How to Connect Your Brother HL-L2370DW Printer to WiFi: A Comprehensive Guide
Connecting your Brother HL-L2370DW to WiFi unlocks convenient wireless printing; learn how to connect a Brother HL-L2370DW printer to WiFi easily through the printer’s control panel or using Brother’s utilities.
Why Connect Your Brother HL-L2370DW to WiFi?
Wireless printing offers a multitude of advantages. No longer are you tethered to your computer via USB. Connecting your Brother HL-L2370DW printer to your WiFi network allows multiple devices—laptops, tablets, and smartphones—to print wirelessly, streamlining your workflow and improving overall convenience. It also enables you to place the printer in a more central location, accessible to everyone in your home or office without the need for long cables.
Before You Begin: Prerequisites for WiFi Connection
Before you embark on the WiFi connection process, ensure you have the following:
- Your Brother HL-L2370DW printer powered on.
- Your WiFi network name (SSID) and password. Make sure to distinguish between uppercase and lowercase letters.
- A computer or mobile device connected to the same WiFi network you wish to connect the printer to.
- The printer’s control panel access (either physical buttons on the printer or via the Brother iPrint&Scan app).
Connecting Your Brother HL-L2370DW to WiFi: Step-by-Step Instructions
There are two primary methods to connect your Brother HL-L2370DW printer to WiFi: using the printer’s control panel or leveraging Brother’s installation software/app.
Method 1: Using the Printer’s Control Panel
- Power on your Brother HL-L2370DW printer.
- Press the Menu button.
- Use the Up or Down arrow keys to navigate to Network. Press OK.
- Navigate to WLAN. Press OK.
- Navigate to Setup Wizard. Press OK.
- The printer will scan for available WiFi networks.
- Select your WiFi network name (SSID) from the list. If your network is hidden, you will need to enter it manually.
- Enter your WiFi password using the control panel buttons. Pay close attention to capitalization and special characters.
- Confirm your settings and initiate the connection.
- The printer will attempt to connect. A successful connection will display a “Connected” message on the printer’s control panel.
Method 2: Using Brother’s Installation Software/App
- Download the full driver and software package for your Brother HL-L2370DW from the Brother Support website (support.brother.com). Ensure you select the correct operating system.
- Run the installer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. Choose the option to connect via Wireless Network.
- The software will guide you through the process, prompting you to select your WiFi network and enter your password. It may temporarily connect your computer to the printer via USB.
- Once the setup is complete, the software will configure the printer for wireless printing.
An alternative approach is to use the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your mobile device.
- Download and install the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Ensure your mobile device and the printer are on the same network.
- Open the app and follow the instructions to add a printer. The app will guide you to connect to your wireless network.
Troubleshooting Common WiFi Connection Issues
Connecting a printer to WiFi isn’t always seamless. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- Incorrect WiFi password: Double-check the password and ensure you are entering it correctly, paying attention to capitalization and special characters.
- Weak WiFi signal: Move the printer closer to your router to improve signal strength.
- Firewall settings: Ensure your firewall isn’t blocking the printer’s connection.
- Outdated printer drivers: Update your printer drivers to the latest version.
- Network congestion: Too many devices using the network can cause connection issues. Try disconnecting some devices.
Benefits of Wireless Printing with Your Brother HL-L2370DW
Once successfully connected to WiFi, your Brother HL-L2370DW offers several advantages:
- Convenient wireless printing: Print from anywhere within your WiFi network’s range.
- Multi-device support: Print from laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other devices.
- Space-saving: Eliminate the need for direct USB connections, allowing for flexible printer placement.
- Enhanced productivity: Streamline your workflow by printing directly from mobile devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is my Brother HL-L2370DW compatible with 5GHz WiFi networks?
No, the Brother HL-L2370DW printer primarily supports the 2.4GHz WiFi band. Therefore, ensure your WiFi network is broadcasting a 2.4GHz signal. If you have a dual-band router, you may need to configure it to broadcast separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.
What if my WiFi network name (SSID) is hidden?
If your SSID is hidden, the Setup Wizard will not automatically display it. You’ll need to manually enter the SSID and security settings. Choose the option to “Manually Enter SSID” or similar wording when prompted by the printer’s control panel. Ensure you enter the SSID exactly as it is configured.
The printer finds my network, but I still can’t connect. What should I do?
Double check the password that you are entering. Confirm that you are selecting the correct authentication method and encryption type. Also, make sure that MAC address filtering isn’t enabled on your router and blocking the printer’s access.
How do I find my printer’s IP address once it’s connected to WiFi?
You can usually find the printer’s IP address through the printer’s control panel. Navigate to the Network settings, then look for TCP/IP settings or a similar section. The IP address will be displayed there. You can also often find it via your router’s administration interface.
I forgot my WiFi password. What can I do?
You will need to recover your WiFi password from your router’s settings. The exact process depends on your router model. Consult your router’s documentation or contact your internet service provider for assistance.
My printer keeps disconnecting from WiFi. What could be the issue?
This could be due to several factors, including a weak WiFi signal, interference from other devices, or outdated firmware. Try moving the printer closer to the router, updating the printer’s firmware, and ensuring other devices aren’t causing interference.
Can I connect my Brother HL-L2370DW to WiFi Direct?
Yes, the Brother HL-L2370DW supports WiFi Direct. This feature allows you to connect directly to the printer from your mobile device without needing a WiFi router. Enable WiFi Direct on the printer and follow the instructions in the Brother iPrint&Scan app to connect.
How do I update the firmware on my Brother HL-L2370DW printer?
You can update the firmware through the printer’s control panel or using the Brother Update Tool on your computer. Download the Brother Update Tool from the Brother Support website and follow the instructions to update the firmware.
Does connecting to WiFi affect my printer’s printing speed?
Wireless printing can sometimes be slightly slower than printing via a USB connection, especially for large documents. However, modern WiFi networks are typically fast enough to provide acceptable printing speeds.
What if the Setup Wizard doesn’t find my WiFi network?
Ensure your WiFi network is broadcasting and that the printer is within range. Try restarting your router and printer. If the issue persists, try using the manual setup option as described earlier.
How do I reset the network settings on my Brother HL-L2370DW?
Navigate to the Network settings on the printer’s control panel, then look for an option to reset network settings to factory defaults. Be aware that this will erase all your current network configurations.
Is it more secure to use a wired (Ethernet) connection instead of WiFi?
A wired Ethernet connection is generally considered more secure than WiFi, as it eliminates the risk of unauthorized access through your wireless network. However, if your WiFi network is properly secured with a strong password and encryption, the risk is minimal.