router or device settings, which causes security certificate conflicts. Also, check if filtering is enabled on the router. MAC addressesIf this feature is active, you need to add the printer's MAC address (found on the sticker on the back) to the list of allowed devices.
- 📶 Weak signal: The Wi-Fi indicator is blinking slowly. Solution: Move the printer closer to the router or use a repeater.
- 🔒 Password error: Make sure your keyboard layout is correct and that CapsLock is not enabled when entering the security key.
- 🔄 IP conflict: Try assigning a static IP address to the printer in your router settings so that it does not change after a reboot.
If nothing helps, perform a full reset of the printer's network settings. To do this, hold down the button Stop (Stop/Reset) until the alarm indicator (orange) flashes a certain number of times (usually 15 times for a full reset, but for a network it is enough to turn the device off and on with the button pressed Wireless). This will return the network module to its "as is" state.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can Canon MG3640 connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, this is possible, but only through the manual setup menu on the printer itself or through the full software on a PC. Automatic methods (WPS, Direct) do not detect hidden networks (Hidden SSID) and will not connect to them.
What does a blinking orange Wi-Fi light mean?
A flashing orange light usually indicates a connection error or low signal strength. If it flashes quickly, the connection is in progress. If it flashes slowly and steadily, the connection has not been established or has been lost.
Do I need a USB cable to set up via Wi-Fi?
This isn't necessary if you're using the WPS PIN method or the mobile app. However, if automatic methods don't work, a USB cable is the most reliable way to transfer network settings to the printer via the driver.
Does MG3640 support 5GHz network?
No, model Canon MG3640 Only supports the 2.4 GHz frequency. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz, the printer won't see the network. You need to enable 2.4 GHz broadcasting in your router settings.