Connecting the Canon MG3640 Printer to Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Troubleshooting

Wireless printing saves time and eliminates the clutter of wires, but setup Canon PIXMA MG3640 Wi-Fi is a common concern among users. This model supports connection to home and office networks, but the process may vary depending on the router type, printer firmware version, and even your device's operating system. Unlike a wired connection, where simply plugging in a USB cable is sufficient, wireless setup requires syncing multiple devices—and it's easy to make a mistake.

In this article we will look at All ways to connect the MG3640 to Wi-Fi: via the printer control panel, using a PC, or a mobile app, and we'll also look at common issues—from network invisibility to authentication errors. We'll pay special attention to security settings, as open networks or weak passwords can leave the printer vulnerable to unauthorized access. If you've already tried setting up a connection and received an error like E16 or 5200, here you will find solutions.

Preparing to connect: What to check before setting up Wi-Fi

Before you begin setting up, make sure that your Canon MG3640 and the network meets the minimum requirements. This will eliminate most connection issues.

• 📶 Router: must support standards 802.11b/g/n on frequency 2.4 GHz. MG3640 does not work with 5 GHz — this is key! If your router only broadcasts on 5 GHz, you'll have to temporarily enable 2.4 GHz or use a different device.
• 🔋 Printer power supply: Plug it into a power outlet and wait until it boots up completely (the power indicator should be green, not flashing). If the battery is low (if using a UPS), the setup may be interrupted.
• 📱 Tuning device: A PC with Windows/macOS, a smartphone with Android/iOS, or a tablet with the app installed. Canon PRINT (for mobile) or printer drivers (for PC).
• 🔑 Network data: write down exact network name (SSID) and password. If the network name contains spaces or special characters (for example, My_WiFi_2026!), they must be entered without errors.

If you are connecting the printer to a corporate network with WPA-Enterprise or 802.1X, this cannot be done using standard methods - manual configuration will be required through Printer IP address (We'll talk about this in the section on alternative methods). Also, check if the router is enabled. AP Isolation mode - It can block communication between the printer and other devices.

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses dynamic IP (DHCP), but the printer was previously connected to a different network, its network settings may have been saved. In this case, before setting up network reset (press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer for 5 seconds until the indicator flashes orange).

Method 1: Connecting via the printer control panel (without a PC)

This is the most universal method, which works even without a computer. You only need the printer itself and access to the router.

1. Turn on the printer and wait for it to load. Click the button Setup (gear) on the control panel.
2. Use the arrow keys to select an item Wireless LAN setup (or Setting up a wireless network) and press OK.
3. Select Standard setup (default setting). The printer will begin searching for available networks.
4. Find your network in the list (SSID) and select it. If the network isn't listed, check if the SSID broadcast mode is enabled on your router (sometimes it's hidden).
5. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the arrows and button OKThe letters are entered according to the principle T9 (like in old phones): for example, to enter A click 2 once, for B — twice, etc.
6. After entering the password, the printer will attempt to connect. If the connection is successful, the indicator Wi-Fi will light up blue.

If the printer gives an error E16 (failed to connect), please check:

• 🔄 The password you entered is correct (case sensitive!).
• 📡 Distance to the router – if the signal is weak, the printer may not see the network. Try moving it closer.
• 🔒 Network encryption type: MG3640 supports WPA/WPA2-PSK, but it doesn't work with WEP or WPA3 (if you have WPA3, switch the router to WPA2).

Check the network name (SSID) on your router|Make sure you entered the password correctly|Disable the VPN on the device you are using to set up the printer|Restart your router and printer-->

Method 2: Setup via a Windows or macOS PC

If entering a password through the printer panel seems inconvenient, you can connect to MG3640 via a USB cable and set up Wi-Fi from your computer. This method is also useful if the printer doesn't detect your network.

For Windows:

1. Connect the printer to the PC via USB cable (included). Wait for the drivers to install (if they are not installed, download them from official Canon website).
2. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers, find Canon MG3640 and right-click → Setting up the printer.
3. Go to the section Network settings or Wireless Setup.
4. Select your network from the list and enter the password. Click Apply.

For macOS:

1. Connect the printer via USB and wait for macOS to install the drivers.
2. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
3. Select MG3640 and press Options & Supplies → Utilities → Open Printer Utility.
4. Go to the section Setting up a wireless network and follow the instructions on the screen.

After successful setup, disconnect the USB cable—the printer should remain connected to Wi-Fi. If the connection drops, check your router's power-saving settings: some models turn off devices after a few minutes of inactivity.

⚠️ Attention: On Windows 11, the path to printer settings has changed in recent updates. If you don't find the section Network settings, try opening Canon IJ Network Tool (the utility is installed along with the drivers) - it provides advanced configuration options.

Via the device's control panel|Using a mobile app|Via a PC or laptop|Call a specialist-->

Method 3: Using the Canon PRINT mobile app

For smartphone owners, the most convenient way is an app Canon PRINT (available for Android And iOS). It not only helps you connect your printer to Wi-Fi, but also allows you to print photos, scan documents, and check ink levels.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Install the app and open it. Click Add a printer.
2. Select Setting up a new printer.
3. The application will prompt you to enable it. Bluetooth on your smartphone - this is necessary for initial synchronization with the printer. Bring the phone to MG3640 (at a distance of up to 1 meter).
4. Once connected via Bluetooth, the app will display a list of available Wi-Fi networks. Select yours and enter the password.
5. Wait for connection confirmation. Indicator Wi-Fi on the printer should light up blue.

If the application does not find the printer:

• 📱 Make sure your phone is turned on Bluetooth And Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Restart the printer (turn the power off and on).
• 📴 Check if it's blocking antivirus or power saving mode operation of the application.

Troubleshooting common connection errors

Even with the correct settings Canon MG3640 may produce errors. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If the printer connects to Wi-Fi, but does not print from computer:

• 🖨️ Check if it is installed MG3640 as the default printer in Windows/macOS settings.
• 🌐 Make sure your PC and printer are in one networkSometimes devices connect to different router bands (for example, a laptop to 5 GHz and a printer to 2.4 GHz).
• 🔄 Reinstall the printer drivers by downloading them from official website.

⚠️ Attention: If after updating the router firmware the printer stops connecting, try rolling back the firmware or manually enter DNS on the printer (for example, 8.8.8.8 from Google). Some router models (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) after the update, security settings change, which leads to conflicts with outdated devices.

What should I do if the printer connects but prints blank sheets?

This issue is not related to Wi-Fi, but often occurs after setup. The reason is dried ink in the print head. Run Deep cleaning via the printer menu (Settings → Maintenance → Deep Clean). If this doesn't help, remove the cartridges and gently wipe the contacts with a lint-free cloth soaked in distilled water. Don't use alcohol or regular water—this will damage the print head!

Alternative connection methods

If the standard methods don't work, try one of these options.

1. Connecting via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

Many routers support the technology WPS, which allows you to connect devices without entering a password. To do this:

1. Click the button WPS on the router (usually it is signed or marked with the 🔄 icon).
2. Press and hold the button on the printer Wi-Fi for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
3. Select WPS (Push Button Method) in the printer menu.
4. Wait for the connection (up to 2 minutes).

If the buttons WPS There is no router, this method will not work.

2. Manual IP address assignment

If the printer receives an IP address but cannot connect to the network (error 5200), assign it a static IP:

1. Print network settings printer (hold down Setup → Device settings → LAN settings → Print LAN details).
2. Go to your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
3. Find the section DHCP Reservation (or IP to MAC Binding) and add the printer by specifying it MAC address (available in printout).
4. Assign an IP outside the DHCP range (for example, if the router distributes addresses with 192.168.0.100 to 192.168.0.200, assign to the printer 192.168.0.99).

3. Connect via USB and switch to Wi-Fi

If the printer was previously connected via USB, but now needs to be switched to Wi-Fi:

1. Connect the printer to your PC via USB.
2. Open Canon IJ Network Tool (installed with drivers).
3. Select MG3640 in the list and click Change Connection Method.
4. Follow the setup wizard instructions by selecting Wireless connection.

Security: How to Protect Your Printer on a Network

Many users pay attention to router security, but forget about their printer—and in vain. A device with access to your network can become entry point for hackers, especially if:

• 🔓 Used open network (without password).
• 🔄 The Wi-Fi password is too simple (for example, 12345678 or qwerty).
• 🖨️ The printer is turned on remote access (function Cloud Print or Remote UI).

Recommendations for protection:

• 🔒 Change the default password for the printer control panel (the default is often empty or canon). You can do this through Settings → Administration.
• 📡 Turn off WPS on your router if you're not using one. This feature is vulnerable to brute-force attacks.
• 🌐 Set up guest network on your router and connect the printer to it, not to the main network. This will limit the printer's access to other devices.
• 🔄 Update your printer firmware regularly via Canon IJ Network Tool or the official website.

Important: Canon MG-series printers have an open web interface by default (accessible via IP address). To disable it, go to Settings → Network Settings → Web Configuration and set a password.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Setting Up the Canon MG3640

The printer connects to Wi-Fi, but won't print from my phone. What should I do?

Please check the following points:

1. Make sure your phone and printer are connected. one network (sometimes the smartphone automatically switches to mobile Internet).
2. In the appendix Canon PRINT refresh the printer list (swipe down).
3. Turn it off VPN on the phone - it may block the local connection.
4. Reinstall the application Canon PRINT.

If the problem persists, try printing via the cloud: send the document to the email connected to Google Cloud Print (if the function is supported by your model).

Is it possible to connect MG3640 to Wi-Fi without a router (in access point mode)?

Yes, the printer supports the mode Direct Connection (direct connection). To do this:

1. On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fiuntil the indicator flashes orange.
2. Select Direct Connection in the menu.
3. On your device (laptop, phone), connect to the network with the name CANON_XX_MG3640 (the password is indicated on the printer settings printout).

In this mode, you can only print from one device at a time and there will be no internet access.

My printer keeps losing Wi-Fi connection. How do I fix it?

Reasons for an unstable connection:

• 📶 Weak signal: Move the printer closer to the router or use repeater.
• 🔄 IP address conflict: assign to printer static IP in the router settings.
• 🔋 Energy saving: turn off the mode Sleep Mode in the printer settings.
• 📡 Network congestion: If many devices are connected to the router, the printer may disconnect. Try limiting the number of connections.

Also check if other wireless devices (microwaves, wireless headphones, neighboring Wi-Fi networks on the same channel) are interfering with the connection.

How do I reset my printer to factory settings?

For a full reset:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the button Stop/Reset (red triangle).
3. Without releasing it, turn on the printer.
4. Hold Stop/Reset another 10–15 seconds until the indicator blinks 15 times.
5. Release the button and the printer will reboot with factory settings.

After the reset, you will have to reconfigure Wi-Fi and install cartridges.

Does MG3640 support printing via cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox)?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• Via the app Canon PRINT You can print files from Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive And iCloud.
• To do this, you need to log in to your account directly in the application.
• Function Google Cloud Print It's not officially supported, but you can use alternatives like Mopria Print Service (for Android).

Please note: To print from the cloud, the printer must be included and connected to Wi-Fi.