Modern multifunctional devices from the company Canon allow you to eliminate unnecessary wires and print documents directly from your smartphone or laptop, from anywhere in the apartment. Model MG3640S It's a popular home solution, combining printing, scanning, and copying functions, and its Wi-Fi module makes it extremely convenient to use. However, initial wireless connection setup often raises questions for users, especially if the router has hidden settings or specific security parameters.
In this detailed article, we'll cover all the available methods for activating wireless connectivity on your device. You'll learn how to use the automatic WPS button for instant pairing, how to manually configure it from a computer for complex networks, and how to manage your printer using a mobile app. Properly setting up your network will ensure stable operation and avoid frequent connection drops at the most inconvenient times.
Before you begin working with the software, you must ensure that the hardware is ready for use. Make sure the cartridges are installed and the protective strips are removed from all compartments. It is also critical that your router was turned on and within sight, and the computer or smartphone had open access to the Internet to download drivers.
Preparatory stages and equipment testing
The first step to successfully integrating a printer into your home network is physically preparing the device. It needs to be turned on. Canon MG3640S Plug the unit into a power outlet and press the power button on the front panel. The power indicator should glow steadily, indicating normal operation. If the indicator blinks or glows orange, this may indicate a cartridge installation error or a maintenance issue that should be addressed before setting up the network.
It is important to understand that the device operates in a frequency range 2.4 GHz, which is the standard for most household appliances. Some modern routers automatically combine 2.4 and 5 GHz networks under a single name, which can cause confusion. If your router is distributing two different networks, make sure you're trying to connect the printer to the correct network. 2.4 GHz, since the Wi-Fi module of this model does not support higher frequencies.
It's also a good idea to prepare your wireless network password in advance. In most cases, incorrectly entered characters or incorrect letter case are the cause of failure. It's recommended to write the access key down on a piece of paper or copy it to the clipboard to eliminate human error when entering data through the driver interface.
Quick setup method via WPS button
The easiest and fastest way to connect Canon MG3640S Wi-Fi is protected by WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to establish a secure connection without having to manually enter a password, which is especially convenient if the access key is complex or long. To implement this method, router must also support this function, which is relevant for the vast majority of modern models.
The process begins by pressing the WPS button directly on the router. Depending on the router model, hold it for a few seconds until the wireless network indicator flashes. Immediately afterward, you must activate pairing mode on the printer itself within two minutes. On the control panel MG3640S You should find the button with the image of a smartphone or the Wi-Fi icon and hold it until the power indicator starts flashing.
After a successful encryption key exchange, the printer's indicators should change behavior: the wireless indicator will glow solid blue, indicating readiness. If the indicator continues to flash or remains orange, this means the connection has not been established. In this case, repeat the procedure, ensuring that the time interval between button presses on the router and printer is not exceeded.
- 📡 Press the WPS button on the router and hold it for 3-5 seconds.
- 🖨️ On the printer, press and hold the wireless button until the indicator light flashes.
- ✅ Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer turns blue.
- 🔄 If it doesn't work, try again, keeping the time interval at 2 minutes.
It's worth noting that WPS won't work if this feature is disabled in your router settings for security reasons or if a MAC address filter is used. In such cases, you'll need to configure it manually using the software.
Manual Wi-Fi setup on a Windows computer
If automatic methods don't work or your network has a hidden SSID, manual configuration using specialized software will be required. To do this, download the official driver installation package from the manufacturer's website and select your model. MG3640S and your operating system. Launching the installer will begin the preparation process, during which the program will prompt you to select the connection type—in our case, it's Wireless LAN.
During installation, the program will ask you to select a setup method. Select "Wireless Connection" and follow the on-screen instructions. The utility will attempt to search for available networks. If your router isn't listed, it may be too far away or hiding its name. In this case, you can use the "Other Access Points" option and enter the network name (SSID) and password manually using the virtual keyboard.
At a certain point, the installer will ask you to turn on the printer and press the wireless button to enter setup mode. The computer will transfer the network settings directly to the device. Successful completion of the process will be confirmed by printing a network connection report, which will show the IP address and connection status. It's a good idea to save or photograph this report for future diagnostics.
It's important that the computer and printer are on the same subnet during setup. If you have a complex network infrastructure with multiple routers, make sure the PC is connected to the same default gateway as the MFP. Otherwise, device detection may take a long time or fail.
☑️ Manual setup checklist
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY mobile app
For smartphone and tablet users, the most convenient option is to use the proprietary app. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYIt's available for iOS and Android platforms and allows you to not only configure the device but also manage photo and document printing on the fly. Before you begin, make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer.
Launch the app and tap the add printer icon in the top corner of the screen. The program will prompt you to register a new device. Follow the instructions: the app will ask you to go to your smartphone's Wi-Fi settings and find a network with a name that includes the printer model (e.g., Canon_MG3600_series), and connect to it. Then return to the app, which will complete the transfer of your home router settings to the MFP.
This method is particularly convenient because it doesn't require a computer. The mobile app will automatically detect the correct security and frequency settings. However, it's important to note that when using a guest Wi-Fi network or corporate networks with web-based authentication (captive portal), connection may be impossible due to protocol limitations.
⚠️ Attention: When using Android versions 11 and higher, the system may block searching for devices on the local network. When you first launch the app, be sure to grant permission to access the "Local Network" and geolocation, otherwise the printer will not be found.
Wireless network status indicator table
Understanding the signals given by the indicator lights on the case Canon MG3640S, significantly simplifies troubleshooting. The device uses a combination of blinking wireless lights and a power indicator to communicate its status. Below is a table to help decipher these signals and determine next steps.
| Wi-Fi indicator status | Power indicator status | The meaning of status | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|---|
| It doesn't burn. | It's on fire | Wireless connection is turned off | Press the Wi-Fi button to activate |
| Blinking (slowly) | It's on fire | Search network or setup mode | Start the connection procedure |
| On (blue) | It's on fire | Successful connection to the network | You can start printing. |
| Flashing (frequently) | Flashing (orange) | Connection error | Check your router password and settings |
If the indicator light is flashing orange along with other indicators, it may indicate more serious issues, such as missing cartridges or a paper jam. In such cases, network settings are secondary—the mechanical error must be resolved first, after which the printer will automatically resume connecting to the network.
What does the double flashing orange light mean?
This indicates that the printer is unable to detect the ink cartridges or they are installed incorrectly. Remove the cover, take out the cartridges, and reinsert them until they click into place.
Troubleshooting common connection issues
Even if you follow the instructions strictly, situations may arise when Canon MG3640S refuses to see the network or loses connection. One common cause is the use of outdated encryption standards. Make sure the security type is set on the router WPA2-PSK (AES)Older protocols (WEP, WPA-TKIP) may not be supported or may work unstably, and newer ones (WPA3) may not be compatible with the printer module.
Another problem could be an overflowing DHCP table on your router. If you have multiple devices connected to your network (smartphones, tablets, smart home devices), the printer may simply not have a free IP address to lease. In this case, rebooting the router can help, clearing the cache and assigning new addresses to all devices. You can also try statically assigning an IP address to the MFP in the router settings using its MAC address.
Don't forget about software conflicts. Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software may block the installation file or prevent the printer from being detected on the network. It's recommended to temporarily disable protection or add an exception for the installation process during setup. CanonAfter a successful connection, you can restore protection by adding the printer to the list of trusted devices.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and driver versions are subject to update. If the steps described don't match your screen, check the official documentation for your router model or download the latest software from the Canon website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Canon MG3640S be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, this model is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts a 5 GHz network, you will need to enable compatibility mode (Dual Band) or create a separate 2.4 GHz guest network to connect the printer.
What should I do if my printer doesn't see my hidden network (Hidden SSID)?
Canon devices often have difficulty detecting hidden networks. It's recommended to temporarily enable network name (SSID) broadcast in your router settings, connect the printer, and then hide the network again. However, after doing this, the printer may lose its connection, so for hidden networks, it's more reliable to use a USB connection or WPS, if your router supports broadcasting hidden settings.
How do I reset my printer's network settings to factory defaults?
To reset the network settings, press and hold the wireless button on the control panel until the power light flashes orange once or twice. Then release the button. The printer will reboot the network module, and you will need to set it up again.
Why does the printer only print from a computer, but not from a smartphone?
Most likely, your smartphone and computer are connected to different subnets (for example, one network is a guest network, the other is a primary network, or one is a 2.4 GHz network, the other is a 5 GHz network without name aggregation). Make sure all devices are on the same local network with the same IP address prefix.