How to Connect Canon PIXMA MG3600 Series to Wi-Fi on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Last Updated on 22.07.2026 by DriverNew

Canon PIXMA MG3600 series can be connected to a computer through a wireless router. After setup, a USB cable is not required for printing or scanning.

This guide applies to the following models:

Canon PIXMA MG3610, MG3620, MG3640, MG3640S, MG3650, MG3650S, MG3660, MG3670, and MG3680.

Model names vary depending on the country where the device is sold. All the devices listed above belong to the Canon PIXMA MG3600 series family and use the same driver package.

How the connection will be set up

Two scenarios are possible during installation:

• The multifunction printer is already connected to the router. The installer will find it on the local network and install the drivers.
• The multifunction printer is not yet connected to the router or cannot be found. The installer will ask you to connect the multifunction printer temporarily to the computer using a USB cable so that it can transfer the wireless network name and password.

In the second scenario, the USB cable is used only during setup. After the Wi-Fi connection is established successfully, you can disconnect it.

What you will need for the installation

• a Canon PIXMA MG3600 series multifunction printer;
• a computer or laptop running Windows 11 or Windows 10;
• a powered-on wireless router;
• the wireless network name — SSID;
• the Wi-Fi network password;
• the official Canon MG3600 series MP Drivers package;
• a printer USB cable for the alternative setup method.

The USB cable may not be required if the installer finds the multifunction printer on the network immediately. However, it is recommended to prepare one in advance.

Step 1. Check the wireless network

Before starting the installer, complete the following checks:

1. Make sure that the router is turned on and working.
2. Connect the computer to the home or office network.
3. Open any website and check that the connection is working.
4. Find out the Wi-Fi network name.
5. Prepare the password for this network.
6. Make sure that a 2.4 GHz network is available.
7. Place the multifunction printer near the router during the initial setup.

The computer and multifunction printer must connect to the same router. Do not use a guest network if its settings prevent connected devices from communicating with each other.

How to check which network the computer is connected to

1. Click the network icon on the right side of the taskbar.
2. Open the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
3. Look for the network name marked Connected.
4. Remember this name.

During setup, you must select the same network name for the multifunction printer.

Step 2. Download Canon MG3600 series MP Drivers

1. Open the official Canon page:
   Download Canon MG3600 series MP Drivers
2. Find the download button.
3. If necessary, confirm that you agree to the software terms of use.
4. Start the download.
5. Save the file to the Downloads folder.
6. Wait until the download is complete.

Check the filename

The installation filename should begin with:

m68n-win-mg3600-

The final part of the filename may change after the package is updated. When checking, pay attention to the beginning of the filename and the MG3600 series designation.

Step 3. Prepare the multifunction printer and computer

1. Close printing, scanning, and document-viewing programs.
2. If a USB cable is connected to the multifunction printer, disconnect it from the computer.
3. Turn off the multifunction printer using the power button.
4. Leave the power cable connected to the electrical outlet.
5. Do not connect the USB cable until the appropriate prompt appears.

The installation should be performed from a Windows account with administrator privileges.

If Windows already contains old MG3600 series copies

Before reinstalling, it is recommended to remove devices that do not work or duplicate entries.

Windows 11

1. Open Start → Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices.
3. Open Printers & scanners.
4. Select the old or non-working Canon MG3600 series entry.
5. Click Remove.
6. Confirm the action.

Windows 10

1. Open Start → Settings.
2. Go to Devices.
3. Open Printers & scanners.
4. Select the old or non-working Canon MG3600 series entry.
5. Click Remove device.
6. Confirm the action.

After removing the old devices, restart the computer.

Step 4. Run the installation file

1. Press Windows + E.
2. Open the Downloads folder.
3. Find the file whose name begins with m68n-win-mg3600-.
4. Right-click it.
5. Select Run as administrator.
6. Wait while the program extracts the installation files.

If a User Account Control prompt appears asking for permission to make changes, click Yes.

Step 5. Continue the installation

After the files are extracted, the “Welcome” window will open.

1. Make sure that the USB cable is disconnected from the computer.
2. If necessary, change the program language using the Language button.
3. Click Next >.

The “License Agreement” window will then open.

1. Read the software terms of use if necessary.
2. To continue, click Yes.

Step 6. Select the wireless connection

The “Connection Method” window will open.

Two options are available:

• Connect the printer to the wireless LAN;
• Connect the printer via USB port.

For Wi-Fi installation:

1. Select Connect the printer to the wireless LAN.
2. Make sure that the selection mark is next to this option.
3. Click Next >.

Step 7. Turn on the multifunction printer and wait for the search

The “Printer Detection” window will open. The installer will begin searching for available devices.

1. Turn on the multifunction printer using the power button if it is turned off.
2. Wait until the power lamp stops flashing.
3. Do not close the installer.
4. Allow the Canon program to access the local network if Windows or security software displays the appropriate prompt.
5. Wait until the search is complete.

The “Searching for printers on the network” message may be displayed during the search.

Option 1. The installer found Canon MG3600 series

This option applies if the multifunction printer was already connected to the same router.

1. Find Canon MG3600 series in the list of detected devices.
2. Select the detected multifunction printer.
3. If several identical devices are displayed, compare their network addresses or turn off other printers during installation.
4. Click the button to continue.
5. Wait while the printer driver and scanner driver are installed.
6. Do not turn off the multifunction printer or router.
7. When the installation is complete, click the button to close the installer.

A USB cable is not required in this scenario.

Option 2. The installer did not find the multifunction printer

If the device is not detected, the “Check Printer Settings” window will open.

First, try searching again:

1. Make sure that the multifunction printer is turned on.
2. Place the multifunction printer closer to the router.
3. Make sure that the computer is connected to the correct network.
4. Check that a 2.4 GHz network is available.
5. Click Redetect.
6. Wait until the repeated search is complete.

If the device is still not found, configure the wireless connection using a temporary USB cable.

Step 8. Select network setup via USB

In the “Check Printer Settings” window:

1. Select the Set up the network connection via USB checkbox.
2. Click Next >.
3. Wait for the “Connect Cable” window to appear.

The official guide provides for a temporary USB connection if the device cannot be detected on the local network.

Step 9. Temporarily connect the USB cable

Connect the cable only after the “Connect Cable” window appears.

1. If the installer asks you to turn off the multifunction printer, turn it off using the power button.
2. Connect the almost square USB-B connector to the port on the back of the multifunction printer.
3. Connect the flat USB-A connector directly to a USB port on the computer.
4. Do not use a USB hub, extension cable, or docking station.
5. Turn on the multifunction printer.
6. Wait for it to be detected automatically.

After the device has been detected successfully, the program will proceed to wireless network setup.

Step 10. Select the Wi-Fi network

The installer or Canon network component will display the available wireless networks.

1. Find the name of your router in the list.
2. Select the network to which the computer is connected.
3. Pay attention to the exact spelling of the network name.
4. Click the confirmation or continue button.

If the required network is missing:

1. Make sure that the router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz band.
2. Place the multifunction printer closer to the router.
3. Refresh the list of available networks.
4. If the network name is hidden, enter it manually.

The Canon guide states that when using a temporary USB connection, you can search for available routers and select the required SSID.

Step 11. Enter the Wi-Fi password

If the network is protected, the program will ask you to enter the password.

1. Enter the password for the selected Wi-Fi network.
2. Pay attention to uppercase and lowercase letters.
3. Do not add spaces at the beginning or end of the password.
4. Check the entered characters.
5. Click the button to continue.

For a WPA or WPA2 network, the password usually contains between 8 and 63 characters. The program automatically selects a supported encryption method.

The WPA/WPA2 password requirements and confirmation of the settings are described in the Canon guide.

Step 12. Confirm the network settings

Before transferring the settings, the program may display:

• the wireless network name;
• the security method;
• the encryption type;
• the IP address acquisition settings.

1. Make sure that the correct network is selected.
2. Leave automatic IP address acquisition enabled unless the network uses a special manual configuration.
3. Confirm the settings.
4. Wait while they are transferred to the multifunction printer.

Do not turn off the multifunction printer, computer, or router while the settings are being transferred.

Step 13. Wait for the connection to the router

After the settings are saved, the multifunction printer will attempt to connect to the selected network.

1. Wait while the program completes the setup.
2. Do not press buttons on the multifunction printer’s operation panel unless instructed by the installer.
3. Do not disconnect the USB cable too early.
4. Wait for the successful connection message.
5. Make sure that the Wi-Fi lamp is lit.

After a successful connection, the program may search for MG3600 series again through the local network.

Step 14. Disconnect the temporary USB cable

Disconnect the USB cable only after the installer displays the appropriate message.

1. Wait for the instruction to disconnect the cable.
2. Disconnect the USB cable from the computer.
3. Leave the multifunction printer turned on.
4. Wait until the network printer installation is complete.

If the program does not ask you to disconnect the cable, wait until all operations are complete.

Step 15. Complete the installation

1. Wait for the printer driver to be installed.
2. Wait for the scanner driver to be installed.
3. Do not turn off the multifunction printer until the process is complete.
4. Click the button that completes the installation.
5. If the program prompts you to restart the computer, restart it.

The name of the button in the final window may differ depending on the installer version and selected interface language.

Step 16. Check the printer in Windows

Windows 11

1. Open Start → Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices.
3. Open Printers & scanners.
4. Find Canon MG3600 series Printer.

Windows 10

1. Open Start → Settings.
2. Go to Devices.
3. Open Printers & scanners.
4. Find Canon MG3600 series Printer.

If two identical entries are listed, one of them may belong to the temporary USB connection. For wireless operation, select the network entry that remains available after the cable is disconnected.

Step 17. Print a test page

1. Make sure that the multifunction printer is turned on.
2. Check that the USB cable is disconnected.
3. Load several sheets of plain paper.
4. Press Windows + R.
5. Enter the following command:

control printers

6. Click OK.
7. Find Canon MG3600 series Printer.
8. Right-click it.
9. Select Printer properties.
10. On the General tab, click Print Test Page.

If the page prints while the USB cable is disconnected, the wireless connection is working.

Step 18. Check network scanning

1. Place a document on the platen glass with the side to be scanned facing down.
2. Open the Start menu.
3. Find IJ Scan Utility.
4. Start the program.
5. Open its settings.
6. In the device selection field, select the network version of Canon MG3600 series.
7. Confirm the selection.
8. Return to the main window.
9. Click Document or select another suitable mode.

For network scanning, MP Drivers must be installed and network scanner registration must be completed.

If the scanner is not displayed

1. Open the Canon Utilities folder in the Start menu.
2. Start IJ Network Scanner Selector EX.
3. Open its settings using the icon in the notification area.
4. Select Canon MG3600 series.
5. Confirm the selection.
6. Start IJ Scan Utility again.

How to check the current network settings of the multifunction printer

Canon MG3600 series can print a page containing the network settings.

1. Turn on the multifunction printer.
2. Load two sheets of A4 or Letter plain paper.
3. Press and hold the Wi-Fi button.
4. Release the button when the power lamp begins to flash.
5. Press the Wi-Fi button again.
6. Wait for the network settings to print.

On the printout, you can check:

• whether the wireless network is enabled;
• the connection status;
• the SSID network name;
• the signal strength;
• the IP address;
• the MAC address;
• the encryption type.

The sequence for printing the network settings and the list of displayed information are provided in the MG3600 series manual.

If the Wi-Fi lamp is not lit

The wireless network function on the multifunction printer may be disabled.

1. Make sure that the multifunction printer is turned on.
2. Press and hold the Wi-Fi button.
3. Release it when the power lamp begins to flash.
4. Press the Color, Black, and Wi-Fi buttons in sequence.
5. Wait until the power lamp stops flashing.
6. Make sure that the Wi-Fi lamp lights up.

This sequence enables the wireless LAN on MG3600 series.

If the installer does not detect the multifunction printer

Complete the basic checks:

1. Make sure that the multifunction printer is turned on.
2. Check the Wi-Fi lamp.
3. Make sure that the router uses the 2.4 GHz band.
4. Connect the computer and multifunction printer to the same network.
5. Do not use a guest network with device isolation.
6. Disable the VPN during installation.
7. Allow Canon programs through the firewall.
8. Place the multifunction printer closer to the router.
9. Click Redetect.
10. If the search is still unsuccessful, use Set up the network connection via USB.

Canon also recommends checking DHCP, IP and MAC address filtering, the distance from the router, obstacles, and sources of radio interference.

If setup stops at the “Connect Cable” window

1. Make sure that the USB cable is connected securely at both ends.
2. Connect the cable directly to the computer.
3. Try another USB port.
4. Do not use a hub or extension cable.
5. If another working cable is available, test it.
6. Turn off the multifunction printer.
7. Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.
8. Turn on the multifunction printer.

If the device is still not detected, cancel the installation, restart the computer, and start the procedure again.

If the Wi-Fi password is not accepted

• check uppercase and lowercase letters;
• do not enter spaces at the beginning or end;
• make sure that the correct SSID is selected;
• check the password in the router settings;
• do not use the Windows account password;
• do not use the multifunction printer’s serial number instead of the router password;
• if separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks are available, select the 2.4 GHz network.

Important information for Windows 11 ARM

Frequently asked questions

Is a USB cable required to connect to Wi-Fi?

No. If the multifunction printer is already connected to the router and the installer detects it on the network, the cable is not required. It is used as an alternative method when the device cannot be found or new network settings must be transferred.

Can MG3600 series connect to a 5 GHz network?

No. The 2.4 GHz band is used for the wireless connection.

What does “Set up the network connection via USB” mean?

The program communicates temporarily with the multifunction printer through the cable and transfers the Wi-Fi network name, password, and other settings to it. The cable is disconnected after setup is complete.

When should the USB cable be connected?

Connect it only after the “Connect Cable” window appears.

Which password should be entered?

Enter the password for the selected Wi-Fi network. Do not use the Windows password or the multifunction printer’s serial number.

Why can the computer see the network while the installer cannot see the multifunction printer?

The multifunction printer may be connected to another network, the wireless function may be disabled, the firewall may be blocking detection, or the router may be using only the 5 GHz band.

Can the USB cable remain connected after Wi-Fi setup?

Technically, USB and wireless connections can be used at the same time, but Windows creates separate device entries. This may cause the wrong printer or scanner to be selected. It is better to disconnect the cable after wireless setup.

Why does printing work while scanning over Wi-Fi does not?

The network scanner driver may not have been installed completely, or the device may not be selected in IJ Network Scanner Selector EX. Check the network scanner registration and select MG3600 series again.

Do I need to repeat the installation after replacing the router?

Yes. If the network name or password has changed, the new settings must be transferred to the multifunction printer. To do this, you can run the installer again and use a temporary USB connection.

Conclusion

To connect Canon PIXMA MG3600 series to Wi-Fi on Windows 11 or Windows 10, download the official MP Drivers package, start the installer, and select “Connect the printer to the wireless LAN”.

If the multifunction printer is already connected to the router, the installer will find it automatically. If the device is not detected, select “Set up the network connection via USB” in the “Check Printer Settings” window. Connect the cable only after the appropriate prompt appears, select the 2.4 GHz network, and enter its password.

After setup is complete, disconnect the temporary USB cable, print a test page, and check network scanning through IJ Scan Utility.