Modern multifunctional devices allow you to forget about tangled wires and the need to constantly connect USB cables to print documents or photos. Model Canon Pixma MG3640S It's one of the most popular solutions for home use due to its compact size and affordable price. However, initial wireless setup often presents difficulties for users who want to manage printing exclusively from their smartphone.
In this article, we'll detail the steps required to sync your printer with your home network using only a mobile device. You'll also learn about the app's intricacies. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, direct connection methods, and the specifics of the AirPrint protocol. Proper setup will allow you to scan documents to the cloud and print images from social networks without using a computer.
Before moving on to the software part, make sure you have prepared the equipment properly. For successful setup, the smartphone and printer must be within range of the router's signal, preferably in the same room during pairing. The stability of the connection at the first stage is critical for the correct transmission of network encryption keys.
Preparatory stage and equipment testing
To begin the process of integrating the device into the network, begin with a basic check of the physical condition and readiness of the components. Ensure that the cartridges are installed, the protective tapes are removed, and the device is plugged in. The power indicator should be solid, indicating that the device is ready for use.
Knowing your wireless network settings is key. You need to know the exact network name (SSID) and Wi-Fi password. If your router has frequency splitting enabled, make sure you know the password for the specific frequency the printer will be using, as older models may not support the 5 GHz standard.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone to at least 50% to prevent it from turning off during the critical setup process.
- 📶 Disable mobile internet (3G/4G/5G) on your phone, leaving only Wi-Fi active.
- 🔌 Position the printer Canon Pixma MG3640S at a distance of no more than 3-5 meters from the router.
⚠️ Note: If your router uses MAC address filtering, you will need to whitelist the printer's address in advance. You can find the MAC address by printing a network settings report, holding down the Stop button until the "A" symbol appears, and then releasing it.
It's also worth checking whether the client isolation feature is enabled on your router, which prevents devices on the network from seeing each other. When this feature is enabled, the phone simply won't detect the printer, even if both are connected to the same router. For home printing, this feature must be disabled in the router settings.
Installing and configuring the Canon PRINT app
The central element of managing printing from mobile devices is the official software from the manufacturer. The application Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY Available in the Google Play and Apple App Stores, this interface is used to transfer files and manage scanner settings.
After downloading and installing, launch the app. It will automatically request permission to access your location and local network. Geolocation is necessary for detecting Wi-Fi networks on Android devices, and access to the local network allows the app to see the printer inside your home.
The app's interface is intuitive, but it does require certain steps for initial device registration. Click the add printer icon, typically located in the upper-left or lower-left corner of the screen. The system will prompt you to select a model from the list or find one automatically.
- 🔍 Select "Printer Registration" in the app's main menu.
- 📡 Allow the app to access Bluetooth and location if prompted.
- 🖨️ In the list of found devices, find the line containing the model name MG3640 or Canon PIXMA.
If the automatic search doesn't yield any results, switch to manual selection mode. In the list of models, find the MG series, then the specific 3640 model. The app will warn you that configuration requires switching to the wireless network setup mode on the device itself.
☑️ Canon PRINT app ready
Activating wireless setup mode on the printer
To make the printer visible to your phone, you need to put it into a special connection standby mode. On the control panel Canon Pixma MG3640S The button with the smartphone image or the wireless network icon is responsible for this. The sequence of actions depends on the current state of the indicators.
Press and hold the Wireless (Direct) button until the power light flashes once. Then press the Black and White Print button, then the Color Print button. The Wireless light should start flashing, indicating network search mode is active.
There's an alternative method if the standard combination doesn't work. Hold the wireless button for about 3 seconds until the power light flashes. Then press the black and white copy button. The Wi-Fi light should turn on or start flashing rapidly, waiting for a connection.
Button sequence:1. Hold [Wireless] for ~3 sec (Power will blink)
2. Press [Black]
3. Wait for the Wi-Fi indicator to blink
At this point, the printer creates a temporary access point or switches to listening mode for commands from the application. Important Do not turn off the power to the device during this period, as the reset will interrupt the initialization process of the network modules.
⚠️ Note: If the wireless network indicator stops flashing and remains solid, but the app fails to connect, the settings may be corrupted. Repeat the activation process, waiting until the Wi-Fi indicator is completely dimmed before restarting.
What should I do if the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking slowly?
Slow blinking usually means the printer is trying to find a saved network or is in standby mode. Fast blinking indicates it is actively searching for a network or is in setup mode. To reset the network settings to factory defaults, press and hold the wireless button until the power light blinks twice, then release. This will clear the memory of previous routers.
The process of pairing a smartphone and an MFP
After activating the mode on the printer, return to the application Canon PRINTIf you follow the on-screen instructions, the app will ask you to confirm that the indicator on your device is flashing. Tap "Yes" or "Next." Your phone will then begin searching for available Wi-Fi networks.
The app will prompt you to select your home network from a list. Enter your Wi-Fi password. At this point, encryption keys are exchanged between your phone, router, and printer. Your smartphone's screen may temporarily go dark, or a notification may appear indicating the printer is connected to the network—this is normal.
In some cases, especially on Android, the system may warn you that the network has no internet access and ask whether to stay connected. You must agree, as the phone temporarily connects directly to the printer to transfer router settings.
- 🔑 Enter your password carefully, observing the letter case (Caps Lock).
- ⏳ Wait for the process to complete, which may take up to 2-3 minutes.
- ✅ A successful connection will be confirmed by the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer lighting up steadily.
If the connection is successful, the app will display a registration completion message. The wireless network indicator on the device will stop flashing and remain lit. This means IP address successfully received from the router and the device is ready for use.
| Wi-Fi indicator status | Meaning | User action |
|---|---|---|
| It doesn't burn. | Wireless function is disabled | Press the Wireless button |
| Flashing (fast) | Setup Mode / Network Search | Continue setup in the app |
| Blinking (slowly) | Waiting for connection / Error | Check your password or reset your settings |
| It's on constantly | Successful connection to the network | You can start printing. |
Setting up AirPrint printing for iOS
For Apple device owners, the technology AirPrint provides the ability to print without installing additional drivers or complex applications. Canon Pixma MG3640S fully supports this protocol, making integration with iPhone or iPad as simple as possible.
The main requirement for AirPrint to work is that the Apple device and printer must be on the same subnet. This means they must be connected to the same router. If you have a dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), make sure both devices are connected to the same band or that the router is correctly routing traffic between them.
The printing process is as follows: open the document, photo, or web page you want to print. Tap the "Share" icon (the square with an upward-facing arrow) and select "Print" from the list of options. Your device should be automatically detected as a printer. Canon MG3640 series.
If your printer doesn't appear in the list of available printers, check your privacy settings. On iOS 14 and later, Tracking Protection or Local Network Isolation for the app you're printing from may be blocking device discovery. Also, make sure your printer isn't set to "Silent Print," which can sometimes restrict background connections.
⚠️ Please note: AirPrint does not support scanning. To scan documents on an iPhone or iPad, you will still need to use the Canon PRINT or Canon IJ Scan Utility app, even if you use built-in iOS printing tools.
AirPrint technology automatically selects the optimal resolution and paper size based on your printer's settings. However, before printing in bulk, we recommend making a test print to ensure the image margins and scale are correct.
Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
Despite the streamlined setup process, users may encounter difficulties. Most often, problems are related to an unstable router signal or incorrect security settings. If the printer stops responding, try rebooting the router by unplugging it from the power outlet for 10 seconds.
Another common cause is a router firmware update, which may have changed the encryption type. Canon Pixma MG3640S Works best with WPA2-PSK (AES) standards. If you have mixed mode or legacy WEP enabled, authentication failures may occur.
If connection errors persist and nothing else helps, it's a good idea to perform a full reset of the printer's network settings. This will restore the printer to its factory settings and allow you to start the setup process again, eliminating any impact from old, possibly conflicting configurations.
Why can't my phone see my printer even though they're on the same network?
This is most often related to router settings. Check if "AP Isolation" is enabled. Also, make sure your phone doesn't have "Data Saver" mode or a VPN enabled, which could hide the device from the local network. Try temporarily disabling the VPN.
Is it possible to connect a printer without a WPS button on the router?
Yes, absolutely. The instructions above describe the setup method via the app (SoftAP), which doesn't require a physical WPS button on the router. You simply manually select the network and enter the password in the Canon PRINT app.
Does MG3640S support 5GHz Wi-Fi?
The Canon Pixma MG3640S is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that operates primarily in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts a single network with a common name for both bands, this usually doesn't cause any issues. If the networks are separate, connect your phone and printer to the 2.4 GHz network to ensure compatibility.
How do I change the name of a printer on a network?
You can change the printer's network name (SSID) through the web interface. Find the printer's IP address (print report), enter it in your computer's browser, go to the Network settings, and find the Device Name field. However, this isn't necessary for regular printing.