Modern office equipment has long ceased to be a bulky device connected to a computer with a thick USB cable. The opportunity wireless printing opens access to the MFP's functionality from any gadget in the home. Users often search for ways to establish a connection between a smartphone and a device of the series PIXMAto instantly print photos or documents from the Internet.
Model Canon MG3640 It's a popular budget solution, but its setup can sometimes be confusing for beginners. In this article, we'll cover all available connection methods, from standard router connections to using direct access mode. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and ensure stable operation.
You don't need any complicated tools to get started. All you need is the printer itself, a router with an active network, and a smartphone running Android or iOSThe process takes only a few minutes if you follow the steps carefully.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before beginning setup, make sure your printer is turned on and has ink. The power light on the control panel should be solid. If the alarm light is flashing, first troubleshoot the ink cartridges or paper jam.
The second important step is to check your local network. Make sure the smartphone you plan to connect to is working properly. MFP, is in a strong signal area. The connection speed must be sufficient for stable transfer of large files.
- 📱 Make sure the module is enabled on your phone Wi-Fi and it is connected to the home network.
- 🔌 Make sure that the MFP and mobile device are in the same frequency band (usually 2.4 GHz).
- 💡 Make sure the wireless indicator on your device is lit (flashing or steady).
Please note that some modern routers use separate names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Model MG3640 supports only the standard 802.11 b/g/n, operating in the 2.4 GHz band. If your phone only sees the 5 GHz network, you'll need to go into your router settings and combine them or create a guest network.
⚠️ Attention: If you're using a corporate network with web-based authentication (Captive Portal), you won't be able to connect the printer directly. In these cases, use access point mode.
Setup via WPS (the fastest method)
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), the synchronization process takes less than a minute. This is ideal for those who don't want to enter long passwords on their phone or computer screen.
Find the button WPS on your router's body. It may be physical or software-based in the router's interface. Press it and immediately proceed to the printer's control panel.
Press the Wi-Fi button on the printer -> Select WPS -> Wait for connectionClick the button Wi-Fi on the panel Canon MG3640. The power indicator will start flashing. Then press and hold the button. Direct (or the button with the phone icon) until the power indicator flashes twice. The device will enter network search mode.
After successful connection the indicator Wi-Fi The printer's LED will stop blinking and turn solid. This means the IP address has been acquired and a connection to the router has been established. Now any device on the network can print documents.
Manual wireless network setup via menu
In cases where automatic pairing is unavailable, you will have to use manual setup. You will need to know your network name (SSID) and its password. Be careful when entering characters, as letter case is important.
Click the button Wi-Fi on the device. The power indicator will flash. Press the button Black (black) or Color (color) to enter setup mode. The wireless network icon should light up on the screen.
- 🔍 Click the button
Wi-Fiseveral times until the phone image appears on the indicator. - 📡 Click the button
BlackorColorto start searching for networks. - 📝 Use the arrow buttons to select your SSID from the list.
After selecting the network, the system will ask for a password. Enter the characters using the arrow keys and the OK to confirm each character. This may seem inconvenient, but it ensures the connection is secure.
Once all the characters have been entered, press the button Black or Color to complete the setup. The printer will attempt to connect. If the password is correct, the connection indicator will light. If an error occurs, you'll need to repeat the process, carefully checking the information you entered.
Using Direct Connect mode
Mode Direct Connect allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your phone and printer without a router. This is especially useful if you're visiting someone or if your router is temporarily down.
In this mode Canon MG3640 It becomes an access point. Your smartphone connects to it like a regular Wi-Fi router. Data transfer speeds in this mode may be lower than through a router, but this isn't critical for printing photos.
| Parameter | Default value | Where to change |
|---|---|---|
| Network name (SSID) | Canon MG3600 series | On the back of the device |
| Password | Indicated on the sticker | On the back of the device |
| Frequency range | 2.4 GHz | Doesn't change |
| Max clients | 5 devices | Protocol limitation |
To activate the mode, press and hold the button Direct on the control panel for about 3 seconds. Indicator Wi-Fi will start blinking. Find the network with a name starting with Canon MG, in the list of available networks on the phone.
⚠️ Attention: When connecting via Direct Connect, your phone may temporarily lose internet access. This is normal, as the device switches to the printer's local network.
Installing the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
To fully utilize all the MFP's features, including scanning and printing photos from cloud services, you must install the proprietary app. It is available in Google Play And App Store.
After installation, launch the app and click the "Add Printer" button. The app will automatically find the device on the network if your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. If the device isn't found, select Manual Search.
☑️ Checking app installation
Application Canon PRINT It allows you to not only print, but also perform maintenance: cleaning nozzles, aligning print heads, and checking ink levels. The function Easy PhotoPrint to create collages directly on your smartphone screen before sending them to print.
What should I do if the app doesn't see the printer?
Make sure location services are enabled on your phone. On Android, this is a requirement for finding Wi-Fi devices. Also, make sure both devices are on the same subnet (the first three digits of the IP address must match).
Solving common connection problems
Sometimes the setup process can be interrupted due to software glitches or interference in the air. If the indicator Wi-Fi If the light continues to blink or is lit with an error, try restarting the router and printer. This often resolves IP address conflicts.
Another common issue is an incorrect date and time on the router, which can interfere with establishing a secure connection. Make sure your router's time settings are up-to-date, although this is rarely necessary for home printing.
- 🔄 Reset the network settings on the printer (hold the Wi-Fi button until the indicator light flashes).
- 📶 Move closer to the router to eliminate the influence of walls and interference.
- 🔌 Disable your antivirus or firewall on your phone during setup.
If all else fails, you may need to update your device's firmware. This can be done via a USB cable, connecting the MFP to a computer, and downloading the utility from the manufacturer's official website. A firmware update may fix critical Wi-Fi module bugs known to exist in earlier versions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Canon MG3640 be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, this model only supports the 802.11 b/g/n standard, which operates in the 2.4 GHz band. To connect, make sure your router broadcasts in this range.
What password should I use for Direct Connect mode?
The default password is located on a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer. It consists of 8 characters and is case-sensitive.
Why does my phone say "Connected, no internet access"?
This is normal behavior when connected directly to the printer. The phone connects to the MFP's local network, which is not connected to the global network. This is not required for printing.
How many devices can be connected at the same time?
The maximum number of connected devices depends on the mode. In infrastructure mode (via a router), there are virtually no restrictions, while in Direct mode, there are up to 5 devices simultaneously.