How to Enable Wi-Fi on a Canon MG3640 Printer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a wireless connection on modern office equipment often turns into a stress test for the user, especially when it comes to popular models of the series Pixma. Device Canon MG3640 It's one of the best-selling home MFPs, but the lack of a display with a full menu makes initial network configuration difficult. You'll need to follow the steps precisely, as any missed step could result in a connection error.

In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of activation Wi-Fi module, from resetting old settings to connecting via WPS and manually entering router parameters. Understanding the logic behind the power and wireless indicators will help you avoid common errors. We'll cover both standard methods and solutions to specific issues that arise when working with different operating systems.

Equipment preparation and compatibility testing

Before starting the setup procedure, you need to make sure that your network equipment is ready to work with peripherals. Router The device must be turned on, working properly, and transmitting a signal within range of the printer. The distance between the device and the access point must not exceed reasonable limits, otherwise the signal will be too weak for stable printing.

Make sure you know the password for your wireless network, as you'll need to enter it. If you've never changed the router's factory settings, the information is usually found on a sticker on the bottom of the device. Also, make sure the computer or smartphone you'll be using to configure it has the driver or app installed. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY.

4 GHz. If your router operates exclusively in the 5 GHz band or has separate networks with different names, the printer will not see the network. In this case, you need to go to the router settings and enable legacy mode support or combine the networks under a single name.

⚠️ Note: Some antivirus programs and firewalls may block printer detection on the local network. We recommend temporarily disabling protection or adding an exception for Canon devices during setup.

Gather all the necessary information in one place to avoid distractions. This will save time and stress, especially if the router is in another room.

Resetting the printer's network settings

If the device was previously connected to a different network or the router settings were changed, the old profile may conflict with the new connection. Resetting the network settings restores LAN parameters to the factory default, which is a mandatory step before a new configuration. This action does not affect other MFP settings, such as region or paper type.

To perform a reset, you must perform the following sequence of actions using the buttons on the control panel:

  • 🔘 Click the button Stop/Reset (Stop/Reset) and hold it until the alarm indicator flashes.

  • 🔘 Immediately after this, press the power button to activate the device.

  • 🔘 Press and hold the button Stop/Reset until the power indicator flashes a certain number of times (usually 15-16 times for a full reset).

  • 🔘 Release the button and wait for the printer to complete the initialization procedure.

After a successful reset, the wireless indicator should start blinking, indicating that the device is searching for a network or is ready to be configured. If the indicator remains solid, old data is still stored in memory, and the reset process needs to be repeated more precisely.

Make sure the ink tanks are installed and the scanner lid is closed tightly, as some models block network functions if the lid is open or if there are no ink cartridges.

WPS method: quick connection without password

The easiest way to activate Wi-Fi connection One way to do this is to use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) technology. This method allows you to transfer network settings automatically, without having to manually enter a complex password on your computer or smartphone. However, your router must also support this feature and have a corresponding physical or software button.

The connection process is as follows:

  1. Click the button Wi-Fi on the printer control panel and hold it until the power light flashes once.
  2. Click the button Colored (Color) or Black and White (Black) to confirm your selection.
  3. Click the button Wi-Fi again, after which the power indicator should start blinking.
  4. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router.

If everything went well, the indicators Wi-Fi The printer's power and network indicators will stop blinking and turn solid. This means the IP address has been acquired and a connection to the router has been established. If the indicators continue to blink or remain lit erratically, the timeout has expired or the router has not responded to the request.

⚠️ Note: The WPS function may be disabled in your router's default security settings. If the button on the router doesn't respond, check the router's web interface and enable WPS there.

📊 Which connection method do you prefer?
WPS (automatic)
Manual password entry
Via USB cable
I can't connect

It's worth noting that the WPS method does not work with all types of encryption, although it has been the de facto standard for home networks for many years.

Manual setup via the Wireless Connect button

If automatic connection does not work, you can use the function Wireless Connect, which allows you to transfer settings directly from your smartphone. This requires a mobile device with the app installed. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYThis method is especially convenient when you need to connect a printer to a hidden network or a network with non-standard parameters.

The algorithm of actions for activating the direct connection mode:

  • 📱 Will convince!
  • 📱 Click the button Wi-Fi on the printer and hold it until the direct connection indicator appears (usually the network indicator is blinking).
  • 📱 Open the app on your smartphone and select to add a new printer.
  • 📱 Follow the instructions on your mobile device's screen to transfer the router settings.

The printer may make some mechanical noise while transferring data; this is normal. After setup is complete, the device will automatically attempt to connect to the specified network. If the password was entered incorrectly, the error indicator on the control panel will flash.

☑️ Checklist for a successful connection

Completed: 0 / 4

Sometimes you need to repeat the procedure several times if the Wi-Fi signal at the location where the printer is installed is unstable or interrupted.

Setup via USB cable and computer

The classic setup method involves using a USB cable to initially transfer network configurations. This method is considered the most reliable, as the computer directly communicates accurate network information to the printer, eliminating manual input errors. You will need an installation disc or a driver downloaded from the official website for your model. MG3640.

During software installation, select the connection type Wireless LANWhen the installer prompts you to connect the cable, do so. The program will automatically retrieve the network settings from the operating system and transfer them to the printer's memory. After confirming successful transfer, you can disconnect the cable.

The table below shows a comparison of connection methods by key parameters:

Parameter WPS Mobile application USB cable
Complexity Low Average High
Need a PC No No (you need a smartphone) Yes
Speed Fast Average Slowly
Reliability Average High Maximum

The choice of method depends on your preferences and the availability of the necessary devices. For office environments, the USB method or manual configuration via a web interface are most commonly used.

What should I do if my computer doesn't see my printer via USB?

Make sure the cable is intact and no longer than 2 meters. Try connecting the cable to a different USB port, preferably directly to the motherboard rather than through a hub. Also, check Device Manager for any unknown devices with an exclamation mark.

After successful setup via cable, the device may require a reboot to apply all network settings.

Troubleshooting and Advanced Settings

Even with proper setup, situations may arise when the printer Canon MG3640 The router loses connection or doesn't respond to print requests. Often, the problem stems from a router changing the IP address or an address conflict on the local network. In such cases, printing a network settings report, which contains the current IP address and connection status, can help.

To print the report, click the button Stop/Reset Press and hold the button until the alarm indicator flashes, then release. The printer will display a technical information page. Compare the information there with your network settings. If the connection status shows "Disconnected," you will need to repeat the connection procedure.

A common problem is changing the Wi-Fi channel on the router. Printers in this series don't work well with channels higher than 11. If your router automatically switches to channel 12 or 13, the printer may simply not see the network, even if the password is correct. In this case, you need to go to the router settings and hard-code the channel between 1 and 11.

⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and driver versions are subject to update. If the steps described do not match your interface, please refer to your network equipment manufacturer's documentation for more details.

Regularly checking for printer firmware updates through the official Canon website can resolve known network connection issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is the Wi-Fi indicator blinking and not staying on?

A blinking light means the printer is in setup mode or is attempting to connect to the network but is unable to complete the process. Check the password you entered, make sure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network, and that the printer's MAC address isn't blocked in the router's security settings.

Can Canon MG3640 be connected to a 5GHz network?

No, model MG3640 Only supports the 802.11 b/g/n standard in the 2.4 GHz band. To connect to a modern router, make sure it has mixed mode support enabled or a separate 2.4 GHz guest network created.

How to find out the printer's IP address after connection?

Press and hold the button Stop/Reset until the alarm indicator flashes, then release. The printer will print a network settings report, which will show the current IP address in the format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx.

The printer sees the network, but it says "Connection Error." What's wrong?

The issue is most likely related to the encryption type. Make sure your router is set to the WPA2-PSK (AES) security standard. Older encryption methods like WEP or WPA-TKIP may not be supported or may work intermittently with this device.