How to Connect a Canon MG3640S Printer to Your Phone via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Error Fixes

Multifunctional device Canon PIXMA MG3640S remains a popular choice for home use thanks to its compact size and wireless printing support. However, many users encounter difficulties when trying to connect the printer to a smartphone via Wi-Fi—especially when setting it up for the first time or changing networks. In this article, we'll look at all possible connection methods (including direct printing without a router), we will look at typical errors and give specific recommendations for Android and iOS.

It's important to understand that the connection process depends not only on the printer model, but also on the firmware version, the phone's operating system, and even the router manufacturer. For example, Canon MG3640S supports Wi-Fi standards 802.11 b/g/n, but may not work correctly with networks at a frequency 5 GHz or when turned on WPA3We've taken these nuances into account and compiled up-to-date solutions that will help avoid hours of pointless device reboots.

If you have already tried to connect and received an error like "Unable to find printer" or Connection error 5011 — Don't rush to reset the settings. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved by changing one or two settings that most instructions "forget" to mention.

1. Preparing the printer Canon MG3640S to a wireless connection

Before connecting the printer to your phone, you need to make sure the device itself is ready to work on the network. Skipping this step is the main cause of errors like "The printer is not responding." or "Device out of range".

Let's start with basic checks:

  • 🔌 Power and indicatorsMake sure the printer is plugged in and the green power light is on. A blinking orange light indicates an error (such as a paper jam or missing cartridges).
  • 📡 Wi-Fi mode: Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (with the antenna icon) on the printer's control panel for 3 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing blue. This activates network search mode.
  • 📄 Test page: Print a self-diagnosis test page (hold down the Cancel 5 seconds). In the section Network Configuration Check if Wi-Fi is turned on (Wireless LAN: Active).

If the printer was previously connected to a different network, it must be reset network settingsTo do this:

  1. Turn off the printer.
  2. Press and hold the button Stop/Reset (red triangle) and, without releasing it, turn on the printer.
  3. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes 15 times. This indicates that the network settings have been reset.

2. Methods for connecting a printer to a phone via Wi-Fi

There are three main methods of connection Canon MG3640S with a smartphone. The choice depends on your needs and available equipment:

Connection method A router is required Print speed Suitable for
Via home Wi-Fi Yes High Constant use, printing from multiple devices
Direct connection (Wi-Fi Direct) No Average One-time tasks, no router
Via USB-OTG (adapter) No Low Accidents, old smartphones

Let's look at each method in detail, starting with the most reliable.

2.1. Connecting via home Wi-Fi (recommended method)

This method ensures a stable connection and allows printing from multiple devices simultaneously. This instruction is valid for routers that support WPA2-PSK (most modern models).

Setup steps:

  1. Activate Wi-Fi on the printer (the button with the antenna icon). The indicator light should blink. in blue - this means that the device is searching for networks.
  2. On your phone, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks. A network named CANON_XX:MG3600_series (where XX are the last digits of the printer's MAC address).
  3. Connect to this network. No password required.
  4. Open the browser on your phone and enter the address http://192.168.1.1 (or http://canon.com/ijsetup). The printer's web interface will open.
  5. Select your home Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password. The printer will reboot and connect to the router.

Make sure the Wi-Fi light on your printer is green|Check that your phone and printer are on the same network|Print a test page using the Canon app|Try printing from your phone-->

If after these steps the printer does not appear in the list of available devices for printing, check:

  • 🔄 Reboot your router: Sometimes the DHCP server does not assign an IP address to the printer.
  • 📶 Wi-Fi channel: If the router is operating on the channel 12–14, the printer may not see the network. Switch the channel 1–11.
  • 🔒 Security type: Canon MG3640S does not support WPA3In the router settings, select WPA2-PSK (AES).
📊 What type of router do you have at home?
TP-Link
ASUS
Keenetic
D-Link
Another

2.2. Direct connection (Wi-Fi Direct)

If you don't have a router or want to print on the go, use Wi-Fi Direct modeIn this case, the printer creates its own network, to which the phone connects.

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Canon MG3640S:

  1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing orange (this is the Wi-Fi Direct activation signal).
  2. On your phone, find the network with the name DIRECT-XX-MG3600_series (default password is 12345678, if you haven't changed it).
  3. Connect to this network. You can now print via the app. Canon PRINT or standard Android/iOS functions.

Limitations of this method:

  • 📵 No internet access on the phone while typing.
  • 📱 Only one device can be connected to the printer at the same time.
  • 🔋 Increased battery consumption smartphone due to a constant Wi-Fi connection.
What should I do if Wi-Fi Direct won't turn on?

If the indicator does not flash orange after holding the Wi-Fi button, check:

1. Printer firmware - update it through Canon IJ Network Tool on PC.

2. Regional settings — In some countries, Wi-Fi Direct is disabled by default (for example, in Japan). Reset the printer to factory settings.

3. Hardware failure — if the indicator does not respond at all, the Wi-Fi module may be damaged (a service center is required).

3. Setting up printing from your phone: apps and alternatives

Even after successfully connecting to Wi-Fi, the printer may not appear in the list of devices for printing. This is due to the fact that modern operating systems require additional software to work with Canon MG3640S.

Official apps from Canon:

  • 📱 Canon PRINT (Android/iOS)A full-featured solution for printing photos, documents, and scanning. Supports cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox).
  • 🖨️ Canon SELPHY: Optimized for printing photos from social networks.
  • 🌐 Canon IJ Network Tool: A PC utility, but it allows you to diagnose problems with connecting your printer to the network.

How to set up printing via Canon PRINT:

  1. Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
  2. Launch the application and select Add a printer.
  3. If the printer is not found automatically, click Manual search and enter its IP address (you can find out by printing the printer's network settings).
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Alternative printing methods without specialized applications:

  • 🖥️ Google Cloud Print (for Android): Requires pre-setup via a PC, but allows printing from any device via a Google account.
  • 📲 AirPrint (iOS): Canon MG3640S supports AirPrint, but only when connected via a router (does not work in Wi-Fi Direct mode).
  • 📎 Printing via USB-OTGConnect the printer to your phone via a USB-C to USB-A adapter. Your smartphone must support OTG.

4. Solving common connection errors

Even when following the instructions precisely, users still encounter errors. We've collected the most common problems and ways to eliminate them, based on feedback from owners MG3640S.

Error: "Unable to find printer" (code 5011, 5012, 1403)

  • 🔌 Check the power supply: Unplug the printer from the power outlet for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
  • 📶 Change Wi-Fi channel: Set a fixed channel in your router settings 6 or 9 (automatic selection may cause conflicts).
  • 🔄 Update the firmware: Outdated printer software is a common cause of connection errors. Download the latest version from official Canon website.

Error: "Printer offline" in the Canon PRINT app

  • 🌐 Check your IP address: Print the printer's network settings (Settings → Print report) and compare the IP with the address in the application.
  • 🔒 Disable your firewall: Antivirus or firewall on your phone/router may be blocking the connection.
  • 📡 Use a static IP: Assign a permanent IP address to the printer in the router settings (DHCP reservation).

Error: "Incorrect Wi-Fi password" (when connecting the printer to the router)

  • 🔑 Check the case of the characters: The password is case sensitive (for example, Password ≠ password).
  • 📜 Use WPSPress the WPS button on the router, then on the printer within 2 minutes. This bypasses manual password entry.
  • 🔄 Reset your router settings: If the password contains special characters (eg. #$, %), the printer may not recognize them. Change the password to a simple one (Latin characters + numbers).

1. Find out the printer's IP (print a network report).

2. In the phone's printing settings, select "Add a printer manually" → "IP printer".

3. Enter IP and select the driver Canon MG3600 series.-->

5. Optimizing Phone Printing: Tips for Speed ​​and Quality

After successfully connecting, many users experience slow printing or poor image quality. These issues are often related to phone or printer settings.

How to speed up printing from a mobile device:

  • 📶 Use 5 GHz (if supported): Despite the fact that MG3640S officially works only on 2.4 GHzSome firmware versions allow you to connect to dual-band routers. Try creating a separate network. 2.4 GHz with the same name.
  • 📱 Turn off traffic saving: On Android, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Traffic Saver and disable it for the application Canon PRINT.
  • 🖨️ Type in draft: In the print settings, select the mode Quick Print (Draft) - this will reduce the time by 30-40%.

How to improve the quality of photos:

  • 📸 Image resolution: Print photos with a resolution not lower than 150 dpi (optimally - 300 dpi).
  • 🎨 Color profile: In the printer settings, select Photo (Glossy) for glossy paper or Photo (Matte) for matte sheets.
  • 🔧 Color calibration: If the colors are distorted, please calibrate via Canon IJ Printer Utility on PC.

For regular printing from your phone, we recommend:

  • 📁 Create a shortcut: Add a widget on Android Canon PRINT to the home screen for quick access.
  • 🔄 Update software: Check for printer and app updates every 2-3 months.
  • 📡 Use a guest networkIf the printer is connected to the main network, but guests need to print, set up guest Wi-Fi on the router with access to the printer.

6. Security: How to protect your printer on a home network

Many users do not think about the printer security, but Canon MG3640S, like any network device, can become a target for attacks. For example, through firmware vulnerabilities, attackers can:

  • 🖨️ Print custom documents on your printer.
  • 📡 Connect to your Wi-Fi network through the printer.
  • 📄 Steal data from the print buffer (for example, passport scans).

How to protect your printer:

  • 🔒 Change the default password: Go to the printer's web interface (http://[IP address]) and set a complex password for the control panel.
  • 📡 Disable WPSThis feature is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. It's best to enter the password manually.
  • 🔄 Update your firmware: Canon regularly releases patches to address vulnerabilities. Check for updates via Canon IJ Network Tool.
  • 🌐 Configure MAC address filtering: In your router, allow connections only for the MAC addresses of your devices.

Additional precautions:

  • 📵 Turn off Wi-Fi on the printerwhen not in use (button Wi-Fi for 3 seconds).
  • 📂 Clear the print buffer: After printing confidential documents, flush the buffer through Settings → Maintenance → Clear data.
  • 🔍 Check the connection log: In the printer's web interface (Network Settings → Connection Log) you can see the connection history.

7. Alternative printing methods without Wi-Fi

If connecting via Wi-Fi is impossible for some reason, consider alternative methods. They are less convenient, but will help in emergency situations.

1. Printing via USB-OTG

To do this you will need:

  • 📱 Smartphone with support USB OTG (most modern models).
  • 🔌 Adapter USB-C → USB-A (or Micro-USB → USB-A, depending on the phone connector).
  • 🖨️ Cable USB A-B (usually comes with the printer).

Connect the printer to your phone using the adapter. On Android, the device should be detected automatically (you may need to install a driver). Canon Print Service). This method doesn't work on iPhone—Apple blocks direct printing via USB.

2. Cloud printing

If the printer is connected to a PC, you can use cloud services:

  • 🌥️ Google Cloud Print: Set up via web interface (Google account required).
  • 📧 E-mailSome Canon models support printing from mail. Send the document to a designated address (indicated in the printer manual).

3. Printing via SD card

Canon MG3640S has a slot for memory cards SD/SDHCYou can:

  • 📷 Copy photos/documents from your phone to an SD card using an adapter.
  • 🖨️ Insert the card into the printer and print files directly from the control panel.
How to print from iPhone without Wi-Fi?

If you have an iPhone and don't have access to Wi-Fi, the only reliable way is to use AirPrint via USB, but this requires additional equipment:

1. Lightning-USB adapter (official from Apple).

2. Special driver (For example, Printopia for Mac).

3. Connect the printer to your Mac and then print from your iPhone via shared printing.

This method is difficult to set up and is only suitable for one-off tasks.

8. Frequently asked questions and answers

🔹 Why a printer Canon MG3640S can't see my Wi-Fi network?

Possible reasons:

  • The router operates at a frequency 5 GHz (the printer only supports 2.4 GHz).
  • The mode is on WPA3 or 802.11r (Fast Transition).
  • The network name (SSID) is hidden. Enable SSID visibility in your router settings.

Solution: Switch the router to mode 802.11n (only) and set encryption WPA2-PSK (AES).

🔹 Is it possible to connect? MG3640S to the phone via Bluetooth?

No, Canon MG3640S Doesn't support Bluetooth. The only wireless interfaces are Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct.

Alternative: Use a USB-OTG adapter for direct connection (see section 7).

🔹 How do I print a document from my phone if the printer is connected to my PC?

There are two options:

  1. Printer sharing:
    • On your PC, open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
    • Right click on MG3640S, select Printer Properties → Access.
    • Turn on sharing and allow network printing.
  • Cloud printing:
    • Set up on your PC Google Cloud Print or Canon PRINT Business.
    • On your phone, select the file to print and send it via the cloud.
    • 🔹 Why are photos blurry when printing from my phone?

    The problem is usually related to quality settings:

    • In the appendix Canon PRINT select High quality (Photo) instead of Standard.
    • Make sure the original photo has a resolution of at least 150 dpi (optimally - 300 dpi).
    • Use genuine Canon inks – compatible cartridges often produce pale colours.

    If the problem persists, please follow the steps below. print head calibration through Settings → Maintenance → Deep Clean.

    🔹 Is it possible to connect? MG3640S to several phones at the same time?

    Yes, but with some reservations:

    • When connecting via router - unlimited (all devices on the network can print).
    • When using Wi-Fi Direct - only one device at a time of connection.

    For an office or family setting, it is recommended to connect the printer to a router rather than using Direct.

    Now you know all the connection methods Canon MG3640S You can connect to your phone via Wi-Fi and are also proficient in troubleshooting. If none of these methods work, check the printer's hardware: the Wi-Fi module may be faulty or the network card may need replacing. In this case, contact a Canon service center—repairs will be cheaper than buying a new device.

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