Modern multifunctional devices such as Canon Pixma MG3640SWireless printers significantly simplify office work, allowing you to print documents directly from your smartphone or laptop without the hassle of wires. However, initial wireless connection setup often presents difficulties for users new to this type of equipment. The process requires careful attention, as it requires synchronizing the printer's settings with those of your router.
In this article, we will examine in detail all the available methods for connecting the model. MG3640S to your home network. We'll cover automatic setup via WPS, manual password entry, and using a USB cable for initial configuration. Understanding these processes will help you avoid common mistakes and quickly establish stable printing.
Before you begin, make sure your device is in a strong signal reception area. Wireless network The printer must be active and the router must be turned on. If you've just unpacked the printer, don't rush into complex procedures—first, check the basic system settings and ensure the cartridges are installed correctly.
Preparing equipment and checking network parameters
The first step to successfully integrating a printer into your local network is careful preparation. You need to know the exact name of your network (SSID) and its password. This information is often found on a sticker located on the bottom or back of the router. If the password has been changed previously, it can be found in your ISP account or in the settings of an already connected computer.
Make sure that Canon Pixma MG3640S The device is plugged into a power outlet and in good working order. The power indicator should be solid. It's also important to check that the ink cartridges are installed and the paper tray is raised. Without these basic conditions, the device may fail to enter setup mode or may display hardware errors, ignoring network commands.
Please pay attention to the operating frequency of your router. Model MG3640S Supports IEEE 802.11 b/g/n standards, meaning it operates primarily in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts on the 5 GHz band, the printer simply won't see it. Modern dual-band routers often have a Smart Connect feature enabled that combines networks, but sometimes a temporary frequency split is required for initial setup.
⚠️ Attention: If you're using a corporate network or a network with web-based authentication (Captive Portal), connecting the printer directly may be impossible without the help of a system administrator. Home routers typically don't have these restrictions.
WPS method: quick setup without entering a password
The easiest way to connect Canon Pixma MG3640S To connect to Wi-Fi, use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer security settings automatically, without having to manually enter a complex password on your device or computer's keyboard. Your router must also support this feature and have a dedicated button.
Press and hold the button Wireless Press the power button on the printer's control panel until the power light starts blinking. Then, locate the WPS button on your router (usually marked with two arrows or the word "WPS") and press it. Within two minutes, the devices should find each other and establish a connection.
The automatic setup process takes less than a minute. If the connection is successful, the wireless indicator on the printer will turn solid blue. If the indicator continues to blink or remains orange, this indicates a failure. The connection may have timed out, or the WPS feature may be disabled in the router's security settings.
It's worth noting that the WPS method is considered less secure according to modern cybersecurity standards, so some router manufacturers disable it by default. If the router button isn't responding, check the manual—the feature may need to be enabled through the administrator's web interface.
Manual wireless connection setup
If the automatic method doesn't work, you'll have to use manual data entry. This is a more reliable method that allows you to connect to hidden networks or networks with complex names. To begin, press and hold the button Direct (or the wireless button, depending on the interface version) on the printer until the power indicator lights up.
Next, you need to start searching for available networks. On some models of the series Pixma This is done using a combination of buttons or through the menu if the printer has a display. However, the MG3640S model lacks a display, so the main setup is performed from a computer or smartphone after the printer enters setup mode. The printer will create a temporary access point or search for a network in the background, awaiting commands from the driver.
You'll need to install the software from the manufacturer's official website or use the installation disc. During the installation, select "Wireless LAN." The program will prompt you to select your network from the list and enter the password. Make sure you enter the characters correctly, as the password is case-sensitive.
☑️ Manual setup checklist
After entering the information, the printer will attempt to connect to the router. If the password is correct, the blue Wi-Fi indicator will light. If the device cannot find the network, try moving it closer to the router or temporarily disabling MAC address filtering on the router to prevent the new device from being blocked.
Using a USB cable for initial configuration
Sometimes the printer's wireless module can't be configured over the air due to missing drivers or system conflicts. In this case, a USB cable can help. Connect Connect Canon Pixma MG3640S to your computer using a Type-B (printer) cable and run the driver installation.
During installation, the program will prompt you to select a connection type. Select "Wireless Connection," but leave the USB cable connected. The utility will automatically reconfigure the printer's network settings by copying the Wi-Fi settings from your computer's operating system. This is the most reliable method for complex corporate networks or networks with hidden SSIDs.
Once the program reports the settings have been successfully transferred, it will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. After this, the printer will restart the network module and switch to standalone mode. The computer and printer are now on the same local network and can exchange data.
What should I do if my computer doesn't see my printer via USB?
Make sure the cable is intact and no longer than 2 meters. Try a different USB port, preferably located directly on the motherboard (at the back of the system unit), rather than on the front panel or through a USB hub. Also, check if the USB controller driver is installed in Windows Device Manager.
Keep it in a safe place in case you need to reset your printer in the future.
Setting up printing from smartphones and tablets
Modern users often need to print photos and documents directly from mobile devices. Canon Pixma MG3640S there is a special application Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, available for iOS and Android, allows you to not only print but also scan documents directly to your phone.
To set up printing from your smartphone, make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. When you first launch it, the app will automatically find the printer on the network. If this doesn't happen, use the "Add Printer" feature and follow the on-screen instructions.
The app also supports AirPrint technology for Apple devices and Mopria for Android, allowing you to print without installing additional programs directly from the "Share" or "Print" menu in any application (gallery, browser, documents).
| Parameter | Meaning / Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Canon Pixma MG3640S | On the front panel |
| Wi-Fi standard | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n | Technical documentation |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz | Router settings |
| Application | Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY | App Store / Google Play |
| AirPrint support | Yes | iOS Settings |
⚠️ Attention: The mobile app requires local network access. If the app asks for local network access permission upon first launch (especially on iOS 14+), be sure to tap "Allow"; otherwise, the printer will not be found.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting connection errors
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, problems may still occur. The most common issue is that the printer doesn't see the network or can't obtain an IP address. In this case, try rebooting the router by completely unplugging it for 10-15 seconds. This will clear the DHCP cache and eliminate any possible address conflicts.
If the Wi-Fi light on your printer is blinking, it's searching for a network or attempting to connect. If it's orange, there's an error. Try resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults. This usually involves pressing and holding the wireless button along with the cancel (triangle) button until the power light blinks a certain number of times (usually 15-16 times for a full reset).
Also check if Client Isolation mode is enabled on your router. If this mode is enabled, devices connected via Wi-Fi cannot "see" each other, and the computer simply won't be able to print a document, although the internet connection will work on both devices.
Why did my printer stop printing over Wi-Fi after changing my router?
When you replace your router, your network settings (SSID and password) change. The printer "remembers" the old router and tries to connect to it. You need to reconfigure the wireless connection on the printer using the methods described above (WPS or via USB) so it "remembers" the new router.
Can Canon MG3640S be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, this model only supports the 2.4 GHz standard. If your router broadcasts a 5 GHz network, make sure the 2.4 GHz network is also enabled. The printer will not be able to connect if only the high-speed band is available.
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
The easiest way is to run the Canon IJ Network Tool, which is installed along with the drivers. You can also find the IP address in the client list in your router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
What does the orange alarm indicator flashing mean?
The number of orange blinks indicates a specific error. For example, 2 blinks means the ink is out, 3 blinks means a paper jam or tray problem, and 7 blinks means a cartridge installation error. It's important to count the number of blinks carefully.