Changing your internet provider, router, or simply changing your home network password is often the reason why your printer stops responding to commands from the computer. Model Canon PIXMA TS3640, popular for its compact size and accessibility, doesn't have a full-screen display for entering new data, making the reconnection process unclear for many users. However, don't panic: engineers have provided several ways to restore the device's connection to the router without the need for complex manipulation.
In most cases, the problem can be resolved in a few minutes if you know the correct sequence of button presses on the control panel. It is important to understand that wireless connection Requires precise matching of security parameters and frequency bands. In this article, we'll cover all available setup methods in detail, from automatic network discovery to manual configuration via USB cable, so you can choose the most convenient option.
Before you take any active steps, make sure that the router is turned on and is transmitting a signal, and that it is MFP (multifunctional device) is loaded with paper and ink. If the indicators on the device are flashing erratically or are red, a hardware error may need to be resolved first. Only after the device is operational can you proceed to setting up Wi-Fi.
Preparing to set up a wireless network
The success of the operation directly depends on the correct preparation of the equipment. The first step is to ensure that your router operates within the range 2.4 GHz, as many budget printer models, including the series Canon TS3640, may not support modern frequencies 5 GHzIf your router is dual-band and combines networks under a single name, try temporarily separating them in the router settings or ensure the device is in a strong reception area.
It's also worth checking whether MAC address filtering is enabled on your router. security protocol, which allows network access only to a pre-approved list of devices. If you recently replaced your router, your printer may simply be blocked by the new hardware, even if the password is entered correctly. In this case, you'll need to whitelist the printer's MAC address through the router's web interface.
β οΈ Important: Make sure you know the exact password for your Wi-Fi network. For models without a display, password entry is indirect, and a single character error will result in connection failure and the connection indicator will start flashing.
It's a good idea to have the USB cable that came with the device ready in advance. Although we're setting up a wireless connection, it's cable connection This often serves as a workaround to transfer network settings from a computer to a printer if automatic methods fail. Check the cable's integrity and ensure there are free ports on your PC or laptop.
Direct connection method via WPS
The fastest way to make Canon 3640 Forget the old network and connect to a new one - using technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method doesn't require you to manually enter a password, eliminating the risk of typos. First, locate the WPS button on your router; it may be a physical button or a virtual one in the device's web interface.
On the printer's control panel, locate the wireless network button (usually marked with an antenna or smartphone icon). Press and hold this button for a few seconds until the power or dedicated connection indicator starts blinking. This puts the device into connection standby mode. Immediately afterward, press the WPS button on the router.
- π‘ Make sure your router supports WPS technology and that it is activated in its settings.
- π On the printer, hold down the Wi-Fi button until the indicator light turns on Power until it turns orange, then release it.
- π Within two minutes, press the WPS button on the router to start pairing.
- β Wait until the printer lights stop flashing and turn solid, indicating a successful connection.
If the indicators continue to flash or an error occurs, the automatic connection has not been established. This may be due to weak network security or incompatible protocol versions. In such cases, manual tuning via computer turns out to be a more reliable option.
Setup via computer and USB cable
When automatic methods fail, the classic PC setup method comes to the rescue. You'll need software Canon IJ Network Tool or a full driver package from the manufacturer's website. This method allows you to configure the network settings via a USB cable, after which the printer remembers them and switches to wireless communication.
First, connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable and turn on both devices. Launch the driver installer or network setup utility. During the installation, select the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" option. The program will automatically detect the device connected via cable and offer to transfer the settings of the current Wi-Fi network your computer is connected to.
βοΈ Check before setup via PC
The key here is to select the correct network interface. Make sure you select it in the utility settings. wireless LAN, not a wired connection. After the data transfer, the program will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. Once you do, the printer will attempt to connect to the router using the received parameters.
Using the Canon PRINT mobile app
Modern users often prefer to control their equipment via smartphone. For devices Canon there is an official app Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, which significantly simplifies initial setup and reconnection. This method is especially convenient if you don't have a computer with a USB port nearby.
Launch the app on your smartphone or tablet and add a new printer. The app will offer several connection options. Select "Connect printer to network" or a similar option. Next, go to the Wi-Fi menu on the printer itself (using a button combination) and select the direct connection mode to the phone so the app can "see" the device and send it a list of available networks.
| Connection method | Necessary equipment | Complexity | Setup time |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPS | Router with a WPS button | Low | 1-2 minutes |
| USB cable | PC, USB cable, drivers | Average | 5-10 minutes |
| Canon PRINT App | Smartphone, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Low | 3-5 minutes |
| Direct connection | Smartphone/PC | High | 10-15 minutes |
It's important to note that your phone must have internet access for the app to work, but it may switch between networks while the settings are being transferred. Follow the prompts on your mobile device's screen, and the process will go smoothly.
Direct Wireless Mode
Sometimes it's necessary to connect a device directly to a printer, bypassing the router. This is called "wireless mode." Direct WirelessIn this mode, the printer itself Canon 3640 Becomes an access point, creating its own Wi-Fi network. This is useful if the router is temporarily unavailable or you want to print from a guest device without providing access to the main network.
To activate this mode, press the wireless button on the printer's control panel. The network and power lights should light up. The device's name, usually beginning with "Canon-ij-" or something similar, will appear in the list of available networks on your smartphone screen. Once connected to this network, you can print documents directly.
The difference between Direct Wireless and a regular network
In Direct Wireless mode, the printer creates its own network, and the computer connects directly to it. In normal mode (Infrastructure), both the computer and printer are connected to the same router. Direct Wireless is convenient for quick printing from a phone, but it doesn't allow printing from the computer unless it switches to the printer's network.
However, it's important to remember that in this mode, the printer doesn't have internet access, so cloud printing or scan-to-email features won't work. This is a purely local connection for immediate data transfer.
Diagnosing and resolving connection problems
Even if you follow the instructions carefully, you may encounter difficulties. If the Wi-Fi indicator on your printer is blinking slowly, it usually means the device is trying to find a network or connect but is unable to. If it's blinking rapidly, there's likely an error in the security settings or password. In such cases, it's helpful to reset network settings to factory values.
Resetting the TS3640 series often requires pressing and holding the wireless button until the power indicator flashes a certain number of times (usually 10-12 times, but it's best to check the manual for your specific model). After this, the printer will forget all saved networks and be ready for a new setup.
- π Check if your computer's antivirus software is blocking data exchange with the printer.
- πΆ Make sure the printer isn't too far from the router; walls and appliances can block the signal.
- π Try rebooting your router by unplugging it for 10-15 seconds.
- π Make sure that the "Guest Network" mode with client isolation, which prevents devices from seeing each other, is not enabled on your router.
β οΈ Note: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions are subject to update. If the standard button combinations don't work, please refer to the official documentation on the manufacturer's website, as the button logic may change depending on the device's year of manufacture.
A common problem is incompatibility of encryption standards. If your router is configured only for WPA3If your printer only supports WPA2, the connection will fail. In this case, you'll need to access your router settings and enable mixed security mode or temporarily lower the security requirements to complete the setup.
Optimizing printer performance on the network
After successful connection, it is important to ensure stable operation of the device. It is recommended to assign the printer static IP address in the router settings. This will prevent situations where the router assigns a new address to the device after a reboot, causing the computer to lose track of it and stop seeing the printer on the network.
It's also worth checking for firmware updates for your model. Canon 3640Manufacturers frequently release patches that improve compatibility with new routers and fix communication protocol errors. The update can be performed through the Canon PRINT app or through a computer utility.
Regularly checking the device's status will help avoid unexpected downtime. If you use the printer in an office or large apartment, make sure the signal covers the area where it's installed. If necessary, you can use Wi-Fi repeaters to boost the signal in the area where the printer is located.
Why can't my Canon 3640 printer see my Wi-Fi network?
Most often, the problem lies with the frequency range. The printer may not see 5 GHz networks if it doesn't support this standard, or the network is hidden (SSID Broadcast disabled). Also, check that you're not using special characters in the network name, which the printer might interpret incorrectly.
How to reset network settings on Canon TS3640?
This is usually done by holding the Wi-Fi button until the indicator light changes color or the power light flashes. The exact combination may vary depending on the device version, but most often it's holding the wireless button until the orange indicator flashes 10 times.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden network?
Connecting a device to a hidden network (without broadcasting the SSID) is extremely difficult or impossible without using WPS or a USB cable with settings transfer. Entry-level printers often lack an interface for manually entering the hidden network name.
What to do if the orange error indicator is on?
The orange light can indicate various errors, including low ink, a paper jam, or a communication error. Check the number of times the light blinksβthe error code (e.g., 2 blinks, 3 blinks) will point to the specific problem in the user manual.
Do you need internet access to print via Wi-Fi?
No, internet access is not required. To print over a local Wi-Fi network, both the computer and printer must be connected to the same router. Internet access is only required for cloud features or driver updates.