Switching to wireless printing significantly simplifies working with office equipment, eliminating the need to pull long cables or constantly switch USB cables between computers. Canon PIXMA MG3640 — a popular multifunctional device that supports the standard Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, allowing you to print documents and photos from laptops, smartphones and tablets without a direct connection.
However, the initial setup process often raises questions for users, especially if the router is located far from the MFP or if specific network security settings are used. In this article, we will examine all available connection methods in detail, paying special attention to the button. Wireless on the control panel and working with drivers.
To successfully implement your plan, you will need a stable signal from your home network and knowledge of its password. The key point is support for WPS technology, which allows you to pair devices with literally two touches if your router is equipped with the appropriate button. Let's look at the preparatory stage.
Preparatory stage and equipment testing
Before you begin software configuration, you need to make sure that the hardware is physically ready. MG3640 Remove the printer from the box, remove all shipping tapes and the orange tabs that block the carriage. Insert the cartridges and load paper into the tray.
Plug the device into a power outlet and press the power button. Pay attention to the indicators: if they are flashing, the initialization process is in progress and should not be interrupted. Make sure your router is turned on and distributing internet, and you are in a strong signal area.
⚠️ Important: Make sure you're using a 2.4 GHz network. Many modern routers broadcast two networks (2.4 and 5 GHz), and older printer models, such as the MG3640, may not see 5 GHz networks or may perform poorly on them.
To set up the printer, you'll also need a computer or smartphone connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect it to. It's best to download the latest drivers in advance to avoid interrupting the installation process.
Method 1: Quick connection via WPS
The easiest way to activate the wireless module is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)This protocol allows devices to exchange encryption keys automatically, without manually entering a complex password.
Find the button on your router that says WPS or the two arrows icon. Press and hold it for 2-3 seconds until the router's security indicator starts flashing. Then, immediately proceed to the printer.
On the control panel Canon MG3640 press the button Wireless (antenna icon). The power indicator will start flashing. Then press and hold the button Direct (or the button with the image of a smartphone, depending on the panel modification) until the wireless network indicator lights up blue and stops flashing.
- 🔹 Press the WPS button on the router and hold it for 3 seconds.
- 🔹 On the printer, press Wireless, then Direct and hold until the indicator light flashes.
- 🔹 Wait until the power indicator stops flashing and lights up steadily.
- 🔹 Print a network settings report to check the status.
If everything went well, the wireless network indicator will be constantly on. This means that IP address received automatically and the device is ready to work on the local network.
☑️ Checking WPS status
Method 2: Setting up via the Wireless button on the panel
If the WPS function on your router isn't working or is disabled by your ISP, you'll have to use the standard network search method. This method is more reliable in densely populated areas, where automatic pairing can be problematic.
Click the button Wireless on the printer's panel. The power light will start flashing. Now press the button Black (black) or Color (color) to start printing a report or enter setup mode. In some firmware versions, you need to press and hold the button Wireless until the indicator Power won't blink once.
After this, the printer will enter the search mode for available networks. To complete the process, it is often necessary to use a USB cable to initially transfer the router settings, or to use the Easy-WebPrint EX from a mobile device, if the printer has already been set up.
⚠️ Note: Driver interfaces and button behavior may vary slightly depending on the operating system version and the year of manufacture of a particular device. Always consult the official documentation if the standard steps do not work.
During the setup process, the driver on your computer will prompt you to find a wireless device. You'll need to select the name of your network (SSID) from the list and enter the password. Make sure your keyboard layout is correct, as the password is case-sensitive.
What to do if the printer does not see the network?
If the network list is empty, make sure the printer is no more than 5-7 meters from the router. This model does not support hidden networks (Hidden SSID)—the network name must be broadcast openly. Also, check that MAC address filtering is not enabled in the router settings.
Installing drivers and software
Without the correct software, the operating system will not be able to correctly interpret print commands. Canon PIXMA MG3640 It is recommended to use the full driver package, which includes utilities for scanning and maintenance.
Go to the official Canon support website. Enter your model in the search field. MG3640Select your operating system (Windows, macOS) and download the file labeled "Drivers" or "Full Driver & Software Package."
Run the downloaded file. During the installation process, the program will prompt you to select a connection type. Select "Wireless Connection"** (Wireless LAN). The program will automatically begin searching for the printer on the network.
| Software component | Function Description | Necessity |
|---|---|---|
| Printer Driver | The main driver for printing documents | Necessarily |
| ScanGear | Scanner driver for working with programs | Recommended |
| My Printer | Utility for setting parameters and diagnostics | Desirable |
| Easy-PhotoPrint | Photo printing software | As desired |
If the automatic search is unsuccessful, the installer will prompt you to briefly connect the device via USB cable to transfer network settings. Once the data transfer is successful, you can disconnect the cable.
Printing from smartphones and tablets**
Mobile printing is one of the main advantages of having a Wi-Fi enabled printer. For devices based on Android And iOS (iPhone/iPad) Canon offers an app Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY.
Download the app from Google Play or the App Store. Make sure your smartphone is connected to the same WiFi network as the printer. Launch the app; it will automatically detect it. Canon MG3640 in the local network.
The technology is also available for iPhone and iPad owners. AirPrintYou don't need to install any additional apps. Simply open a photo or document, tap the "Share" button, and select "Print." Your printer will appear in the list of devices.
- 📱 Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app.
- 📱 Connect your phone and printer to the same WiFi network.
- 📱 Add your printer to the app through the device search.
- 📱 For iOS, use the built-in AirPrint feature without any settings.
The app also allows you to monitor ink levels in your cartridges and clean nozzles, which is extremely useful for maintaining print quality.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting
Even with proper setup, problems may still occur. These are most often caused by the router changing its IP address or interference in the airwaves. If your printer stops responding, first check the wireless indicator.
If the indicator light is blinking, the connection has been lost. Try turning the router off and on again, then restarting the printer. The device often automatically reconnects to the network once the connection is restored.
For a more in-depth diagnosis, print a network settings report. To do this, click the button Wireless, then the button Black or Color (depending on the firmware version, sometimes you need to hold down the button Stop before the signal). In the report, you will see the current IP address and connection status.
⚠️ Important: If the printer's IP address begins with 169.254.xx, it means the device was unable to obtain an address from the router's DHCP server. Check your router settings or try setting a static IP.
It's also worth checking whether your antivirus software is blocking the network printer. Firewalls sometimes perceive attempts to connect to the MFP as a security threat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Canon MG3640 be connected to 5GHz WiFi?
No, the MG3640 model only supports the 802.11b/g/n standard, which operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz, the printer will not see the network. You must enable 2.4 GHz network broadcasting in your router settings.
What should you do if you forgot your WiFi password and need to connect a printer?
You can view the password in the router settings by connecting to it through a browser (usually the address is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), or reset the network settings on the printer itself and configure it again via WPS if you know the router password.
The printer prints with a delay over WiFi, what is the reason?
The delay may be caused by a weak signal, channel congestion from other devices, or background updates on your computer. Try moving the router closer or changing the broadcast channel in the router settings.
How do I reset my printer's network settings to factory defaults?
Turn off the printer. Press and hold the button. Wireless, then press the power button. Without releasing Wireless, press the button Color twice, then release Wireless. After that, click Black once. The printer will reset its network settings.