In today’s fast-paced digital world, having a reliable printer that seamlessly integrates into your home or office network is essential. The Brother MFC-L2710DW is a compact multifunction printer that combines convenience with high-quality printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. One of the standout features of this printer is its wireless capability, allowing users to print from anywhere within WiFi range. This comprehensive guide aims to help you successfully connect your Brother MFC-L2710DW to WiFi with ease, so you can maximize your device’s functionality.
Understanding the Brother MFC-L2710DW
Before diving into the connection process, it’s important to get familiar with the Brother MFC-L2710DW and its capabilities.
Key Features of the MFC-L2710DW
The Brother MFC-L2710DW offers a variety of features that cater to both home and office users:
- Print, Scan, Copy, and Fax: This all-in-one printer efficiently handles multiple tasks, saving you time and space.
- Fast Printing: With a print speed of up to 30 pages per minute, you can tackle large jobs quickly.
- Automatic Duplex Printing: Save paper and reduce waste with automatic double-sided printing.
- Wireless Connectivity: Print from your computer, smartphone, or tablet without the hassle of wires.
Preparing for the WiFi Connection
Before you begin the connection process, there are a few steps you should take to ensure everything goes smoothly:
Gather Necessary Information
To connect your Brother MFC-L2710DW to your WiFi network, you’ll need the following:
- Your WiFi network name (SSID)
- Your WiFi password
Having this information at hand will make the connection process quicker and hassle-free.
Check Printer Compatibility
Ensure that your printer’s firmware is up-to-date. An outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues. Follow these steps to check and update your firmware:
- On your computer, navigate to the Brother support website.
- Enter your printer model and check for any available firmware updates.
- If an update is present, download it and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
Connecting Your Brother MFC-L2710DW to WiFi
There are two primary methods to connect your printer to WiFi: using the Control Panel or the WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) method. Below are detailed instructions for each method.
Method 1: Using the Control Panel
Connecting via the printer’s control panel is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Access the Menu
- Turn on the Brother MFC-L2710DW.
- Press the “Menu” button on the printer’s control panel.
Step 2: Navigate to the WLAN Settings
- Use the arrow keys to scroll to “Network” and press “OK”.
- Scroll to “WLAN” and press “OK”.
Step 3: Select the Setup Wizard
- Scroll to “Setup Wizard” and press “OK”.
- The printer will search for available networks. Wait for a few moments while it scans.
Step 4: Choose Your WiFi Network
- Once the printer has completed scanning, it will display a list of detected networks.
- Use the arrow keys to select your WiFi network (SSID) and press “OK”.
Step 5: Enter Your WiFi Password
- You will be prompted to enter your WiFi password.
- Carefully input your password using the printer’s keypad.
- Press “OK”.
Step 6: Confirm the Connection
- The printer will attempt to connect to the selected WiFi network.
- Wait for a confirmation message. Once you see “Connected”, you have successfully connected your printer to WiFi.
Method 2: Using WiFi Protected Setup (WPS)
If your router supports WPS, this is an even quicker method to connect your printer to WiFi. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Enable WPS on Your Router
- Locate the WPS button on your router.
- Press and hold this button for a few seconds. The WPS light should start blinking.
Step 2: Initiate WPS on Your Printer
- On the Brother MFC-L2710DW, press the “Menu” button.
- Navigate to “Network” and press “OK”.
- Select “WLAN” and press “OK”.
- Choose “WPS” and press “OK”.
Step 3: Choose WPS Button
- Select “Push Button” method and press “OK”.
- Your printer will now search for the WPS connection.
Step 4: Connect
- Once the connection is established, you will see a message indicating “Connected”.
- The WPS light on your router should stop blinking, confirming a successful connection.
Testing Your Connection
After successfully connecting your Brother MFC-L2710DW to WiFi, it’s essential to test the connection to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
Printing a Test Page
- On your computer, navigate to the “Devices and Printers” section.
- Right-click on the Brother printer icon and select “Printer properties.”
- Click on the “Print Test Page” button.
If the test page prints successfully, your connection is secure, and you’re ready to print from any connected device.
Troubleshooting Common Connectivity Issues
Even the most straightforward setups can occasionally encounter problems. Here are some common issues you might face and how to resolve them:
Issue 1: Printer Not Found on Network
- Solution: Make sure that the printer is powered on and within range of your WiFi router. You may need to reposition it closer to the router or restart it if it’s unresponsive.
Issue 2: Connection Failure
- Solution: Double-check your WiFi password for accuracy. Enter it again, ensuring that you are using the correct case (upper/lower) and that no spaces are inadvertently added.
Issue 3: Network Interference
- Solution: Other electronic devices can interfere with your WiFi signal. Try to minimize interference by placing the printer in an open space and away from other electronic devices.
Leveraging Wireless Printing Options
Once your Brother MFC-L2710DW is connected to your WiFi network, you can take advantage of the various wireless printing options available.
Mobile Printing Capabilities
The MFC-L2710DW supports mobile printing through several services:
- Google Cloud Print: Print directly from your Google account to the printer.
- Brother’s iPrint&Scan App: Download the app on your smartphone or tablet to print photos and documents from your mobile device.
Using Third-Party Applications
In addition to Brother’s native apps, you can utilize other popular printing applications, such as AirPrint for iOS devices.
Conclusion
Connecting your Brother MFC-L2710DW to WiFi is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your printing experience. Whether you’re printing important reports at work or family photos at home, the flexibility that wireless connectivity offers is invaluable. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can connect your printer to WiFi without any hassle. Embrace the convenience of wireless printing today and enjoy a more efficient way to manage your printing tasks!
How do I start the WiFi setup for my Brother MFC-L2710DW?
To begin the WiFi setup for your Brother MFC-L2710DW, first ensure that your printer is powered on. On the printer’s control panel, press the “Menu” button, then navigate to “Network” using the arrow keys. Once in the Network settings, choose “WLAN,” and then select “Setup Wizard.” This process will guide you through the available wireless networks within range.
Next, your printer will search for available networks. When the list appears, select your WiFi network. You will then be prompted to enter the WiFi password using the numeric keypad. After confirming the password, the printer will attempt to connect to the network. Once connected, a confirmation message will be displayed on the screen, indicating the successful setup.
What should I do if my Brother MFC-L2710DW fails to connect to WiFi?
If your Brother MFC-L2710DW is unable to connect to your WiFi network, ensure that you are entering the correct WiFi password. Mistyping the password is a common issue that can prevent successful connection. Additionally, check if your WiFi router is functioning correctly and can connect to other devices, as this might indicate a network issue rather than a printer issue.
You can also try resetting the network settings on your printer and starting the setup process again. To do this, go back into the “Menu” on the control panel, navigate to “Network,” and select “Network Reset.” This will clear any previous settings, allowing you to re-enter your network information and connect once again.
Can I connect my Brother MFC-L2710DW to a hidden WiFi network?
Yes, you can connect your Brother MFC-L2710DW to a hidden WiFi network. First, ensure that your printer is switched on and navigate to the “Menu” option on the control panel. From there, access “Network,” and then select “WLAN” followed by the “Setup Wizard.” The printer will typically show available networks, but since your network is hidden, you will need to choose the option to enter your SSID (network name) manually.
Once you input your SSID, you will be prompted to enter the WiFi password. After confirming the details, your printer will attempt to connect to the hidden network. If done correctly, you should receive a success message indicating that your Brother MFC-L2710DW is now connected to the hidden WiFi network.
Is there an app to help connect my Brother MFC-L2710DW to WiFi?
Yes, Brother offers a mobile app called “Brother iPrint&Scan” that can assist you in connecting your Brother MFC-L2710DW to WiFi. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. Once you download and install the app, ensure your mobile device is connected to the same WiFi network that you intend to use with your printer.
Using the app, you can easily navigate to the printer settings and follow the prompts to establish a wireless connection. The app also provides additional features such as printing documents directly from your mobile device and scanning documents to save onto your phone, enhancing your overall printing experience.
How can I check if my Brother MFC-L2710DW is properly connected to WiFi?
To verify if your Brother MFC-L2710DW is connected to WiFi, you can print a Network Configuration Report. Press the “Menu” button on the printer’s control panel, navigate to “Print Reports,” and select “Network Configuration.” This report will provide you with various details, including the current network status and the IP address assigned to your printer.
Alternatively, you can also check the LED indicators on the printer. If the WiFi icon is illuminated and stable, it indicates that the printer is connected to the WiFi network. Additionally, you can try sending a print job from your computer or mobile device. If the printer processes the job without issues, it confirms that the connection is properly established.
What should I do if my WiFi router resets and my Brother MFC-L2710DW disconnects?
If your WiFi router resets and your Brother MFC-L2710DW disconnects, you’ll need to re-establish the connection to your network. Start by ensuring that your router is functioning properly and that your network is active. After confirming the status of your router, power on the printer and use the control panel to go back into the “Menu” and then “Network” settings.
Follow the same steps you used initially to connect to WiFi. You will need to select your network from the list of available networks and enter the password again. Once you confirm the password, your printer should reconnect to the network seamlessly. If you encounter any issues, consider resetting the network settings on the printer before attempting the connection again.