How to connect your Canon MG3620 to WiFi

The Canon MG3620 connects to WiFi through the printer's built-in menu system, which takes about five minutes once you have your WiFi network name and password ready. The printer has a small LCD screen and buttons on the front that let you navigate to the WiFi setup without needing a computer nearby. After you complete the setup on the printer itself, your computer or phone will recognize it as a network printer and you can print from anywhere in your home.

You will need your WiFi network name (also called the SSID) and your WiFi password before you start. If you do not know your WiFi password, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or log into your router's settings from another device. The MG3620 works with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, though 2.4 GHz is more reliable for older printers.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the WiFi button on the front of the printer until the WiFi light blinks, then use the menu buttons to find and select your network name.
  • When the printer asks for your WiFi password, use the arrow buttons to type it in character by character — this is slow but necessary.
  • Once the printer connects, the WiFi light will stop blinking and stay solid, which means the connection is complete.
  • After the printer connects to WiFi, install the Canon printer driver on your computer or add the printer through your phone's settings to start printing.
  • If the connection fails, restart both the printer and your router, then try again with the WiFi password entered exactly as it appears.

Step 1: Turn on the printer and locate the WiFi button

Power on the Canon MG3620 and wait for it to finish its startup sequence — you will hear a brief mechanical sound as the print head moves. Look at the front of the printer below the LCD screen. You will see several buttons; the WiFi button is marked with a WiFi symbol (curved lines) and is usually located on the left side of the button group.

The WiFi light next to this button will be off or solid blue when the printer is powered on but not yet connected to a network. This light is your indicator throughout the connection process — when it blinks, the printer is searching for networks; when it stays solid, the connection is successful.

Step 2: Press WiFi and select your network

Press and hold the WiFi button for about three seconds until the WiFi light begins to blink. This puts the printer into network search mode. The LCD screen will display "Searching for networks" or similar text. Wait about 10 to 15 seconds for the printer to find available networks.

Once the search completes, the screen will show a list of network names. Use the up and down arrow buttons on the printer to scroll through the list until you see your WiFi network name. Press the OK button (usually in the center of the arrow buttons) to select it. If you do not see your network, make sure your router is powered on and within range, then press the WiFi button again to search again.

Step 3: Enter your WiFi password

After you select your network, the printer will ask you to enter your WiFi password. The LCD screen will show a character entry field with a blinking cursor. This is where many people get stuck because entering text on a printer is slower than on a keyboard or phone.

Use the arrow buttons to move left and right through the alphabet and numbers, and press OK to select each character. The printer usually starts with lowercase letters, but you can press a button (often labeled with a symbol or letter) to switch between uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Enter your password exactly as it appears — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, which means uppercase and lowercase letters are different. Take your time and double-check each character before moving to the next one.

Step 4: Confirm the connection

After you finish entering the password and press OK on the last character, the printer will attempt to connect. The LCD screen will show "Connecting" or a similar message. The WiFi light will continue to blink during this process, which usually takes 10 to 30 seconds.

When the connection succeeds, the WiFi light will stop blinking and remain solid blue or green. The LCD screen will display a confirmation message such as "Connected" or will return to the normal home screen. If the connection fails, the screen will show an error message. If this happens, go back to Step 2 and try again, paying close attention to your password spelling and capitalization.

Step 5: Install the printer on your computer or phone

Now that the printer is connected to your WiFi network, you need to tell your computer or phone where to find it. On a Windows computer, go to Settings, then Devices, then Printers and Scanners. Click "Add a printer or scanner" and wait for Windows to find your Canon MG3620 on the network. Click on it when it appears and follow the prompts to install the printer driver.

On a Mac, go to System Preferences, then Printers and Scanners. Click the plus button, select your Canon MG3620 from the list, and click Add. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then Printers and Scanners, and tap Select a Printer to add the MG3620. On Android, open your printer manufacturer's app or go to Settings, then Printing, and add the printer from there. You may need to install the Canon print app from your device's app store for the best results.

Troubleshooting a failed connection

If the printer cannot find your network, make sure your router is powered on and your WiFi is broadcasting. Some routers have a button to turn off the WiFi signal; check that it is on. Also check that you are not too far from the router — the MG3620 has a limited WiFi range, usually 30 to 50 feet in an open space.

If the printer finds your network but the password fails, the most common mistake is entering the password incorrectly. Restart the printer by turning it off for 10 seconds, then turn it back on and try again. Make sure you are typing your WiFi password exactly as it appears, including capital letters and special characters. If you are still stuck, restart your router as well by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and waiting for it to fully restart before trying the printer connection again.

If the printer connects but your computer cannot find it on the network, restart both devices and try adding the printer again. You may also need to download the latest Canon printer driver from Canon's website for your specific operating system. Visit canon.com, search for MG3620 drivers, and download the driver package for your Windows or Mac version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect the MG3620 to WiFi without a computer?

Yes. The entire WiFi connection happens on the printer itself using the buttons and LCD screen. You only need a computer or phone afterward if you want to print from that device. You can also print directly from a USB drive or memory card using the printer's card slot.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — most routers have the default WiFi password printed there. If you changed the password and cannot remember it, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this will erase any custom settings you made. Alternatively, log into your router from another device to change the password, then use the new password on the printer.

Why does the WiFi light keep blinking after I entered the password?

A continuously blinking light usually means the password was entered incorrectly or the printer cannot reach your router. Turn off the printer, wait 10 seconds, turn it back on, and try the connection process again. Make sure you entered uppercase and lowercase letters exactly as they appear in your actual WiFi password.

Can I move the printer to a different room after connecting to WiFi?

Yes, as long as the new location is still within WiFi range of your router. The printer remembers your network and password, so it will reconnect automatically when you power it on in the new location. If the signal is too weak, the printer may disconnect — move it closer to the router or consider moving your router to a more central location.

Do I need to connect the printer to WiFi if I only print from my computer using a USB cable?

No. If you only print using a USB cable, you do not need to set up WiFi. The USB connection works independently. However, WiFi is useful if you want to print from your phone, print from multiple computers, or print from anywhere in your home without moving the printer.