Connecting the Canon MG 3640 Printer to WiFi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Modern office equipment requires flexibility, and Canon PIXMA MG3640 is no exception. Wireless connectivity eliminates unnecessary wires, allowing the device to be placed anywhere in the room. However, initial setup often raises questions for users accustomed to wired interfaces.

The process of integration into the network depends on the operating system and the type of router. Canon MG 3640 Supports standard security protocols, but requires precise steps. In this article, we'll cover all available configuration methods.

First, make sure your router is working properly and is providing internet access. The printer should be within range of a strong signal. The MG 3640 model does not have a display, so all indication occurs through flashing indicators on the front panel.

Preparatory stage and equipment testing

Before proceeding with the software part, it is necessary to physically prepare the device. Canon MFP The printer must be plugged in and have cartridges filled. A lack of paper or ink may prevent the printer from entering setup mode.

It's important to know your wireless network's SSID (name) and password. If you don't remember this information, you can find it on a sticker on the bottom of your router or in your ISP account. Also, make sure the drivers are installed on your computer or you have access to the installation disc.

  • 📄 Make sure there is A4 paper in the tray.
  • 🖨️ Check that the original cartridges are installed correctly.
  • 🔌 Connect the device to the power supply and press the power button.
  • 📶 Find out the password for your provider's WiFi network.

The power indicator should be solid. If it's blinking, the initialization process is in progress and it's too early to begin setup. Wait until the mechanical parts stop moving completely.

📊 Which connection method do you plan to use?
Via WPS (automatically)
Via the installation disk
Via a mobile app
Using a USB cable

Quick setup method via WPS

The fastest way to connect is through technology. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method works if your router supports this feature and has a corresponding button on it. For Canon MG 3640 This is the most hassle-free option.

Press and hold the button Wireless on the printer's control panel until the power light starts blinking. Then press the WPS button on your router. The devices should find each other automatically within two minutes.

⚠️ Attention: If the wireless indicator stops blinking and turns solid, the connection is established successfully. If the blinking stops but the indicator isn't solid, try repeating the process while moving closer to the router.

In some cases, routers have a WPS button in the web interface. If there's no physical button, access the router settings through a browser and enable the function there. After successful pairing, you can print a network connection report.

☑️ Checking WPS Success

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Standard installation via installation disk

If the automatic method doesn't work, use the classic software option. Included with Canon PIXMA MG3640 A disk containing all the necessary drivers and utilities is supplied. Run the program installation. IJ Network Tool.

During the installation process, select "Wireless LAN Connection." The program will prompt you to select a setup method. Select "Direct Connection" or "Cable Connection" for the initial transfer of WiFi settings if WPS is unavailable.

Follow the on-screen instructions. You'll be prompted to select your network from the list and enter the password. At this point, the computer will transfer the settings to the printer. Once the process is complete, you can disconnect the USB cable.

Installation stage User action Indication on the printer
Launching the software Select language and region The power indicator is on
Connection type Select "Wireless LAN" The Wireless indicator is blinking
Data transfer Entering a WiFi password The indicators flash alternately
Conclusion Print a test page The Wireless indicator is constantly on

Make sure your Windows Firewall or antivirus isn't blocking the installer. Sometimes you need to temporarily disable protection to successfully transfer network settings.

What to do if the disk is lost?

You don't need to use the driver disc. Go to the official Canon website, find the MG3640 model in the support section, and download the full driver package for your operating system. The downloaded software has the same functionality as the disc.

Setting up using mobile apps

The company has developed an application for smartphone and tablet users. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYIt not only allows you to print photos but also configure your device's network settings. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Launch the app and add a new printer. Follow the prompts on your mobile device. The app will ask you to connect your phone to the same WiFi network you want to connect the printer to, and then transfer the settings.

  • 📱 Download the official Canon PRINT app.
  • 🔗 Connect your smartphone to your home WiFi network.
  • ⚙️ Start searching for a printer in the app.
  • 🔑 Enter the network password when the app asks for it.

This method is especially convenient because it doesn't require a computer. Once set up, you can scan documents directly to your phone and print them from cloud storage.

Using a USB cable for initial setup

Sometimes wireless methods fail due to router security settings. In this case USB cable becomes a lifesaver. Connect the printer to the computer with a cable before running the setup program.

In the installer menu, select "Change connection to wireless." The program will automatically reconfigure the network adapter. Canon MG 3640, copying the settings from the system. After successful configuration, the cable can be removed.

This method guarantees 100% success if the drivers are compatible with the OS. It bypasses most device detection issues. Make sure the cable is working properly and is connected to a USB 2.0 or higher port.

⚠️ Attention: Don't connect the USB cable until prompted by the installer. Connecting it too early may cause the driver to enter standard mode, and the connection type selection menu will not appear.

Diagnostics and problem solving

Even if you do everything correctly, errors may occur. If the indicator Wireless If the light is flashing at long intervals, the connection is lost or weak. Try rebooting the router and printer by unplugging them for 10 seconds.

A common problem is range incompatibility. Canon MG 3640 The printer operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz or combines them into a single network with 5 GHz as the priority, the printer may not see the network. Separate the bands in your router settings.

Also, check the MAC address filter on your router. If whitelist is enabled, add the printer address (printed in the network settings report) to the allowed addresses. Otherwise, the router will block the connection.

Printing a network connection report

For accurate diagnostics, you need to know the IP address assigned to the device by the router. Print a network settings report. To do this, click the button Wireless until the power indicator appears, then press the button Stop (Black) or the button combination specified in the manual (usually this is holding the wireless button until the Alert light flashes, then the color print button).

The report will show the connection status, network SSID, and IP address. If the status is "Not connected," the password is incorrect or the signal is too weak. If the IP address starts with 169.254, the printer hasn't received an address from the router's DHCP server.

Use this information to manually set the port in Windows if automatic detection doesn't work. Enter the IP address in the TCP/IP field when adding a new printer through Control Panel.

Why doesn't the printer see the 5 GHz network?

Model Canon MG 3640 The device is equipped with an 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi module, which operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. It physically cannot connect to 5 GHz networks. You need to enable 2.4 GHz network broadcasting on your router.

How do I reset my printer's network settings?

To reset, press and hold the button Wireless on the control panel until the power indicator flashes, and then release it. Then press the button Black (Black) or Color (Color) The wireless indicator should start blinking rapidly, indicating it is ready for a new setup.

Can I connect a printer to a guest WiFi network?

Technically, this is possible, but not recommended. Guest networks often have client isolation, which prevents devices within the network from seeing each other. A computer simply won't be able to print a document, even if both devices are connected to the same guest access point.

What does the flashing Alert light (orange) mean?

The orange Alert light indicates an error. The number of blinks indicates the type of problem. For example, one blink means out of paper, two blinks means a paper jam, and five blinks means a cartridge installation error. Network errors are characterized by specific behavior of the Wireless light, not the Alert light.

Do you need internet access to print via WiFi?

No, an internet connection is not required. Printing occurs within your local network between the router, computer, and printer. Internet access is only required for the initial driver download or if you use Canon Cloud Printing. Local printing works even without internet access.