How to connect a Canon PIXMA MG3640S printer to Wi-Fi: complete instructions with photos and tips

Introduction: Why Wireless Printer Setup Is Necessary

Model Canon PIXMA MG3640S — one of the most popular multifunctional printers for home and small offices. Its key advantage is wireless connectivity, which eliminates cable clutter and allows printing from any device on the network. However, many users encounter difficulties during initial setup. Wi-Fi connections: The printer does not find the network, constantly drops the connection, or requires unknown drivers.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with a photo that will help connect MG3640S to your router in 5-10 minutes—even if you've never set up network devices before. We'll also cover common errors (for example, Error 5200 or a flashing orange light) and we'll give you tips on optimizing your printer's performance on a wireless network. And if you need to connect your printer to smartphone or tablet - There is a solution here too.

Before you begin, check three things:

  • 🔌 The printer is plugged into a power outlet and the green power indicator is lit.
  • 📶 Your router is working properly (try connecting your phone or laptop to it).
  • 📄 Have your printer's manual handy—you might need the serial number there.

Step 1: Preparing the Printer for Wi-Fi Setup

Before connecting to the network, you must reset the current network settings. Canon MG3640S (if the printer has been used before) and ensure that it is ready for the new configuration. To do this:

  1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) on the printer control panel for 5 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing orange.
  2. Release the button and the printer will automatically reset all saved networks.
  3. Wait for the indicator Wi-Fi will not light up green (this means that the device is ready for a new connection).

If the indicator continues to flash orange for more than 1 minute, it may indicate hardware failure Wi-Fi module. In this case, try resetting the printer (unplug it for 30 seconds) or contact a service center.

Also make sure your router supports the standard. 802.11 b/g/n on frequency 2.4 GHz. Canon MG3640S does not work with networks 5 GHz — this is a common cause of connection failures. If your router is broadcasting on two frequencies simultaneously, temporarily disable it. 5 GHz in its settings.

📊 What type of router do you have at home?
TP-Link
ASUS
Keenetic
D-Link
Another

Step 2: Select a Wi-Fi connection method

There are three main methods for setting up a wireless connection for Canon PIXMA MG3640SThe choice depends on your devices and preferences:

Way When to use Pros Cons
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) If your router has a WPS button The fastest (2 clicks) Not all routers support WPS.
Through the printer panel If there is no WPS or you need to manually enter the password Does not require a computer You need to enter the SSID and password from the printer keyboard.
Using Canon software (IJ Network Tool) If the printer does not see the network or you need to diagnose errors Maximum control over settings Requires installation of drivers on PC

We recommend starting with the method WPS — it takes less than a minute. If your router doesn't support WPS or the button is missing, proceed to manual setup via the printer control panel or utility. Canon IJ Network Tool.

What to do if the router does not support WPS?

If your router doesn't have a WPS button or it's disabled in the settings, try enabling it through the router's web interface. This is usually done in the Wireless Network → WPSIf this option is not available, use alternative connection methods.

Step 3: Connect via WPS (the fastest way)

If your router supports WPS, follow these instructions:

  1. Make sure the router is turned on and the WPS button is active (usually it is illuminated).
  2. On the printer MG3640S press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) until the indicator starts flashing quickly blue (WPS mode).
  3. For 2 minutes Press the WPS button on the router. Hold it down for 3-5 seconds.
  4. Wait for the indicator Wi-Fi the printer won't light up green (successful connection) or will not start flashing orange (error).

If the indicator light is flashing orange, try repeating the process or check:

  • 🔄 The distance between the printer and the router (should be no more than 5 meters).
  • 🔒 The network password does not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces (WPS may not work with such passwords).
  • 📡 The router is in the "Security Mode" mode. WPA2-PSK (other encryption types may not be supported).

The router is turned on and the WPS button is active|

Printer within 5 meters from the router|

The network password contains only Latin characters and numbers|

WPA2-PSK is enabled on the router-->

⚠️ Note: Some providers (e.g., Rostelecom) disable WPS by default for security reasons. If the button doesn't respond, check your router settings in the Settings section. Wireless Network → WPS.

Step 4: Manual connection via the printer panel

If WPS is not available or does not work, configure the network manually:

  1. Press the button on the printer Settings (⚙️).
  2. Select Wi-Fi Settings → Wireless LAN Setup.
  3. The printer will begin searching for networks. When the list appears, select your network (SSID) using the buttons. ↑/↓ and press OK.
  4. Enter the network password. Use the keyboard on the printer screen (case-sensitive!).
  5. Confirm your input and wait for the connection (indicator Wi-Fi will light up green).

If your network does not appear in the list, check:

  • 📵 The printer is within range of the router (try moving it closer).
  • 🔍 The network is not hidden (if so, enable SSID display in the router settings).
  • 📶 The router is broadcasting on a frequency 2.4 GHz (the printer doesn't see it) 5 GHz).

If an error appears when entering a password Error 5200, this means the printer cannot connect to the network due to incorrect data. Check:

  • 🔠 Please ensure your password is entered correctly (note case sensitivity!).
  • 🔄 Network encryption type (must be WPA2-PSK).
  • 📡 The presence of special characters in the password (for example, #!$ may cause errors).

Step 5: Connecting via Canon IJ Network Tool

If the previous methods did not work, use the official software from CanonThis method is also useful for diagnosing network problems.

First, download and install the drivers for PIXMA MG3640S With official Canon website (select your model and operating system). A utility will be installed along with the drivers. Canon IJ Network Tool.

Next:

  1. Connect the printer to the computer via USB (temporary connection).
  2. Launch Canon IJ Network Tool (find it through the search in the Start menu).
  3. In the utility window, select your printer (MG3640S) and press Setting up a connection.
  4. Select Wireless LAN and follow the instructions of the setup wizard.
  5. Once the connection is successful, disconnect the USB cable - the printer should remain connected to the Wi-Fi network.

If the utility does not see the printer, check:

  • 🖥️ The USB cable is in good condition and securely connected.
  • 🔌 The printer is turned on and the green indicator is lit.
  • 🔄 Drivers are installed for your version of Windows/macOS.
⚠️ Note: In some versions of Windows 11, the utility Canon IJ Network Tool The program may not launch due to being blocked by your antivirus software. Add it to the exceptions list or temporarily disable protection.

Step 6: Checking the connection and troubleshooting errors

After setup, check that the printer is successfully connected to the network:

  • 🖨️ The printer light should be on green Wi-Fi indicator (no blinking).
  • 📱 On your smartphone or PC, the printer should appear in the list of network devices.
  • 📄 Try printing a test page through Control Panel → Devices and Printers (Windows) or System Preferences → Printers & Scanners (macOS).

If your printer does not print or connects intermittently, check:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The printer is connected but does not print. Drivers are not installed or are out of date Reinstall the drivers from the Canon website
The orange indicator light is constantly flashing Weak Wi-Fi signal or incorrect password Move the printer closer to the router or check the password
Error Error 5200 Network authentication issues Reboot your router and printer, check the encryption type
The printer switches off periodically Router energy saving mode Disable "Eco-mode" on your router or set up a static IP for the printer.

If problems persist, try reset network settings on the printer (hold the button Wi-Fi 10 seconds) and repeat the setup from scratch. Also check if it's blocking the connection. firewall on a computer or router.

Additional tips for using the Canon MG3640S over Wi-Fi

To avoid problems in the future, follow these guidelines:

  • 📶 Place the printer at a distance of no more than 3–5 meters from the router. Walls and furniture can weaken the signal.
  • 🔄 Update regularly printer firmware via utility Canon IJ Network Tool (chapter Software update).
  • 🖥️ If the printer is used by multiple devices, set it up static IP in the router (to avoid DHCP conflicts).
  • 📱 To print from your smartphone, install the app Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY (available for Android and iOS).

It is also useful to know:

  • 🔋 Printer MG3640S does not support cloud printing (eg Google Cloud Print), but you can use alternatives like Canon PRINT or AirPrint (for iPhone).
  • 📡 If you have a dual-band router, prioritize the network 2.4 GHz - it is more stable for the printer than 5 GHz.
  • 🔒 Change the default administrator password on your router to prevent unauthorized access to your network.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Setting Up the Canon MG3640S

Can I connect the MG3640S to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes, this is possible in two ways:

  1. Through WPS button on the router (if there is one).
  2. Through printer panel: Settings → Wi-Fi Settings → Wireless LAN Setup and manual password entry.

A computer is only needed if you use the utility. Canon IJ Network Tool for diagnostics.

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?

Check the following:

  • 🖥️ Drivers for MG3640S (download from Canon website).
  • 🔌 The printer and computer are connected to one Wi-Fi network.
  • 🔍 The Windows Firewall settings allow access for the printer (Control Panel → Firewall → Allow a program).
  • 📡 Client isolation is not enabled on the router (option AP Isolation or Client Isolation).

If the problem persists, try connecting the printer via USB, installing the drivers, and then switching back to Wi-Fi.

How to print from a phone to a Canon MG3640S?

To print from a smartphone:

  1. Install the application Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY (Android/iOS).
  2. Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
  3. In the application, select Add a printer - it will find it automatically MG3640S.
  4. Select the file to print (photo, document) and click Seal.

For iPhone, you can also use the built-in function AirPrint (if it is enabled in the printer settings).

Why does my printer keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

Common causes:

  • 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal (move the printer closer to the router).
  • 🔄 Power saving mode on your router (disable it in the settings).
  • 📡 IP address conflict (configure a static IP for the printer in the router).
  • 🔋 Printer power problems (try a different power outlet).

Also check if the Wi-Fi channel is overloaded (disconnect unnecessary devices from the network).

Can the MG3640S be connected to a public network (e.g. in a cafe)?

Technically yes, but there are limitations:

  • ✅ The printer will connect if the network does not require authorization through a browser (for example, entering a login/password).
  • ❌ If the network uses port filter or captive portal (login page), the printer will not be able to print.
  • 🔒 Your documents may be intercepted on public networks - do not print confidential information.

For stable operation, it is better to use a home or office network.