Question 1

canon pixma mg3620 stop button won't do anything, the light just stays on

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The Canon PIXMA MG3620 "Stop" button (marked with a red circle and triangle) is not a general power or reset button; it is a command trigger for specific interrupt and maintenance functions. When the light stays on and the button appears unresponsive, it typically indicates a "Logic Lock" or a "Critical Error State." This happens when the printer's internal firmware is waiting for a specific hardware resolution—such as a cleared paper path or a recognized ink cartridge—before it will accept any one-touch commands. In many cases, the printer is stuck in a communication loop with the computer or smartphone. If a corrupted print spooler file is sent to the MG3620, the printer enters a "Busy" state. Because the Stop button is designed to cancel the current job, if the job is frozen in the printer's RAM rather than the queue, the button will not trigger a cancellation and the status light will remain illuminated to signal that the device is still processing a failed command. You can confirm this by attempting to print a "Nozzle Check" pattern; if the printer ignores this internal command as well, the issue is a firmware freeze rather than a mechanical button failure. FIX To resolve a frozen Stop button and clear the internal error state, perform a Hard Power Cycle and a Queue Purge. Follow these exact steps: While the printer is powered on and the Stop light is lit, pull the power cord directly from the back of the MG3620. Do not use the power button. Disconnect the USB cable (if applicable) from the printer to prevent the computer from automatically sending the corrupted job again. Wait exactly 60 seconds to allow the internal capacitors to discharge completely. While the printer is unplugged, press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds to drain any remaining residual energy from the logic board. Plug the power cord back in and turn the printer on. On your computer, navigate to "Devices and Printers," right-click the MG3620, and select "See what's printing." Go to the "Printer" menu and select "Cancel All Documents." This clears the Windows print spooler so the printer doesn't immediately freeze again upon reconnection. Reconnect the USB cable or reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Perform a Manual Ink Reset: If the Stop button is unresponsive because of an "Ink Out" error (Error E05), the printer may ignore commands until the ink level is reset. With the printer on, press and hold the Stop button for exactly 5 to 10 seconds. This forces the printer to ignore the ink level detection and allows the Stop button to regain functionality for other maintenance tasks. Check for Carriage Obstructions: Open the scanning unit/cover. Manually slide the ink carriage from the far right to the far left. If there is a tiny scrap of paper or a displaced piece of packaging foam blocking the path, the printer enters a "Carriage Jam" state that disables the Stop button's ability to cancel jobs. Clear any debris and close the cover firmly. Reset the Network Interface: If the printer is frozen due to a wireless handshake error, press and hold the Stop button until the Power lamp flashes 15 times, then release. This resets the internal network card, which often unlocks the control panel if the freeze was caused by a network timeout. Update the Firmware: Use the Canon Update Tool on a PC to check for firmware revisions. Logic locks on the MG3620 are frequently patched in firmware updates that improve how the printer handles oversized print spools. HEADS UP Avoid using "Generic" or "Compatible" ink cartridges that lack a proper chip; an unrecognized chip can trigger a persistent error state that makes the control panel buttons unresponsive. Never pull paper out of the printer in the direction opposite to the normal exit path, as this can bend the pickup rollers and trigger a permanent "Paper Jam" error that disables the Stop button. If the Stop light is flashing in a specific pattern (e.g., 2 flashes, 5 flashes), this is a diagnostic code. Count the flashes carefully, as this indicates a specific hardware failure (like a waste ink absorber full error) that cannot be fixed with a button press. Keep the printer on a surge protector. Voltage spikes can cause the MG3620 logic board to enter a "Safe Mode" where only the power button functions.

Question 2

my canon mg3620 printed pages have random ink smudges not from the document, how do i clean it?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Random ink smudges, streaks, or "track marks" on the MG3620 are almost always caused by a contaminated bottom plate. This plate is the flat surface the print head glides over as it moves back and forth. Over time, excess ink from the PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges, combined with airborne dust and paper fibers, creates a sludge of ink residue on this surface. When the paper feeds through, the bottom of the page physically drags across this residue, picking up "random" spots of ink that aren't part of your digital image. You can confirm this is a bottom plate issue if the smudges appear in the same horizontal or vertical location on every page, regardless of the content. If the smudges are only at the very top or bottom of the page, it is likely a roller issue. If the smudges are vertical streaks across the entire page, it is likely a dirty print head nozzle or a leaking cartridge. However, sporadic "blobs" or smears usually point directly to the bottom plate needing a physical purge. FIX The MG3620 has a built-in "Bottom Plate Cleaning" utility that uses a specifically folded piece of paper to absorb the ink buildup without requiring you to disassemble the chassis. Follow these precise steps: Power on the printer and ensure no error codes are flashing on the LCD. Remove any remaining paper from the rear tray. Take a single sheet of plain A4 or Letter-sized paper. Fold the sheet in half widthwise (short end to short end), then unfold it to create a center crease. Fold one side of the paper toward the center crease, then unfold it again. You should now have a sheet with three distinct sections and two crease lines. Load this single sheet into the rear tray. The crease ridges must face upward, and the edge of the uncreased half must be facing the far side of the tray. Ensure the paper guides are snug against the sheet to prevent skewing. Open the paper output tray and extend the tray support fully. Press and hold the Stop/Reset button (the red circle with the triangle) until the Alarm lamp flashes once, then release the button immediately. The printer will now perform a series of movements, feeding the folded paper through the mechanism several times to "wipe" the bottom plate. This process takes approximately 1-2 minutes. Once the paper is ejected and the printer returns to its idle state, remove the cleaning sheet and discard it. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Manual Print Head Cleaning: If smudges persist, the print head itself may be leaking. Open the cover to access the cartridges. Remove the PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water to gently wipe the gold-colored contact points and the bottom nozzle plate. Do not use rubbing alcohol, as it can dry out the seals. Roller Cleaning Cycle: If the smudges are appearing as small dots in a repeating pattern, the feed rollers are dirty. Press the Setup (pliers/screwdriver icon) button, use the plus button to select "Maintenance," and choose "Roller Cleaning." This will rotate the rollers against a blank sheet of paper to remove debris. Check for Ink Leaks: Inspect the cartridges for signs of leaking ink around the ventilation holes. If a cartridge is leaking, it will drip onto the bottom plate regardless of how often you clean it. Replace any leaking cartridge immediately to avoid permanent staining of the internal plastic. Deep Cleaning Cycle: If the smudges look more like "streaks" of missing color, perform a Deep Cleaning. Go to the Setup menu, navigate to Maintenance, and select "Deep Cleaning." This uses a significant amount of ink to force clogs out of the nozzles. HEADS UP Avoid Non-Genuine Ink: Third-party "compatible" cartridges often have improper seal tolerances, leading to ink leaks that cause the very smudging issues you are experiencing. Use Correct Paper Weight: Using overly thick cardstock or very thin photo paper in the MG3620 can cause the paper to rub more aggressively against the bottom plate, accelerating ink buildup. Prevent Dust Accumulation: If the printer is kept in a dusty environment, the ink on the bottom plate will turn into a thick paste. Keep the printer covered with a dust cloth when not in use. Print Regularly: Printing one page of color and black every week prevents ink from drying and cracking in the nozzles, which reduces the likelihood of "ink spray" landing on the internal components.

Question 3

can i use generic cleaning sheets for my canon mg3620 paper feed roller?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The Canon PIXMA MG3620 utilizes a friction-based paper feed system where rubber rollers grip the top sheet of paper to pull it into the print engine. Over time, these rollers accumulate a mixture of paper dust, adhesive residue from labels, and airborne debris. This creates a "slick" surface on the rubber, leading to multi-sheet feeds (pulling several pages at once) or, more commonly, "Paper Feed Error" messages where the rollers spin without grabbing the paper. When you use a cleaning sheet, you are applying a mild abrasive or a cleaning agent to break down this buildup. Generic cleaning sheets are generally safe as long as they are designed for inkjet printers and do not contain corrosive chemicals. If you notice the printer struggling to pick up standard 20lb bond paper but manages to grab thicker cardstock, it is a definitive sign that the feed rollers have glazed over and require a deep clean to restore the necessary coefficient of friction. FIX To properly clean the feed rollers using either a commercial cleaning sheet or a heavy-weight piece of plain paper, follow this precise sequence to trigger the printer's internal cleaning cycle: Power on the printer and ensure it is in a ready state. Open the paper output tray and remove all remaining sheets from the rear paper support tray to ensure no jams occur during the process. If using a commercial cleaning sheet, load a single sheet into the rear tray. If using plain paper, use a high-quality, thick A4 or Letter-sized sheet; the extra thickness helps scrub the rollers more effectively. Locate the Stop button (the red circle with a triangle). Press and hold this button firmly. Watch the Alarm lamp (the orange triangle icon). You must count exactly seven (7) flashes of the Alarm lamp. Once the seventh flash occurs, release the Stop button immediately. The printer will initiate a "bottom roller cleaning" cycle. You will hear the rollers spinning rapidly for several seconds without the print head moving. This action scrubs the rollers against the cleaning sheet. Once the rollers stop spinning and the noise ceases, remove the cleaning sheet from the tray. Close the output tray and reload your standard printing paper. Perform a nozzle check or a test print to confirm the feed issue is resolved. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Manual Isopropyl Alcohol Scrub: If the automated cycle fails, power off the printer and unplug it. Use a lint-free swab dipped in 70% to 90% Isopropyl Alcohol. Gently wipe the rubber rollers visible in the rear feed slot. Rotate the rollers manually if possible to clean the entire circumference. Allow them to dry completely for 5 minutes before powering back on. Compressed Air Blast: Often, "dust bunnies" lodge themselves in the feed gap. Use a can of compressed air with a straw attachment to blow out the rear paper tray area and the internal feed path. Aim the air directly at the rubber rollers to dislodge loose debris that the cleaning sheet might have simply pushed further into the mechanism. Rubber Restoration: If the rollers have become hard or "petrified" due to age, a tiny amount of rubber rejuvenator or a damp microfiber cloth can sometimes restore the grip. Avoid using oil-based lubricants or WD-40, as these will permanently destroy the roller's ability to grip paper. Paper Weight Adjustment: If the printer continues to slip, try switching from standard 20lb paper to a 24lb or 28lb premium multipurpose paper. The increased stiffness of the heavier paper often allows the worn rollers to maintain a better grip. HEADS UP Avoid Over-Saturating: If using a wet cleaning cloth or alcohol, never drip liquid into the printer. Excess moisture can seep into the optical sensors, causing permanent "Paper Jam" errors even when no paper is present. Frequency of Cleaning: Perform the "7-flash" cleaning cycle once every three months if the printer is in a dusty environment to prevent the buildup from becoming permanent. Paper Quality: Avoid using extremely cheap, high-dust recycled paper, as this accelerates the glazing of the rubber rollers and increases the frequency of feed failures. Avoid Forced Pulls: If a jam occurs, never pull the paper out forcefully from the front. Always pull from the rear tray or open the chassis to avoid tearing the paper or dislodging the feed roller springs.

Question 4

canon pixma mg3620 keeps flashing its alarm lamp, what's that mean?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The flashing orange Alarm lamp on the Canon PIXMA MG3620 is a visual telemetry system used to communicate specific hardware or software errors when the onboard LCD screen cannot display the full error code. Because this model lacks a complex diagnostic screen, it relies on "blink codes"—the number of times the lamp flashes before a brief pause—to indicate the nature of the failure. The root cause usually falls into one of three categories: consumable errors (ink or paper), mechanical obstructions (jammed rollers), or system-level failures (print head misalignment). For example, a steady flash often indicates a paper jam or an empty ink cartridge, while a rhythmic blinking sequence (e.g., 2, 3, or 7 flashes) typically signals that the printer is performing a maintenance cycle or has encountered a critical hardware fault. To confirm the exact error, you must count the flashes in one complete cycle before the lamp pauses; this sequence corresponds directly to a specific internal error state. FIX Depending on the number of flashes you observe, follow these specific resolution steps: For 2-3 Flashes (Maintenance Mode): If the lamp flashes 2 or 3 times, the printer is performing a standard or deep cleaning of the print head. Do not power off the device. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the cycle to complete. If it persists, press the Stop/Reset button once to cancel the operation. For 7 Flashes (Paper Feed Roller Cleaning): This occurs when the rollers are slipping. Load a single sheet of plain A4 or Letter paper into the rear tray. Press the Stop/Reset button until the Alarm lamp flashes, then press the Color or Black Start button. The printer will feed the paper through several times to scrub the rollers. For 8 Flashes (Bottom Plate Cleaning): This is an internal cleaning of the ink ejection area. Ensure the output tray is fully extended and no paper is obstructing the exit path. Press the Stop/Reset button to acknowledge the alert. For Constant Flashing (Ink/Paper Error): If the lamp flashes continuously without a specific count, check the ink cartridges (PG-240 and CL-241). Remove the cartridges and re-seat them firmly until they click. If the error persists, press and hold the Stop/Reset button for 5-10 seconds to override the "Ink Low" warning and continue printing. For Paper Jam Errors: Open the rear tray and the output tray. Gently pull out any torn scraps of paper using both hands to avoid ripping the page further. Check the carriage path to ensure the print head can move freely from left to right. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Hard Power Reset: Turn the printer off and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Hold down the Power button for 30 seconds to discharge the internal capacitors. Plug the unit back in and restart. This clears the volatile memory and often resets "ghost" error codes. Print Head Reseating: Open the cover to reveal the cartridge holder. Remove both the black and color cartridges. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water to gently wipe the gold contact points on the cartridges and the pins inside the carriage. Reinsert them and try again. Firmware Sync: If the alarm is flashing during wireless connectivity, the printer may have a handshake error with your router. Press and hold the Wi-Fi button until the Power lamp flashes, then press the Stop/Reset button to reset the network interface and reconnect via the Canon setup utility. Waste Ink Counter Reset: If the printer flashes a specific sequence indicating the "ink absorber is full," the internal pads have reached their limit. While this usually requires a technician, you can sometimes temporarily bypass this by pressing the Stop/Reset button repeatedly until the error clears, though this is a temporary fix. HEADS UP Avoid Generic Ink Risks: Using non-Canon compatible cartridges often triggers the Alarm lamp because the chip on the cartridge doesn't communicate the correct ink level to the MG3620 logic board. Paper Quality: Only use 17-24 lb bond paper. Using overly thick cardstock or glossy photo paper in the rear tray can cause the rollers to slip, triggering the 7-flash roller cleaning error. Avoid Forced Movement: Never force the print head carriage to the left or right while the printer is powered off; this can bend the timing strip and cause a permanent hardware failure. Dust Management: Use a can of compressed air to blow out the rear paper feed slot every few months to prevent dust buildup from triggering false paper jam alarms.

Question 5

how do you clean the inside of a canon pixma mg3620? it's smudging the backs of my pages

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The smudging on the back of your pages is caused by an accumulation of waste ink and paper dust on the bottom plate (the internal platen) of the Canon PIXMA MG3620. This occurs because the printer uses a "U-turn" paper path; as the page is flipped for double-sided printing or simply passed through the rollers, it presses against the bottom surface of the chassis. Over time, ink mist from the print head or leaked ink from the PG-24/CL-24 cartridges settles on this plate. You can confirm this is the issue if the smudges appear as consistent streaks or "ghosting" patterns on the side of the page that was facing down during the second pass. If the smudging is random or splotchy, it may be a roller slip, but consistent linear marks almost always indicate a dirty bottom plate that needs a physical "wipe" using a sacrificial sheet of paper. FIX To perform a Bottom Plate Cleaning, you must use a specific folding technique that allows the paper to act as a scrub brush, reaching the furthest corners of the internal chassis without jamming the machine. Follow these precise steps: Power on the printer and ensure there are no error codes (like E03 or P02) on the small LCD screen. Remove all existing paper from the rear tray to avoid double-feeding. Take one single sheet of high-quality, heavy-weight A4 or Letter-sized plain paper. Do not use photo paper or thin inkjet paper, as they may tear inside the mechanism. Fold the paper in half widthwise (short end to short end), crease it sharply with your fingernail, and then unfold it. Fold one of the outer edges toward the center crease you just made, then unfold it again. This creates a "Z-fold" pattern that increases the surface area of the paper touching the bottom plate. Load this single, folded sheet into the rear tray, ensuring the guide sliders are snug against the paper to prevent skewed feeding. On your computer, go to the printer properties or maintenance menu and select "Bottom Plate Cleaning." If you are using the printer buttons, press the "Maintenance" button (the one with the pliers/screwdriver icon) until the LCD displays the cleaning prompt, then press the "Black" or "Color" button to start. The printer will slowly feed the page through the internal path and eject it. Discard this sheet immediately; it will be covered in black and magenta ink streaks. Repeat this process 2-3 times until the cleaning sheet comes out relatively clean. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Manual Roller Cleaning: Open the printer cover as if you were changing the ink cartridges. Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water (do not use rubbing alcohol) to gently wipe the grey rubber pickup rollers. If the rollers are slippery, they can cause the page to shift, leading to ink smears. Print Head Alignment: If the smudging is actually "misregistration" (where the ink is in the wrong place rather than smeared), perform a Print Head Alignment from the Maintenance tab. This ensures the ink is hitting the paper precisely where the software expects, preventing overlap smudges. Cartridge Leak Check: Remove the PG-24 and CL-24 cartridges. Inspect the bottom copper-colored nozzles for "pooling" ink. If ink is dripping from the cartridge, it will contaminate the bottom plate regardless of how many times you clean it. Use a dry paper towel to blot the nozzles gently. Hard Reset: If the printer is skipping the cleaning cycle, unplug the power cord for 60 seconds while the unit is on. This clears the volatile memory and can force the printer to re-initialize the paper path sensors. HEADS UP Avoid using "Automatic Duplex" settings if you are using heavy cardstock or labels, as these are more prone to rubbing against the bottom plate and causing smears. Never use compressed air to blow out the inside of the MG3620; this can push ink droplets further into the optical sensors, causing permanent "Paper Jam" errors. Only use genuine Canon ink or high-quality remanufactured cartridges. Cheap third-party inks often have a lower viscosity, meaning they "bleed" more and contaminate the bottom plate faster. If you notice the smudging returns every 50-100 pages, your printer is likely situated in a high-humidity environment, which keeps the waste ink "wet" and more likely to transfer to your documents.

Question 6

canon mg3620 power light is on but it won't print anything from my computer

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS This issue typically manifests as a "Communication Error" or a "Printer Offline" status in Windows or macOS, despite the power light being solid. Because the power light is on, the hardware is receiving current, but the data handshake between the Canon PIXMA MG3620's wireless NIC (Network Interface Card) and your computer's print spooler has failed. This is most commonly caused by a dynamic IP address shift; your router assigned a new IP to the printer, but your computer is still trying to send data to the old, cached IP address. Alternatively, this can be a "Ghost Job" scenario where a corrupted print command is stuck at the top of the queue, blocking all subsequent documents. To confirm if the problem is communication or hardware, press the 'Stop' button on the printer. If the printer doesn't react or the Alarm lamp flashes a specific sequence (like 2 or 4 times), the issue is likely a localized hardware jam or ink error. If the printer seems responsive but the computer says "Offline," the breakdown is in the network handshake or the driver's port configuration. FIX To resolve the communication break and clear the print pipeline, follow these exact steps: Clear the Print Spooler: On your PC, press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. Find "Print Spooler," right-click it, and select "Stop." Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files in that folder. Go back to the Services window, right-click "Print Spooler," and select "Start." Reset the Network Handshake: Turn off the printer. Unplug your wireless router from the power source for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Once the Wi-Fi is fully restored, turn the MG3620 back on. Re-establish the Wireless Link: Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer until the Power lamp flashes. Press the Stop button until the Alarm lamp flashes once, then release it. Press the Wi-Fi button again. The Wi-Fi lamp should stay lit, indicating a successful reconnection to the router. Verify Port Settings (Windows): Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers. Right-click the MG3620 and select "Printer Properties." Go to the "Ports" tab. Ensure "Canon MG3600 series" is checked. If it shows a "WSD" port and is offline, you may need to remove the device and re-add it using the "Add a printer" wizard to refresh the IP mapping. Print a Nozzle Check: To ensure the hardware is ready, press the Stop button until the Alarm lamp flashes once, then press the Color or Black start button. If the pattern prints, the connection is restored. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Perform a Deep Cleaning: If the printer is "Printing" but the pages are blank, the print head is clogged. Press the Stop button until the Alarm lamp flashes twice, then press the Black start button. This initiates a more aggressive cleaning cycle than the standard one. Switch to USB Connection: Connect the printer via a standard USB-A to USB-B cable. If it prints immediately, the issue is 100% network-related. This allows you to update the firmware or drivers without fighting the wireless signal. Disable Firewall/Antivirus Blocking: Temporary disable Windows Defender or third-party software like Norton or McAfee. These often flag the Canon bidirectional communication port (usually Port 9100) as a security threat, blocking the print signal while leaving the power light on. Hard Reset the Printer: Unplug the power cord from the back of the MG3620 and remove the ink cartridges. Hold the power button down for 60 seconds to discharge the internal capacitors. Reinsert cartridges and plug the power back in. HEADS UP Avoid Generic Drivers: Always use the specific Canon MG3600 series driver rather than the "Generic Inkjet" driver provided by Windows Update; the generic version often fails to report "Offline" status correctly. Ink Level Warning: The MG3620 will sometimes refuse to send data to the print head if one of the cartridges is critically low, even if the power light is green. Ensure all ink levels are above the minimum line. Wi-Fi Frequency: This model only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. If you have a dual-band router, ensure your computer isn't trying to force the printer onto a 5GHz band, which will cause intermittent "Offline" errors.

Question 7

canon pixma mg3620 paper isn't feeding right, keeps jamming or misfeeding

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The Canon PIXMA MG3620 utilizes a friction-based pickup system where rubber rollers grip the top sheet of paper to pull it into the print carriage path. Over time, these rollers accumulate a mixture of paper dust, ink residue, and environmental debris. This creates a "slick" surface on the rubber, reducing the coefficient of friction. When the rollers spin but fail to grip the paper, the printer detects a "Paper Feed Error" or an "E03" error code because the internal sensors do not detect the paper moving at the expected speed. In many cases, the issue isn't just dirt, but a physical misalignment of the paper guides or a foreign object lodged in the rear tray. Because the MG3620 uses a rear-loading tray, gravity helps the process, but any slight skew in the paper stack will cause the rollers to grab the page unevenly, leading to a diagonal jam or a "multi-sheet feed" where the rollers pull three or four pages at once. If you hear a rhythmic clicking or grinding sound during the feed attempt, the rollers are slipping against the paper surface rather than gripping it. FIX To resolve a persistent misfeed, you must perform a deep cleaning of the pickup rollers and reset the paper tension. Follow these exact steps: Power off the printer and unplug the power cord from the wall to prevent electrical shorts during manual cleaning. Clear the rear tray of all paper. Use a flashlight to inspect the tray for small debris, such as staples, paper clips, or torn scraps of paper from previous jams. Locate the rubber pickup rollers at the base of the rear feed slot. Dampen a lint-free cloth or a cotton swab with distilled water or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Do not saturate the cloth; it should be damp, not dripping. Gently wipe the rubber surface of the rollers, rotating them manually if possible, to remove the grey layer of paper dust. Ensure you clean the entire circumference of the roller. Allow the rollers to dry completely for 5 minutes. Plug the printer back in and power it on. Access the printer driver on your PC: Navigate to Devices and Printers > Right-click Canon MG3600 series > Printing Preferences > Maintenance tab. Select Roller Cleaning. When prompted, load a single sheet of plain A4 or Letter size paper. This process forces the rollers to spin at high speed against the paper to "scrub" off remaining residue. Once the cycle finishes, fan your paper stack to remove static electricity and slide the paper guides snugly against the edges of the stack—ensure they are not so tight that the paper bows, but not so loose that the paper shifts. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Check for "Paper Curl" Issues: If you are using heavy cardstock or photo paper, the MG3620 often struggles with the curvature. Gently bend the paper in the opposite direction of the curl before loading it into the rear tray to ensure the rollers have a flat surface to grip. Inspect the PF (Paper Feed) Sensor: Open the rear cover and look for the small plastic "finger" (the actuator) that tells the printer paper is present. If this finger is stuck or bent, the printer will report a jam even if the paper is moving. Gently flick it with a toothpick to ensure it springs back into place. Switch Paper Weights: If you are using ultra-thin paper (under 60g/m²), the rollers may slip. Try loading a higher-grade 20lb bond paper. Conversely, if using heavy glossy paper, ensure you have selected the "Photo Paper Plus Glossy II" setting in the driver, as this slows the motor speed to prevent jams. Manual Roller Reset: If the rollers are physically worn down (smooth and shiny), cleaning will not work. You can attempt to "rough up" the rubber by very lightly rubbing the surface with a fine-grit sandpaper (400 grit) to restore the grip, though this is a temporary fix before the rollers need replacement. HEADS UP Avoid using "cheap" or generic recycled paper that produces excessive lint, as this will clog the MG3620 rollers significantly faster than premium brands. Never use a vacuum cleaner directly on the internal rollers, as the static discharge can damage the logic board of the printer. Always load paper in small increments. Overfilling the rear tray puts undue pressure on the rollers and is the leading cause of multi-page jams. Keep the printer covered with a dust cloth when not in use to prevent airborne particles from settling on the pickup mechanism.

Question 8

my canon pixma mg3620 is printing with faded colors and missing lines, how do i fix this?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The presence of faded colors and horizontal white streaks (missing lines) on the Canon PIXMA MG3620 is almost always a result of dried ink deposits obstructing the microscopic nozzles of the print head. This occurs when the printer sits idle for several days or weeks, allowing the ink at the nozzle interface to dehydrate and solidify, creating a physical plug that prevents ink from flowing consistently onto the paper. When only specific colors are faded, it indicates a partial clog; when lines are missing entirely, it indicates a complete blockage of specific nozzle rows. To confirm this is a nozzle issue rather than a software or ink-level problem, you must print a Nozzle Check pattern. If the grid lines in the magenta, cyan, or yellow blocks are broken or missing, the print head is physically obstructed. If the colors are faded but the lines are solid, you may be dealing with "ink starvation," where the ink is flowing but the saturation is too low due to a vacuum lock or low-quality third-party ink cartridges that have a different viscosity than Canon originals. FIX To resolve nozzle clogs, you must perform a tiered cleaning process. Start with the standard cleaning and escalate to deep cleaning only if necessary, as deep cleaning consumes a significant amount of ink. Power on the printer and load a stack of plain A4 or Letter sized paper in the rear tray. Press and hold the Stop button until the Alarm lamp (orange) flashes two times, then release the button immediately. This initiates the Standard Cleaning cycle. Wait for the ON lamp to stop flashing and remain lit. This process typically takes 60 to 90 seconds. Do not press any buttons or attempt to print during this window. To verify the result, press and hold the Stop button until the Alarm lamp flashes once, then release. The printer will print a nozzle check pattern. Inspect the pattern. If the grid is still broken or colors are missing, repeat the Standard Cleaning process one more time. If the issue persists after two standard cleanings, perform a Deep Cleaning. Press and hold the Stop button until the Alarm lamp flashes three times, then release. This uses a high-pressure burst of ink to force through stubborn clogs. Wait for the cycle to complete and print another nozzle check pattern to confirm the lines are now solid. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the internal cleaning cycles fail to clear the blockage, try these advanced recovery methods: Manual Print Head Soak: Remove the ink cartridges from the carriage. Carefully lift the print head assembly (if your model has the removable head) or place a folded paper towel dampened with warm distilled water or a specialized print head cleaning solution directly underneath the nozzle plate for 30 minutes. This softens the dried ink from the outside in. Cartridge Replacement: Since the MG3620 uses integrated print head cartridges (PG-240 and CL-241/246), the "print head" is actually built into the bottom of the cartridge. If deep cleaning fails, the nozzles are likely permanently scorched or clogged. Replace the specific cartridge (Cyan/Magenta/Yellow or Black) that is showing the faded lines. Vent Hole Inspection: Check the top of the ink cartridges. Ensure the orange plastic pull-tab was completely removed and that the small air vent hole on the top of the cartridge is not blocked by adhesive residue. If air cannot enter the cartridge, a vacuum forms, causing the ink to fade or stop flowing entirely. Print Quality Settings Adjustment: Navigate to your computer's printer preferences. Under the "Main" tab, change the "Print Quality" from Standard to High. This forces the printer to pass over the page more slowly and lay down more ink, which can sometimes mask minor nozzle gaps. HEADS UP Avoid performing more than two Deep Cleaning cycles in a 24-hour period. Over-cleaning can actually wear out the nozzle elements or overflow the internal waste ink pads. To prevent future clogs, print at least one page of full-color content every week. This keeps the ink moving and prevents the nozzles from drying out. Always use high-quality paper. Using cheap, highly absorbent paper can sometimes pull ink out of the nozzles unevenly, mimicking the appearance of a clog. If using third-party "compatible" inks, be aware that they often have different drying times and are more prone to clogging than genuine Canon inks.

Question 9

canon pixma mg3620 wireless setup is a pain, i never got the cloud printing email to register. what gives?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The failure to receive the Canon Inkjet Cloud Printing registration email is typically caused by a handshake failure between the MG3620's internal network interface and the Canon Cloud servers. This often happens when the printer is connected via a "Weak" signal or when the router's firewall is blocking the specific outbound port used by Canon's registration service. Because the MG3620 uses a legacy wireless protocol, any momentary drop in connectivity during the "Registering" phase of the setup process causes the server to fail the request, meaning the email is never actually triggered, even if the printer screen suggests it is processing. Furthermore, many modern email providers (specifically Gmail and Outlook) flag Canon's automated registration URLs as "Phishing" or "Promotional" because the link redirects through multiple security layers before landing on the account creation page. If you have checked your spam folder and found nothing, it is likely that the printer failed to send the request to the server entirely, or your ISP's DNS is blocking the Canon Cloud domain, preventing the registration packet from ever leaving your local network. FIX To resolve this and successfully register your Cloud Printing account, follow these exact steps to force a fresh registration request: Power off the printer and unplug the power cord from the wall for 60 seconds to clear the volatile memory cache. Restart your wireless router. Ensure the printer is connected to a 2.4GHz band; the MG3620 cannot communicate with 5GHz networks and will fail registration if it attempts to bridge between the two. Plug the printer back in and power it on. Press the Setup button (Wrench icon) and navigate to Wireless LAN setup. Select Standard setup to re-verify the connection. Once the wireless icon is solid on the LCD, press the Setup button again and navigate to Cloud Printing Center. Select Register. When prompted for the email address on your computer or mobile device, use a different email provider if possible (e.g., if Gmail failed, try a Yahoo or Outlook address) to bypass provider-specific filters. Immediately after clicking "Submit," open your email client and refresh the inbox. If the email does not appear within 3 minutes, check the "Promotions" or "Junk" tab. Click the registration link within the email. You will be redirected to the Canon Cloud Printing Center website. You must accept the Terms and Conditions and set a unique password to finalize the link between your MG3620 hardware ID and your cloud account. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Manual DNS Override: Access your router's administration panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and change your DNS settings to Google's Public DNS (Primary: 8.8.8.8, Secondary: 8.8.4.4). This often bypasses ISP-level blocks that prevent the MG3620 from reaching the Canon registration server. WPS Push-Button Method: Instead of the standard setup, use the WPS method. Press the WPS button on your router, then hold the Wi-Fi button on the MG3620 until the power lamp flashes. A more stable "handshake" via WPS often resolves the registration email trigger issue. Disable IPv6: In your router settings, temporarily disable IPv6 and force the network to use IPv4. The MG3620's older firmware can struggle with IPv6 tunneling, which can lead to the "Request Timed Out" error during cloud registration. Firewall Port Opening: Ensure that TCP ports 80 and 443 are open for all devices on your network. If you have a hardware firewall (like a SonicWall or Sophos), create an exception for the printer's MAC address to allow unrestricted outbound traffic to Canon's servers. HEADS UP Ink Levels: The MG3620 will occasionally block network-related setup prompts if one of the ink cartridges (PG-245 or CL-246) is completely empty or missing. Ensure all cartridges are seated and have ink before attempting cloud registration. Sleep Mode: The printer must be fully awake. If the power light is blinking or the screen is blank, the registration request will time out. Press the Power button to wake the device before starting the process. Firmware Updates: Since the MG3620 is an older model, ensure you have the latest driver package installed on your PC. While the printer doesn't have a traditional "firmware update" button, the driver installation often pushes critical network patches to the hardware. Signal Strength: Keep the printer within 10 feet of the router during the registration process. Once the account is registered, you can move it further away, but the initial "handshake" for the cloud email is highly sensitive to signal drop.

Question 10

can i clean the glass scanner part on my mg3620? it has fingerprints and dust.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Fingerprints and dust on the scanner glass (platen) of your Canon PIXMA MG3620 will cause visible defects, like smudges, spots, or hazy lines, to appear on every scanned image or photocopy. This is purely a surface contamination issue and does not indicate a scanner failure. FIX To safely clean the scanner glass without causing damage or streaks, follow these steps: Turn the printer OFF using the power button and disconnect the power plug from the electrical outlet. This is a critical safety step. Fully open the document cover (the lid) and prop it up if possible to avoid it closing during cleaning. Use a completely dry, soft, and lint-free microfiber cloth, like one designed for camera lenses or eyeglasses. Gently smooth the cloth with your hand to ensure no trapped grit is present. Lightly wipe the glass in a single direction using straight, overlapping strokes. For stubborn fingerprints, you can breathe a light mist of moisture onto the cloth (never directly onto the glass) and then wipe gently, followed immediately by a dry pass with a clean portion of the cloth. Never use household glass cleaners, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasive pads, as they can strip anti-reflective coatings and cause permanent clouding or streaking. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If smudges persist, double-check that the contamination is on the glass and not on the underside of the document cover or the white backing plate inside the lid, which can also be gently wiped with a dry cloth. For ingrained dirt, slightly dampen a cotton swab with distilled water (not tap water) and carefully clean the edge of the glass, avoiding the central scanning area. Ensure the glass is completely dry before powering the printer back on. HEADS UP Always clean the glass with the printer unplugged to prevent accidental activation. Avoid excessive pressure, as the glass is mounted on a sensitive scanner carriage mechanism underneath. Regular cleaning with a dedicated microfiber cloth stored in a bag will prevent most dust buildup.

Question 11

my canon pixma mg3620 is making a weird grinding noise when i try to print, should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS This grinding sound in the Canon PIXMA MG3620 is typically caused by a mechanical failure in the carriage drive system or an obstruction in the paper feed path. Specifically, the noise occurs when the print head carriage (which holds the PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges) attempts to move along the metal guide rail but encounters resistance. This can be caused by a foreign object—such as a staple, paper clip, or a torn scrap of 20lb bond paper—lodged in the track, or a failure of the plastic gears in the carriage assembly to mesh properly due to a lack of lubrication or a stripped tooth. If the noise happens specifically during the "warm-up" phase or right as the paper begins to pull, the issue is likely the paper feed rollers or the duplexing mechanism. If the noise is a rhythmic, high-pitched screeching or clicking that follows the movement of the ink cartridges, it is a carriage rail issue. To confirm, open the front cover and visually inspect the carriage movement; if the carriage "stutters" or jerks while making the noise, you have a mechanical blockage or a belt slippage issue. FIX Stop all print jobs immediately to prevent the motor from burning out or the plastic gears from stripping completely. Follow these steps to clear the mechanism: Power off the printer and unplug the power cord from the wall to ensure the carriage is not energized. Open the front cover and the scanning unit cover. Gently slide the cartridge holder to the center of the machine. If it is stuck, do not force it; instead, look for any small pieces of ripped paper caught in the extreme left or right "parking" stations. Use a flashlight to inspect the thin metal guide rail. Check for any debris, such as hair, dust clumps, or small objects that may have fallen into the printer. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the carriage path and the area around the encoder strip (the clear plastic strip running across the width of the printer). Carefully remove the PG-245 and CL-246 ink cartridges. Check if the cartridges are seated flush; if one is slightly tilted, it can snag on the internal chassis during movement. Reinsert them until you hear a distinct click. Clear the paper path by opening the rear tray and removing all paper. Check the feed slot for any curled scraps of paper. Use a pair of tweezers to remove any debris from the rubber pickup rollers. Plug the printer back in and perform a "Power Cycle": Hold the power button for 5 seconds, unplug the unit for 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Run a "Nozzle Check" print to see if the carriage moves smoothly. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Clean the Encoder Strip: The encoder strip is the semi-transparent plastic band that tells the printer where the carriage is. If it has a smudge of grease or ink on it, the carriage may "hunt" for its position, causing it to slam into the side of the printer and create a grinding noise. Gently wipe it with a lint-free cloth and a tiny amount of isopropyl alcohol. Manual Rail Lubrication: Over time, the factory grease on the metal guide rail can dry out or migrate. Apply a tiny amount of high-quality synthetic grease (silicone-based) to the metal rail using a cotton swab. Avoid using WD-40, as it can degrade the plastic components of the MG3620. Reset the Carriage Position: If the printer is reporting a "Service" error (like Error 5100), the carriage is out of alignment. Try removing the ink cartridges and powering the printer on; sometimes the carriage will reset itself to the home position without the weight of the cartridges. Check for Internal Gear Slippage: If the grinding is coming from the right side of the machine, the timing belt may have slipped or a gear may be cracked. If you are comfortable, remove the outer plastic casing to inspect the gear assembly for plastic shavings, which indicate a stripped gear that requires a full carriage assembly replacement. HEADS UP Never force the carriage holder to the left or right if it feels stuck; doing so can snap the encoder strip or strip the drive gear, rendering the printer unrepairable. Avoid using "heavy" cardstock or non-standard labels that exceed 200 gsm, as these frequently cause the feed rollers to slip and create a grinding sound. Keep the printer away from dusty environments or pet hair, as the MG3620's open-tray design allows debris to fall directly onto the guide rail. Always use genuine Canon ink or high-quality remanufactured cartridges; poorly fitting third-party shells can physically obstruct the carriage path.

Question 12

how do i clean the print head on my canon pixma mg3620 from my windows computer?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The Canon PIXMA MG3620 utilizes a fine-nozzle inkjet system where ink is pushed through microscopic holes in the print head. Over time, ink residues dry and crystallize at these exit points, creating "clogs." This typically manifests as horizontal white streaks (banding) in your documents, missing colors in photos, or completely blank pages despite the ink levels showing as full in the software. This issue is most common if the printer has sat idle for more than two weeks or if non-genuine third-party inks were used, as these often have different viscosity levels that dry faster. To confirm a clog, you must perform a "Nozzle Check." If the grid patterns are broken or specific color blocks (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, or Black) are missing, the print head requires a software-driven cleaning cycle to force ink through the nozzles and clear the obstruction. FIX To perform a print head cleaning via Windows, follow these precise steps to access the driver's maintenance utility: Press the Windows Key on your keyboard, type "Control Panel," and press Enter. Navigate to Hardware and Sound and then select Devices and Printers. Locate the Canon MG3600 series icon. Right-click the icon and select Printing Preferences from the dropdown menu. In the window that opens, click the Maintenance tab located at the top right of the interface. Click the Cleaning... button. A dialog box will appear asking which ink group you wish to clean. Select "All colors" for a comprehensive clear-out, or a specific color if only one is streaking. Click Execute. The printer will begin a series of mechanical movements and ink pulses. This process takes approximately 60 to 90 seconds. Do not turn off the printer during this time. Once the process finishes, the software will ask if you want to print a nozzle check pattern. Click Yes. Inspect the printed page. If the grid lines are solid and the color blocks are uniform, the issue is resolved. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If standard cleaning does not restore print quality, try these advanced recovery methods: Deep Cleaning: Return to the Maintenance tab in Printing Preferences and select Deep Cleaning. This uses a significantly higher volume of ink to flush out stubborn clogs. Note that this consumes a large amount of ink and should only be performed once. If a second Deep Cleaning doesn't work, further attempts will not help and will only waste ink. Ink Cartridge Reseating: Open the printer cover and remove the PG-245 (Black) and CL-246 (Color) cartridges. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water to gently wipe the gold electrical contacts and the ink nozzles on the bottom of the cartridges. Reinsert them firmly until they click into place. Print Head Alignment: In the same Maintenance tab, select Print Head Alignment. Sometimes "streaking" is actually a misalignment of the print head rather than a clog. Follow the on-screen prompts to print the alignment page and select the best-looking patterns. Manual Soak: If the CL-246 color cartridge is severely dried, place the nozzle end (the bottom part) into a shallow bowl containing 5mm of warm distilled water for 10 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel and reinstall. HEADS UP Ink Consumption: Cleaning and Deep Cleaning cycles consume a significant amount of ink. Always check your ink levels before starting a Deep Cleaning to avoid "air locks" caused by printing with an empty cartridge. Avoid Over-Cleaning: Running the cleaning cycle more than three times in a row can actually cause the print head to overheat or leak ink into the internal chassis. If three cleanings fail, let the printer sit for 24 hours to allow the ink to naturally soften the clog. Preventative Care: To prevent future clogs, print at least one full-color page every 7-10 days. This keeps the ink flowing and prevents the nozzles from drying out. Cartridge Compatibility: Ensure you are using genuine Canon PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges. Third-party inks often have larger pigment particles that are more prone to clogging the MG3620's fine nozzles.

Question 13

my pixma mg3620 isn't feeding paper right, it jams or pulls multiple sheets. do i need to clean something?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The Canon PIXMA MG3620 utilizes a friction-based pickup mechanism consisting of rubber rollers that grip the top sheet of paper to pull it into the print engine. Over time, these rollers accumulate a mixture of paper dust, adhesive residue from labels, and environmental debris. This creates a slick, glazed layer on the rubber surface, reducing the coefficient of friction. When the rollers can't grip the first sheet effectively, they may slip, causing a "Paper Jam" error (typically Error Code 1000 or 1300), or they may exert uneven pressure that drags multiple sheets into the feed path simultaneously. You can confirm this is a roller issue if the printer makes a "grinding" or "slipping" sound for several seconds before the paper actually moves, or if you notice the paper is skewed (entering at an angle) despite being aligned against the guides. If the rollers appear shiny or greyish instead of a matte black, they are contaminated and require a deep clean to restore their grip. FIX To resolve paper feed issues on the MG3620, you must perform a manual roller cleaning cycle and a physical wipe-down. Follow these precise steps: Power on the printer and ensure the paper output tray is fully extended and the cover is open. Remove all remaining paper from the rear tray to prevent accidental jams during the cleaning process. Locate the Stop button (the red circle with a triangle). Press and hold this button until the Alarm lamp (orange light) flashes exactly seven times. Release the button immediately after the seventh flash. This triggers the internal roller cleaning mode, which spins the rollers at high speed without advancing paper to shake off loose debris. Once the rollers stop spinning, take a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water (do not use rubbing alcohol as it can dry out the rubber). Reach into the rear paper feed slot and gently wipe the rubber rollers. Rotate them manually if possible to clean the entire circumference. Load a single sheet of high-quality, plain A4 or Letter-sized paper. Ensure the paper guides are snug against the edges of the paper but not so tight that the paper bows. Press the Black or Color button to initiate a test print to verify the grip is restored. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Check for Foreign Objects: Use a bright flashlight to inspect the rear feed tray. Even a tiny object like a staple, paperclip, or a dried piece of glue from a label can obstruct the path. Use a pair of long-nose tweezers to carefully remove any debris found in the feed throat. Adjust Paper Weight: If you are using heavy cardstock or photo paper, the MG3620 often struggles with "multi-sheet pull." Ensure you are loading only one sheet of specialty media at a time. If using plain paper, try a different brand; some "budget" papers have a high powder content that coats the rollers faster. Reset the Paper Feed Mechanism: Perform a hard power reset. Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer while it is still turned on. Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. This resets the stepper motor positions and can clear ghost jams. Manual Roller Scrub: If the distilled water didn't work, use a cotton swab dipped in a tiny amount of isopropyl alcohol (70%) to scrub the rubber rollers. This removes stubborn oils. Immediately follow this with a damp water-only swab to remove the alcohol residue, as leaving alcohol on the rubber can cause it to crack over time. HEADS UP Avoid "Cheap" Paper: Low-grade paper sheds more "paper dust," which acts like sandpaper on the rollers and accelerates wear. Use 20lb or 24lb bright white office paper for the longest roller lifespan. Fan Your Paper: Always "fan" a stack of paper before loading it into the rear tray. This breaks the static cling between sheets and significantly reduces the chance of the printer pulling multiple pages. Avoid Overfilling: Never fill the rear tray beyond the indicated limit. Overfilling puts excessive downward pressure on the rollers, which can cause the pickup mechanism to wear out prematurely. Storage Matters: Keep your paper in a cool, dry place. Damp paper curls and sticks together, making it nearly impossible for the MG3620's lightweight rollers to pick up a single sheet.

Question 14

can i use my canon mg3620 wirelessly without installing the cloud printing center stuff?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The confusion stems from the distinction between "Cloud Printing" and "Local Wireless Networking." The Canon Inkjet Cloud Printing Center is a proprietary middleware service designed for remote printing from outside your home network (e.g., sending a document from a hotel to your home printer). It is an optional add-on service that requires a Canon account and internet-facing registration. It is entirely separate from the printer's physical ability to communicate with your Wi-Fi router. When you attempt to set up the MG3620, the software installer often pushes the Cloud Printing Center as a primary feature. However, the hardware itself uses the IEEE 802.11b/g/n standard to establish a local Area Network (LAN) connection. To confirm you are using local wireless rather than cloud services, check your printer's network status: if the Wi-Fi icon on the LCD is solid and the printer has a local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.X), you are operating on a local wireless connection and do not need any cloud-based software to print from devices within your home. FIX To bypass the Cloud Printing Center and establish a direct wireless connection to your local network, follow these exact steps: **Initiate WPS Mode:** On the printer control panel, press and hold the "Wi-Fi" button until the Power lamp flashes. Press the "Color" or "Black" button once, then press the "Wi-Fi" button again. The Wi-Fi lamp will flash rapidly, indicating the printer is searching for a WPS-enabled router. **Activate Router WPS:** Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router. Hold it for 3-5 seconds. Once the connection is established, the Wi-Fi lamp on the MG3620 will stop flashing and remain lit. **Install Local Drivers (Windows/Mac):** Instead of using the "Full Software Suite" which prompts for cloud registration, download the "MG3600 series MP Drivers" from the Canon support site. During installation, select "Wireless LAN Connection" when prompted for the connection method. **Direct Device Pairing (Mobile):** For iOS or Android, do not use the Cloud Printing app. Instead, ensure your phone is on the same SSID as the printer. The MG3620 is AirPrint compatible; simply select "Print" in your document app, and the printer will appear automatically in the list without any additional software. Verify Connection: Print a network configuration page by pressing the "Stop/Reset" button repeatedly until the Alarm lamp flashes 15 times, then press the "Color" button. This confirms the printer is on your local IP and not relying on a cloud relay. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Manual IP Assignment: If the printer is connected but "Offline," access your router's admin panel and assign a Static IP to the printer's MAC address. This prevents the router from changing the printer's IP address via DHCP, which frequently breaks the connection between the PC and the MG3620. Disable Firewall Blocking: Ensure that your computer's firewall is not blocking ports 80, 443, or the specific Canon bidirectional communication ports. Set the Canon printer driver to "Allow" in your Windows Defender or macOS Firewall settings. Reset Network Settings: If you previously attempted a cloud setup and it failed, clear the NVRAM. Turn the printer off. Hold the "Stop/Reset" button and turn the printer on. Release the button when the Power lamp flashes. This wipes all previous network credentials and allows a clean WPS handshake. Check 2.4GHz vs 5GHz: The MG3620 only supports 2.4GHz wireless bands. If your router uses "Smart Connect" (merging both bands into one SSID), the printer may fail to connect. Split your router bands into two separate SSIDs (e.g., "Home_Wifi" and "Home_Wifi_5G") and connect the printer specifically to the 2.4GHz band. HEADS UP Avoid "Wireless Setup" Software: The standalone setup utility often forces you into the cloud registration loop. Using the WPS button method on the hardware is the fastest way to avoid this. Ink Clogging: Because the MG3620 uses fine nozzles, if you stop printing for 2-3 weeks while it's in wireless standby, the print head may clog. Run a "Cleaning" cycle from the Maintenance tab of the driver monthly. Paper Jam Prevention: Always ensure the rear tray guides are snug against the paper. If they are too loose, the wireless "Print" command will trigger, but the printer will throw a "Paper Out" error because it failed to grip the sheet. Power Cycle: If the printer becomes unresponsive over Wi-Fi, unplug the power cord from the wall for 30 seconds. This resets the internal wireless NIC without deleting your network settings.

Question 15

how do i clean the scanner glass on my canon mg3620 all-in-one?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Smudges, vertical streaks, or persistent white spots on your scanned documents or photocopies are almost always caused by debris on the scanner platen (the glass surface) or the underside of the document cover. Because the Canon PIXMA MG3620 uses a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) that moves along a fixed track, any particle of dust, a fingerprint, or a dried ink droplet on the glass creates a "shadow" or a line that repeats across the entire length of the page. To confirm the issue is physical debris and not a software glitch, perform a "blank scan" or a copy of a plain white piece of paper. If you see a consistent line or dot in the same position on every single page, the contamination is located on the glass at that exact coordinate. If the blurriness is general and not linear, it is likely a film of grease or dust across the entire surface of the platen. FIX To thoroughly clean the scanner assembly without damaging the delicate glass coating or the internal sensor, follow these precise steps: Power down the printer and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to prevent any electrical surges or accidental movement of the scan head during cleaning. Lift the document cover fully. Inspect the glass platen for visible smudges, ink streaks, or hair. Use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently wipe away loose dust. Do not use paper towels or tissues, as these are abrasive and can leave microscopic scratches on the glass surface over time. Dampen a fresh microfiber cloth with a small amount of distilled water or a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Crucial: Never spray liquid directly onto the glass; the liquid can seep into the edges of the platen and damage the internal electronics. Spray the cloth first, then wipe. Wipe the glass in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward toward the edges. Apply light pressure to remove stubborn fingerprints or ink stains. Lift the document cover and inspect the underside. Specifically, clean the small piece of white plastic or foam (the underside of the lid) that presses the paper against the glass. If this area is dirty, it will leave "ghost" marks on your scans. Allow the glass to air-dry completely for 2-3 minutes before closing the cover and plugging the unit back in. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Deep Clean with Glass Cleaner: If ink has dried and bonded to the glass, use a dedicated ammonia-free glass cleaner. Apply a tiny amount to a cotton swab (Q-tip) and rub the specific spot of debris. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners (like some versions of Windex) as they can strip the anti-reflective coating off the scanner glass. Check the Calibration Strip: If you see a persistent vertical line that persists after cleaning the glass, the internal calibration strip (the white bar the sensor reads to set its "white point") may be dirty. While this is internal, you can sometimes clear it by performing a "Power Reset": unplug the unit, hold the power button for 15 seconds, and plug it back in. Edge Cleaning: Use a can of compressed air to blow out the crevices between the glass platen and the plastic frame of the printer. Dust often accumulates in these gaps and can be sucked onto the glass during the scanning process. Verify Document Quality: If the streaks only appear on certain documents, check the paper for creases or "dog-ears." The MG3620 has a very shallow depth of field; any gap between the paper and the glass will result in a blurry or faded area. HEADS UP Avoid using acetone, nail polish remover, or harsh scouring pads, as these will permanently etch the glass and ruin the scanner's ability to focus. Always keep the scanner lid closed when not in use to prevent household dust and pet hair from settling on the platen. If you are scanning old photographs, wipe the photo first; old photo chemicals can sometimes leave a residue on the glass that requires immediate cleaning. Periodically check the underside of the document cover; a single staple or piece of glitter stuck to the lid can cause a recurring scratch or dot on every single copy you make.

Question 16

canon pixma mg3620 print head cleaning not working, lines still missing after i tried it

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS When the standard cleaning cycle on a Canon PIXMA MG3620 fails to resolve missing lines or "banding," it is usually because the ink has dehydrated and solidified within the microscopic nozzles of the print head. This is common if the printer has been idle for more than two weeks or if you are using third-party inks that lack the proper surfactant balance. The standard cleaning cycle only pushes a small amount of ink through the nozzles; if the clog is a hard "plug" of dried pigment, the pressure isn't high enough to displace it. You can confirm a hardware clog by printing a "Nozzle Check" pattern. If you see gaps in the grid lines or missing colors entirely, the issue is physical obstruction in the print head rather than a software or driver glitch. If the lines are present but faded, you may be dealing with air bubbles trapped in the ink feed system, which requires a different approach than a standard cleaning. FIX If the basic cleaning failed, you must escalate to a Deep Cleaning and a "Rest Period" to allow the ink to chemically soften the clog. Follow these exact steps: Power on the printer and ensure the "ON" lamp is steady. Press and hold the Stop button until the Alarm lamp flashes exactly three times, then release the button immediately. This triggers the Deep Cleaning cycle, which uses significantly more ink to force a high-pressure flush through the nozzles. Wait for the printer to complete the cycle. The ON lamp will flash during the process and become steady once finished. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Print a Nozzle Check page to see if the lines have returned. If they are still missing, do not run another deep clean immediately. Doing so can flood the print head with excess ink and cause smearing. Turn the printer power OFF and unplug it from the wall outlet. Leave the printer untouched for 24 hours. This "soak time" allows the fresh ink injected during the deep clean to penetrate and dissolve the dried ink plugs. Plug the printer back in, power it on, and perform one final Nozzle Check. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the lines remain after a 24-hour rest, try these advanced recovery methods: Manual Print Head Cleaning: Open the printer cover to expose the carriage. Lift the print head (the unit holding the cartridges) out of the machine. Dampen a lint-free cloth or a high-quality paper towel with distilled water or a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. Gently blot the bottom of the print head (the gold/silver strip where ink exits) against the damp cloth. Do not scrub; simply press it down and lift it up until you see a solid "stamp" of ink on the towel. Cartridge Replacement: Since the MG3620 uses integrated print heads (the nozzles are built into the PG-240 and CL-241 cartridges), the "print head" is actually the cartridge itself. If a specific color is missing, replace that specific cartridge. This is often faster and more reliable than cleaning a severely clogged nozzle. Air Bubble Purge: If you recently installed a new cartridge and see lines, air may be trapped. Gently shake the cartridge in your hand for 10 seconds before re-inserting it to help the ink settle toward the nozzles. Check Vent Holes: Ensure the orange pull-tab was completely removed from the top of the cartridge. If a small piece of plastic is still blocking the air vent hole on top, a vacuum will form inside the cartridge, preventing ink from flowing regardless of how many cleaning cycles you run. HEADS UP To prevent future clogs and maintain your MG3620, keep these tips in mind: Print Weekly: Print at least one color page every 7-10 days to keep the ink moving and prevent dehydration in the nozzles. Avoid Cheap Inks: If using refillable cartridges, ensure you use high-quality dye-based inks. Low-grade inks dry faster and are more prone to clogging the fine nozzles of the MG series. Power Down Properly: Always use the Power button to turn off the printer rather than pulling the plug. This ensures the print head parks in the "capped" position, which seals the nozzles from air. Deep Clean Limits: Limit Deep Cleaning to twice per week. These cycles consume a massive amount of ink and fill the internal waste ink absorber pads quickly, which can lead to a "Service Required" error.

Question 17

my canon pixma mg3620 is smudging the back of pages when i print double-sided, how do i clean it?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The smudging on the reverse side of your pages during duplex printing is caused by an accumulation of excess ink and paper dust on the "bottom plate" (the platen) inside the MG3620's internal duplexing mechanism. When the printer flips the page to print on the second side, the paper is pressed against this plate. If the plate is contaminated, it transfers ink back onto the clean side of the page, creating streaks or "ghosting" marks. This typically happens after printing a high volume of documents with heavy ink saturation or when using lower-quality paper that sheds more lint. Because the MG3620 uses a compact internal reversal unit, the plate cannot be reached by standard print head cleaning cycles. You can confirm this is the issue if the smudges appear in the same physical location on every second page, regardless of the content being printed. FIX To resolve this, you must perform a physical Bottom Plate Cleaning. This is not a software-only process; it uses a specifically folded piece of paper to mechanically scrub the plate. On your Windows PC, open the Devices and Printers folder. Right-click your Canon PIXMA MG3620 and select Printing Preferences. Navigate to the Maintenance tab and click Bottom Plate Cleaning. When the prompt appears, prepare a single sheet of plain A4 or Letter-sized paper. Fold the paper in half horizontally (width-wise), then unfold it to create a center crease. Fold one side of the paper in half again, creating a "Z-fold" or a thick edge on one side. This creates the necessary thickness to apply pressure to the internal plate. Load this folded paper into the rear tray. Ensure the folded edge is facing down and is aligned perfectly with the paper guides to avoid a jam. Click OK or Execute on your computer screen. The printer will pull the paper through the duplexing path several times. This action wipes the excess ink from the bottom plate. Remove the cleaning sheet. If the sheet is heavily stained with ink, repeat the process with a fresh piece of folded paper until the cleaning sheet comes out relatively clean. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Manual Roller Cleaning: If smudging persists, the pickup rollers may be slipping, causing the paper to shift and touch the plate at an angle. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with a tiny amount of distilled water to wipe the rubber rollers in the rear feed tray. Rotate them manually to clean the entire circumference. Paper Weight Adjustment: If you are using heavy cardstock or photo paper, the MG3620's automatic duplexer may struggle. Switch to a higher-quality 20lb or 24lb bond paper. Lower-grade paper releases more "paper dust" which mixes with ink to create a sticky residue on the bottom plate. Disable Automatic Duplex: If the smudging is unacceptable for a specific project, disable Two-sided Printing in the Print dialog box. Instead, print the "Odd" pages first, then manually flip the stack and print the "Even" pages. This bypasses the internal reversal unit entirely. Check for Ink Leaks: Remove the ink cartridges (PG-245 and CL-246) and inspect the print head carriage. If there is a pool of ink sitting on the carriage, it may be dripping onto the platen. Gently blot excess ink with a coffee filter—do not rub. HEADS UP Never use rubbing alcohol or harsh chemical solvents on the internal rollers or the bottom plate, as this can degrade the rubber and plastic, leading to permanent paper jams. Avoid using "Eco-friendly" recycled papers with high lint content for duplex printing, as these contribute significantly more buildup on the internal plates. Perform the Bottom Plate Cleaning every 500-1,000 pages of duplex printing to prevent ink buildup from becoming permanent. Always ensure your paper guides are snug; if the paper enters the duplexer skewed, it will leave diagonal streaks that cannot be fixed by cleaning alone.

Question 18

canon pixma mg3620 paper feed roller not grabbing paper properly, what should i do?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS This issue occurs when the rubberized friction surface of the paper feed rollers becomes contaminated with "paper dust"—microscopic fibers and adhesive residue from the paper itself—or external debris like hair and dust. Because the MG3620 uses a top-loading rear tray, the rollers are exposed to the environment, allowing particles to create a slick film over the rubber. When the rollers spin, they cannot create enough friction to "grip" the leading edge of the paper, resulting in a "Paper Cannot Be Fed" error or a loud grinding noise without any paper movement. You can confirm this is a roller friction issue if the printer sounds like it is attempting to pull paper (the motor is humming) but the stack remains stationary, or if the printer pulls a single sheet but then jams immediately because it failed to grip the page squarely. If you see visible white powder or a shiny, glazed appearance on the grey rubber rollers in the rear tray, the friction coefficient has dropped too low for reliable feeding. FIX To resolve this, you must perform a manual roller cleaning sequence and a physical deep clean. Follow these exact steps: Clear the rear tray of all paper and ensure the output tray and its extension are fully opened. Press and hold the Stop button. Watch the Alarm lamp (the orange triangle). When the lamp flashes exactly seven times, release the button immediately. This triggers the internal roller cleaning cycle, spinning the rollers at high speed to shed loose debris. Load a single sheet of thick, high-quality A4 or Letter-sized plain paper. Do not use photo paper for this step. Press and hold the Stop button again until the Alarm lamp flashes two times, then release. The printer will pull the sheet through to scrub the rollers. If the paper still isn't grabbing, power off the printer and unplug the power cord. Locate the grey rubber feed rollers in the rear tray. Dampen a lint-free microfiber cloth or a cotton swab with distilled water or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Do not soak the cloth; it should be damp, not dripping. Gently wipe the rubber surface of the rollers. Rotate the rollers manually by hand to ensure you clean the entire circumference of the rubber ring. Allow the rollers to dry completely for 5 minutes before plugging the device back in and reloading paper. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Check for Foreign Objects: Use a bright flashlight to inspect the rear feed slot for small items like staples, paper clips, or torn scraps of paper. Even a tiny piece of debris lodged in the feed path can prevent the roller from making full contact with the page. Use a pair of tweezers to carefully extract any debris. Adjust Paper Stack: Ensure you are not overloading the rear tray. Overfilling can cause the paper to arch, preventing the rollers from hitting the center of the top sheet. Load no more than 20 sheets of plain paper at a time and ensure the paper guides are snug against the edges of the stack without bending the paper. Fan the Paper: Static electricity can cause sheets to cling together, making the roller "slip" on the top page. Take the stack out, fan the edges of the paper thoroughly to introduce air between the sheets, and tap the stack on a flat surface to align the edges perfectly before reloading. Replace the Pickup Roller: If the rubber has become permanently glazed or cracked due to age, cleaning will not work. You will need to replace the feed roller assembly (Part No. MG3600-Feed-Roller). This involves removing the outer casing of the rear tray to swap the rubber gear assembly. HEADS UP Avoid Heavy Paper: Using overly thick cardstock or textured specialty papers frequently accelerates the wear and tear on the MG3620's rubber rollers. Dust Protection: When not in use for long periods, keep the printer in a dust-free area or cover it; dust accumulation in the rear tray is the primary cause of feed failures. Chemical Warning: Never use bleach, acetone, or harsh solvents to clean the rollers, as these will dissolve the rubber compound and permanently ruin the grip. Paper Quality: Avoid using "budget" paper with high amounts of filler/dust, as this creates the white residue on the rollers much faster than premium 20lb bond paper.

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