Setting up the Canon MG3640 via WiFi without a cable

Many users face a situation where they need to set up wireless printing, but they don't have a USB cable at hand or it simply doesn't work. Canon MG3640 - is a popular multifunctional device that supports technology Wi-Fi, allowing you to transfer documents and photos directly from a computer or smartphone. The setup process may seem complicated without a physical connection, but modern methods make it quite feasible.

In this article, we'll walk you through a step-by-step process to help you establish a stable connection between your printer and router. We'll cover software methods for activating standby mode, using the buttons on the device, and the nuances of installing drivers in the operating system. WindowsIt is important to understand that the success of the operation depends on the correct sequence of actions and the condition of the network equipment.

Before you begin, make sure your router is turned on and providing internet access, and your printer is fully loaded with cartridges and in working order. The key point is that for the initial setup without a cable, the computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer.This is a mandatory condition for automatic detection of the device by the system.

Preparing equipment and checking the network

The first step is to thoroughly check your network environment. Your MFP Canon PIXMA MG3640 works only in the range 2.4 GHz, so make sure your router broadcasts the network in this standard. Many modern routers by default combine the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies under a single name, which usually doesn't cause problems, but in rare cases, you may need to separate the networks in the router settings.

You should also make sure the wireless network indicator on the printer itself is lit. If it's blinking or off, the device is waiting for a connection. In some cases, if incorrect settings were previously configured, it's recommended to reset the network settings to factory defaults. To do this, press and hold the button on the control panel. Wireless until the power indicator blinks once, then release.

Check if your computer or laptop can see your home network. Connect your PC to the same Wi-Fi network you'll be connecting the printer to. Using a guest network or corporate networks with web-based authentication may prevent you from configuring the printer, as the device will have no place to enter your login and password.

Activating wireless connection mode on the printer

So that the computer can see Canon MG3640, you need to put the printer itself into Wi-Fi setup mode. There are several ways to activate the network search, and the method you choose depends on whether you have access to the buttons on the device's panel. The most common method is using a key combination.

Click the button Wireless on the printer's control panel. The network light will start flashing. Then press the button. Direct (if your modification has one) or press again Wirelessto start the setup mode. A new device with a name containing the word may appear on the computer screen at this time. Canon or Setup, but it’s too early to connect to it.

  • 📶 Click the button Wireless and hold it until the power indicator flashes.
  • 🔘 Click the button Black (Black) or Color (Color) to confirm the mode selection.
  • 📡 Make sure the network indicator is blinking quickly, indicating it is ready to search.
  • 🖨️ Wait until the printer enters connection standby mode (the indicator light will be constantly on or slowly blinking).
⚠️ Important: If you're using the WPS method to connect, make sure this feature is physically or programmatically enabled on your router. Some ISPs disable WPS for security reasons, and in that case, this method won't work.
📊 Which connection method do you plan to use?
Through the driver installer
WPS method
Manual IP configuration
Mobile application

Installing drivers and software

For successful work Canon MG3640 In wireless mode, the correct drivers are required. Operating system Windows It often tries to find a universal driver automatically, but for all functions, including the scanner, to function properly, proprietary software is required. Download it only from the manufacturer's official website to avoid installing malware.

Go to the Canon support page and enter your device model. MG3640 and select the operating system. You will need a file with the word in its name Driver or Full Driver & Software PackageRun the downloaded file. During installation, the program will ask for the connection type.

Select an option "Wireless LAN Connection"**. The program will begin searching for available printers on the network. If you correctly activated setup mode on the device itself in the previous step, the installer should detect it. If the program prompts you to connect a USB cable to transfer network settings and you don't have one, look for the "Skip" or "Configure Manually" button. However, newer versions of Canon installers often use a direct search method without a cable.

☑️ Check before installing drivers

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Using the Canon IJ Network Tool

If the standard installer cannot find the device, a specialized utility comes to the rescue IJ Network Tool. This is included in the full driver package and allows for more detailed management of the printer's network settings. Launch the program from the Start menu after installing the main driver package.

In the window that opens, select your printer from the list. If it shows "Not connected" or has an error status, click the button Settings (Settings). In the settings menu, select Wireless LAN (Wireless LAN). The program will prompt you to select your home network from a list of available SSIDs.

Sequence of actions in IJ Network Tool:

1. Launch IJ Network Tool.

2. Select the Canon MG3640 series printer.

3. Click Settings -> Wireless LAN setup.

4. Select your router (SSID).

5. Enter the WiFi password.

After entering your Wi-Fi network password, the utility will transfer this data to the printer. The indicator light on the device will stop flashing and turn solid, indicating a successful connection. Now Canon MG3640 has an IP address and is ready to print.

WiFi indicator Connection status Action
It doesn't burn. Off or error Press the Wireless button
Blinks slowly Setup mode (Ready) Run the search from your PC
Flashing quickly Data exchange Wait for completion
It's on constantly Connected You can print

Troubleshooting device detection issues

Quite often, users encounter a problem where the computer "doesn't see" the printer, even though all the steps have been performed correctly. In 90% of cases, the problem lies in the PC and printer being on different subnets or frequencies. Double-check that the laptop is connected to the correct network. 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz if the router separates these networks.

Another possible cause could be an active Windows firewall or antivirus program blocking the detection of new devices on the local network. Try temporarily disabling network protection (the "Public Network" mode often blocks printers; switch the profile to "Private"). Restarting the network adapter on your computer may also help.

What to do if the printer disappears from the network?

If the printer was connected but stopped responding, check if the IP address of the router or the device itself has changed. Setting a static IP address for the printer in the router settings will solve the problem of constant disconnects.

In some cases, a complete reset of the printer's network settings may help. To do this, turn off the device, then turn it on while simultaneously holding down the buttons. Wireless And Stop (or another combination specified in the instructions for your revision) until the indicators flash. This will reset the network to factory settings.

Setting up printing from a smartphone or tablet

After successful connection Canon MG3640 With WiFi, you can print not only from your computer but also from mobile devices. This technology is used Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYDownload the app from the App Store or Google Play Market on your smartphone.

Launch the app, and it will automatically find a printer on the same Wi-Fi network. If the device is found, you can scan documents, check ink levels, and print photos directly from your phone. This is especially convenient for printing photos without having to turn on your computer.

  • 📱 Download the Canon PRINT app on iOS or Android.
  • 🔗 Make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi as the printer.
  • 🖼️ Select a photo or document in the app and click "Print."
  • ⚙️ You can register a printer for quick access in the app settings.
⚠️ Note: Application and driver interfaces are subject to update. If you can't find an option, check the latest documentation on the manufacturer's website, as button layouts may change in new software versions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to connect Canon MG3640 without a USB cable if I don't know the WiFi password?

Unfortunately, to set up wireless mode, the printer needs to obtain network information (SSID and password). Without knowing your WiFi network password, it's impossible to set up a connection, as this information must be entered during driver installation or through a utility.

Why does my printer print very slowly over WiFi? Wireless printing speed depends on the router's signal quality and channel congestion. If the printer is located far from the router or there are strong sources of interference nearby (microwaves, neighbors' routers), data transfer speed will drop. Try moving the router closer to the MFP.
Does Canon MG3640 work with Windows 10 and 11?

Yes, the model is fully compatible with modern versions of Windows. Drivers for Windows 10 and 11 are usually downloaded automatically through the Windows Update service, but for advanced features, it's best to use the full package from the official Canon website.

What does the blinking orange light on my printer mean?

The orange light typically indicates an error. This could be out of paper, an open cover, missing cartridges, or a communication error. The number of blinks indicates the specific error type (e.g., 2 blinks means out of paper, 5 blinks means a cartridge is not installed or is faulty).