Switching to wireless printing makes working with documents and photos much easier, eliminating the need to run cables across the room. Canon PIXMA MG3640 — a popular multifunctional device that easily integrates into a home network, allowing you to send tasks directly from a smartphone or tablet. However, the initial setup process often raises questions among users, especially when it comes to pairing the device with a router without a USB cable.
In this article, we'll walk you through all the steps to connect your MFP to a wireless network. Wi-Fi and subsequent printing setup from Android and iOS mobile phones. You'll learn about various methods for activating the module and the app's operating features. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY and ways to solve typical errors that occur when searching for a printer on the network.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin software configuration, you need to make sure that all physical components are ready for use. Wireless connection Requires a stable signal, so make sure the printer and router are within a strong reception area. If the device is fresh out of the box, remove all shipping tape and install the cartridges, otherwise the MFP will not enter ready mode.
It's important to know your home network settings in advance. You'll need the exact network name (SSID) and password from Wi-FiPay attention to the case of the characters in the password, as a single letter error will prevent the device from being authorized on the network. Also, make sure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz signal, as many printer models, including Canon MG3640, may not see 5 GHz networks.
⚠️ Important: Make sure that the Client Isolation feature is not enabled on your router, which prevents devices on the same network from communicating with each other.
Enabling wireless mode on a Canon printer
The first step is to turn it on Wi-Fi module Directly on the printer's control panel. On the front panel of the device, there's a button with a smartphone image or a wireless network icon. Press it, and the power light should start blinking, indicating setup mode.
Next, you need to select a connection method. For most users, the best option is Wi-Fi Direct or a standard connection via a router. Press the wireless button again to select the desired mode, guided by the blinking wireless indicator. If the indicator blinks quickly, the device is ready to search for a network.
The activation process may take a few seconds. During this time printer Scans the air and attempts to find previously saved networks or waits for a command from the computer. If you're setting up the device for the first time, it will search for available access points.
What do the blinking lights mean?
If the power indicator is on and the wireless indicator is blinking slowly, it's searching for a network. If both are on, a connection has been established. If they are both blinking rapidly, there's a connection error or buffer overflow error.
Setting up a connection via WPS (the fastest method)
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) significantly simplifies the setup process and eliminates the need to manually enter a password. This method is ideal for those who are wary of making mistakes when entering complex characters or don't want to search through the router's interface for network settings.
To get started, click the button WPS on your router. It's usually located on the back panel and may require holding for 2-3 seconds. After activating the feature on your router, press the wireless button on the router within two minutes. Canon MG3640. Hold it until the network indicator starts flashing.
The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys. If the connection is successful, the wireless network indicator on the printer will stop blinking and remain solid. This means IP address received and the device is ready to work in the local network.
Manual network setup via computer or phone
In cases where the WPS function is unavailable or doesn't work, you'll have to use the manual data entry method. To do this, you'll need a computer or smartphone connected to the same network to which you want to connect the printer. You'll need to download the official utility. Canon IJ Network Tool or use a mobile app.
Launch the setup program and select "Wireless LAN Connection." The program will prompt you to select a printer from the list of found devices. If Canon MG3640 If you're not yet online, the utility may prompt you to temporarily connect it via a USB cable to transfer Wi-Fi settings, after which the cable can be disconnected.
In the setup window, select your home network from the list and enter the password. The program will automatically transfer this information to the printer. Once the process is complete, a successful connection message will appear on the screen, and the device will receive a permanent network address.
☑️ Check before manual configuration
Connecting a smartphone to a printer (Android and iOS)
To print from a smartphone, you need to install a special application. For devices based on Android And iOS it's called Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYDownload it from Google Play or the App Store. This software allows you to not only print but also scan documents directly from your phone's screen.
After installation, launch the app and click the Add Printer button. The program will automatically find the device. Canon MG3640 On your local network, if your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. If automatic search fails, you can manually select the printer from the list or scan the QR code if there's one on the device's sticker.
The technology is also available for iPhone users. AirPrint, which doesn't require installing additional drivers. Just make sure your iPhone and printer are on the same network, open a photo or document, tap "Share," and select "Print." Your printer should appear in the list of devices. MFP.
| Parameter | Android | iOS (iPhone/iPad) | Windows PC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main application | Canon PRINT | Canon PRINT / AirPrint | Canon My Printer |
| Connection type | Wi-Fi / Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi / AirPrint | Wi-Fi / USB |
| Scanning | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Photo printing | Yes (with editing) | Yes | Yes |
⚠️ Please note: When using Wi-Fi Direct mode, printing speed may be lower than when connected via a router, since the phone connects directly to the printer, losing access to the Internet.
Troubleshooting and diagnostics
Users often encounter a situation where the computer "doesn't see" the printer, even though the indicators are green. In 90% of cases, the problem lies in the devices being on different subnets or different router frequencies. Check that the phone and printer are connected to the same network. 2.4 GHz networks if the router combines ranges under one name.
Another common problem is incorrect installation. driver or an antivirus program blocking network discovery. Try temporarily disabling your firewall or adding an exception for Canon print services. Restarting the router, which refreshes the table, also helps. DHCP and assigns a new IP address.
If nothing helps, reset the printer's network settings. To do this, go to the control panel Canon MG3640 Press and hold the wireless button until the power indicator flashes once, then release. This will reset the network settings to factory defaults, allowing you to start setup again.
Why does my printer print very slowly over Wi-Fi?
Wireless printing speed depends on signal quality and channel congestion. If the router is located far away or microwaves are nearby, speed may drop. Slow printing of large photos may also be caused by insufficient RAM in the printer itself, not by network speed.
Can Canon MG3640 be connected to 5G Wi-Fi?
The MG3640, like most budget MFPs of its generation, only supports the 802.11 b/g/n standard, which operates in the 2.4 GHz band. Connecting to a 5 GHz network is technically impossible, even if the router emits that signal.
What should I do if the connection to the printer is lost after updating the router?
After replacing the router or changing the Wi-Fi password, the printer loses its old settings. You'll need to reconfigure the wireless network (via WPS or a utility) to transfer the new network authentication data to the device.