Modern users rarely use computers to print photos or documents from the Internet, preferring to do this directly from their smartphones. Canon MG3640S — is a popular MFP model that supports wireless printing, but initial connection setup often raises questions. The process is not complicated, but it does require following a specific sequence of steps to successfully sync devices.
There are several ways to establish a connection between your gadget and printer: via a home network router, Wireless Direct technology, or using a USB cable for initial parameter transfer. The choice of method depends on your goals: whether you need printing from anywhere in the house or a fast connection without a router. In this article, we'll cover all available configuration options.
Before starting work, ensure the cartridges are installed and the protective tape is removed from all internal components. It's also crucial that your phone's Wi-Fi module is enabled, and preferably GPS is enabled, as some operating systems require geolocation to find network devices. If you've previously connected the printer to a different network, we recommend resetting the network settings to factory defaults.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you start setting up Wi-Fi, you need to ensure your equipment is ready for use. The MFP should be plugged in and ready, as indicated by the power indicator light. If the warning light or cartridge indicator light is illuminated, troubleshoot these errors first.
The second important step is checking the compatibility of your mobile device. For Android, the minimum required OS version is typically 5.0, and for iOS, it's 10.0 or later. Make sure your smartphone is connected to the same wireless network you plan to connect the printer to or is ready to create a hotspot.
- 📱 Make sure you have the app installed on your phone Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY from the official store.
- 📶 Check that your router is broadcasting at 2.4 GHz, as older printer models may not be able to detect 5 GHz.
- 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 30% to prevent it from turning off during the setup process.
⚠️ Important: If your router uses Smart Connect, where the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks share the same name, the printer may not connect. Temporarily separate the networks in your router settings or create a guest network for the 2.4 GHz band only.
It's also a good idea to know your Wi-Fi network password in advance if it's not saved on your phone. In some cases, you'll need to enter it manually, and even a single character error will result in authorization failure. Write down the SSID (network name) and security key so you have them handy.
Wireless connection method via router
The most common use case is connecting the MFP to your home network via a router. This allows you to print from any device within Wi-Fi range, as well as scan documents directly to your phone. First, you need to put the printer into setup mode.
On the control panel Canon MG3640S Find the button with the image of a smartphone. Press it once; the power indicator should turn green. Then press and hold the same button until the power indicator flashes white. Then, press the color or black-and-white power button to activate the network search.
Now go to your phone. Open the list of available Wi-Fi networks. You should see a network with a name starting with "Canon MG3600 series" or something similar. Connect to it. The default password is usually found on a sticker on the device or in the manual; it's often an 8-character combination.
After connecting your phone to the printer network, launch the application Canon PRINTIt will automatically detect the device and offer to share your home Wi-Fi settings. Follow the on-screen prompts, selecting your primary network and entering its password.
☑️ Router connection algorithm
Once the process is complete, the Wi-Fi indicator on the front panel of the MFP will stop flashing and turn solid blue. This means the device has acquired an IP address and is ready to use. You can now disconnect from the printer's direct network and return to your regular Wi-Fi network.
Using Canon Wireless Direct Technology
If you don't have access to your home router or you're visiting someone, this feature is ideal. Wireless DirectIt allows you to create a direct connection between your phone and printer without any intermediaries. Data transfer speeds may be lower in this mode, but it's an excellent option for printing multiple photos.
To activate this mode, press and hold the wireless button on the printer until the direct connection indicator lights up. A device labeled "_DIRECT_" will appear in the list of networks on your smartphone screen. Connecting to this network doesn't require entering the router password, but may require a PIN.
This method is especially convenient when you need to quickly print a document without configuring complex security settings. However, it's important to remember that in Wireless Direct mode, your phone may temporarily lose internet access if it doesn't support dual Wi-Fi channels.
- 🔌 Ideal for printing outside the home or in offices with a closed network.
- 📉 Print speed may be slower due to the nature of the direct connection.
- 🔒 The connection is secure, but it is recommended to change the access password as soon as possible.
It's important to note that it's best to disconnect the connection after printing to avoid draining the printer and phone's batteries. Some models may automatically enter sleep mode if no data is transferred for a certain period of time.
Setting up printing via AirPrint and cloud services
Apple device owners will appreciate the technology AirPrint, which is built into iOS. If your Canon MG3640S If your iPhone and iPad are on the same Wi-Fi network, no additional drivers are required. Simply open a photo or document, tap "Share," and select "Print."
For more advanced users, cloud services like Google Cloud Print (although support is gradually being phased out, alternatives exist) or Canon's proprietary cloud service are available. These allow you to print documents from anywhere in the world with internet access, as long as the printer is turned on and connected to the network.
| Function | Need for an application | A router is required | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PRINT App | Yes | Desirable | Android, iOS |
| AirPrint | No | Yes | iOS, macOS |
| Wireless Direct | No (optional) | No | Any OS |
| Mopria Print | Yes (built into Android) | Yes | Android |
Using standard printing protocols simplifies working with documents from different applications. For example, you can print e-tickets, web pages, or notes directly, without having to first save them as PDF or JPEG.
What should I do if AirPrint doesn't see my printer?
Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not a guest network, if it's isolated). Check that AP client isolation isn't enabled on the router. Also, try rebooting the router and printer, as the Bonjour protocol (used by AirPrint) requires refreshing the device list.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, difficulties may arise. Often, the problem lies in the router's security settings or outdated software. If the printer won't connect, first check whether your phone's antivirus software or the router's firewall is blocking new devices.
Sometimes a simple restart of all components in the chain helps: turn off the router, printer, and phone, wait a minute, and then turn them on in this order: router -> printer -> phone. This clears the network settings cache and renews DHCP leases.
⚠️ Note: Antivirus software on your smartphone may block the printer from being detected on your local network. When setting it up for the first time, try temporarily disabling protection or adding the Canon PRINT app to the exceptions list.
If the Wi-Fi light on your printer is blinking but the connection is not established, you may have entered an incorrect password or used an unsupported encryption type. WPA2-PSK is the most compatible standard. Using complex special characters in Wi-Fi passwords can also sometimes cause parsing errors on older devices.
If all else fails, reset the printer's network settings. This is typically done with a button combination (holding the Wi-Fi button and the Cancel button simultaneously), but it's best to check the exact sequence in the manual for your specific device model.
Additional features of the mobile app
Once successfully connected, you'll have access to advanced features. The app not only lets you print but also scan documents directly to the cloud or your phone's gallery. Scan quality can be adjusted, choosing between black-and-white and color.
You can also print photos with overlays and dates. You can select the paper size (A4, 10x15, 13x18) and media type, and the printer will automatically adjust the ink supply. This is especially useful for creating stickers or ID photos.
- 🖼️ Create collages from multiple photos on one sheet.
- 📄 Scan multi-page documents into a single PDF file.
- 📊 Print graphs and tables directly from cloud storage.
Regular updates to the Canon PRINT app add new features and improve connection stability. Don't ignore notifications about available updates in the App Store or Google Play, as they often contain compatibility fixes for new OS versions.
Maintenance and care of the wireless module
Although the wireless module requires no physical maintenance, its software does require attention. Check the printer firmware periodically. Updating the firmware can fix connection errors and improve data transfer speeds.
Monitor your signal strength. If your printer is located in a far corner of your apartment behind thick walls, print speeds may drop and connections may be interrupted. In such cases, consider using a Wi-Fi repeater or relocating your router.
Remember to keep the case clean. Dust accumulating in the ventilation openings can cause electronic components, including the Wi-Fi module, to overheat. Wipe the device with a dry cloth once a month.
Can Canon MG3640S be connected to a 5GHz network?
The MG3640S model only supports the 802.11 b/g/n standard, meaning it operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz, the printer will not be able to see the network. You must enable 2.4 GHz broadcasting in your router settings.
What is the maximum Wi-Fi range for this printer?
In open spaces, the range is up to 30-50 meters. In an apartment with concrete walls and household appliances that create interference, reliable reception is usually maintained within 10-15 meters from the router.
Should I remove the cartridges when I leave the machine idle for a long time?
No, you don't need to remove the cartridges. However, if you don't plan to use the printer for more than a month, it's best to print a test page every two weeks to prevent the print head from drying out. You can also turn off the wireless connection to save energy.