Modern multifunctional devices Wireless printers have long since ceased to be bulky devices tethered to a computer with a thick USB cable. The ability to print documents and photos directly from a smartphone or tablet has become a standard, providing convenience at work and at home. However, initial setup of a wireless connection often presents difficulties for users, especially if they have previously only used a wired connection.
Model Canon PIXMA MG3640s It's one of the most popular budget solutions for the home, but its control interface lacks a full-screen display, making password entry difficult. Instead, the manufacturer has opted for buttons and indicators that require a precise sequence of actions. In this article, we'll explore all available activation methods. Wi-Fi moduleso you can forget about wires.
Successful integration of the printer into the local network opens access to scanning to the cloud, printing via Apple AirPrint or Google Cloud Print, and also allows multiple family members to use the device simultaneously. It's important to understand that stable operation depends not only on the correct device settings but also on the router's signal quality. Let's move on to preparing the equipment before beginning configuration.
Preparatory stage and equipment testing
Before starting software configuration, you need to ensure that the device is physically functional and the infrastructure is ready. Wireless connection Requires the printer and computer (or smartphone) to be within range of a strong signal. If the router is located in another room behind thick walls, the driver installation process may be interrupted during the network search.
Make sure the cartridges are installed and the protective orange tape is removed from all moving parts. Plug the device into a power outlet and wait until the self-test cycle completes and the power indicator stops flashing. Only then can you begin using the buttons on the control panel.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your Wi-Fi router operates in the 2.4 GHz band. Many modern models Canon do not support the 5 GHz frequency, and if your router only broadcasts this range, the printer simply will not see the network.
For this procedure, you'll need to know the exact name of your wireless network (SSID) and its password. If you've replaced your router or reset its settings, this information can be found on a sticker on the bottom of the device or in your provider's administrator interface. Write this information down in advance to avoid distractions during the process.
Also check if you have an up-to-date antivirus installed on your computer or smartphone. Sometimes firewalls may block the printer's attempt to connect to the PC during driver installation. Temporarily disabling network protection can simplify the initial device setup process.
Direct printing method from a mobile device (Wireless Direct)
The fastest way to start printing without setting up a router is to use technology Wireless DirectIn this mode, the printer automatically creates an access point to which your phone or laptop connects. This is an ideal solution for guests or situations where you urgently need to print a document but access to the main router is limited.
To activate this mode, press the button Wireless on the control panel and hold it until the power indicator flashes once. Then press the button Direct. A name containing the following will appear on the smartphone screen in the list of available networks: Canon and the device model.
After connecting the printer to the network, open the desired photo or document in the app and select print. Quality and speed may be lower in this mode than when printing through a router, as the connection is less stable. However, for one-time printing, this is the most convenient method.
- 📱 Connect your smartphone to the printer's Wi-Fi Direct network.
- 🖨️ Open the document and select the "Print" option.
- 🔒 Enter your PIN if your device asks for confirmation.
- 📄 Wait until printing is complete and disconnect from the printer network.
It is worth remembering that while the mode is active Wireless Direct, your device may not have internet access if your smartphone isn't configured to automatically switch between networks. This means you won't be able to scan documents to cloud services that require internet access.
Setting up via the WPS button on the router
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), the connection process becomes extremely simple and eliminates the need to manually enter a password. This method is ideal for those who are concerned about making a character error when entering a complex security key. The router should have a corresponding button, often marked with two arrows.
Click the button Wi-Fi on the printer Canon MG3640s and hold it until the power indicator flashes. Immediately after that, press the button WPS on the printer's control panel (or the button combination specified in the instructions, often a button with a picture of a smartphone). The wireless network indicator will begin flashing, indicating the search.
Press the button within two minutes Enable WPS on your router. The devices will find each other and automatically exchange encryption keys. The Wi-Fi indicator on the printer should turn solid, indicating a successful connection to the local network.
⚠️ Note: The WPS feature may be disabled in your router's default security settings. If the button on the router doesn't respond, log in to the router's web interface and enable this feature manually.
The advantage of this method is the high connection speed. However, if the router is far from the printer, the handshake may not work on the first try. In this case, repeat the procedure, moving closer to the signal source.
Standard installation via USB and drivers
The classic and most reliable method recommended by the manufacturer for initial setup is using a USB cable. Despite the availability of wireless technologies, a wired connection guarantees error-free transfer of all necessary network profiles. You'll need a type AB cable, which is usually included.
First, connect the printer to your computer via USB and turn it on. Run the installation disk or download the full driver package from the official website. CanonDuring installation, the program will ask you about the connection type. Select "Wireless LAN."
At a certain point, the installer will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. Do so immediately when the prompt appears on the screen. The program will automatically transfer the Wi-Fi settings to the printer, then disconnect the physical connection and continue installing the drivers over the network.
☑️ Checklist for a successful installation
If the automatic network search fails, the program will prompt you to enter the SSID and password manually through the setup wizard. This is a convenient method, as you enter the data using your computer keyboard rather than typing it on a printer, eliminating the risk of errors.
| Setup stage | User action | Status indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Connecting USB and running the driver | The power indicator is on |
| Network selection | Selecting an SSID from the list or entering it manually | Wi-Fi indicator blinking |
| Data transfer | Disconnecting the USB cable on command | Fast blinking of the indicator |
| Conclusion | Checking the test page print | The Wi-Fi indicator is on steadily. |
Solution: The printer does not see the network
One of the most common problems is the situation when Canon printer Your wireless network simply isn't visible in the list of available networks. This is most often caused by the router hiding the network name (SSID) or using an encryption standard that isn't supported by the device. Check your router settings and ensure that network name broadcasting is enabled.
The problem may also lie in MAC address whitelisting. Some ISPs or network administrators implement MAC address filtering to protect against unauthorized access. Find your printer's MAC address (by printing a network configuration report or looking at the label) and add it to your router's whitelist.
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling the "Guest Network" feature on your router. Older printers often fail to function properly in isolated guest network segments where communication between devices is prohibited.
How do I reset my printer's network settings?
To reset the network settings on the Canon MG3640s, turn off the device. Press and hold the Stop/Reset button (the triangle in the circle), then press the Power button. While still holding the Stop button, press the Black and White Print button twice, then release the Stop button. This will restore the network settings to the factory defaults.
It's important to keep the distance between the router and printer within reasonable limits. Metal objects, microwave ovens, and nearby strong Wi-Fi networks can cause interference. Try relocating the router or printer to improve the signal quality.
Using cloud technologies and applications
Once you have successfully connected to Wi-Fi, the ecosystem's capabilities are available to you. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYThis is the official app that turns your smartphone into a printer remote control. It lets you not only print, but also scan documents directly to your phone and check ink levels.
To work with cloud services such as Google Cloud Print (or its modern analogues) and Apple AirPrint, make sure the printer's date and time are set correctly. Time synchronization often occurs automatically when connected to the internet, but in some cases, manual adjustments are required through the device's web interface.
The scan-to-cloud feature allows you to send scanned images directly to email, Dropbox, or Google Drive. To set up these features, you'll need to log in to your accounts directly through the app interface on your smartphone, which is connected to the printer via the same Wi-Fi network.
Check for firmware updates regularly through the app. Engineers Canon Patches are periodically released that improve the stability of Wi-Fi connections and add support for new versions of iOS and Android operating systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Canon MG3640s be connected to a 5GHz router?
No, this printer model only supports the 802.11b/g/n standard, which operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router is dual-band, make sure the 2.4 GHz network is active and has a different name than the 5 GHz network so the printer can distinguish it.
What to do if the orange Wi-Fi light is on?
An orange wireless indicator usually indicates a connection error or low signal strength. Try moving the printer closer to the router. If that doesn't help, reset the network settings and try connecting again, making sure you entered the password correctly.
Do I need a USB cable for every Wi-Fi print?
No, the USB cable is only required once—during the initial setup and transfer of network settings. Once the Wi-Fi indicator lights up solid, the cable can be removed, and the printer will operate completely autonomously over the wireless network.
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
To find the IP address, turn off the printer. Press and hold the Stop button, then turn it on. Release the Stop button when the indicator light comes on. Press Stop once (the A indicator light will come on), then press the Color Print button four times (the D indicator light will come on). Press Stop two more times. The printer will print a report showing the IP address.