In today’s fast-paced digital world, a reliable printer can be your best friend, and the Brother HL-L2350DW is a prime candidate. This compact and efficient monochrome laser printer provides excellent print quality and a suite of features, including wireless connectivity. If you want to unlock the full potential of your Brother HL-L2350DW by connecting it to WiFi, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every step of the process to ensure you can print wirelessly with ease.
Understanding the Brother HL-L2350DW Printer
Before diving into the connectivity process, let’s have a brief overview of what makes the Brother HL-L2350DW stand out:
- Compact Design: Ideal for home and small office spaces.
- Fast Printing Speed: Capable of printing up to 32 pages per minute.
- Automatic Duplex Printing: Saves paper by printing on both sides.
- Mobile Printing: Supports AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother iPrint&Scan, and more.
Connecting this robust machine to your WiFi network expands its usability, making it accessible from multiple devices without needing messy wires.
Preparing for the Connection
What You’ll Need
Before starting the connection process, ensure you have the following items at hand:
- Your Brother HL-L2350DW printer
- A stable WiFi network
- A computer or mobile device
- Your WiFi credentials (network name and password)
Check Your Printer’s Condition
Ensure your printer is set up correctly and has sufficient toner and paper. Power on the printer and wait for it to finish its startup sequence. During this step, you might want to print a test page to verify that your printer is functioning properly before connecting it to WiFi.
Connecting Your Brother HL-L2350DW to WiFi
There are two primary methods to connect your Brother HL-L2350DW printer to WiFi: WiFi Direct and WPS (WiFi Protected Setup). Both methods are user-friendly, but you should choose the one that is more compatible with your existing network setup.
Method 1: Using WiFi Direct
WiFi Direct allows your printer to connect directly to your computer or mobile device without needing a router. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Enable WiFi Direct on Your Printer
- Press the Menu button on the printer control panel.
- Navigate to Network by using the arrow keys and press OK.
- Select Wi-Fi Direct and press OK.
- Choose Set Wi-Fi Direct and press OK.
- Make sure WiFi Direct is set to On.
Step 2: Connect to the Printer from Your Device
- On your computer or mobile device, open the WiFi settings.
- Look for the network name (SSID) that corresponds to your Brother printer (usually starts with “DIRECT-“).
- Select this network and enter the password when prompted. This password is typically found in the printer’s WiFi Direct settings or on the printer itself.
Step 3: Install the Brother Software
To complete the setup:
- Download the Brother Printer Driver from the official Brother website.
- Follow the installation instructions, making sure to select the WiFi Direct option during the installation process.
Method 2: Using WPS
If your router supports WPS, this method can be quicker and simpler. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Enable WPS on Your Router
- Locate the WPS button on your router. This may be labeled as such or may include the WPS logo.
- Press this button to enable WPS. This step may need to be done quickly as you have a limited time to establish the connection.
Step 2: Activate WPS on Your Printer
- Press the Menu button on the printer.
- Navigate to Network and press OK.
- Select WLAN and then WPS.
- Choose WPS (Push Button) and press OK.
Step 3: Connect to WiFi
Your printer will now search for the WPS-enabled network. Once detected, it will automatically join the WiFi network. You will see a confirmation message on the printer’s display.
Verifying the Connection
Once you have completed the setup using either WiFi Direct or WPS, it is crucial to confirm that your printer is connected successfully:
Print a Network Configuration Page
- Press the Menu button on the control panel.
- Navigate to Print Reports and press OK.
- Select Network Configuration and press OK.
- Review the printed report to ensure that your printer is connected to the correct network.
Test Printing from Your Device
Once the printer is confirmed to be on the network, try printing a test document from your computer or mobile device. This will help ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you encounter difficulties while connecting your Brother HL-L2350DW printer, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
Check Wireless Settings
Verify that you have the correct network name (SSID) and password. Ensure that your router is operational and that your printer is within range.
Restart Devices
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple restart. Power off both your printer and router, wait for a moment, and then turn them back on. This can resolve temporary connectivity issues.
Firewall Settings
Make sure that your computer’s firewall settings aren’t blocking the printer’s IP address. You might need to adjust your firewall settings to allow access to the printer.
Advantages of WiFi Printing with Brother HL-L2350DW
Connecting your Brother HL-L2350DW printer to WiFi offers numerous benefits, including:
- Convenience: Print from anywhere in your home or office without being tethered by cables.
- Multi-device Support: Connect multiple devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets, to the same printer.
- Mobile Printing Options: Use various applications for effortless printing from mobile devices.
Conclusion
Ensuring your Brother HL-L2350DW printer is connected to WiFi enhances its functionality and makes your printing tasks more convenient. Whether you use WiFi Direct or WPS to establish the connection, the process is straightforward and manageable. By following this detailed guide, you should be able to connect your Brother printer to WiFi effortlessly and start enjoying the advantages of wireless printing.
Now that you are equipped with the knowledge to set up your Brother HL-L2350DW printer on WiFi, get started and experience seamless printing in your daily life! Don’t hesitate to explore the various mobile printing options available to make the most out of your Brother printer.
What are the required steps to connect my Brother HL-L2350DW printer to WiFi?
To connect your Brother HL-L2350DW printer to WiFi, first ensure that your printer is powered on. Then, navigate to the control panel and locate the WiFi button. Press and hold this button until the WiFi indicator starts to blink. This indicates that the printer is in WiFi setup mode.
Next, you will need to use the printer’s interface to select your WiFi network from the list of available networks. Enter your WiFi password using the control panel. Once the connection is established, the WiFi light should remain steady, indicating that the printer is successfully connected to your network.
What should I do if my Brother HL-L2350DW printer cannot find my WiFi network?
If your printer is not locating your WiFi network, ensure that the network is within range of the printer. Sometimes, the WiFi signal may not reach certain areas in your home or office. Try moving your printer closer to the router to see if it detects the network.
Additionally, check that your WiFi network is active and not experiencing any downtime. Restarting your router can also resolve network issues. If the problem persists, do a factory reset on your printer, then attempt the setup process again to connect it to the WiFi.
How can I reset the WiFi settings on my Brother HL-L2350DW printer?
To reset the WiFi settings on your Brother HL-L2350DW printer, start by powering on the printer. Press the “Menu” button on the control panel and navigate to “Network.” From there, select “Network Reset” and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the reset.
After resetting, the printer will erase all stored WiFi configurations, allowing you to set it up as if it were brand new. Be sure to reconnect your printer to your network by following the standard setup procedure once the reset is complete.
Can I connect my Brother HL-L2350DW printer to a 5GHz WiFi network?
The Brother HL-L2350DW printer is designed to connect to 2.4GHz networks only. It does not support 5GHz bands, which could limit your ability to connect if your router is set to 5GHz only. To successfully connect the printer, you may need to adjust your router settings to ensure it broadcasts a 2.4GHz signal.
If you are using a dual-band router, you can enable the 2.4GHz band alongside the 5GHz band, allowing your printer to connect without issues. Make sure to select the correct network SSID that corresponds to the 2.4GHz band when setting up your printer.
What if my printer keeps disconnecting from the WiFi network?
If your Brother HL-L2350DW printer frequently disconnects from your WiFi network, several factors could be at play. First, ensure that the printer is within range of your router and that there are no physical obstructions that could interfere with the WiFi signal, such as walls or large electronic devices.
Furthermore, a fluctuating internet connection can also lead to disconnections. It’s a good idea to check your router’s firmware to ensure that it is updated to the latest version. Additionally, consider restarting the printer and router occasionally to refresh the connection.
How can I print from my mobile device once my Brother HL-L2350DW printer is connected to WiFi?
Once your Brother HL-L2350DW printer is connected to WiFi, you can print from your mobile device using the Brother iPrint&Scan app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Download the app from the respective app store and connect your mobile device to the same WiFi network as the printer.
After the app is installed, open it, and the printer should automatically be detected. You can then choose the document or image you want to print, customize your print settings, and initiate the print job seamlessly from your mobile device.
What troubleshooting steps can I take if I experience printing issues with my WiFi-connected Brother HL-L2350DW printer?
If you’re facing printing issues with your Brother HL-L2350DW printer while connected to WiFi, start by checking if the printer is online and that there are no error messages displayed on the control panel. It’s important to ensure that the printer is set as the default printer on your computer or mobile device.
Additionally, confirm that the printer and your device are connected to the same WiFi network. Restart both the printer and the router to refresh the connection. If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall the printer driver on your device to troubleshoot any driver-related conflicts.