Setting up wireless printing is a process that significantly simplifies document management in a home office. Instead of searching for extra cables or transferring files on a flash drive, you can send print jobs directly from your smartphone or laptop, from anywhere in the house. Models in the series Canon PIXMA MG3640s They are extremely popular due to their accessibility and functionality, but the initial activation of the Wi-Fi module often raises questions among users.
Modern routers operate in various frequency ranges, and printers sometimes "don't see" the network due to security settings or frequency ranges. In this article, we'll cover all the nuances of pairing a device with a router in detail, focusing on the method. WPS and manual setup via a computer. Correctly completing each step ensures a stable signal and no errors in the print queue.
Before you begin programming, you need to make sure that the hardware is physically ready. Make sure that cartridges Installed, and the protective tape removed from all internal mechanisms. Only after the initial calibration cycle is complete, when the power indicator stops flashing and lights up steadily, should you proceed with network settings.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step is to check the compatibility of your wireless network with the MFP's technical requirements. Printers in this series, like many budget devices, most often only support the standard. 802.11 b/g/n and operate exclusively in the range 2.4 GHzIf your router only broadcasts on the 5 GHz band or uses complex corporate encryption protocols, automatic connection may not work.
It's also important to check the status of the indicators on the control panel. On the front panel of the device, there's a button with a smartphone image or a Wi-Fi icon. Pressing it activates search mode or displays the current connection status. If the power indicator is blinking, it means printing, cleaning, or updating the firmware is in progress—the device should not be interrupted during this time.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your router doesn't use MAC address filtering in blocking mode. If this protection is enabled, you'll need to whitelist the printer's address first through the router's web interface.
For successful synchronization, you will need the following data, which is best prepared in advance:
- 📶 The exact name of your wireless network (SSID), case-sensitive.
- 🔑 The Wi-Fi network password, which must be entered without errors or extra spaces.
- 💻 A computer or smartphone connected to the same network to which you plan to connect the printer.
- 🔌 A stable power supply is essential, as power surges can interrupt the recording of network settings in the device's memory.
Quick connection method via WPS
The easiest way to establish communication between devices is technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)It allows you to transfer the network password automatically, without having to manually enter it on a device that doesn't have a full screen. This method is ideal if you don't want to mess with drivers at the outset or are setting up printing from a smartphone.
The process is as follows: find the button with the inscription on the router body WPS or the corresponding icon (two arrows forming a circle). Press and hold it for 2-3 seconds until the WPS indicator on the router starts flashing. Immediately after that, within two minutes, press the button Wi-Fi on the Canon MG3640s printer control panel and hold it until the power light flashes once, then release.
The device will begin searching for a signal and attempting to authenticate. The Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will blink, and once a successful connection has been established, it will turn solid blue. If the indicator continues to blink or remains orange, the connection was unsuccessful. In this case, try repeating the process, ensuring you wait within the two-minute time limit.
☑️ WPS Readiness Check
Setup via computer using USB cable
If automatic methods fail, the most reliable option is to configure the printer via a PC using a temporary USB cable. This method allows Canon's software to automatically read your network settings and program them into the printer's Wi-Fi module. To do this, you'll need to download the full package of drivers and utilities from the manufacturer's official website.
Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted to select a connection type, select Wireless LANAt a certain point, the installer will ask you to connect the device via cable. Once connected, the software will transfer the network settings, and you can disconnect the cable—the printer will switch to wireless mode.
Sometimes the operating system may not immediately recognize the device in pairing mode. In such cases, it is recommended to check device Manager In Windows, if you see an unknown device with a yellow icon, try updating the drivers automatically or using Action -> Scan for hardware changes.
| Parameter | Meaning / Action | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Connection type | USB (temporary) | Type AB cable is required |
| Software | Canon IJ Network Tool | Included in the full driver package |
| Action | Transferring Wi-Fi settings | Automatic IP configuration |
| Result | Disconnecting the cable | Switching to Infrastructure mode |
What to do if the cable is not detected?
Use a different USB port, preferably located directly on the motherboard at the rear of the system unit. Avoid using USB hubs without external power.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
For mobile device users, Canon has developed a dedicated app. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYAvailable for iOS and Android, it not only lets you print photos and documents but also perform initial printer setup. This is especially convenient if you don't have a computer with an optical drive or USB port nearby.
After installing the app, launch it and click the "Add Printer" button. The app will request permission to use geolocation and local network data—this is required to search for devices in the Wi-Fi area. Follow the on-screen prompts: select your network from the list and enter the password.
It's important to note that during the setup process, the app may ask you to connect your smartphone to a temporary access point created by the printer itself. The name of this network usually includes the device model, for example, Canon_MG3600_seriesOnce you switch back to your home Wi-Fi, the configuration is complete.
⚠️ Note: On Android devices running version 10 and above, GPS (geolocation) must be enabled for the app to function properly. Without it, the Android security system will block scanning for available Wi-Fi networks.
Troubleshooting network visibility and driver issues
A common problem is when a computer "doesn't see" a printer on the network, even though both devices are connected to the same router. This is often due to Windows Firewall or antivirus settings that block incoming connections from unknown devices. You should add an exception for the print service or temporarily disable protection to test it.
It's also worth checking whether the "AP Isolation" feature is enabled on your router. If this feature is enabled, devices connected via Wi-Fi cannot communicate with each other, making wireless printing impossible. You can disable this option in your router's wireless settings.
If the driver is installed but printing isn't working, try clearing the print queue. To do this:
- 🖨️ Open Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.
- ❌ Find your Canon MG3640s, right-click and select "View print queue".
- 🗑️ In the Printer menu, select Clear Print Queue.
- 🔄 Restart the print service using the command
services.msc, finding the "Print Spooler" process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Canon MG3640s be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, this model is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router is broadcasting networks with the same name (SSID) for both bands, try separating them in the router settings or force the device to use the 2.4 GHz band.
What does the flashing orange Alarm light mean?
The orange "Alarm" indicator indicates an error. This could be out of paper, a paper jam, a missing cartridge, or an absorber overflow error. The number of blinks before a pause indicates a specific error code, which can be deciphered in the manual.
How do I reset my printer's network settings?
To reset the network settings to factory defaults, turn off the printer and then hold down the button Wi-Fi and, without releasing it, press the power button. Hold the Wi-Fi button until the power indicator flashes once, then release both buttons.
Why is my printer printing slowly over Wi-Fi?
Wireless printing speed depends on signal quality and channel congestion. Make sure there are no thick walls or sources of strong interference, such as microwave ovens, between the router and the printer. Speed may also drop when printing high-resolution photos.