A little preparation

Before you start

  • Install any needed print/scan app before leaving your internet-connected network. Have two A4/Letter plain sheets and ink for the network report.
  • Direct/access-point mode and the printer’s router connection are separate, non-simultaneous modes on this family. Switching can disconnect other network users; your phone may lose internet or use mobile data.

Step 1:Enable the printer’s access point

  1. Turn the printer on. Hold Wi-Fi until ON flashes, then release it.
  2. Press Black, then Color, then Wi-Fi in that order.
  3. Wait for ON to change from flashing to steady. Access-point mode is now enabled.

The source calls this Wi-Fi Direct; Canon’s MG3600 manual calls the feature access-point mode. It creates a local printer network rather than connecting the printer to your home router.

Step 2:Print your own network details

  1. Load two A4/Letter plain sheets print-side down in the front tray. Open the output extension, output tray and support.
  2. Hold Wi-Fi until ON flashes, release it, then press Wi-Fi once more. Wait for the network-information pages.
  3. Find the Access Point Mode section. Read its SSID and Password fields, and check that the mode is enabled. Use your own report, never credentials visible in a demonstration.

This access-point password is separate from the administrator/default-password field and from your router password. The default was historically the printer serial number, but the current report is the appropriate source if access-point settings were changed. Keep these pages private.

Step 3:Join that network and send the job

  1. Open the phone or computer’s Wi-Fi settings and choose the printer network matching the report. Enter its access-point password.
  2. Remain on that printer network even if the device reports no internet, when your intention is a local print. Open Canon PRINT or a supported system print route and select the intended printer.
  3. Load the paper selected in the job and leave the output path open. Send a small print, wait for it to finish and check the page. Use the related print/copy/scan guide for full app controls.

The source starts a print but intentionally cancels it to save ink. It establishes the connection and job start; it is not a demonstration of a completed printed page.

Return to the router connection afterwards

  1. Hold Wi-Fi until ON flashes, then release. Press Color, then Black, then Wi-Fi. This order differs from enabling the access point.
  2. Wait for steady ON and the Wi-Fi lamp to light. Reconnect the phone/computer to the intended router network.
  3. Check the printer’s actual network connection. If the router details were never configured or changed, complete the separate router setup guide.

Canon advises changing the default access-point password for prolonged use. Use its applicable security/settings instructions; do not publish your report, password or serial number as a troubleshooting screenshot.

A little extra help

Questions & troubleshooting

Why does my phone say there is no internet?

The printer network provides local printing/scanning, not internet service. Joining it can replace your router connection, and the phone may use mobile data instead.

Can the printer stay on the router and this access point at once?

Canon says these two wireless connection methods cannot be used simultaneously on this family. Plan for the effect on other users before switching.

Does the video finish its test print?

No. The presenter deliberately cancels after printing starts. Complete your own small job to verify the finished result.

References