In today’s digital world, having a wireless printer can significantly enhance your productivity, allowing you to print from anywhere in your home or office. If you’ve recently acquired a Brother HL-L2350DW laser printer and are wondering how to connect it to your WiFi network, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will take you through the step-by-step process, ensuring a smooth connection.
Understanding the Brother HL-L2350DW Printer
The Brother HL-L2350DW is a compact monochrome laser printer designed for efficiency and high-quality printing. It offers several features that make printing convenient, such as:
- Wireless Connectivity: Print from your computer or mobile devices without needing physical cables.
- High Print Speed: It can produce up to 32 pages per minute.
- Automatic Duplex Printing: Save time and paper with automatic double-sided printing.
To enjoy these features via WiFi, you’ll need to set up the wireless connection. Let’s dive into the process.
Preparing for Connection
Before you begin the connection process, follow these preparatory steps:
Check Your WiFi Network
Ensure that your WiFi network is operational and that you have the following information available:
- WiFi Network Name (SSID): This is the name of your wireless network.
- WiFi Password: You’ll need this to authenticate the printer on your network.
Gather the Required Materials
For the installation, ensure you have:
- Your Brother HL-L2350DW printer
- A device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) connected to your WiFi
- A stable power supply for the printer
Connecting the Brother HL-L2350DW to WiFi
Once you’ve prepared everything, it’s time to connect your printer to your WiFi network. There are multiple methods to accomplish this, and we’ll cover each one.
Method 1: Wireless Setup Using the Printer Control Panel
This method allows you to connect your printer directly through its LCD panel. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Power On Your Printer
Ensure that your Brother HL-L2350DW is plugged in and turned on.
Step 2: Access the WiFi Setup Menu
- Press the WiFi button on the control panel.
- Use the up and down arrow keys to navigate to WLAN and press OK.
- Select Setup Wizard and press OK.
Step 3: Choose Your Network
- The printer will search for available networks. After a few moments, your WiFi SSID should appear on the LCD screen.
- Use the arrow keys to highlight your WiFi network and press OK.
Step 4: Enter Your WiFi Password
- You’ll be prompted to enter your WiFi password. Use the control panel to input it.
- Press OK after successfully entering the password.
Step 5: Confirm Connection
- Once the connection is established, the LCD screen will display a confirmation message.
- You can then press Cancel to exit the menu.
Method 2: Using the Brother Software Installer
If you prefer to use your computer for setup, you can install the Brother software, which simplifies the wireless connection process.
Step 1: Download the Printer Driver
- Visit the Brother Support website.
- Enter your printer model (HL-L2350DW) and select the appropriate operating system.
- Download the full driver package.
Step 2: Run the Installer
- Locate the downloaded file and double-click to run the installer.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. When prompted to choose a connection type, select the Wireless Network Connection option.
- The installer will search for your printer on the network.
Step 3: Select Your Printer and Connect
- Once the installer detects your printer, it will display it. Click on your printer to select it.
- Follow the rest of the instructions to complete the installation.
Method 3: Using WiFi Direct (If You Don’t Have a Wireless Network)
If you do not have a WiFi network, you can still connect your HL-L2350DW via WiFi Direct.
Step 1: Enable WiFi Direct on Your Printer
- Press the WiFi button on the printer.
- Use the arrow keys to select WiFi Direct and press OK.
- Confirm to enable WiFi Direct.
Step 2: Connect Your Device
- On your smartphone or computer, go to the WiFi settings.
- Look for the SSID that starts with DIRECT followed by the printer model (e.g., DIRECT-XXXX).
- Connect to this network. It may not require a password, or it may use the default password printed on the setup sheet that comes with your printer.
Step 3: Install Drivers
As with the previous method, you still need to install the printer driver to begin printing. Follow the same steps to download and install from the Brother Support website.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
While connecting your Brother HL-L2350DW printer to WiFi is usually a straightforward process, you might come across some issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Problem: Unable to Find WiFi Network
- Solution: Ensure your WiFi router is turned on and is within range. Move the printer closer to the router for a stronger signal.
Problem: Invalid WiFi Password
- Solution: Double-check the entered password for errors. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.
Problem: Printer Not Listed in Available Devices
- Solution: Restart your printer and your computer, then search for printers again. You can also try restarting your router.
Final Checks and Testing Your Printer
Once you’ve completed the setup, it’s essential to verify that your printer is working correctly.
Print a Test Page
To ensure everything is functioning properly:
- Go to the Control Panel on your Windows computer or System Preferences on Mac.
- Find Devices and Printers (Windows) or Printers & Scanners (Mac).
- Select your Brother HL-L2350DW printer.
- Right-click (or click) on your printer and choose Print Test Page.
This action prints a test page, confirming that your printer is correctly connected to your WiFi network.
Conclusion
Connecting your Brother HL-L2350DW printer to WiFi enhances your printing experience, offering convenience and efficiency. Whether you opt for the direct control panel method, the software installer, or WiFi Direct connection, these methods are designed to be user-friendly, helping you achieve a successful connection with ease.
With your printer now connected, you’re free to print documents and photos remotely from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Enjoy the benefits of enhanced productivity and streamlined workflow that come with having a WiFi-enabled printer at your disposal. Should you encounter any issues during the setup, refer to the troubleshooting tips provided, or visit the Brother support website for additional assistance.
How do I connect my Brother HL-L2350DW printer to WiFi?
To connect your Brother HL-L2350DW printer to WiFi, start by turning on the printer and ensuring that it is ready for setup. Press the ‘Wi-Fi’ button on the printer’s control panel and then the ‘OK’ button when prompted to connect to a wireless network. The printer will then search for available networks. Once the desired network is displayed, use the arrow keys to select it and press ‘OK’.
Next, enter the WiFi password using the printer’s control panel. Use the arrow keys to navigate and the ‘OK’ button to select characters. Once you have entered the password, press ‘OK’ again to confirm. The printer will then attempt to connect to the network. If successful, the WiFi LED will illuminate, indicating that the printer is connected to your wireless network.
What should I do if my printer does not find my WiFi network?
If your Brother HL-L2350DW printer cannot find your WiFi network, first ensure that your router is powered on and functioning correctly. Check that your network is broadcasting a signal and that no physical walls or obstructions are preventing the printer from picking it up. Sometimes, placing the printer closer to the router can help improve connectivity during setup.
Additionally, verify that your printer is within range of the WiFi network. You may also want to check your router settings to ensure that the SSID (network name) is visible and not hidden. If your network operates on a dual-band frequency (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), make sure your printer connects to the appropriate network, as the HL-L2350DW is only compatible with 2.4 GHz networks.
Can I connect my Brother HL-L2350DW printer to WiFi using my smartphone?
Yes, you can connect your Brother HL-L2350DW printer to WiFi using your smartphone. To do this, you will need to install the Brother iPrint&Scan app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Once the app is installed, you can open it and follow the prompts to print or scan while ensuring your smartphone is connected to the same WiFi network you wish to connect your printer to.
During the setup process in the app, select the option to connect the printer to a wireless network. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your network credentials, then allow the app to configure the printer settings. Once completed, the printer should be connected, and you can easily print documents or images directly from your smartphone.
How can I check if my Brother HL-L2350DW printer is connected to WiFi?
To verify if your Brother HL-L2350DW printer is connected to WiFi, you can check the WiFi indicator light on the printer’s control panel. If the indicator is solid green, your printer is successfully connected to the WiFi network. If it is off or flashing, it indicates that the printer is not connected, and you may need to recheck your network settings.
Additionally, you can print a network configuration page to see the printer’s connection status. To do this, press the ‘Go’ button on the control panel multiple times (usually about 5 times) until the printer prints the configuration page. This page will display the current network settings, including the SSID and the IP address, confirming whether it is connected to your WiFi network.
What should I do if my printer keeps disconnecting from WiFi?
If your Brother HL-L2350DW printer continuously disconnects from the WiFi network, first ensure that your router is functioning properly and that there are no network interruptions. Check if other devices connected to the same WiFi are experiencing similar issues. Restarting the router can sometimes resolve connectivity problems since it can refresh the network connection.
Another potential cause could be related to the printer’s power-saving mode. The printer may automatically enter a low-power state after a certain period of inactivity, which can lead to disconnections. You may want to disable sleep mode or adjust the timeout settings in the printer’s menu. If the issue persists, consider relocating the printer closer to the WiFi router to improve signal strength.
Is it possible to connect my Brother HL-L2350DW printer to multiple devices over WiFi?
Yes, the Brother HL-L2350DW printer can be connected to multiple devices over WiFi. The printer can handle multiple connections, allowing various computers and mobile devices to print wirelessly. To set this up, each user simply needs to install the printer driver and connect their device to the same WiFi network as the printer.
After installation, users can add the printer via the devices’ printer settings. On Windows or macOS, navigate to the printer settings, choose ‘Add Printer’, and select your Brother HL-L2350DW from the list. Once added, all connected devices will be able to print documents wirelessly, making it convenient for households and small offices with multiple users.