In our fast-paced digital era, the convenience of wireless printing has become a necessity for both home and office environments. One printer that stands out for its reliability and functionality is the Brother MFC-L2700DW. This versatile machine caters to a wide array of printing needs, from monochrome documents to scanned images, without the tangling hassle of cables. If you’re looking to increase your productivity by linking this powerhouse printer to your Wi-Fi network, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of connecting your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer to Wi-Fi, ensuring that you can print seamlessly from any device on your network.
Understanding the Brother MFC-L2700DW Printer
Before diving into the Wi-Fi connection setup, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Brother MFC-L2700DW. It is a compact monochrome laser all-in-one printer, known for its speed, durability, and superior print quality. Key features of this printer include:
- Fast print speeds of up to 27 pages per minute.
- Automatic duplex printing to save paper.
- High-quality scans and copies.
- Multiple connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and wireless.
Being able to connect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi will vastly enhance its capabilities, enabling you to print from various devices without being tethered to your machine.
Preparing for Connection
Before you begin the connection process, ensure that you have everything you need:
What You Will Need
- Brother MFC-L2700DW Printer: The star of our guide.
- Access to Your Wi-Fi Network: Make sure you know your Wi-Fi SSID (network name) and password.
- Computer or Smartphone: For initiating the connection setup.
- USB Cable (Optional): This may be handy if your printer has not been previously set up.
Setting Up the Printer for Wi-Fi Connectivity
Now that you are ready, let’s walk through the necessary steps to connect the Brother MFC-L2700DW printer to your Wi-Fi network.
Step 1: Power On the Printer
Begin by turning on your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer. Ensure that the printer is in a location within range of your Wi-Fi router.
Step 2: Access the Menu
- On the printer control panel, press the Menu button.
- Use the arrow keys to navigate to Network, then press OK.
Step 3: Selecting Wireless Setup
- Once in the Network menu, navigate to WLAN and press OK.
- Now, select Setup Wizard to start searching for your Wi-Fi network.
Step 4: Searching for Wi-Fi Networks
- The printer will begin scanning for available wireless networks.
- Once the search is complete, a list of networks will appear on the screen.
Step 5: Selecting Your Network
- Use the arrow keys to scroll through the list and select your Wi-Fi network. When the correct network is highlighted, press OK.
Step 6: Entering the Wi-Fi Password
- You will be prompted to enter your Wi-Fi password. Use the on-screen keyboard to input your password accurately.
- After entering the password, navigate to OK and press it to confirm.
Step 7: Connection Confirmation
- The printer will attempt to connect to your selected Wi-Fi network.
- Once connected, a confirmation message will appear on the screen, and you can also print a network configuration page by selecting Print Info.
Installing Printer Software on Your Computer or Device
With your Brother MFC-L2700DW now connected to Wi-Fi, the next step is to install the necessary drivers and software on your computer or mobile device.
Step 1: Downloading Drivers
- Visit the Brother support website at Brother’s Official Website.
- Navigate to the Downloads section and enter your printer model (MFC-L2700DW) in the search box.
- Choose your operating system from the drop-down menu and download the printer driver software.
Step 2: Installing the Driver
- Locate the downloaded setup file and double-click on it to start the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen prompts, choosing Wireless Network Connection when prompted for your connection type.
- Allow the software to automatically detect your printer on the network.
Step 3: Completing the Installation
- Once the software has recognized the printer, it will guide you through the final installation steps.
- After installation, print a test page to verify that everything is functioning correctly.
Connecting Devices to Your Brother Printer
Now that you have successfully connected your Brother MFC-L2700DW to your Wi-Fi network and installed the necessary drivers, it’s time to connect your various devices.
Connecting a Computer
- Open the “Control Panel” on your computer.
- Navigate to “Devices and Printers.”
- Click on “Add a Printer” and select your Brother printer from the list that appears.
- Follow the prompts to complete the setup.
Connecting a Smartphone or Tablet
For mobile devices, you’ll likely be using Brother’s iPrint&Scan app, which is available for both iOS and Android. Here’s how to connect:
- Download the App: Go to the App Store or Google Play and download the Brother iPrint&Scan app.
- Start the App: Open the app and ensure your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer.
- Select Your Printer: The app will search for available printers. Select your Brother MFC-L2700DW.
- Print Your Document: You are now ready to print from your mobile device!
Troubleshooting Common Connectivity Issues
In some instances, you may face connectivity issues. Below are several common problems and their solutions:
Problem: Unable to Find Network
If your printer isn’t finding your Wi-Fi network, ensure that it’s powered on and within range of your router. You may also want to restart both the printer and your router, then repeat the connection steps.
Problem: Incorrect Password
Double-check that you entered the correct Wi-Fi password during setup. Passwords are case-sensitive, so be careful with uppercase and lowercase letters.
Enhancing Your Printing Experience
Once your Brother MFC-L2700DW is successfully connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll find that your printing tasks have become much easier and faster. To optimize your printing experience, consider the following tips:
Utilizing Mobile Printing Solutions
Explore mobile printing features available on the Brother iPrint&Scan app. Features such as printing directly from cloud services, scanning documents to your mobile device, and printing photos from your gallery can significantly enhance your experience.
Regular Software Updates
Keep your printer’s firmware and software updated. Brother frequently releases updates to enhance performance and functionality. Check the Brother website periodically for updates.
Conclusion
Connecting your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer to Wi-Fi can significantly boost your productivity by facilitating wireless printing from a range of devices. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly set up and enjoy the advantages of wireless connectivity. Whether it is for home use or business needs, your Brother printer is ready to provide you with high-quality prints right at your fingertips. Embrace the convenience of wireless printing with the Brother MFC-L2700DW, and elevate your printing experience today!
How do I start the Wi-Fi connection setup for my Brother MFC-L2700DW printer?
To begin the Wi-Fi connection setup for your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer, ensure that the printer is powered on and properly connected to your local network. Press the “Menu” button on the printer’s control panel, then navigate to “Network” using the arrow keys. Select “WLAN” and then choose “Setup Wizard” to initiate the Wi-Fi connection process.
Once the Setup Wizard is activated, the printer will search for available wireless networks. Use the arrow keys to navigate through the network list and select your Wi-Fi network. After selecting your network, you will need to enter the Wi-Fi password. Ensure that you input the password correctly, as it is case-sensitive. Once the password is entered, the printer will attempt to connect to your network.
Why is my Brother MFC-L2700DW printer not connecting to Wi-Fi?
If your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer is not connecting to Wi-Fi, first verify that the printer is within range of your wireless router. Sometimes, walls or large objects can interfere with the signal. Additionally, check if the wireless network is active by confirming other devices can connect to it. If they can’t, the issue may lie with the router itself.
Another common issue could be an incorrect Wi-Fi password. Double-check to ensure that the password entered during the setup process was accurate. If everything looks fine and the printer still won’t connect, consider restarting both the printer and the router. A fresh restart can often resolve connectivity issues.
What should I do if my printer loses its Wi-Fi connection?
Should your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer lose its Wi-Fi connection, the first step is to check the status of your wireless network. Ensure that the router is powered on and functioning properly. You can do this by connecting another device, such as a smartphone or laptop, to the network to see if it has internet access.
If the network is operational, try reconnecting the printer to Wi-Fi by going through the setup process once again. Press the “Menu” button, navigate to “Network,” select “WLAN,” and then “Setup Wizard.” Re-enter your Wi-Fi password if necessary. If the connection issues persist, consider resetting the network settings on the printer and starting fresh.
Can I connect my Brother MFC-L2700DW printer to Wi-Fi without a USB cable?
Yes, you can connect your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer to Wi-Fi without using a USB cable. The printer is equipped with a wireless feature that allows you to set it up directly through its control panel. You can initiate the Wi-Fi connection by navigating through the menu options as described previously, making it a cable-free setup.
This wireless capability is particularly convenient, especially if your printer is located in a different area from your computer or devices. Once the initial Wi-Fi setup is complete, your printer will be able to communicate wirelessly with any compatible devices connected to the same network, enhancing your printing flexibility.
Is there a specific distance my printer should be from the router?
While the Brother MFC-L2700DW printer can connect to Wi-Fi within a range of about 100 to 150 feet (30 to 45 meters) indoors, several factors can influence its effective range. Thick walls, floors, or interference from other electronic devices can weaken the Wi-Fi signal, so positioning the printer closer to the router enhances its ability to maintain a stable connection.
For optimal performance, position your printer in an area that minimizes obstacles between it and the router. If you experience continuous connection problems, consider relocating either the printer or the router, or using a Wi-Fi extender to strengthen the signal in the printer’s location.
What type of Wi-Fi security is compatible with my Brother MFC-L2700DW printer?
The Brother MFC-L2700DW printer is compatible with several types of Wi-Fi security protocols, including WPA, WPA2, and WEP. However, it is recommended to use WPA2, as it provides a higher level of security compared to WEP or WPA. Make sure to configure your router to use WPA2 for the best protection against unauthorized access.
When setting up your Wi-Fi connection, ensure that the security settings on your printer match those of your wireless network. If you are using WPA2, enter the network key accurately during the setup. If unsure, you can check your router’s settings from a connected device to verify these details.
How do I know if my Brother MFC-L2700DW is connected to Wi-Fi?
You can confirm if your Brother MFC-L2700DW printer is connected to Wi-Fi by checking the LED indicators on the printer’s control panel. After the setup process is complete, the WLAN indicator should be lit up. If the light is steady, it indicates that the printer is connected to a Wi-Fi network. A blinking light usually indicates an unsuccessful connection attempt.
Additionally, you can print a network configuration page from the printer to gather detailed information. Access the control panel, navigate to “Print Reports,” and select “Network Configuration.” This page will display the network status, including the IP address assigned to the printer, confirming its connection to your wireless network.