Modern users rarely resort to wired connections, preferring wireless printing of documents and photos directly from their smartphone. Model Canon PIXMA MG3640 It's a popular budget solution for home use, but its initial setup often presents difficulties for beginners. The lack of a display on the device's body requires the use of alternative methods for synchronizing with the router.
Integrating your printer into your home network gives you access to convenient printing features from iOS and Android devices, as well as cloud services. Wireless connection Eliminates the need to move the device closer to the computer or search for extra cables. In this article, we'll cover all available methods for activating the Wi-Fi module in detail.
It's important to understand that the success of the operation depends not only on the correctness of your actions, but also on the condition of your network equipment. Before beginning the procedure, make sure the router is working properly and is distributing internet. Also, check that your phone or tablet is on the same network you plan to connect to. MFP.
⚠️ Note: Mobile app interfaces and printer firmware may be updated. If the steps described appear different, refer to the general menu principles or the manufacturer's official documentation.
Preparing equipment and checking the network
The first step is to properly prepare your work area and check the basic network settings. Make sure that Canon PIXMA MG3640 Plugged into a power outlet and located within a strong wireless signal range. The distance to the router shouldn't be critical, especially if there are load-bearing walls between them.
You'll need to know your network's exact name (SSID) and password to access it. This information is often found on a sticker on the bottom or back of the router, unless you've changed it yourself. Password is case sensitive, so please enter it carefully, avoiding unnecessary spaces.
Check the status of the indicators on the printer's front panel. If the power indicator is on but the Wi-Fi indicator is inactive or blinking, this means the wireless module is not configured. In this state, the device is ready to receive new configuration commands.
- 📶 Make sure the router is turned on and the indicators on it are lit steadily.
- 📱 Prepare your smartphone with the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app installed.
- 🔌 Check that there is ink in the cartridges and paper in the tray before test printing.
- 📄 Write down your Wi-Fi network password so you don't have to look for it during setup.
☑️ Preparing to set up the printer
Using the WPS button for quick synchronization
The easiest way that does not require manual password entry is the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method works if your router supports this feature and has a physical button or software activation in the web interface. The process is extremely simple and takes less than a minute.
Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer control panel Canon MG3640 until the power indicator flashes once. Immediately after this, press the button Black (black) or Color (colored) to select the connection mode. The wireless network indicator will begin to blink rapidly, indicating that it is searching.
Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. A single press is usually sufficient, but some models require holding for several seconds. The printer will automatically exchange encryption keys with the router and establish a connection.
⚠️ Note: The WPS function may be disabled by default in the security settings of some routers. If the button on the router doesn't respond, check its settings in a browser or use the manual configuration method through the app.
Once the connection is established, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will stop blinking and remain solid. This means that IP address The device has been successfully received and is ready to work on the network. Now you can proceed to installing drivers or printing from your phone.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
The WPS function may fail due to incompatible security protocols or temporary glitches in the router. In this case, try rebooting the router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and repeating the process. If the problem persists, use the smartphone setup method, which is more reliable and informative.
Setup via the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
The most universal and manufacturer-recommended method is to use the proprietary application. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYIt's available for iOS and Android operating systems and allows you to not only set up a network but also manage printing. Download the app from the official store (App Store or Google Play).
Launch the app and add a new printer by tapping the plus icon. The app will prompt you to search for the device. If the printer isn't yet connected to Wi-Fi, the app may prompt you to register the device or set up the connection again. Follow the on-screen instructions, selecting your home network from the list.
During the setup process, the app will ask you to enter your Wi-Fi password. Once entered, the phone will transfer the configuration to the printer. It's important to have Bluetooth enabled on your phone at this point, as this is often the initial connection.
| Setup stage | User action | Indication on the printer |
|---|---|---|
| Search for a device | Pressing "+" in the app | The Wi-Fi indicator is blinking |
| Data entry | Entering a password in the application | The Wi-Fi indicator is constantly on |
| Synchronization | Waiting for confirmation | Power indicator is stable |
| Conclusion | Test print | Both indicators are on |
Once the process is successfully completed, the app will confirm the connection. You can immediately print a test page or a photo from your gallery. Mobile application It also allows you to monitor ink levels and clean nozzles, making it an indispensable tool for the owner.
Manual setup without display: Wi-Fi button method
Model Canon PIXMA MG3640 The router doesn't have a display, so manual setup requires a combination of buttons on the control panel. This method is useful if automatic setup via WPS or the app fails for some reason. You'll need to be careful when counting the indicator blinks.
Click the button Wi-Fi on the printer and hold it until the power light flashes once. Release the button. Then press the Wi-Fi again. After that, press the button Color (Colored) or Black (Black) and then the button again Wi-FiThe wireless network indicator should start blinking.
Now, on your computer or phone, find a name containing "Canon..." or "IJ..." in the list of available networks. Connect to this network. The default password is usually included in the instructions or on a sticker, but often, simply establishing a connection is enough for initial setup.
After connecting the printer to the network, start the Wi-Fi setup process using a browser or Canon's dedicated software. The system will prompt you to select your home network from the list and enter the password. The printer will then reboot the network module and connect to the main router.
- 🔘 Press and hold the Wi-Fi button until the power indicator flashes.
- 🔘 Press the Color or Black button to activate the setting mode.
- 🔘 Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator turns solid.
- 🔘 Check the connection on your computer in the list of network devices.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, technical difficulties may arise. Often, the problem lies in the frequency range: many older or budget printer models, including some revisions MG3640, work only in the range 2.4 GHzIf your router only broadcasts on the 5 GHz band, the printer simply won't see it.
Another common cause of errors is using complex characters in the Wi-Fi password or hiding the network's SSID. Try temporarily simplifying the password by using only letters and numbers, and ensure the network name isn't hidden. Also, check if your router is using MAC address filtering.
⚠️ Important: If your printer stops responding, reset the network settings by pressing and holding the button
Wi-Fiuntil the power indicator flashes, then press the buttonStop(Stop) three times, release the Wi-Fi button and press the buttonStopagain. This will reset the network settings to factory defaults.
If all else fails, try updating the printer's firmware by temporarily connecting it to your computer via USB. Manufacturers sometimes release patches that improve compatibility with new router models. Make sure your PC has the latest drivers installed.
Checking connection quality and test printing
Once the connection is established, you need to ensure a stable connection. Open any document on your smartphone or computer and print it. If the page appears without any distortions or breaks, then signal sufficient force. Pay attention to the speed at which the print starts.
For a more in-depth diagnosis, you can print a network connection report directly from the printer. To do this, press the button Wi-Fi and hold it until the power indicator flashes once, then release. Press the button Color or Black, and then the button Wi-Fi Once again. The printer will issue a receipt with technical data.
The report shows the "Signal Strength" parameter. If the value is low, consider moving the router or printer closer together. The report will also show the device's current IP address, which may be needed to configure TCP/IP printing on your computer.
Regularly checking your connection quality will help avoid unexpected connection drops during important printing. If you notice your printer periodically loses connection, check to see if your Wi-Fi channel is overloaded by neighboring routers. In such cases, changing the channel in your router settings to a less congested one can help.
Why won't my printer connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Most budget printer models, including the PIXMA MG series, are equipped with Wi-Fi modules that operate exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. This standard has a longer range but is slower than 5 GHz. If your router broadcasts the 5 GHz network under the same name as the 2.4 GHz network (Smart Connect), the printer may become confused. We recommend separating the networks in your router settings, giving them different names, such as "Home_2.4" and "Home_5," and connecting the printer to the former.
How to find the IP address of a Canon MG3640 printer?
There are several methods. The easiest is to print a network connection report using the key combination described in the connection test section. You can also find the IP address in the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app under the device information section. On a Windows computer, you can find the address by opening "Devices and Printers," selecting your printer, clicking "Properties," and then going to the "Web Services" or "Ports" tab.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Connecting to a hidden network (SSID Broadcast disabled) is possible, but requires manual configuration via a computer using a USB cable or specialized Canon software. Connecting a device to a hidden network via a mobile app or the WPS button is generally not possible, as the printer must first "see" the broadcast signal from the router to initiate the handshake.