How to reconnect a Canon MG3600 printer to a new WiFi network

Changing your internet provider or installing a new router is often the reason why your equipment stops “seeing” the network. Wireless printer The Canon Pixma MG3600 is no exception: it remembers the old router's settings and refuses to work with the new equipment until you make the appropriate configuration changes. The reconnection process doesn't require extensive networking knowledge, but it does require precise steps.

Unlike computers or smartphones, this MFP lacks a full-screen display, making menu navigation less intuitive for beginners. You'll have to rely on blinking indicators and button combinations on the control panel. Canon MG3600 — is a popular model, and its setup algorithm has been refined over the years. However, there are some nuances that can be confusing. For example, it's critical not to confuse the Wi-Fi indicator modes, as they represent different connection functions.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the available methods for connecting a device to a new access point. You'll learn how to use the technology. WPS For instant synchronization, how to set up a connection via a smartphone using the proprietary app, and what to do if automatic driver installation fails. Proper setup will ensure stable document printing and scanning from any device on your local network.

Preparing equipment and resetting old network settings

Before you begin the active setup phase, you need to make sure your new network equipment is ready for use. Your new router should be turned on, configured by your provider, and broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal. Make sure you know the exact network name (SSID) and its password. If the new network uses MAC address filtering, you'll need to find your printer's unique address, which is usually found on a sticker on the back of the device or printed on a test page.

The most reliable way to avoid IP address conflicts and connection errors is to reset the printer's network settings first. This will return the MFP's network module to its "as is" state, deleting any information about the previous router. To do this, use the control panel. Canon MG3600 You need to find a button with an image of an antenna or direct connection.

Follow these steps to reset:

• 🔘 Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer control panel until the power light flashes once, and then release the button.
• 🔘 Press the button immediately Direct (direct connection).
• 🔘 Then press the button again Wi-Fi.
• 🔘 The power light should start blinking and the Wi-Fi light should be on or blinking, indicating that the settings are being reset.

⚠️ Attention: After resetting the settings, all computers and phones that were previously connected to this printer will lose connection. You'll need to re-add the device to each computer's operating system, even if you haven't changed the router yet, but simply reset the settings.

After completing these steps, the printer's network module is ready to search for a new router. Make sure the device is located within a strong signal range of the new router. If the printer is located far away or behind thick walls, it's best to move it closer to the signal source during the setup phase and then return it to its original location after a successful connection.

WPS method: quick connection without entering a password

The easiest and fastest way to connect Canon Pixma MG3600 to the new network - use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method automatically transfers the network password without having to enter it using the printer's buttons, which is especially convenient since this model doesn't have a keyboard. However, for this method to work, your new router must also support WPS and have a corresponding physical or software button.

The connection process is as follows: On the router panel, find the button WPS (sometimes it is combined with the reset or Wi-Fi button) and press it. On the printer, press the button Wi-Fi and hold it until the power indicator flashes once. Then press the button Black (Black) or Color (Color) to confirm. The Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will begin blinking as it attempts to find the router.

If the connection is successfully established, the Wi-Fi indicator on the front panel will stop blinking and remain lit. This means the printer has received an IP address from the new router and is ready to use. If the indicator continues blinking or turns orange, the connection has not been established. This can happen if you pressed the router's button too late or if WPS is disabled in the router's security settings.

Why isn't WPS working?

WPS may not work if your router has MAC address filtering enabled, uses a hidden SSID (the network name is not broadcast), or has the security protocol set to WEP (an outdated standard). In these cases, you must use manual configuration via a computer or smartphone.

Setup via smartphone using Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY

If the WPS method is unavailable or your router doesn't have a physical button, the most convenient option is to use a mobile app. Canon has developed a utility Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, which is available for iOS and Android. This app acts as a go-between: it reads your phone's Wi-Fi settings and transmits them to the printer.

First, make sure your smartphone is connected to the new Wi-Fi network you want to connect the printer to. Download and install the app from the official store (App Store or Google Play). Launch the app and add the new printer following the on-screen instructions. During the addition process, the app will prompt you to enter the wireless network setup mode on the MFP itself.

To translate Canon MG3600 into connection standby mode:

• 📱 Click the button Wi-Fi on the printer and hold until the power indicator blinks.
• 📱 Click the button Direct (direct connection).
• 📱 Click the button Black or Color.
• 📱 The Wi-Fi indicator and the Direct Connection indicator should start blinking.

Now return to the app on your smartphone. It should detect the printer in setup mode. The app will prompt you to transfer the current Wi-Fi settings (network name and password) to the device. After confirmation, the registration process will begin. During this process, keep your phone and printer turned off. If your Wi-Fi password is complex, the app will transfer it reliably, eliminating any human error.

Manual setup via computer and installation disk

If mobile setup isn't possible, you can use the classic method using a Windows or macOS computer. You'll need the installation disc that came with your device or the driver downloaded from the official website. When starting the installation, select "Wireless LAN connection."

The installation program will prompt you to select a connection method. Select "Wireless LAN connection" and follow the instructions. The installer will ask you to put the printer into setup mode (similar to the previous methods: hold down the Wi-Fi button). The program will then scan for available networks. Select your new network from the list and enter the password.

It's important to choose the right connection type. For a home network, the default mode is Infrastructure (via a router), not ad-hoc. Make sure you haven't confused these two. After entering the password, the setup program will send the configuration to the printer. The Wi-Fi indicator on the device should turn solid, indicating success.

Using Wireless Direct to Print Without a Router

Sometimes a situation arises when a new router isn't configured yet, or you urgently need to print a document from a guest's phone without giving them the password to the main network. In such cases, Canon MG3600 you can activate the mode Wireless DirectIn this mode, the printer itself creates an access point to which devices connect directly, bypassing the router.

To activate this mode, press the button Direct on the control panel. The direct connection indicator will light up. Now, on your smartphone or laptop, a network with a name like Canon_MG3600_seriesConnect to it. The default password is located on the sticker on the device or in the instructions; it's often an 8-character combination.

This method is convenient because it's self-contained, but it has limitations. Firstly, when connected to the printer, your device may temporarily lose internet access if it doesn't support two networks simultaneously (for example, Wi-Fi for the printer and 4G for the internet). Secondly, data transfer speeds in this mode may be lower than with a full-fledged router.

⚠️ Attention: Wireless Direct mode doesn't encrypt traffic as securely as a WPA2-protected home network. Don't use this method to print confidential documents in public places, where unauthorized access to your temporary network is possible.

Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions

Even if you follow the instructions exactly, you may encounter difficulties. If your printer won't connect to a new network, first check the frequency range. Canon MG3600 supports only the standard 2.4 GHzIf your new router only broadcasts the 5 GHz network or combines them under a single name (Smart Connect), the printer may not see the network. You'll need to go to the router settings and separate the networks or enable compatibility.

Another possible problem is an antivirus or firewall on your computer that's blocking the search for network devices. Try temporarily disabling the protection or adding the printer to the exceptions list. Another common cause is using special characters in the Wi-Fi password, which the printer may interpret incorrectly. In this case, try temporarily changing the router password to a simpler one (letters and numbers only), connecting the printer, and then resetting the password back to a more complex one (although this will require reconfiguring).

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions from users who are faced with reconnecting this model.

The printer sees the network, but says "Connection Error." What should I do?

Most likely, you entered the wrong password or selected the wrong encryption type. Check if CapsLock is enabled on your keyboard. Also, make sure MAC address filtering isn't enabled in your router settings, where you need to manually enter the printer's address.

Is it possible to connect Canon MG3600 to a hidden network (Hidden SSID)?

Yes, this is possible, but only through manual configuration from a computer (method 3). Automatic search and WPS with hidden networks do not work. You will need to manually enter the exact network name (note the case) and encryption type.

The Wi-Fi light is blinking too fast or too slow, what does it mean?

The blinking speed of the Wi-Fi indicator indicates the signal strength. Fast blinking usually indicates a good signal and the network is searching, while slow blinking or orange indicates a weak signal or an error. If the indicator is orange, try moving the printer closer to the router.

Do I need to reinstall drivers on my computer after changing my router?

Usually not. If you connect the printer to the network with the same name and password as before (for example, if the settings were cloned from an old router), the drivers will continue to work. However, if the network name or password has changed, the operating system may see a new device. In this case, it's easier to remove the old printer from the device list and add a new one using "Add Printer."

Does the scanner work via Wi-Fi after reconnecting?

Yes, after successfully connecting to the new network, all MFP functions, including scanning, become available over the network. You can scan documents directly to your computer or to the cloud using the Canon PRINT app or standard OS tools, without the need for a USB cable.