Modern technologies allow you to forget about wires and bulky cables, turning the process of printing documents or photos into a simple action in a couple of touches. Model Canon PIXMA MG3640 The MFP is one of the most popular home solutions, combining the functions of a printer, scanner, and copier. However, many users encounter difficulties when trying to establish a wireless connection between their mobile device and the MFP, unsure where to begin.
In this article, we'll walk you through all the steps to connecting your smartphone to a printer. Canon MG3640 over a Wi-Fi network. You'll learn various methods for activating wireless mode, installing the necessary apps, and troubleshooting common errors that may arise. Proper setup will allow you to print from anywhere in your home within range of your router's signal, ensuring maximum comfort.
Before you begin any technical work, it's important to ensure your equipment is ready for use. Check that your router is turned on and providing internet access, as this is critical for some setup methods. Also, make sure the cartridges are installed, and the printer is loaded with paper and ready to use.
Preparing equipment and checking network settings
The first step to successfully integrating devices into a single network is proper preparation. You need to ensure that the printer Canon MG3640 The device must be within range of your Wi-Fi router's signal. The distance shouldn't be too great, and there shouldn't be thick concrete walls or strong sources of electromagnetic interference, such as microwave ovens, between the devices.
It's also critical to know your wireless network settings. You'll need the network name (SSID) and password to connect. If you don't remember your Wi-Fi password, look it up on the sticker on the back of your router or in your contract with your provider. Without this information, automatic setup will be impossible.
Pay attention to the lights on the printer control panel. If the wireless button is blinking, it means the device is waiting for a connection or is attempting to reconnect. If it's solid, the connection is established. If it's off, the wireless module is disabled.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your smartphone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) if your router is broadcasting different networks. Some older models may not see devices on guest networks or networks with isolated clients.
Check your mobile device's battery. The setup process, especially if it involves searching for drivers or updating firmware, can be time-consuming and energy-consuming. A dead phone can interrupt the process at the most inopportune moment.
Activating Wireless LAN Mode on the Canon MG3640 Printer
In order for the phone to "see" the printer, you need to put the MFP into connection standby mode. On the model Canon MG3640 This is done using a special button on the control panel. It's usually marked with a smartphone or antenna icon. Press and hold this button until the power indicator flashes once, then release it.
After this, the wireless indicator will light up and the power light will start blinking. This means the printer has entered setup mode. You now have several options for completing the connection: using WPS, a direct connection, or setting up via a computer.
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), the process can be simplified to a minimum. Press the WPS button on the router, then press the wireless button on the printer. The devices will automatically exchange data and establish a connection.
If automatic connection fails, the printer's Wi-Fi indicator will blink slowly. This indicates the device is ready for manual setup via the app or computer. Do not turn off the printer during this time.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
The most convenient and functional way to print from your phone is to use the manufacturer's official app. It's available for operating systems Android And iOSDownload the program Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY from the Google Play Store or App Store.
After installation, launch the app and allow it to access your geolocation and local network. This is necessary so the program can scan the air and find available printers. Without these permissions, the app won't be able to find your printer. Canon MG3640.
Click the Add Printer button (usually a plus icon). The app will prompt you to select a connection method. Select "Connect a printer to the network" and follow the on-screen instructions. You'll need to select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password.
- 📱 The app will automatically transfer Wi-Fi settings from your phone to the printer.
- 🖨️ Once successfully connected, you will be able to print documents, photos, and web pages.
- 📸 The scanning function is also available directly from the smartphone screen.
- ⚙️ You can check the ink levels and print head status in the app.
The app's interface is intuitive. You can select photos from your gallery, change the print size, number of copies, and paper type. You can print PDFs and text documents saved to your phone's memory or cloud storage.
Printing via AirPrint and cloud services
Device owners Apple can evaluate the technology AirPrint, which is built into the iOS system. You don't need to install any additional apps to print. The main requirement is that your iPhone or iPad and printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Simply open a document or photo, click the "Share" button, and select "Print." Your device should appear in the list of available devices. Canon MG3640The system will automatically configure the necessary parameters, and you can send the print job.
For Android and other platform users, there are alternatives such as Google Cloud Print (Although support is gradually being phased out, local printing remains) or Mopria Print Service. These services allow you to integrate your printer into the Google ecosystem or use standard printing protocols.
Cloud printing allows you to send documents to a printer from anywhere with internet access. To do this, your printer must be registered with the appropriate service and an account must be set up on your phone. This is convenient for office work or school, when you need to print a file while on the go.
Direct Wireless
If you don't have access to a Wi-Fi router or you're visiting someone, you can use the mode Direct WirelessIn this case, the phone connects directly to the printer, creating a local network without internet access. The printer itself becomes an access point.
To activate this mode on the panel Canon MG3640 Press the wireless button until the indicator light comes on. Then press the button to switch the mode to "Direct Connection" (usually the indicator light will change its blinking pattern or the icon will light up if there is one, or this can be configured in the menu).
On your phone, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks. You'll see a network with a name that includes "Canon" and your printer model. Connect to it. The default password is often found on a sticker inside the printer or in the manual, or you don't need to enter it if the network is open.
⚠️ Note: When connecting via Direct Wireless, your phone will lose internet access via your mobile network, as the Wi-Fi module will be busy connecting to the printer. Download the necessary files in advance.
Once connected, open the Canon PRINT app or any other supported printing service. The printer will be detected as a local device. This method is ideal for quickly printing photos from parties or documents on a business trip.
Troubleshooting and diagnostics
Even with proper setup, problems may still occur. Most often, issues are related to changing the Wi-Fi password or updating the router firmware. If the printer stops responding, try rebooting both the router and the MFP. Unplug them from the power outlet for 10-15 seconds, then plug them back in.
If your phone doesn't see the printer, check if "Client Isolation" is enabled on your router. This prevents devices on the same network from communicating with each other, which can block printing. Also, make sure your firewall isn't blocking printing ports.
In some cases, resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults helps. Canon MG3640 This is done by long-pressing the wireless button (more than 3 seconds) until the indicator lights flash. After this, the setup procedure must be repeated.
- 🔄 Restart your router and printer—this solves 80% of connection problems.
- 📶 Make sure that the Wi-Fi signal is stable where the MFP is installed.
- 📱 Update the Canon PRINT app to the latest version.
- 🔌 Check if the power cable or antenna inside the device (if applicable) is loose.
If all else fails, use the diagnostics feature in the app or on your computer. This can pinpoint the specific cause of the error, whether it's an IP address conflict or security protocol incompatibility.
Connection Method Comparison Table
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table of the main methods for connecting a phone to a printer. Canon MG3640.
| Method | Need a router | Internet access is needed | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PRINT (Wi-Fi) | Yes | No (local only) | Low |
| AirPrint / Mopria | Yes | No | Very low |
| Direct Wireless | No | No | Average |
| WPS | Yes (with button) | No | Very low |
Each method has its advantages. A router network allows multiple devices to be connected simultaneously, while Direct Wireless limits the number of connected devices but doesn't require any infrastructure.
Tips for Printing Optimization and Security
To ensure stable printer operation on a Wi-Fi network, we recommend assigning a static IP address to it in your router settings. This will prevent situations where, after a router reboot, the printer receives a new address and your computer or phone loses access to it.
Update your printer firmware regularly. Manufacturers release updates that improve compatibility with new versions of phone operating systems and patch security vulnerabilities. You can check for updates using the Canon PRINT app.
How to fix an IP address?
Go to your router settings (usually 192.168.0.1 or 1.1) and find the LAN or DHCP Server section. In the list of clients, find your printer by MAC address and select "Static IP" or "Address Reservation."
Don't forget about security. If you use a printer in an office or public place, set up a printing password or use secure data transfer protocols to prevent confidential information from falling into the wrong hands.
⚠️ Note: Router and mobile app interfaces may vary depending on the firmware version and device model. If you don't find an exact match for menu items, look for similar sections in the documentation for your specific device.
By following these recommendations, you can enjoy the convenience of wireless printing for years to come. Wi-Fi technology makes interaction with your device seamless and efficient, freeing up your time for the tasks that really matter.
☑️ Print Readiness Check
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to print from a phone if the router doesn't distribute the Internet, but Wi-Fi works?
Yes, you can. Local Wi-Fi printing doesn't require internet access. The main thing is that the router creates a local network to which both the phone and printer are connected. Direct Wireless mode, which doesn't require a router at all, also works well.
Why does the phone see the printer, but printing doesn’t work?
Most often, the problem lies in the print queue or a frozen print service on your phone. Try clearing the print queue in your phone's settings. Also, make sure the printer has paper and ink and there are no errors (flashing alarm lights).
Does Canon MG3640 support printing from iPhone without installing apps?
Yes, model Canon MG3640 Supports AirPrint technology. If your iPhone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can print directly from the "Share" menu without installing additional Canon software.
How do I change the Wi-Fi password if the printer has already been configured?
If you change the router password, the printer will lose its connection. You'll need to reset the network settings on the printer itself (by holding the Wi-Fi button) and reconnect through the Canon PRINT app, entering the new password.
How far should a phone be from a printer to print?
The distance depends on the signal strength of your router (if printing over a network) or the printer itself (in Direct mode). Typically, this is the Wi-Fi range, which in an apartment is 10-20 meters without major obstacles. In Direct Wireless mode, the range may be shorter.