In today’s digital age, having a reliable printer that connects seamlessly to your Wi-Fi network is essential for both home and office use. The Brother MFC-L2710DW is a versatile monochrome laser printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine that stands out for its efficiency and quality. However, connecting this printer to your Wi-Fi network can seem daunting, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. Fear not! This guide will provide you with detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to connect your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer to Wi-Fi, ensuring you can start printing wirelessly in no time.
Understanding the Brother MFC-L2710DW
Before we jump into the connection process, it’s beneficial to understand a bit more about your printer. The Brother MFC-L2710DW boasts several important features:
- Print Speed: Fast printing at up to 32 pages per minute.
- Automatic Duplex Printing: Save time and paper with automatic double-sided printing.
- Mobile Printing: Supports AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother iPrint&Scan, and Wi-Fi Direct.
These features make it an excellent choice for small to medium businesses and even home offices.
Pre-Connection Checklist
Before you begin the connection process, ensure that you have completed the following steps:
1. Gather Your Tools
You will need the following items on hand:
- Your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer
- A wireless router with an active internet connection
- Your network SSID (name) and password
- Access to a computer, smartphone, or tablet to assist with installation
2. Check Printer Compatibility
Make sure your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer firmware is up to date. If you haven’t updated it in a while, refer to the Brother website for instructions on how to check and update firmware.
Connecting Your Brother MFC-L2710DW to Wi-Fi
Now that you’re prepared, let’s dive into the connection process. There are two main methods to connect your printer to Wi-Fi: Using the Control Panel or Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). We will explain both methods here.
Method 1: Using the Control Panel
This method is straightforward and recommended if you prefer a manual setup.
Step 1: Turn on Your Printer
Ensure your Brother MFC-L2710DW is plugged in and powered on. The power button is located at the front of the device.
Step 2: Access the Wireless Menu
- On the printer’s control panel, press the Menu button.
- Use the arrow keys to navigate to Network and press OK.
- Select WLAN and press OK again.
Step 3: Choose the WLAN Setup Option
- Navigate to Setup Wizard and press OK.
- The printer will search for available Wi-Fi networks. This may take a few moments.
Step 4: Select Your Network
- Once the available networks appear on the screen, use the arrow keys to highlight your Wi-Fi network (SSID).
- Press OK.
Step 5: Enter Your Wi-Fi Password
- Use the numeric keypad to enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Press OK once you’ve entered the password.
Step 6: Confirm Connection
Your printer will attempt to connect to the Wi-Fi network. If successful, a “Successfully connected” message will appear on the screen. If not, double-check your SSID and password for accuracy.
Method 2: Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
If your router supports WPS, this method is faster and may be easier.
Step 1: Turn on Your Printer
Ensure the Brother MFC-L2710DW is powered up and ready.
Step 2: Access the Wireless Menu
- Press the Menu button on the printer’s control panel.
- Use the arrow keys to navigate to Network and press OK.
- Select WLAN and press OK.
Step 3: Press WPS Button on Your Router
Locate the WPS button on your wireless router. Press it to enable WPS mode. This button may be labeled as “WPS” or may feature an icon that looks like two arrows circling each other.
Step 4: Initiate WPS on the Printer
- Go back to your printer and select WPS/AOSS in the WLAN menu.
- Press OK. Your printer will now attempt to connect to the network using WPS.
Step 5: Confirmation
If successful, the printer will display a “Connected” message. If it fails, check your router settings to ensure WPS is enabled and try again.
Installing Printer Drivers
After successfully connecting your Brother MFC-L2710DW to Wi-Fi, you’ll need to install the necessary drivers for your computer or mobile device.
1. Download Drivers
Visit the Brother Support website and navigate to the MFC-L2710DW product page. Here, you can find the appropriate drivers for your operating system, whether it’s Windows, Mac, or Linux.
2. Install Drivers
Follow the on-screen instructions provided during the driver installation process. Choose the wireless connection option when prompted.
3. Print Test Page
After installation, print a test page to confirm everything is set up correctly. This can be done from your computer by going to the printer settings.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
If you encounter any problems while attempting to connect your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer to Wi-Fi, here are some common issues and solutions:
1. Printer Unable to Connect to Network
- Double-check your SSID and password: Make sure you have entered the correct Wi-Fi password when prompted.
- Restart Your Devices: Sometimes, restarting your printer and router can resolve connectivity issues.
2. Weak Wi-Fi Signal
If the printer is too far from the router, it may struggle to maintain a connection. Consider moving your printer closer to the router or using a Wi-Fi extender.
Using Your Brother MFC-L2710DW Wirelessly
Now that your Brother MFC-L2710DW is connected to Wi-Fi, it’s time to take advantage of its wireless capabilities.
1. Mobile and Cloud Printing
With your printer connected to Wi-Fi, you can print from any mobile device. Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app or use other cloud printing options like Google Cloud Print to send documents directly from your smartphone or tablet to your printer.
2. Configure Printer Settings
You can access the printer settings via your computer by going to the control panel, selecting the printer, and adjusting preferences such as print quality, paper size, and more.
Conclusion
Connecting your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer to Wi-Fi may seem intimidating at first, but with this step-by-step guide, you can do it quickly and efficiently. Once connected, you can take full advantage of the printer’s features, including mobile printing and wireless functionality. Make sure to keep your printer drivers updated and troubleshoot any minor issues as they arise. Enjoy the convenience and efficiency of wireless printing!
By following these instructions, you’ll be well on your way to streamlining your document handling, enhancing productivity, and enjoying the full functionality your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer offers. Happy printing!
What is the Brother MFC-L2710DW printer?
The Brother MFC-L2710DW is an all-in-one laser printer known for its reliability, speed, and efficiency. It is designed for both home and small office use, offering printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. This printer is particularly recognized for its cost-effective printing solutions, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers.
In addition to its versatile functionality, the Brother MFC-L2710DW supports wireless printing. This feature allows users to print documents directly from their smartphone, tablet, or computer without needing a physical connection to the printer. This convenience streamlines the printing process and enhances productivity in both personal and professional settings.
How do I connect my Brother MFC-L2710DW printer to Wi-Fi?
To connect your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer to Wi-Fi, start by ensuring that your printer is powered on. Access the printer’s control panel and navigate to the network settings. Select the “Wireless” option, then choose “WLAN” followed by “Setup Wizard.” The printer will search for available networks, allowing you to select your Wi-Fi network from the list.
Once you’ve selected your network, you will need to enter the Wi-Fi password using the printer’s control panel. After entering the password, confirm your selection, and the printer will attempt to connect to the network. If successful, a confirmation message will appear on the display, and your printer will be ready for wireless printing.
What should I do if my printer fails to connect to Wi-Fi?
If your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer fails to connect to Wi-Fi, first ensure that your Wi-Fi network is functioning properly. Check if other devices can connect to the same Wi-Fi network. If they cannot, there may be an issue with your router or internet service, so troubleshooting the network may be necessary.
Additionally, double-check that you are entering the correct Wi-Fi password during the connection process. An incorrect password is a common cause of connection failures. If the issue persists, consider restarting both your printer and your router, as this can sometimes resolve connectivity problems.
Can I print from my smartphone or tablet?
Yes, you can print from your smartphone or tablet using the Brother iPrint&Scan app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. First, ensure your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device. Once connected, download and install the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
After installing the app, open it and follow the on-screen prompts to search for your printer. Once your printer is detected, you can select documents or images to print directly from your mobile device. This feature enhances convenience, allowing you to print from virtually anywhere within your Wi-Fi range.
How do I set up the printer for wireless printing on a Windows computer?
To set up your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer for wireless printing on a Windows computer, first ensure your printer is connected to the Wi-Fi network. Next, download and install the printer driver from the Brother support website. During the installation process, select the wireless connection option when prompted.
Once the driver is successfully installed, go to the “Devices and Printers” section of your Windows settings. Here, you should see your Brother printer listed. If it isn’t already set as the default printer, you can right-click on the printer icon and select “Set as Default Printer.” Your printer is now ready for wireless printing from your Windows computer.
How do I troubleshoot wireless printing issues?
To troubleshoot wireless printing issues with your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer, start by checking the Wi-Fi connection status on your printer’s control panel. Ensure that the printer is connected to the correct network and that the signal strength is adequate. If necessary, reposition the printer closer to the router to enhance connectivity.
If the printer is correctly connected but still not printing, verify that your computer or mobile device is also connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You can also try restarting both the printer and your router. Finally, uninstalling and reinstalling the printer driver on your computer may help resolve any software-related issues that could be causing the problem.
Is there an option for USB connection in addition to Wi-Fi?
Yes, the Brother MFC-L2710DW printer offers the option for a USB connection in addition to Wi-Fi. This feature is particularly useful if you prefer a direct connection or if your wireless network is experiencing issues. To connect via USB, simply plug the USB cable into the printer’s USB port and the other end into your computer.
Once connected, you may need to install the printer driver if it hasn’t been set up yet. You can follow the same driver installation process for wireless printing, selecting the USB connection option when prompted. After completing the setup, your printer will be ready to use for printing tasks directly from your computer.