In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to print wirelessly has become a necessity for both personal and professional settings. Connecting your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer to a WiFi network can seemingly be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step in a simple, straightforward manner to ensure that you can print from anywhere in your home or office with ease.
Why Wireless Printing Matters
Before diving into the steps to connect your Brother MFC-L2700DW to WiFi, let’s explore why having a wireless printing setup can greatly enhance your experience. Here are some benefits of wireless printing:
- Convenience: Print from a variety of devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets, without the hassle of connecting via USB.
- Flexibility: Position your printer wherever you want, without needing to sacrifice valuable desk or counter space for cables.
Having the ability to print wirelessly can greatly enhance your efficiency and streamline your daily tasks.
Getting Ready: What You Need
Before you begin the connection process, there are a few necessary items and pieces of information you will need:
- Your Brother MFC-L2700DW Printer: Make sure it’s set up and powered on.
- WiFi Network: Have your network name (SSID) and password handy.
- Device for Configuration: You can use a computer or mobile device to perform the setup.
Make sure that your printer is located within range of your WiFi router to ensure a stable connection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Brother MFC-L2700DW to WiFi
Now that you have everything you need, let’s move on to the actual connection process, which can be divided into a few simple steps.
Step 1: Access the Printer’s Menu
To get started, you’ll need to access the printer’s control panel:
- Power on your printer: Make sure that your Brother MFC-L2700DW is turned on.
- Navigate the menu: Press the “Menu” button on the printer’s control panel.
Step 2: Configure Network Settings
Once you are in the menu, follow these steps to get to the Network settings:
- From the main menu, use the arrow keys to scroll to “Network” and press “OK.”
- Next, scroll to “WLAN” and press “OK.”
- Now, select “Setup Wizard” and press “OK” again.
At this stage, the printer will search for available networks.
Step 3: Select Your WiFi Network
Once the printer identifies available WiFi networks, take these steps:
- Using the arrow keys, scroll through the list until your WiFi network appears.
- When your network appears, select it and press “OK.”
Step 4: Enter Your WiFi Password
After choosing your network, you will need to input your WiFi password:
- The printer will prompt you to enter the password. Use the control panel to input your password using the alphanumeric keys.
- Once you’ve entered the password, press “OK” to confirm.
Make sure to double-check the password, as an incorrect password will prevent the printer from connecting to the network.
Step 5: Establish Connection
After entering your password, the printer will attempt to connect to your WiFi network:
- If the connection is successful, you will see a confirmation message.
- If the connection fails, ensure your network is functioning and double-check the password.
You can now exit the menu by pressing the “Menu” button multiple times until you return to the main display.
Step 6: Install Printer on Your Computer
Now that your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer is connected to WiFi, it’s time to install it on your computer:
Windows Users
- Go to “Control Panel”: Navigate to the Control Panel on your Windows computer.
- Choose “Devices and Printers”: Click on Devices and Printers.
- Add a Printer: Click on “Add a printer” and allow your computer to search for available devices.
- Select your Brother printer: Choose your Brother MFC-L2700DW from the list and click “Next.”
- Follow the prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Mac Users
- Open System Preferences: On your Mac, go to System Preferences.
- Select “Printers & Scanners”: Click on Printers & Scanners.
- Add Printer: Click on the “+” button to add a printer.
- Choose your Brother printer: Locate and select your Brother MFC-L2700DW from the list.
- Install Drivers if necessary: Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation.
Step 7: Print a Test Page
Once you’ve successfully installed the printer on your computer, it’s always a good idea to test it:
- Open a document or image on your computer.
- Click on “Print,” select your Brother printer, and print a test page.
- Check the output to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Troubleshooting Common Connectivity Issues
If you encounter any problems during the connection process or while printing, here are some common issues and solutions:
Issue 1: Printer Not Found
- Solution: Ensure that your printer is indeed connected to the WiFi network. You can print a network configuration page directly from the printer’s control panel to check the connection status.
Issue 2: Incorrect WiFi Password
- Solution: Double-check the password entered during the setup. Pay close attention to capitalization and special characters.
Final Thoughts
Connecting your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer to WiFi doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. With the steps laid out in this guide, you can easily enjoy the myriad benefits of wireless printing.
By taking the time to familiarize yourself with the necessary settings and configuration, you’re now one step closer to a more organized and efficient printing experience. Don’t forget to evaluate your printer settings periodically and keep software updated for optimal performance.
With your printer connected, you can effortlessly print important documents, family photos, and artistic creations right from the comfort of your couch or office chair. So, fire up your computer or smartphone, and start enjoying the freedom that wireless printing offers!
What are the initial steps to connect my Brother MFC-L2700DW to WiFi?
To start connecting your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer to WiFi, ensure that your printer is powered on and in a ready state. Access the printer’s control panel and use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Network” option. Then, select “WLAN” and choose “Setup Wizard.” This will allow the printer to search for available WiFi networks in your area.
Once the printer finds your network, select it from the list. You will be prompted to enter the WiFi password. Use the printer’s keypad to type in the password, ensuring that you enter it accurately. After entering the password, confirm your selection. The printer will attempt to connect to your WiFi network, and a confirmation message will appear once it’s successfully connected.
How do I find my WiFi network password?
The WiFi network password can typically be found on your router, often printed on a label attached to the device. If you cannot locate it there, you can access your router’s settings through a web browser by typing in the router’s IP address. Look for the WiFi settings in the configuration interface, which usually showcases the SSID (network name) along with the password.
If you are still unable to retrieve your password, you can check your devices that are already connected to the network. On a Windows computer, for example, navigate to the Network and Sharing Center, select your network, and then click on “Wireless Properties” to view the password under the “Security” tab. On a Mac, you can access the Keychain Access app to find stored WiFi passwords.
What should I do if my printer cannot find my WiFi network?
If your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer cannot locate your WiFi network, start by ensuring that your router is working correctly and broadcasting the signal. Double-check that your router is powered on and the WiFi is enabled. Also, make sure the printer is within range of the router as walls and other obstructions can weaken the signal.
If the network is still not detected, try rebooting both your printer and router. After they are restarted, attempt the WiFi connection steps again. Additionally, check to ensure that the router’s frequency band matches what your printer can connect to; the MFC-L2700DW typically connects to 2.4 GHz networks, so ensure that your router is not set exclusively to 5 GHz.
Can I connect my Brother MFC-L2700DW to network using WPS?
Yes, you can connect your Brother MFC-L2700DW to your WiFi network using the WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) method if your router supports it. Begin by pressing the WPS button on your router. This puts the router in a mode that allows devices to connect securely without needing to manually input a password.
Next, return to the printer’s control panel, navigate to the “Network” settings, then select “WLAN.” Choose the “WPS” option and follow the instructions displayed on the screen. The printer will attempt to connect to the network automatically through WPS. A confirmation message will appear once the connection is successfully established.
Will connecting the printer to WiFi allow printing from multiple devices?
Yes, once your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer is connected to your WiFi network, you can print from various devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones that are also connected to the same network. This feature allows for greater flexibility, enabling wireless printing from any location within the WiFi range without the need for direct cables.
To set up printing from a specific device, ensure the appropriate drivers and software for your printer are installed. For Windows, you can add the printer by going to ‘Devices and Printers’ in Control Panel, while on macOS, use the ‘Printers & Scanners’ option in System Preferences. Mobile devices may require specific apps and settings for wireless printing, depending on the platform.
What should I do if my printer keeps disconnecting from WiFi?
If your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer is frequently disconnecting from your WiFi network, begin by checking the stability of your WiFi connection. Sometimes, weak signals can lead to disconnects, so moving the printer closer to the router or minimizing interference from electronic devices could help stabilize the connection. It might also be beneficial to restart your router to refresh its network capabilities.
Another factor to consider is the printer’s firmware. Ensure you have the latest firmware updates installed on your Brother printer, as manufacturers often release updates that improve connectivity issues. If the problem persists, consider setting a static IP address for the printer within your router settings, which can reduce the frequency of disconnections.
How do I print wirelessly from my mobile device?
To print wirelessly from your mobile device, you may need to download and install the Brother iPrint&Scan app, available for both iOS and Android platforms. Once the app is installed, ensure that your mobile device is connected to the same WiFi network as your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer. The app will automatically detect the printer on the network.
After connecting, you can select documents or photos you wish to print and choose the printer from the app. The Brother iPrint&Scan app provides user-friendly options to adjust print settings as well. Follow the prompts to complete the printing process wirelessly, and you should receive your printed documents without the need for additional cables.