Setting up a printer can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re venturing into wireless connectivity. The Brother HL-2170W is a compact and reliable laser printer known for its excellent printing quality and efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to connect your Brother HL-2170W printer to WiFi, ensuring that you can print seamlessly from any device in your home or office.
Understanding the Brother HL-2170W Printer
Before diving into the connection process, it’s essential to understand the Brother HL-2170W printer’s features and capabilities.
Key Features
- Wireless Connectivity: Print from anywhere within your wireless network.
- Fast Printing Speed: Capable of printing up to 27 pages per minute.
- High-Quality Output: Offers a print resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi.
- Compact Design: Its small footprint makes it suitable for tight office spaces.
Why Connect to WiFi?
Connecting your Brother HL-2170W to WiFi unlocks numerous advantages:
- Flexibility: Print from multiple devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
- Convenience: No need for messy wires and cables cluttering your workspace.
- Shared Access: Easily share the printer among multiple users in a household or office.
Prerequisites for Connecting Your Printer
Before we begin the setup process, ensure that you have the following:
- A WiFi network with internet access.
- The WiFi SSID (network name) and password available.
- The Brother HL-2170W printer turned on and within range of the WiFi router.
- A computer or mobile device to assist with the configuration.
Now that you have everything in place, let’s dive into the setup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your Brother HL-2170W Printer to WiFi
Connecting your Brother HL-2170W printer to your WiFi network involves using the printer’s built-in web server. Follow these steps to set it up successfully.
Step 1: Prepare the Printer for Network Setup
Power On the Printer: Make sure your Brother HL-2170W is powered on. Check the status LEDs to confirm that it is ready.
Access the Printer Menu: Press the “Go” button to access the menu options. You will see a series of LED indicators flashing.
Step 2: Configure the Wireless Settings
Hold Down the Go Button: Press and hold the “Go” button for about five seconds. This will initiate the network setup mode.
Print the Network Configuration Report: Release the “Go” button, and then press it twice more. This action will print a Network Configuration report that lists important information about your wireless network.
Step 3: Access the Printer’s Web Interface
Find the IP Address: On the printed Network Configuration report, locate the IPv4 address listed. It usually appears in the format of xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx.
Open a Web Browser: On your computer or mobile device, open a web browser (such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
Enter the Printer’s IP Address: Type the printer’s IP address into the browser’s address bar and press “Enter.” This will take you to the Brother printer’s web interface.
Step 4: Connect to Your WiFi Network
Navigate to Wireless Settings: In the printer’s web interface, look for a section labeled “Network” or “Wireless Settings.”
Select Wireless Setup: Click on the option for “Wireless Setup Wizard” or similar wording, depending on the printer’s firmware version.
Choose Your WiFi Network: The printer will scan for available networks. Select your WiFi SSID from the list.
Enter the WiFi Password: Input your WiFi password when prompted. Be mindful of case sensitivity and any special characters.
Save Settings: After entering the password, make sure to save your settings. The printer should attempt to connect to your WiFi network.
Step 5: Check Connection Status
Confirmation: Once the connection is established, the printer may print a confirmation page or display a message indicating successful connectivity.
Reprint the Configuration Report: As an additional verification step, print another configuration report to check if the Wireless Status indicates “Connected.”
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
Even with the best intentions, you may encounter difficulties when connecting your Brother HL-2170W to WiFi. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Weak WiFi Signal
If your printer is far from the router, the signal strength may be insufficient. Consider relocating the printer or using a WiFi extender to boost the signal.
Incorrect WiFi Credentials
Double-check your WiFi SSID and password. Typographical errors are common pitfalls, so make sure all characters are entered correctly.
Network Configuration Problems
If the printer fails to connect, reboot your WiFi router and printer. Sometimes, simply resetting the devices can solve connectivity issues.
Firewall Settings
Antivirus or firewall settings on your computer can sometimes cause connectivity issues. Temporarily disable these securities and try connecting again.
Installing Printer Drivers on Your Devices
Once your Brother HL-2170W is successfully connected to WiFi, you need to install the appropriate drivers on your devices for them to recognize the printer.
For Windows Users
Download the Driver: Visit the Brother support website and download the latest printer driver compatible with your Windows version.
Run the Installer: Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
Select Wireless Connection: Choose the wireless connection option when prompted during the installation process.
Complete Setup: Finish the installation and print a test page to confirm everything is working.
For Mac Users
Download the Driver: Go to the Brother support website to download the driver for macOS.
Install the Software: Open the downloaded file and follow the prompts to install.
Add the Printer: Go to “System Preferences” > “Printers & Scanners.” Click on the plus (+) sign to add a new printer, and select your Brother HL-2170W from the list.
Test Print: Choose “Print” to verify that the connection is successful.
Conclusion
Connecting your Brother HL-2170W printer to WiFi may initially seem intimidating, but with this detailed guide, you can achieve it easily. Enjoy the flexibility of printing from various devices without the hassle of tangled wires. Whether you’re printing important documents or everyday tasks, your Brother printer will provide you with the speed and quality you expect.
Don’t forget to keep your printer firmware updated and occasionally check your WiFi settings to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Happy printing!
What are the system requirements for connecting the Brother HL-2170W printer to WiFi?
To connect your Brother HL-2170W printer to WiFi, you need to ensure that you have a compatible wireless network and the correct version of operating system software. The printer should be set up properly and within range of your WiFi router. Additionally, you will need network security details such as the SSID (network name) and the WiFi password.
It’s also recommended to have a computer or device on hand that has the Brother printer drivers installed, as this will help facilitate the setup process. Make sure your WiFi network is functioning properly before starting the connection process to avoid any interruptions or errors.
Can I connect my Brother HL-2170W printer to a hidden WiFi network?
Yes, you can connect your Brother HL-2170W printer to a hidden WiFi network, but the process requires a few extra steps. You’ll need to manually input the SSID and security information of the hidden network during the wireless setup process.
To do this, access the printer’s settings via the control panel and navigate to the wireless setup. Select the option to add a network and choose the option for a hidden network. Enter the SSID and any security credentials accurately to complete the setup without issues.
What should I do if my printer fails to connect to the WiFi network?
If your Brother HL-2170W printer fails to connect to the WiFi network, first check the WiFi signal strength to ensure that the printer is within range of the router. Additionally, verify that the SSID and password entered during setup are correct. Sometimes, re-entering this information can resolve connectivity issues.
If the printer still doesn’t connect, consider restarting both the printer and your WiFi router. This can sometimes reset network settings that may have caused the connectivity issues. Lastly, ensure that any firewalls or security settings on your router are not blocking the printer.
Will my printer maintain the WiFi connection after being turned off?
Generally, the Brother HL-2170W printer should maintain its WiFi connection even when it is turned off. Once the printer is successfully connected to the network, it typically saves that connection information, allowing it to reconnect automatically when powered on again.
However, if there are changes to the router settings or if the printer is occasionally moved out of range, it may require re-establishing the connection. It’s a good idea to keep the printer within a suitable distance from the router for consistent connectivity.
How can I check if my Brother HL-2170W printer is connected to WiFi?
To check if your Brother HL-2170W printer is successfully connected to WiFi, you can print a network configuration page. This page will show all the details related to the printer’s network settings, including its current IP address and network status.
Simply access the printer’s control panel, navigate to the settings, and locate the option to print the network configuration. Reviewing this page will give you a comprehensive overview of the connection status and any troubleshooting information if issues are detected.
Can I use my Brother HL-2170W printer for mobile printing?
Yes, the Brother HL-2170W printer supports mobile printing capabilities; however, this may require additional software and apps. You can use Brother’s iPrint&Scan app available for both Android and iOS devices to print directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Additionally, you can take advantage of Google Cloud Print if your printer is connected to the internet. Ensure that your mobile device and printer are connected to the same network during the mobile printing setup process for seamless functionality.
What do I do if my WiFi connection is unstable while using the printer?
If you experience an unstable WiFi connection with your Brother HL-2170W printer, start by evaluating your network’s overall performance. Check for interference from other electronic devices and ensure that the printer is within a reasonable distance from the router. Physical obstructions like walls can also affect signal quality.
Consider resetting your router or adjusting its position for better signal strength. If instability persists, you might want to switch to a wired connection using USB as an alternative, as this method is more reliable than wireless for consistent printing.