What To Know
- (Optional) If you’re setting up the printer via a USB cable, connect one end of the cable to the printer and the other end to your computer.
- Within two minutes of selecting the WPS option on the printer, press the WPS button on your wireless router.
- Once your HL-2170W is connected to your wireless network, you need to install the printer driver on your computer.
Are you ready to experience the freedom of wireless printing with your Brother HL-2170W? This printer offers a seamless blend of affordability and functionality, making it a popular choice for home and small offices. But before you can enjoy the benefits of wireless printing, you need to configure your HL-2170W to connect to your network. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a smooth and successful setup.
Unboxing and Initial Setup
The first step is to get your Brother HL-2170W printer ready. This involves unboxing the printer and connecting it to power. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
1. Unpack the Printer: Carefully remove the printer from its packaging.
2. Connect to Power: Locate the power cord and connect it to the printer and a power outlet.
3. Install the Toner Cartridge: Your HL-2170W comes with a starter toner cartridge. Open the front cover and install the cartridge as instructed in the user manual.
4. Connect the USB Cable: (Optional) If you’re setting up the printer via a USB cable, connect one end of the cable to the printer and the other end to your computer.
Wireless Network Setup: The Core of the Process
The heart of setting up your HL-2170W wirelessly lies in connecting it to your home or office network. This is the key to unlocking the benefits of wireless printing.
1. Turn on the Printer: Press the power button on the printer to turn it on.
2. Access the Wireless Setup Menu: Locate the “Wireless” button on the printer’s control panel. Press it repeatedly until the “Wireless Setup” menu appears on the LCD display.
3. Choose “WPS Push Button” Method: The WPS Push Button method is the easiest way to connect your HL-2170W to your wireless network. Select this option on the printer’s menu.
4. Press the WPS Button on Your Router: Within two minutes of selecting the WPS option on the printer, press the WPS button on your wireless router. This initiates a secure connection between the printer and your network.
5. Confirm Connection: The printer will display a message confirming successful connection to your network.
Alternative Setup Method: Using the Network Setup Wizard
If your router doesn‘t have a WPS button or you prefer a more detailed approach, you can use the Network Setup Wizard:
1. Access the Wireless Setup Menu: Follow the same steps as before to access the “Wireless Setup” menu on the printer.
2. Choose “Network Setup Wizard“: Select the “Network Setup Wizard” option from the menu.
3. Select Your Network: The printer will scan for available wireless networks. Choose your network from the list displayed on the LCD screen.
4. Enter the Network Password: You’ll be prompted to enter your wireless network password. Carefully type the password and confirm it on the printer’s keypad.
5. Confirm Connection: The printer will attempt to connect to your network. Once the connection is successful, a confirmation message will appear on the LCD screen.
Installing the Printer Driver
Once your HL-2170W is connected to your wireless network, you need to install the printer driver on your computer. This allows your computer to communicate with the printer and print documents.
1. Download the Driver: Visit the Brother website and download the latest printer driver for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
2. Run the Installation File: Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Add the Printer: After installing the driver, you’ll need to add the printer to your computer’s list of available printers. This is usually done through your operating system‘s printer settings.
Testing Your Wireless Connection
With the driver installed, it’s time to test your wireless connection and ensure everything is working as expected.
1. Print a Test Page: Open a document on your computer and select the “Print” option. Choose your Brother HL-2170W as the printer and print a test page.
2. Verify Wireless Printing: If the test page prints successfully, your wireless connection is working.
3. Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues, check your network connection, router settings, and printer driver installation.
Tips for Maintaining a Strong Wireless Connection
To ensure a reliable wireless printing experience, consider these tips:
- Router Placement: Place your router in a central location with minimal obstructions to maximize signal strength.
- Network Bandwidth: Ensure your network has sufficient bandwidth to handle printing tasks without slowing down other devices.
- Firewall Settings: Ensure your firewall is configured to allow communication between your printer and your computer.
- Driver Updates: Keep your printer driver up to date to benefit from the latest features and bug fixes.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Features
The Brother HL-2170W offers additional features that can enhance your printing experience:
- Mobile Printing: Use the Brother iPrint&Scan app to print wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.
- AirPrint Support: For Apple devices, use AirPrint for seamless printing without installing any drivers.
- Google Cloud Print: Print from anywhere with an internet connection using Google Cloud Print.
Unlocking the Power of Wireless Printing: A Final Thought
Setting up your Brother HL-2170W for wireless printing is a straightforward process that unlocks a world of convenience and flexibility. With this guide and a few simple steps, you can enjoy the freedom of printing from anywhere in your home or office.
Information You Need to Know
Q: How do I connect my Brother HL-2170W to a guest network?
A: You can connect your printer to a guest network using the same methods outlined above. However, you may need to adjust the network security settings on your guest network to allow printing.
Q: What if my printer isn‘t connecting to the wireless network?
A: If your printer is unable to connect, check the following:
- Router Settings: Ensure your router is broadcasting the correct network name (SSID) and that the password is entered correctly.
- Network Range: Make sure your printer is within range of your wireless router.
- Firewall Settings: Temporarily disable your firewall to see if it’s blocking communication.
- Driver Installation: Reinstall the printer driver to ensure it’s up to date and configured correctly.
Q: How do I change the Wi-Fi password on my printer?
A: To change the Wi-Fi password on your HL-2170W, follow these steps:
1. Access the “Wireless Setup” menu on the printer.
2. Select “Network Setup Wizard.”
3. Choose your network and enter the new password.
4. Confirm the password and wait for the printer to connect.
Q: Can I use the printer with a USB cable after setting up wireless?
A: Yes, you can still use a USB cable to connect your printer to your computer, even after setting up the wireless connection. However, you’ll need to configure the printer to use the USB connection instead of wireless.
