Connecting the Canon MG3640 Printer to Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Pictures and Tips

Wireless printing saves time and eliminates the clutter of wires, but setting up Wi-Fi on your printer Canon PIXMA MG3640 This model, released in 2015, remains popular due to its compact size and multifunctionality (printing/scanning/copying). However, its control interface and network connection methods differ from those of modern devices.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for all possible connection methods: via WPS, standard password entry, USB cable, and even using a mobile app Canon PRINTWe'll address common errors (such as when a printer doesn't see the network or constantly drops the connection) and provide tips for troubleshooting driver and router settings. If you've encountered setup difficulties before, MG3640 — here you will find solutions.

We will pay special attention to compatibility With different router types (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz) and operating systems (Windows 10/11, macOS, Android/iOS). All steps are illustrated with screenshots of actual printer menus and software for easy navigation. Setup will take no more than 10-15 minutes if you follow the instructions carefully!

📊 Which method do you prefer to connect your printer to Wi-Fi?
Via WPS (button on the router)
Manual password entry
USB cable with subsequent setup
Mobile app (Canon PRINT)
I don't know, this is my first time setting it up.

1. Preparing the printer and network: what to check before setting up

Before you start connecting, make sure that your Canon MG3640 and the network meets the minimum requirements. This will eliminate 80% of typical setup issues.

Router requirements:

  • 📶 Standard support Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (The printer doesn't work with 5 GHz!). If your router is dual-band, temporarily disable the 5 GHz network or create a separate network for 2.4 GHz.
  • 🔒 Encryption type: only WPA2-PSK (AES)The printer does not support legacy WEP or modern WPA3.
  • 📡 Signal strength: the printer must be within range 5–7 meters from the router. Thick walls or interference from other devices may interrupt the connection.

Printer requirements:

  • 🔋 Make sure the device is turned on and the power indicator is on green (and not blinking orange - this indicates an error).
  • 📄 There should be at least 1 sheet of paper — the printer can print a test connection report.
  • 🔄 If the printer was previously connected to a different network, follow these steps: reset network settings (press and hold the button Wi-Fi for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue).

Important: printer Canon MG3640 Doesn't support connecting to hidden networks (SSID hidden). Before setting up, make the network visible in the router settings.

2. Method 1: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)

If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), this is the easiest way to connect MG3640 without entering a password. The entire process will take no more than 2 minutes.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Make sure that on the router WPS is enabled (usually there is a separate button with the inscription WPS or the 🔄 icon).
  2. On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) until the indicator starts flash blue (about 3 seconds).
  3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router. The indicator on the printer should light up. blue all the time - this means a successful connection.
  4. Print it out network report (press and hold the button Cancel for 5 seconds) to ensure that the printer has received an IP address.

If the indicator continues to flash or remains orange, repeat the process. Possible reasons for failure:

  • ⏱️ WPS session timed out (repeat from step 3).
  • 🔌 WPS is disabled in the router settings (check the web interface at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  • 📵 The router is operating in "5 GHz Only" mode (switch to 2.4 GHz).
What to do if the router does not support WPS?

If your router doesn't have a WPS button or it doesn't work, use the alternative connection methods described in the following sections. Some providers (such as Beeline or MTS) disable WPS by default on their branded routers.

3. Method 2: Manually enter the Wi-Fi password through the printer control panel

If WPS is unavailable or doesn't work, you can enter the network details manually through the printer menu. This method takes longer, but is reliable.

Instructions:

  1. Click the button Wi-Fi (📶) on the printer and hold until the indicator light starts flashing blue.
  2. Click the button Black and white copy (⚪), then — Color copy (🔴) This activates manual input mode.
  3. The printer screen will ask you to select a network. Use the buttons ↑/↓ to choose yours SSID (network name) and press OK.
  4. Enter the Wi-Fi password using the printer buttons:
    • 🔤 To select a letter/number, use ↑/↓.
    • 🔄 To switch case (upper/lower case) press Wi-Fi.
    • ✅ To confirm the symbol - OK.
  • After entering the password, the printer is Attempting to connect. If the connection is successful, the indicator will light up. blue.

    • Difficulties with manual input:

    • 🔠 Long passwords (more than 16 characters) are inconvenient to enter – use a USB cable or a mobile app.
    • 🌐 If the network name contains special characters (for example, MyWiFi_!), the printer may not recognize them. Rename the network temporarily.

    Make sure the printer is turned on and the Wi-Fi light is blinking blue|

    Check that the router is distributing a 2.4 GHz network|

    Prepare your Wi-Fi password (write it down on paper)|

    Make sure there is paper in the tray for the test print-->

    4. Method 3: Connecting via USB cable (for Windows/macOS)

    If the printer does not want to connect over the air, you can temporarily use USB cable to set up Wi-Fi. This method is suitable for PCs and laptops.

    Steps for Windows 10/11:

    1. Connect the printer to the computer via USB (use the original cable or a high-quality equivalent).
    2. Download and install drivers from the official Canon website:
      • 🖥️ For Windows: Canon support page (select model PIXMA MG3640).
      • 🍎 For macOS: Drivers are usually installed automatically via Software update.
  • Launch Canon IJ Network Tool (the utility is installed along with the drivers).
  • In the utility, select your printer and click Setting up a wireless connection → Connecting to the network.
  • Follow the setup wizard: select your Wi-Fi network, enter the password and wait for confirmation.

    • For macOS:

    1. Connect the printer via USB and open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
    2. Click +, select MG3640 and add it.
    3. In the printer menu, select Wi-Fi settings and follow the instructions.

    Once setup is successful, disconnect the USB cable - the printer should remain online.

    5. Method 4: Setup via the Canon PRINT mobile app

    If you don't have a computer at hand, you can connect the printer via your smartphone or tablet. The app Canon PRINT available for Android And iOS.

    Instructions:

    1. Download the app:
  • Turn on Bluetooth on the phone and printer (on MG3640 hold down the button Wi-Fi until it flashes blue).
  • In the application, select Printer Setup → Connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Follow the instructions: the application will automatically find the printer and offer to select a network.
  • Enter your Wi-Fi password and wait for confirmation.

    • The advantages of this method:

    • 📱 No computer or USB cable required.
    • 🔍 The app automatically checks network compatibility.
    • 📊 You can print a test sheet immediately.

    If the application does not find the printer:

    • 🔄 Restart your printer and phone.
    • 📶 Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
    • 📱 Update the application Canon PRINT to the latest version.

    6. Common mistakes and their solutions

    Even with the correct settings Canon MG3640 may produce errors. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them:

    Error Cause Solution
    The Wi-Fi indicator is blinking orange Incorrect password or 5 GHz network Check your password. Switch your router to 2.4 GHz.
    The printer does not print over Wi-Fi, but is connected. Drivers are not installed or are out of date Reinstall the drivers from the Canon website.
    Network found, but connection is lost Weak signal or interference Move the printer closer to the router or change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings.
    The Canon PRINT app can't find the printer. Bluetooth is disabled or the printer is in sleep mode. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and "wake up" the printer (press any button).

    If the printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer does not see it:

    1. Make sure the printer and computer are in one network.
    2. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers (Windows) and refresh the list.
    3. On macOS: System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → + → Add a Printer.

    7. Additional settings: static IP, cloud printing

    For stable operation of the printer in the network, it is recommended to assign it static IP addressThis will prevent disruptions when changing router settings.

    How to assign a static IP:

    1. Print it out network report (press Cancel for 5 seconds). Find the current IP of the printer (for example, 192.168.1.10).
    2. Open your router's web interface (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
    3. Find the section DHCP → Address Reservation (or Static Lease).
    4. Add a new rule: specify MAC address printer (available in the network report) and the desired IP (for example, 192.168.1.100).
    5. Save the settings and reboot the router.

    Setting up cloud printing (Google Cloud Print, AirPrint):

    • 🖨️ For Google Cloud Print:
      1. Register your printer in Google Cloud Print via Chrome.
      2. Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to the same network as your computer.
  • 🍏 For AirPrint (iPhone/iPad/Mac):
    1. The printer must be connected to Wi-Fi.
    2. On your Apple device, select Print → Select Printer — MG3640 will appear automatically.
    • How to check the MAC address of a printer?

    The MAC address is listed in the network report (printed by holding down the button Cancel). It can also be found in the router's web interface in the list of connected devices.

    8. Resetting network settings on the printer

    If all connection attempts are unsuccessful, please follow these steps: full reset of network settings printer. This will reset the Wi-Fi settings to factory defaults.

    How to reset settings:

    1. Make sure the printer is turned on.
    2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) during 10-15 secondsuntil the indicator starts flashing orange and blue alternately.
    3. Release the button. The printer will print a reset confirmation.
    4. Now you can reconfigure Wi-Fi using any of the methods described above.

    After resetting, the printer will "forget" all saved networks, so be prepared to re-enter the password.

    FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Connecting the Canon MG3640

    🔍 Why doesn't the printer see my Wi-Fi network even though it exists?

    Possible reasons:

    • The router is operating in the mode 5 GHz (The printer only supports 2.4 GHz).
    • Network is hidden (SSID hidden) - make it visible temporarily.
    • The signal is too weak - move the printer closer to the router.

    Solution: Check your router settings and reboot both devices.

    🖥️ How do I connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a computer?

    Use:

    • Mobile application Canon PRINT (cm. Method 4).
    • Manual password entry via the printer panel (see Method 2).
    • WPS (if the router supports it, see Method 1).
    🔄 The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it won't print from my phone. What should I do?

    Check:

    • Is the application installed? Canon PRINT and whether it is updated.
    • Is the phone on the same network as the printer?
    • Is the feature enabled? AirPrint (for iOS) or Mopria (for Android).

    If the problem persists, reinstall the application or restart the printer.

    📶 Can I connect the Canon MG3640 to a public network (for example, in a cafe)?

    Technically yes, but:

    • Many public networks require authorization through a browser (the printer does not support this).
    • The network must operate at a frequency 2.4 GHz and use WPA2-PSK.
    • IP addresses may change dynamically, which will lead to connection interruptions.

    We recommend using USB cable or mobile hotspot (hotspot) from your phone.

    🔧 Where can I download drivers for the Canon MG3640?

    Official drivers:

    ⚠️ Do not download drivers from third-party websites - they may contain viruses!

    📖 Read also

    How to network a printer via Wi-Fi: a complete guide A step-by-step guide to connecting a printer to a Wi-Fi router. Windows, macOS, and static setup. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M125rnw: Wi-Fi and Driver Setup Step-by-step instructions: how to connect the HP 125rnw MFP to a Wi-Fi router, install drivers, and configure How to Print from Your Phone to an HP Device via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide A detailed guide: how to connect an HP printer to Wi-Fi and print from Android and iPhone. Setting up AirPrint, HP DeskJet Plus 4120: Step-by-step Wi-Fi connection Complete instructions for setting up the HP DeskJet Plus 4120 via Wi-Fi. Setup WPS, HP Smart, direct printing How to connect a printer to your phone via Wi-Fi: step-by-step instructions Learn how to set up printing from Android/iOS to a printer via Wi-Fi: choosing protocols, troubleshooting errors How to connect a Brother printer via Wi-Fi: step-by-step instructions A complete guide to setting up wireless connections for Brother printers. Troubleshooting drive issues.