Connecting Your Brother MFC-L2710dw to Wi-Fi: A Comprehensive Guide

The Brother MFC-L2710dw is a workhorse, a reliable multi-function printer that deserves a stable wireless connection. This article will arm you with the knowledge to get it online quickly and painlessly.

How to connect a Brother MFC-L2710dw printer to Wi-Fi?

Connecting your Brother MFC-L2710dw to Wi-Fi involves a few simple methods: using the printer’s control panel, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) if your router supports it, or Brother’s driver installation software. The most direct method typically involves navigating the printer’s menu to select your Wi-Fi network and entering the password, allowing for a seamless wireless connection.

Methods for Wi-Fi Connection

Let’s explore these methods in detail. No more tangled Ethernet cables!

Method 1: Using the Printer’s Control Panel (Recommended)

This is the most common and reliable way to connect your Brother MFC-L2710dw to your Wi-Fi network, granting you precise control over the setup process.

1. Access the Network Settings: On the printer’s control panel, navigate through the menu using the up and down arrow keys. Look for options like “Network,” “WLAN,” or “Wi-Fi.” The exact wording might vary slightly, but the intent is the same – to access wireless network configuration.

2. Select the Setup Wizard: Within the Network/WLAN menu, find the option “Setup Wizard” or “Wireless Setup Wizard.” This wizard will guide you through the process of selecting your Wi-Fi network.

3. Choose Your Network: The printer will now scan for available Wi-Fi networks. A list of networks will be displayed on the LCD screen. Use the arrow keys to select your network from the list. Ensure you select the correct network name (SSID).

4. Enter the Password: Once you’ve selected your network, you’ll be prompted to enter the Wi-Fi password (network key). Use the numeric keypad on the printer to enter the password carefully. Pay close attention to capitalization and special characters. Incorrect passwords are the most common reason for connection failures.

5. Confirm the Connection: After entering the password, the printer will attempt to connect to your Wi-Fi network. You’ll typically see a message on the LCD screen indicating the connection status. If the connection is successful, the printer will display a confirmation message, often including the IP address assigned to the printer.

6. Print a Network Configuration Report (Optional): To verify the connection and confirm the printer’s IP address, you can print a network configuration report. Look for this option within the Network menu. This report provides detailed information about the printer’s network settings.

Method 2: Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)

WPS offers a simplified connection process, provided your router supports it. It’s like a shortcut, but both the printer and router need to be on board.

1. Check Router Compatibility: Verify that your router supports WPS. Look for a WPS button on your router, usually labeled “WPS” or featuring a Wi-Fi symbol with arrows.

2. Initiate WPS on the Printer: On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the Network/WLAN menu and look for the “WPS” option. Select “Push Button” or “PIN Code” depending on your router’s WPS configuration.

3. Press the WPS Button on Your Router: Within two minutes of initiating WPS on the printer, press and hold the WPS button on your router for a few seconds. The router’s WPS indicator light should start blinking, indicating that it’s in WPS mode.

4. Wait for the Connection: The printer and router will now communicate automatically to establish a Wi-Fi connection. This process usually takes a minute or two. You’ll see a confirmation message on the printer’s LCD screen if the connection is successful.

Method 3: Using Brother’s Driver Installation Software

This method leverages the Brother software you likely used initially to set up the printer. It can be a good option if you’re having trouble with the control panel or WPS.

1. Download and Install the Software: If you haven’t already, download the full driver and software package for your Brother MFC-L2710dw from the Brother support website (support.brother.com). Run the installer on your computer.

2. Select Wireless Connection: During the installation process, you’ll be prompted to choose a connection method. Select “Wireless Network Connection.”

3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The software will guide you through the process of selecting your Wi-Fi network and entering the password. The software may automatically detect your network or prompt you to manually select it from a list.

4. Complete the Installation: Once the connection is established, the software will complete the driver installation and configure the printer for wireless printing.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Double-check the password: A wrong password is the top culprit.
• Restart everything: Power cycle your printer, router, and computer.
• Check the router’s DHCP settings: Ensure DHCP is enabled so the printer can get an IP address.
• Update the printer’s firmware: Outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues.
• Ensure the printer is within range of the router: Wireless signal strength matters!
• Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus: Sometimes these programs can interfere with the connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about connecting the Brother MFC-L2710dw to Wi-Fi:

1. Q: My printer can’t find my Wi-Fi network. What should I do?

   A: Ensure your router is broadcasting the SSID (network name). Check if the SSID is hidden in the router settings. Move the printer closer to the router to rule out signal strength issues. Also, make sure the printer supports the Wi-Fi frequency your router is using (2.4GHz is most common).

2. Q: I entered the correct password, but the printer still can’t connect. What could be the problem?

   A: Double-check the password for typos, capitalization, and special characters. Ensure the printer is not too far from the router. Restart both the printer and router. Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software on your computer that might be blocking the connection.

3. Q: What is WPS, and how does it work?

   A: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a simplified method for connecting devices to a Wi-Fi network. It allows you to connect without manually entering the password by pressing a button on both the router and the printer. It’s designed for ease of use, but not all routers support WPS.

4. Q: My printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but I still can’t print from my computer. Why?

   A: Ensure the printer is selected as the default printer on your computer. Check that the correct printer driver is installed. Verify that your computer and the printer are on the same network. Restart your computer and printer.

5. Q: How do I find the IP address of my printer?

   A: You can usually find the IP address on the printer’s control panel by navigating to the Network or WLAN settings. You can also print a network configuration report, which will list the IP address. Alternatively, you can use the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your smartphone or tablet to detect the printer and view its IP address.

6. Q: Can I connect my printer to Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the same time?

   A: Generally, it’s not recommended to connect your printer to both Wi-Fi and Ethernet simultaneously. This can lead to network conflicts. Choose one connection method and disable the other. Disabling the feature when one mode is active can differ from model to model.

7. Q: How do I update the firmware on my Brother MFC-L2710dw?

   A: You can usually update the firmware through the printer’s control panel. Navigate to the Settings or Maintenance menu and look for a Firmware Update option. The printer may also check for updates automatically if this feature is enabled. You can also download the latest firmware from the Brother support website and update it manually.

8. Q: What if my Wi-Fi network name (SSID) is hidden?

   A: You’ll need to manually enter the SSID when prompted by the printer’s setup wizard. Choose the “Manually Enter SSID” option, if available, and type in the network name exactly as it appears in your router’s settings, including capitalization and any special characters.

9. Q: My printer keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi. What can I do?

   A: Check the signal strength between the printer and the router. Ensure there are no obstructions blocking the signal. Move the printer closer to the router. Update the printer’s firmware. Check for interference from other wireless devices.

10. Q: Can I use a Wi-Fi extender to improve the signal to my printer?

    A: Yes, a Wi-Fi extender can help improve the signal strength if your printer is located far from the router. Make sure the extender is properly configured and connected to your Wi-Fi network. Connect the printer to the extender’s network during the setup process.

11. Q: How do I reset the network settings on my Brother MFC-L2710dw?

    A: To reset the network settings, navigate to the Network or WLAN menu on the printer’s control panel. Look for an option like “Factory Reset” or “Restore Network Settings.” Confirm the reset when prompted. This will erase all network settings and allow you to start the Wi-Fi setup process from scratch.

12. Q: What does “Ad-hoc Mode” mean in the network settings?

    A: “Ad-hoc Mode” creates a direct wireless connection between your computer and the printer, without using a router. This is generally not recommended for regular use, as it limits internet access and only allows one-to-one connections. It’s best to use “Infrastructure Mode,” which connects the printer to your existing Wi-Fi network through a router.

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to successfully connect your Brother MFC-L2710dw to your Wi-Fi network and enjoy seamless wireless printing. Remember to consult the printer’s user manual or the Brother support website for additional assistance.