Modern multifunctional devices of the series Pixma from the company Canon provide users with the ability to print documents and photos without being tied to a computer. Model MG3640S was no exception, offering a convenient Wi-Fi An interface for working on a home network. This allows you to print files directly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, located anywhere in your home.
Setting up a wireless connection may seem complicated at first glance. In fact, the manufacturer has provided several connection scenarios to meet the needs of different users. To successfully activate the function, be sure to make sure that your router operates in the 2.4 GHz range, as this model does not support the 5 GHz standard.
In this article, we'll cover all available methods for synchronizing your printer with your router. You'll learn how to use automatic setup, manual push-button connection, and specialized software. Following the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes and get your equipment up and running quickly.
Preparing to set up a wireless network
Before you begin any adjustments, you must perform some basic hardware preparation. Make sure the printer is Canon MG3640S Plugged in and ready to use. The power indicator should be solid and the paper tray should be pulled out.
You will also need to know the parameters of your home network. This is the network name (SSID) and a password for access. Without this information, automatic connection may fail, and you will have to enter the information manually. This information is usually found on a sticker on the back of the router.
☑️ Equipment preparation
It's important to check the distance between the router and the printer. If they are too far apart or there are many concrete walls between them, the signal may be unstable. In this case, timeouts and connection errors may occur during setup.
⚠️ Caution: If the printer's error indicator is on or the alarm light is flashing, please troubleshoot the problem first (replace the ink cartridge, clear the paper jam) before attempting to set up the network.
Direct connection method via Wi-Fi button
The fastest way to connect Canon MG3640S with a router is the use of technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method works if your router also supports this feature and has a corresponding physical button. The process takes just a couple of minutes and doesn't require a password.
Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer control panel until the power light starts flashing. Then press the button Direct (or the button with the image of a smartphone) to activate search mode. The network indicator should turn blue, indicating that you're in setup mode.
What should I do if the WPS button on my router won't press?
Some routers don't have a physical WPS button, but the function can be activated through the device's web interface. Access the router settings via a browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find the Wireless or Wi-Fi section, and press the virtual WPS button. Then, repeat the process on the printer within 2 minutes.
Within two minutes of activating the printer's WPS mode, press the WPS button on your router. A single, short press is usually sufficient. The device will begin searching for and automatically exchange encryption keys. A successful connection is confirmed by a steady Wi-Fi indicator on the MFP's panel.
If automatic connection fails, the indicator may flash orange. In this case, try repeating the process, making sure you press the buttons on both devices within the correct time frame. Sometimes it takes several attempts to sync.
Manual setup via control panel
If your router doesn't support WPS or you prefer to enter data, use the standard setup procedure. On the panel Canon Pixma MG3640S you need to press the button Wi-Fi and hold it until the indicator Power does not blink once. Then press the button Color or Blackto start the setup mode.
After that, click the button Wi-Fi again, and then the button DirectThe printer will enter connection standby mode. During this stage, the device creates a temporary network or waits for input. To enter the password, you will most likely need a computer or smartphone connected to the same network, or use the PC display if the drivers are already installed.
⚠️ Important: When entering your password manually, pay attention to the case of letters. The system distinguishes between uppercase and lowercase characters; a single letter error will result in access being denied.
In some cases, especially during initial setup, you may need to use a USB cable to transfer the initial network settings. Connect the printer to your computer, run the installation disc or downloaded driver. Select "Wireless LAN Connection" in the installation menu and follow the wizard's instructions.
Once the settings have been successfully transferred, you can disconnect the USB cable. The printer will save the received data and attempt to connect to the specified access point. You can always check the connection status by printing a network settings report, as discussed below.
Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
For owners of mobile devices based on Android And iOS The most convenient way to set up is the official application Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYThis method allows you to connect your printer to Wi-Fi directly from your smartphone, bypassing complex computer menus. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
Launch the app and click the add printer icon (usually a plus sign in the corner of the screen). The program will prompt you to select your device model from the list. Find it in the list. Canon PIXMA MG3640SThe application will automatically proceed to the connection setup stage.
Follow the instructions on your smartphone screen. You will need to:
- 📱 Select your home Wi-Fi network from the list provided.
- 🔑 Enter the network password (if it is not filled in automatically).
- 🖨️ Wait for the device registration process to complete.
- ✅ Confirm a successful connection when the printer indicator turns blue.
The advantage of this method is that once set up, you have full control over the device. You can not only print documents, but also scan images directly to your phone's memory and check ink levels in real time.
Checking connection status and printing a report
After completing all the procedures, you need to ensure that the connection is stable. The most reliable diagnostic method is to print a network settings report. This will allow you to visually confirm the correct parameters and view the device's IP address.
To print a report, press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer's control panel until the power light flashes once. Then press the button Color (colored) or Black (black). The device will print a page with technical information.
In the received report, please pay attention to the following fields:
| Parameter | Value on success | Error value |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Connection | Active | Inactive |
| Signal Strength | Good / Fair | Poor / None |
| IP Address | 192.168.x.x | 0.0.0.0 |
| SSID | Your network name | Not specified |
If the IP address column shows zeros or the connection status is inactive, the printer hasn't received an address from the router. In this case, check the DHCP settings on the router or try rebooting both devices. Sometimes, temporarily disabling MAC address filtering on the router helps.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you follow the instructions exactly, technical difficulties may arise. Often, the problem lies in your router's security settings. Make sure Wi-Fi client isolation, which prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other, isn't enabled. Also, check your printer. MG3640S may not see the network if the SSID (network name) is hidden.
Another common cause of network outages is channel congestion. If multiple neighboring networks in an apartment building are operating on the same channel, the signal may be unstable. Try changing the broadcast channel in your router settings to 1, 6, or 11 to find the least congested one.
If all else fails, reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. To do this, press and hold the button Wi-Fi until the indicator Power does not blink, then press the button Stop (red triangle in a circle). After this, you will have to go through the setup procedure again.
Why doesn't the printer see the 5 GHz network?
The Canon MG3640S is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. Modern routers often broadcast two networks: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Make sure you are trying to connect the device to the 2.4 GHz network. If the network names are the same, try temporarily separating them in the router settings by adding "_2.4" to the name.
Is it possible to connect a printer without a computer?
Yes, it's possible. Using the WPS method or the Canon PRINT app on your smartphone, you can set up Wi-Fi completely without a PC. However, for the initial driver installation on your computer (if you plan to print from there), you'll still need to use a USB cable or software disc.
What does a blinking orange Wi-Fi light mean?
Orange blinking usually indicates a connection error or low signal strength. If the indicator blinks slowly, the connection is in progress. If it blinks quickly and continuously, the connection was unsuccessful. Check the password, distance to the router, and security settings.
Do I need to change my firewall settings when connecting?
On most home networks, the default Windows firewall or antivirus settings won't block the printer. However, if you're on a corporate network or have strict security rules, you may need to add an exception for printing ports (usually port 9100) or allow the Canon app in your firewall.