Modern technologies allow you to control home appliances without unnecessary wires, and wireless connection printer is one of the most popular solutions for comfort. Model Canon PIXMA MG3640 The MFP is a popular multifunctional device that supports local network operation, allowing you to print documents from multiple computers or smartphones simultaneously. However, initial setup of the connection between the router and the MFP often presents difficulties for users unfamiliar with the technical nuances of protocol interaction.
In this article, we will examine in detail all possible ways to activate the wireless module, starting from the standard procedure through the control panel and ending with the use of technology WPSYou'll learn how to correctly interpret blinking indicators, what to do if the device doesn't detect your network, and how to use the mobile app for remote printing. Proper setup Wi-Fi will open access to cloud services and significantly expand the functionality of your device.
Before you start manipulating the buttons, you need to make sure that your equipment is ready for use. Make sure that router The printer is turned on and serving internet, and the printer itself is filled with ink and has paper in the tray. It's also important that the computer or smartphone you plan to use for setup has the necessary drivers or app installed. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY.
⚠️ Attention: Before you begin setup, make sure your router operates in the 2.4 GHz band. Model Canon MG3640 does not support modern 5 GHz networks, and if your router only broadcasts this range or hides the network name (SSID), connection will be impossible.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The success of the procedure directly depends on the correct preparation. Many users skip the frequency compatibility check, which leads to endless connection attempts without success. router must support IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards, which are the basic ones for this printer model.
It's also worth paying attention to the encryption type. The device works most reliably with security protocols. WPA2-PSK (AES)If your network uses outdated or corporate security methods (such as WEP or WPA-Enterprise), the printer may fail authentication. In such cases, we recommend temporarily changing your router settings or creating a guest network with appropriate settings.
The location of the equipment plays a critical role in signal quality. Although Canon MG3640 Since the MFP has a built-in antenna, metal objects, microwaves, and thick walls can significantly weaken the signal. For initial setup, it is recommended to place the MFP no more than 1-2 meters from the signal source.
- 📡 Make sure the power indicator on your router is solid and not blinking, which may indicate network congestion.
- 🔌 Disconnect the printer from the USB cable if it was connected to the computer for a previous driver installation.
- 📱 Charge your mobile device or make sure your laptop is in an area with a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Standard connection procedure via the control panel
The primary method for activating wireless mode is directly from the buttons on the device's body. On the front panel Canon MG3640 There's a button marked with a smartphone or wireless network icon. Clicking it starts a search for available connections.
To enter setup mode, press and hold the specified button for a few seconds until the power indicator starts flashing. Then press the button Black (black and white copying) or Color (color copy) to confirm your connection method selection. In this case, we're interested in the Wi-Fi button option.
⚠️ Attention: Don't release the Wi-Fi button too quickly. The power indicator should blink but remain lit. If the indicator goes out, setup mode hasn't been activated, and you'll need to repeat the procedure.
Once setup mode is activated, the wireless network (Wi-Fi) indicator will begin flashing at a regular interval. This means the printer is waiting for a command from your computer or smartphone. You can now proceed to the software setup portion of your device.
☑️ Check before connection
Using WPS technology for quick setup
The easiest way to establish communication between devices without entering a password is the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)This method is ideal for those who don't want to search through complicated menus in the router interface or manually enter a long security key.
To implement this method, your router must have a physical WPS button or a corresponding function in the web interface. On the printer Canon MG3640 You need to press and hold the Wi-Fi button until the power indicator flashes once. Then, within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the router.
If the connection is established successfully, the Wi-Fi and power indicators on the printer will be solid. If the Wi-Fi indicator continues to flash or flashes along with the alarm indicator, the connection has failed. This may be due to a timeout or hardware incompatibility.
| Status of indicators | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi is blinking slowly | Setup mode active | Run a printer search on your PC |
| Wi-Fi is constantly on | The network is connected | You can start printing. |
| Wi-Fi and Alarm are flashing | Connection error | Check your router password and settings |
| All indicators are on | Recovery mode | Turn the device off and on |
What to do if there is no WPS button on the router?
Access your router settings via a browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find the Wireless or Wi-Fi section, and enable WPS software. Then repeat the process on the printer.
Setup via computer using USB cable
Sometimes the wireless "out of thin air" method doesn't work the first time, especially if the network has a lot of interference or a complex security structure. In such cases USB cable becomes a lifesaving tool for initially transferring Wi-Fi settings to the printer.
You will need the installation disk that came with it. Canon MG3640, or the driver downloaded from the official website. During the software installation, select the "Wireless LAN connection" option. The program will prompt you to connect the device via cable for configuration.
After connecting the cable and launching the setup program, the setup wizard will automatically retrieve your network information (SSID and password) and transfer it to the printer's memory. Once the process is complete, you can disconnect the cable, and the device will switch to wireless mode.
- 💻 Use a high-quality USB cable no longer than 1.5 meters to avoid signal loss during data transfer.
- 🚫 Do not connect the cable until the setup program explicitly asks you to do so.
- 🔄 After successful setup, delete temporary installation files if they are not needed for further work.
Mobile printing and the Canon PRINT app
Smartphone and tablet owners will appreciate the ability to print photos and documents directly from their mobile device. Canon has developed a free app for this purpose. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, available for iOS and Android platforms.
When you first launch the app, you'll be prompted to add a new printer. If your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the one you previously set up, Canon MG3640, the program will automatically detect the device. If the printer isn't yet configured, the app can help you complete the initial configuration via Bluetooth or direct Wi-Fi.
The app's functionality isn't limited to printing. The interface Canon PRINT You can monitor ink levels in cartridges, clean nozzles, scan documents, and send them by email. This turns your smartphone into a fully functional remote control for the MFP.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting connection errors
Even if you follow all the instructions, situations may arise where the printer refuses to see the network or constantly loses connection. One common cause is changing the Wi-Fi password or updating the router firmware, after which security settings could have changed.
If the Wi-Fi light is blinking but there's no connection, try resetting the printer's network settings. To do this, press and hold the Wi-Fi button until the power light blinks twice. This will reset the network module to factory settings, after which you can start the setup process again.
It's also worth checking if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router. Each network adapter has a unique identifier. If the router has a strict whitelist (list of allowed devices), the new printer simply won't be allowed onto the network, even with the correct password.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and firmware versions may vary. If you can't find the setting you need, consult your router manufacturer's documentation or contact your ISP's technical support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Canon MG3640 connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Unfortunately, the model Canon MG3640 The device doesn't have a full keyboard or screen for manually entering the hidden network name (SSID). It can only connect to visible networks, whose names are broadcast by the router. You'll need to temporarily enable SSID display in the router settings, connect the printer, and then hide the network again (although in some cases, the printer may lose connection after hiding the network).
Why won't my printer connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Wireless communication module installed in Canon MG3640, only supports the 2.4 GHz frequency standard. This is a technical limitation of budget models. If your router combines both bands under one name, try separating them into different names in the router settings (for example, "MyWiFi" and "MyWiFi_5G") and connect the printer to the network without the 5G adapter.
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
The easiest way is to print a network connection report. Press and hold the Stop/Reset button until the alarm indicator flashes once, then release. The printer will print a technical information page showing the current IP address.
Do I need to reconfigure Wi-Fi after replacing cartridges?
No, replacing consumables does not affect network settings. However, if you accidentally turn off the printer using the power button or unplug the power cord for an extended period during the replacement process, the settings may be lost. In rare cases, a full reset (not related to cartridges) will require reconfiguring the network.