How to connect a Canon Pixma MG3640S printer to Wi-Fi: instructions with photos and tips

Multifunctional device Canon Pixma MG3640S — a popular model among home users thanks to its compact size, high-quality printing, and wireless support. However, connecting to Wi-Fi is often challenging: the printer fails to find the network, constantly loses connection, or requires reconfiguration after a router update. In this article, we'll cover all connection methods. MG3640S to Wi-Fi, including manual setup, using WPS and troubleshooting common errors.

This model's unique feature is the lack of a screen, which makes menu navigation difficult. However, even without a display, the connection process takes no more than 5-7 minutes if you know the steps. We'll describe each step in detail, cover setup on various devices (Windows, macOS, Android), and explain why the printer might not be able to see your network. For your convenience, the article includes interactive checklists, compatibility tables and spoilers with additional tips.

If you have already tried to connect MG3640S and encountered errors like E04 (connection problems) or 5100 (print head error), don't rush to take your printer to a service center. In 80% of cases, the problem can be resolved by rebooting the router or changing the Wi-Fi channel. Now let's get to practice!

1. Preparing for connection: what to check before starting setup

Before you begin connecting, make sure your network meets the printer's requirements. Canon Pixma MG3640S supports networks only 2.4 GHz - if your router is operating in mode 5 GHz or 2.4+5 GHz (dual mode), the printer simply won't see it. Also check:

• 📡 Encryption type: The printer is only compatible with WPA/WPA2-PSKIf you have WEP or WPA3, change the router settings.
• 🔋 Printer power supply: Plug it into a power outlet and wait until the power indicator stops blinking (green).
• 📱 Tuning device: Prepare a laptop, smartphone, or PC connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you will connect the printer.
• 🖨️ Drivers: Download the latest version of the software from official Canon website (section "Support → MG3640S").

Important: If your router uses a hidden SSID (the network name isn't broadcast), the printer won't be able to connect automatically. Temporarily enable network visibility in your router settings.

⚠️ AttentionWi-Fi router settings may vary depending on the model and firmware. If you're unsure of your network settings (for example, don't know the encryption type), check the router's web interface at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (logins/passwords are usually indicated on the device sticker).

Make sure your router is operating in 2.4 GHz mode|

Check network encryption type (must be WPA/WPA2)|

Connect the printer to a power outlet and wait until it is ready|

Download drivers for MG3640S from the official website|

Prepare a device (PC/smartphone) connected to the same network-->

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

If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) connection takes less than a minute. This method doesn't require entering a network password—just press a button on the router and printer. Instructions:

1. Make sure the WPS light on your router (usually marked with a 🔄 or 🔒 icon) is on.
2. On the printer MG3640S hold down the button Wi-Fi (with the antenna icon) for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.
3. For 2 minutes Press the WPS button on the router. The printer's indicator light should turn green, indicating a successful connection.

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

• 🕒 The time between button presses exceeded 2 minutes.
• 🔌 The router does not support WPS (check the device manual).
• 🔄 WPS is disabled in the router's security settings.

⚠️ AttentionSome ISPs disable WPS by default for security reasons. If the button on your router doesn't respond, go to the web interface and enable it manually (under "Wi-Fi → WPS").

3. Method 2: Manual connection via printer buttons

If WPS doesn't work or your router doesn't support it, use the manual method. To do this, you'll need exact network name (SSID) and password. Instructions:

1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer until the indicator starts flashing blue (about 3 seconds).
2. Press the button briefly Black and white copy (with the document icon), then the button Wi-Fi Once again. The indicator will start blinking faster, indicating that the printer is ready for data input.
3. Now you need to enter the network name and password. To do this:

Here comes the difficulty: MG3640S There is no screen, so data entry is done using "dot" method (Similar to typing SMS on older phones). Each letter or number corresponds to a certain number of keystrokes:

• 🔤 Letters: for example, to enter "A" press the button 2 1 time, for "B" - 2 times, for "C" - 3 times.
• 🔢 Numbers: press the appropriate button (for example, 1 for the number "1").
• 🔑 Symbols: To enter "@" or other characters, use the button * (the number of clicks depends on the position of the symbol in the list).

A complete table of button and symbol correspondence can be found in user manual (Wireless Setup section). After entering the SSID, click OK (check mark button), then repeat the process for the password.

⚠️ Attention: If your password contains capital letters, press the button before entering them. once (this switches the case). To return to lowercase letters, press again.

How to speed up password entry?

If your password is long (more than 10 characters), use an alternative method:

1. Connect the printer to your PC via USB.

2. Launch the Canon IJ Network Tool setup program (included with the drivers).

3. Select the "Wireless network setup" option and enter the data through the program interface.

This will save time and eliminate errors during manual entry.

4. Method 3: Connecting via a computer (Windows/macOS)

The most reliable way is to use Canon IJ Network Tool Or the standard driver installation wizard. This method is suitable if the printer is already connected to the PC via USB, but you want to switch it to Wi-Fi. Step-by-step instructions:

For Windows:

1. Connect the printer to your computer via a USB cable (included).
2. Install the drivers from the official Canon website (select the version for your OS).
3. Run the program Canon IJ Network Tool (You can find it in the Start menu or on your desktop).
4. In the program window, select your printer (MG3640S) and press Setting up.
5. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list, enter the password and follow the wizard's prompts.

For macOS:

1. Connect the printer via USB and install the drivers from the Canon website.
2. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
3. Click +, select MG3640S and in the menu Use please indicate Canon IJ Network.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to Wi-Fi.

After successful setup, disconnect the USB cable; the printer should remain online and available for printing via Wi-Fi.

Via WPS|

Manually via the device menu|

Using a computer/smartphone|

Calling a specialist | Another way-->

5. Connecting via smartphone (Android/iOS)

If you don't have a computer at hand, you can set it up using a mobile app. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYIt is free and available in Google Play And App StoreInstructions:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Click Add a printer → Setting up a new printer.
3. Select Wireless setup and follow the prompts on the screen.
4. When the app asks, press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer until the indicator starts flashing.
5. Enter your Wi-Fi network password in the app.

If the printer is not found, check:

• 📶 Wi-Fi signal strength (the app may not see the printer if the signal is weak).
• 🔄 Restart your printer and smartphone.
• 📱 Update the app to the latest version.

6. Solving common connection problems

Even after successful setup Canon Pixma MG3640S may lose Wi-Fi connection or fail to print over the network. Let's look at common errors and how to fix them:

🔴 Error E04 (connection problems)

This error appears if the printer cannot connect to the network. Solutions:

• 🔄 Restart the printer and router (turn them off for 30 seconds, then turn them back on).
• 📡 Check if your Wi-Fi password has changed (if so, set up the printer again).
• 📶 Move the printer closer to the router (the distance should not exceed 10 meters).

🔴 Error 5100 (print head error)

While this error is mechanical, it can sometimes be caused by connection issues. Try:

• 🖨️ Turn off the printer, unplug it for 1 minute, then turn it back on.
• 🔌 Connect the printer to the router via an Ethernet cable (if supported) and check if the error disappears.
• 📄 Run a test print through the printer menu (hold the button Cancel 5 seconds).

🔴 The printer is not visible on the network

If your computer or smartphone does not find the printer after connecting:

• 🖥️ On your PC, check if the drivers for network printing are installed (there should be no exclamation marks next to the drivers in the Device Manager) MG3640S).
• 🔧 Disable this feature in your router settings Isolation of clients (AP Isolation), if enabled.
• 🌐 Make sure that the printer and the device you are printing from are on the same subnet (for example, both have IP addresses like 192.168.0.x).

⚠️ Attention: If you use guest network On the router, the printer won't be able to connect to it—the guest network is usually isolated from local devices. Switch to the main network.

7. Optimize Wi-Fi for stable printer operation

To Canon Pixma MG3640S To ensure that your router doesn't lose connection and responds quickly to printing tasks, configure it as follows:

• 📶 Wi-Fi channel: Use channels 1, 6, or 11 (they are less susceptible to interference). Avoid automatic channel selection.
• 🔄 Opening hours: install 802.11n (or 802.11b/g/n). Mode 802.11ac not supported.
• 📡 Signal strength: If the printer is far from the router, increase the transmission power in the router settings (option Transmit Power).
• 🔒 Security: Disable MAC address filtering - it may be blocking the printer.

It is also recommended to secure IP address printer on the network so that it doesn't change when you reboot the router. To do this:

1. Find out the MAC address of the printer (printed on the sticker on the back or in the network setup menu).
2. Go to the router's web interface and find the section DHCP → Address Reservation.
3. Add a new rule by specifying the printer's MAC address and the desired IP (e.g. 192.168.0.100).

8. Alternative connection methods (if Wi-Fi doesn't work)

If you are unable to set up a wireless connection, consider alternative options:

🔌 USB connection

The most reliable, but least convenient method. Suitable for continuous printing from a single computer. Simply connect the printer to the PC via cable and install the drivers. The downside is that you can't print from smartphones or other devices.

🔌 Ethernet connection (if supported)

Some modifications MG3640S (For example, office versions) have an Ethernet port. If so, connect the printer to the router with a cable—this will ensure the most stable connection.

📱 Cloud Printing (Canon PRINT Service)

If your printer is connected to Wi-Fi but not visible on your local network, use cloud printing:

1. Register your printer with the service Canon PRINT Service via the app.
2. Upload the document to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) and send it to print via the app.

The downside is dependence on internet speed and possible delays.

⚠️ AttentionWhen connecting via USB, disconnect the printer from Wi-Fi to avoid conflicts. Otherwise, the device may become stuck between the two connection types.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 Why can't my printer find my Wi-Fi network even though I have one?

Most likely, your router is operating in mode 5 GHz or uses WPA3Switch to . 2.4 GHz with encryption WPA2-PSKAlso check if the network SSID is hidden.

🔹 Can I connect the MG3640S to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes, use it. WPS button on the router or set up the printer via Canon PRINT mobile app (available for Android and iOS).

🔹 How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings?

Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer within 10 secondsuntil the indicator starts flashing orange. This will reset all network settings.

🔹 Why does my printer connect to Wi-Fi but not print?

Check:

• Are the drivers installed on the computer?
• Is your firewall or antivirus software blocking printing?
• Are there any errors on the printer itself (for example, E04 or 5100).

🔹 Can I connect the MG3640S to a public network (for example, in a cafe)?

No, the printer does not support networks with web authorization (where you need to enter your login/password through a browser). It only works with password-protected home networks. WPA/WPA2.