Last Updated on 22.07.2026 by DriverNew
When installing Canon PIXMA MG3600 series via Wi-Fi, the program may search for the device for a long time and then open the “Check Printer Settings” window. A repeated search may also produce no results.
This usually means that the computer and multifunction printer cannot communicate through the local network. The cause may be a disabled wireless function, an unsupported Wi-Fi band, a different SSID, firewall blocking, or incorrect router settings.
This guide applies to the following models:
Canon PIXMA MG3610, MG3620, MG3640, MG3640S, MG3650, MG3650S, MG3660, MG3670, and MG3680.
All the devices listed above belong to Canon PIXMA MG3600 series. Model names vary depending on the country where the device is sold.
MG3600 series works with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
The multifunction printer supports IEEE 802.11b/g/n wireless networks in the 2.4 GHz band. It cannot connect to a network operating only in the 5 GHz band.
If the router broadcasts separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, select the 2.4 GHz network. If one shared network name is used, make sure that the 2.4 GHz band is enabled.
What the “Check Printer Settings” window means
The window appears when the Canon installer cannot detect MG3600 series using the selected method.
The following actions may be available:
- Wireless Network Setup Information — open additional connection information;
- Instructions — view Canon recommendations;
- Redetect — search for the multifunction printer again;
- Set up the network connection via USB — temporarily connect the device by cable and transfer the Wi-Fi settings to it;
- Next > — continue after selecting setup via USB;
- Cancel — stop the installation.
Do not click “Cancel” immediately
First, perform the basic checks and click Redetect. If this does not help, use Set up the network connection via USB.
Method 1. Check the power and Wi-Fi lamp
- Make sure that the multifunction printer is connected to an electrical outlet.
- Press the power button.
- Wait until the power lamp stops flashing.
- Check the Wi-Fi lamp.
If the Wi-Fi lamp is lit, the wireless function is enabled. If it is not lit, enable the wireless LAN.
How to enable the wireless LAN
- Make sure that the multifunction printer is turned on.
- Press and hold the Wi-Fi button.
- Release it when the power lamp begins to flash.
- Press the Color, Black, and Wi-Fi buttons in sequence.
- Wait until the power lamp stops flashing.
- Make sure that the Wi-Fi lamp lights up.
After this, return to the installer and click Redetect.
Do not mix up the button sequence
To enable a standard connection through the router, use the following sequence: Color → Black → Wi-Fi. A different sequence may enable direct connection mode instead of the standard wireless network.
Method 2. Make sure that the computer is connected to the correct network
The computer and multifunction printer must be on the same local network.
- Click the network icon on the right side of the taskbar.
- Look at the network name marked Connected.
- Make sure that this is the home or office network to which the multifunction printer should be connected.
- Open any website and check that the connection is working.
- Return to the Canon installer.
- Click Redetect.
If the computer is connected by an Ethernet cable, this is not a problem. The important point is that the wired and wireless devices must be on the same local network and connected to the same router.
Do not use a guest network
A guest network often blocks communication between connected devices. The computer may have internet access but may be unable to detect the printer.
During installation, connect the computer to the router’s main network.
Method 3. Check the 2.4 GHz band
Some modern routers use separate names for the two bands, for example:
Home_WiFi Home_WiFi_5G
For MG3600 series, select the 2.4 GHz network. Its name usually does not contain 5G or may contain 2.4G.
- Open the router settings or its app.
- Make sure that the 2.4 GHz band is enabled.
- Check the name of the 2.4 GHz network.
- Connect the computer to this network during installation.
- Place the multifunction printer closer to the router.
- Click Redetect.
If the same name is used for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Some routers automatically distribute devices between the bands. This usually does not prevent installation if the 2.4 GHz band is enabled and devices on different bands can communicate with each other.
If the multifunction printer is not detected:
- temporarily separate the bands into two networks with different names;
- connect the computer to the 2.4 GHz network;
- repeat the installation;
- after completion, restore the previous router settings if necessary.
Method 4. Check the network security
MG3600 series supports WEP, WPA-PSK, and WPA2-PSK. A network configured only for WPA3 may be incompatible with this multifunction printer.
For testing, temporarily configure the router to use:
- the 2.4 GHz band;
- WPA2-PSK mode;
- AES encryption;
- a visible SSID network name;
- a standard password containing at least eight characters.
After changing the router settings, restart it and repeat the multifunction printer setup.
Changing the security settings will disconnect other devices
After changing the network name, password, or security type, phones, televisions, and other devices may need to be reconnected. Write down the previous settings before making changes.
Method 5. Place the multifunction printer closer to the router
A weak or unstable signal may prevent initial detection.
- Place the multifunction printer in the same room as the router.
- Do not place it behind a metal cabinet or near large household appliances.
- If possible, remove obstacles between the multifunction printer and router.
- Do not place the device near a microwave oven, cordless phone, or another source of interference.
- Restart the multifunction printer.
- Click Redetect.
After successful setup, you can move the multifunction printer to its permanent location. If the connection is lost again, the selected location is too far from the router or the signal is being blocked by obstacles.
Method 6. Allow Canon programs to access the network
Windows Firewall or security software may block the search for a network device.
If a message appears during installation stating that a Canon program is trying to access the network:
- Allow network access.
- Select private or home networks.
- Confirm the action.
- Return to the installer.
- Click Redetect.
How to check permissions in Windows Firewall
- Open Windows Search.
- Enter Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
- Open the section found in the search results.
- Click Change settings.
- Find the Canon programs associated with installation and network setup.
- Allow them to operate on a private network.
- Confirm the changes.
If you use a third-party antivirus program with its own firewall, check its settings separately.
Disable protection temporarily only for testing
If the multifunction printer is detected after the firewall is temporarily disabled, enable protection again and add the Canon programs to the list of allowed apps. Do not leave the firewall turned off.
Method 7. Disable the VPN and virtual network adapters
A VPN and some virtualization programs change network routes. As a result, the installer may search for the multifunction printer on the wrong network.
- Disconnect the VPN.
- Close remote access programs.
- Temporarily turn off the Windows mobile hotspot.
- Pause virtual networking programs if they are being used.
- Make sure that the computer is connected to a standard local network.
- Click Redetect.
Method 8. Restart the multifunction printer, router, and computer
A temporary DHCP or local network error can sometimes be resolved by restarting all the equipment.
- Close the Canon installer.
- Turn off the multifunction printer.
- Turn off the computer.
- Disconnect the router’s power for approximately 30 seconds.
- Turn the router back on.
- Wait until internet access is restored.
- Turn on the computer.
- Turn on the multifunction printer.
- Start the installer again.
- Select Connect the printer to the wireless LAN.
Method 9. Print the MG3600 series network settings
The network settings page shows whether the multifunction printer is connected to the router and which settings it is using.
- Turn on the multifunction printer.
- Load two sheets of A4 or Letter plain paper.
- Press and hold the Wi-Fi button.
- Release the button when the power lamp begins to flash.
- Press the Wi-Fi button again.
- Wait for the network settings to print.
Which lines to check
| Setting | What it means |
| Wireless LAN | The status of the wireless function. It should indicate that the function is enabled. |
| Connection | The connection status. The value Active means that the multifunction printer is connected to the network. |
| SSID | The name of the network to which the multifunction printer is connected. |
| Signal Strength | The wireless signal strength. |
| IP Address | The network address assigned by the router. |
| Encryption | The encryption method being used. |
If Connection: Active is shown
The multifunction printer is already connected to the router. If the installer still cannot detect it:
- compare the SSID on the printout with the computer’s network;
- check the IP address;
- make sure that the computer is not connected to a guest network;
- check the firewall;
- restart the installer and search again.
If Connection: Inactive is shown
The multifunction printer is not connected to the router. Searching again without transferring the network settings is unlikely to help. Use a temporary USB connection.
If the SSID differs from the computer’s network
The multifunction printer stores the settings of another network. This often occurs after replacing the router, changing the network name, or moving the device.
Transfer the current settings using the Canon installer or repeat the wireless setup.
Method 10. Set up the network connection via USB
This is the main alternative method provided by the Canon installer.
In the “Check Printer Settings” window:
- Select the Set up the network connection via USB checkbox.
- Click Next >.
- Wait for the “Connect Cable” window.
- Connect the multifunction printer to the computer using a printer USB cable.
- Turn on the multifunction printer.
- Wait for the device to be detected.
After detection, the program will allow you to transfer the wireless network settings.
- Select the required SSID.
- Enter the Wi-Fi password.
- Check the connection settings.
- Confirm the transfer of the settings.
- Wait until the multifunction printer connects to the router.
- Disconnect the USB cable only after the appropriate message appears.
- Complete the network printer installation.
This is not a permanent USB installation
The cable is used only to configure Wi-Fi. After the settings have been transferred successfully, printing and scanning are performed through the local network.
If the installer does not detect the multifunction printer even via USB
If the “Connect Cable” window does not close automatically:
- make sure that the multifunction printer is turned on;
- insert the cable firmly into the port on the back of the device;
- connect the cable directly to the computer;
- do not use a USB hub or extension cable;
- try another USB port;
- if another working cable is available, test it;
- turn off the multifunction printer;
- disconnect and reconnect the cable;
- turn on the multifunction printer;
- wait for the device to be detected again.
If this does not help, cancel the installation, restart the computer, and repeat the procedure.
Method 11. Check the router settings
If the multifunction printer is not detected after all the basic steps, check the advanced router settings.
DHCP
The DHCP server must be enabled. It automatically assigns an IP address to the multifunction printer.
If DHCP is disabled, the device may not receive a valid address and may not appear on the local network.
MAC address filtering
If the router allows only devices that have been added in advance, add the MG3600 series MAC address to the list of allowed devices.
The MAC address is shown on the network settings printout.
Wireless client isolation
Disable settings named:
- AP Isolation;
- Client Isolation;
- Wireless Isolation;
- device isolation;
- block access to the local network.
The names depend on the router model.
Hidden SSID
For the initial setup, temporarily enable broadcasting of the network name. After the connection is established successfully, you can hide the SSID again if necessary.
Wireless network channels
Make sure that the router uses a channel available in the country where the device is being used. For testing, select automatic channel selection or one of the standard 2.4 GHz channels.
Method 12. Reinstall MP Drivers
If the network is working correctly but the installer continues to end with an error, the previous installation may be damaged.
- Close all Canon programs.
- Disconnect the USB cable.
- Open the section for removing installed programs.
- Remove Canon MG3600 series MP Drivers.
- Remove old non-working device copies from Printers & scanners.
- Restart the computer.
- Run the official installation file again.
- Select Connect the printer to the wireless LAN.
- Allow Canon programs to access the network.
- If the automatic search does not help, select setup via USB.
Do not perform a full reset unless necessary
A full reset removes the saved wireless network settings and other device settings. Afterward, the multifunction printer will need to be configured again.
Use a reset only in the following situations:
- the multifunction printer stores the settings of an old router;
- the incorrect SSID cannot be changed;
- the device remains in direct connection mode;
- standard repeated setup does not help.
Do not confuse a network problem with a printer fault
If the multifunction printer copies documents using the buttons on the device, the printing mechanism and scanner are working. The device not appearing in the installer is more often related to the network or software.
How to check the result
After successful installation, disconnect the temporary USB cable and test operation via Wi-Fi.
Check printing
- Make sure that the multifunction printer and router are turned on.
- Disconnect the USB cable.
- Press Windows + R.
- Enter:
control printers
- Click OK.
- Find Canon MG3600 series.
- Open Printer properties.
- Click Print Test Page.
Check scanning
- Start IJ Scan Utility.
- Open the program settings.
- Select the network version of Canon MG3600 series.
- Place a document on the platen glass.
- Start scanning.
If printing works but the scanner is not displayed, select the multifunction printer through IJ Network Scanner Selector EX.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the “Redetect” button not help?
Searching again does not correct an incorrect SSID, a disabled 2.4 GHz band, firewall blocking, or missing network settings in the multifunction printer itself. First resolve the cause, and then repeat detection.
Why is the Wi-Fi lamp lit, but the installer cannot detect the multifunction printer?
The lamp shows that the wireless function is enabled, but it does not always confirm a connection to the correct router. Print the network settings and check the Connection, SSID, and IP Address lines.
Can I select “Set up the network connection via USB” immediately?
Yes. This option is especially convenient if the multifunction printer has not yet been connected to the router, the Wi-Fi password has changed, or automatic detection does not work.
Which password should be entered during setup via USB?
Enter the password for the selected Wi-Fi network. Do not use the Windows account password or the multifunction printer’s serial number.
Why can the multifunction printer not detect a 5 GHz network?
MG3600 series supports only the 2.4 GHz band. This is a hardware limitation that cannot be changed by installing another driver.
Does MG3600 series support WPA3?
The device is designed for WEP, WPA-PSK, and WPA2-PSK. For compatibility, use a 2.4 GHz network with WPA2-PSK security and AES encryption.
Why can the phone detect the multifunction printer while the computer cannot?
The phone may be connected directly to the multifunction printer’s own network, while the computer is connected to the router. These are different modes. For standard network installation, connect both devices through the same router.
Can the driver be installed if the computer is connected to the router by cable?
Yes. The computer may use a wired connection while the multifunction printer uses Wi-Fi. They must be on the same local network segment.
Do I need to disable the antivirus?
Usually, it is enough to allow Canon programs to access the private network. Disable protection temporarily only for testing, and then enable it again.
Why is the multifunction printer no longer found after replacing the router?
The device continues to store the previous network name and password. Transfer the new settings using the Canon installer and a temporary USB connection.
Conclusion
If the “Check Printer Settings” window appears while installing Canon PIXMA MG3600 series, first make sure that the multifunction printer is turned on, the Wi-Fi lamp is lit, and the computer is connected to the router’s main network.
Check the availability of the 2.4 GHz band, WPA2-PSK security, firewall permissions, the guest network, VPN, and signal strength. Then click Redetect.
If the automatic search still produces no results, select the “Set up the network connection via USB” checkbox. Temporarily connect the multifunction printer and computer with a cable, select the required network, enter the password, and wait for the settings to be transferred. When the setup is complete, disconnect the USB cable and check printing and scanning via Wi-Fi.



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