Wireless printing is the standard for modern office and home use, allowing you to get rid of unnecessary wires and place Canon Pixma MG3640s anywhere convenient. Many users encounter difficulties during initial setup, believing that the process requires in-depth technical knowledge. In fact, the process is quite logical and takes only a few minutes if you know the correct sequence of steps.
In this article, we'll cover in detail how to put your MFP into standby mode, find the device on the network, and correctly install software on a Windows computer. Stable connection — this is the key to fast document printing and photo scanning without delays. We'll also cover important details that beginners often overlook, leading to connection errors.
Before you begin, make sure your router is turned on and providing internet access, and your printer is filled with ink and ready to use. Critical to this model: The Wi-Fi button on the control panel must be held down until the power light flashes once, after which the wireless light comes on. This action activates the network search mode, without which the computer simply will not see the device.
Preparing equipment and checking the network
The first step is to physically prepare all system components. Make sure that MG3640s Plugged into a power outlet and within range of your wireless router's signal. The distance shouldn't be too great, especially if there are thick walls or metal structures between the device and the access point that could block the signal.
Check if your Wi-Fi network is working on other devices, such as a smartphone or tablet. The computer and printer must be on the same local network. If you have a dual-band router that supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, keep in mind that most budget printers, including this model, only operate on the 2.4 GHz band. 2.4 GHz.
⚠️ Note: If your router hides the network name (SSID) or uses MAC address filtering, you will need to temporarily change these settings or whitelist the printer's address before starting the installation.
It's also a good idea to prepare the installation disk in advance, if you have one, or have internet access to download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's official website. Using older drivers may result in unstable network scanning.
Activating wireless mode on the printer
Translation process Canon Pixma MG3640s Getting into setup mode may seem unintuitive due to the minimalist interface. On the front panel of the device, look for a button with a smartphone image or a Wi-Fi icon. Pressing it initiates a search for previously used networks or enters setup mode.
To enter pairing mode, press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the control panel until the indicator Power It will not blink once. Immediately release the button. The wireless network indicator (blue) should begin blinking rapidly, indicating that connection standby mode has been successfully activated.
☑️ Printer ready for setup
If the Wi-Fi indicator lights up solid immediately, this means the printer was already connected to a different network. In this case, you need to reset the network settings. To do this, press and hold the button. Wi-Fi until the power indicator flashes twice, then release. This will return the network module to its original state.
Installing drivers and software
Modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11 often attempt to automatically find and install basic drivers. However, for all features to work properly, Canon MG3640s, including scanning and cartridge maintenance, it is recommended to use the full software package from the official website.
Go to the Canon support page, enter your device model, and download the driver for your operating system. Run the downloaded file. During installation, the program will prompt you to select a connection type. Select the option Wireless LAN connection or Wi-Fiso that the setup wizard can detect the device on the air.
| Installation stage | User action | Expected result |
|---|---|---|
| Launching the installer | Double-click on the .exe file | Opening the welcome window |
| Selecting a connection | Click "Wireless Connection" | Searching for devices on the network |
| Confirmation | Pressing the Wi-Fi button on the MFP | Exchanging data with a computer |
| Conclusion | Waiting for file copying to complete | Ready to print |
Follow the on-screen instructions. At a certain point, the program will ask you to press a button on the printer itself to confirm the connection. Once the data exchange is successful, the Wi-Fi indicator on the device will stop flashing and turn solid blue, indicating a successful connection to the router.
Troubleshooting device detection issues
Sometimes the computer doesn't detect the printer even after following all the instructions. A common cause is a temporary glitch in the Windows network adapter or the router itself. Try rebooting all three system components: turn off the router, computer, and printer, then turn them on in this order: router (wait for it to fully boot up), then PC, then MFP.
Check your firewall and antivirus settings. Sometimes security software blocks the Canon installer's attempts to send or receive data from the local network. You can temporarily disable the firewall during the installation, but be sure to re-enable it after the process is complete.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your Windows network settings are set to "Private Network" and not "Public." By default, the system hides your device from detection by other devices when using a public profile.
What to do if the driver is not installed?
If the installation is interrupted, try running the installer as administrator. Right-click the installation file and select the appropriate option. Clearing temporary files using the %temp% command in the Run window (Win+R) may also help.
If the problem persists, try connecting the printer to the computer via USB during the initial setup process. Many Canon installers allow you to switch from USB to Wi-Fi during the setup process. This often helps transfer network settings (SSID and password) directly to the device's memory, bypassing complex search algorithms.
Setting up printing from mobile devices
One of the main advantages of wireless connectivity is the ability to print from smartphones and tablets. iOS devices use the technology AirPrint, which doesn't require installing additional drivers. All you need is for your iPhone or iPad and printer to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
For Android users and those who want to expand their functionality, Canon offers an app Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYIt's available on Google Play and the App Store. After installing the app and adding a printer via the "Add Printer" menu, you can not only print photos but also scan documents directly onto your smartphone's screen.
Google Cloud Print (where available through third-party gateways) and Mopria are also supported. These standards allow you to print documents directly from the Chrome browser or Android Gallery without having to open specialized apps.
Maintenance and diagnostics
The wireless connection requires periodic status checks. If print quality has deteriorated or colors are missing, perform a deep clean of the print head via the maintenance menu. This can be done either through the device's physical panel (using a button combination) or through the software interface on your computer.
To check the ink level and connection status, use the utility Canon IJ Status Monitor, which is installed along with the drivers. It displays the remaining cartridge life and the current connection status. Regularly printing a test page helps prevent ink from drying out in the nozzles, especially if you print infrequently.
⚠️ Caution: Do not leave the printer unplugged for extended periods of time. When the power is disconnected, the print head is not parked in the sealed compartment, causing the ink to dry out and requiring costly cleaning or replacement.
If you lose connection to the router (for example, after changing the Wi-Fi password), you will need to repeat the network setup procedure. Reset the network settings on the printer (hold the Wi-Fi button until the power light flashes twice) and repeat the pairing procedure using the driver installer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Canon MG3640s be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, this printer model is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that only supports the 802.11b/g/n standard in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. If your router broadcasts networks with the same name for both bands, try separating them in the router settings or connecting to a 2.4 GHz guest network.
What does it mean when the alarm indicator (orange) flashes 15 times?
Fifteen orange flashes usually indicate that the printer isn't recognizing the cartridge or that the cartridge is installed incorrectly. Try removing the cartridges, wiping the contacts with a soft, dry cloth, and reinserting them until they click into place. Make sure the protective tape is removed from new cartridges.
How do I change the name of a printer on a network?
The device name displayed in the list of available printers can be changed during the driver installation process in the "Set the device name" step. If the drivers are already installed, you can change the name through the printer properties in the Windows Control Panel, under the "Sharing" tab, or through the web interface if the model supports the Canon IJ Network Tool.
The printer prints with stripes after connecting via Wi-Fi, what's wrong?
Print quality issues (streaks, faded colors) are most often related to the print head or ink levels, not the connection type. Wi-Fi only transfers data. Clean the nozzles in the maintenance menu. If this doesn't help, the cartridges may be empty or the print head may need replacing.