Setting up your Brother MFC-L2717DW printer to connect to a Wi-Fi network can seem daunting, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. However, with a bit of patience and the right guidance, you can seamlessly connect your printer to Wi-Fi and start enjoying the benefits of wireless printing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step, ensuring that by the end of this article, you’ll have your MFC-L2717DW connected to your Wi-Fi network with ease.
Understanding Your Brother MFC-L2717DW: An Overview
Before diving into the connection process, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the Brother MFC-L2717DW printer. This versatile all-in-one printer is designed to meet the demands of home and small office users. With its ability to print, copy, scan, and fax, it provides a comprehensive solution for various printing needs.
Key Features:
- Wireless and mobile printing capabilities
- Automatic duplex (double-sided) printing
- High-speed printing up to 30ppm (pages per minute)
- Large paper capacity with a 250-sheet paper tray
Understanding these features not only helps you appreciate the functionality of your printer but also emphasizes the importance of connecting it to Wi-Fi for optimal use.
Why Connect Your MFC-L2717DW to Wi-Fi?
There are several compelling reasons to connect your Brother MFC-L2717DW to Wi-Fi:
Convenience: By connecting to Wi-Fi, multiple devices can access the printer without the need for cumbersome cables.
Mobile Printing: You can print documents directly from your smartphone or tablet using apps like Brother iPrint&Scan.
Efficient Printing: Enjoy faster printing speeds without the restriction of a wired connection, allowing you to work efficiently from anywhere within your Wi-Fi range.
Now let’s focus on how to connect your Brother MFC-L2717DW to Wi-Fi.
Preparing for the Connection
Before you start the connection process, you need to prepare a few things:
What You’ll Need:
- Brother MFC-L2717DW Printer
- Wireless router with Wi-Fi capability
- SSID (network name) and password for your Wi-Fi network
- A computer or mobile device for configuration
Having these items at hand will make the process quick and easy.
Steps to Connect Your MFC-L2717DW to Wi-Fi
Connecting your printer to a Wi-Fi network can be accomplished through a few straightforward steps. Below, we detail both the Wi-Fi setup wizard method and the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method.
Method 1: Using the Wi-Fi Setup Wizard
- Power On the Printer:
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Ensure your Brother MFC-L2717DW is plugged in and power it on.
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Access the Menu:
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Press the Menu button on the printer’s control panel.
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Navigate to Network Settings:
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Use the navigation arrows to scroll to Network and press OK.
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Select WLAN:
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Choose WLAN and press OK.
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Choose Setup Wizard:
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Scroll to Setup Wizard and press OK. The printer will search for available networks.
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Select Your Wi-Fi Network:
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From the list of detected networks, select your SSID (Wi-Fi network name) and press OK.
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Enter the Wi-Fi Password:
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When prompted, input your Wi-Fi password using the printer’s control panel. Use the number keys to enter letters, and press the OK button after each character to confirm.
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Confirm the Connection:
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After entering the password, select Yes to confirm the connection. The printer will attempt to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
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Print Network Configuration:
- If you wish to confirm the connection status, print a network configuration page by navigating to Print Network Config from the Network menu.
Method 2: Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
If your router supports WPS, this method can make the connection even simpler:
- Prepare WPS:
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Ensure your router’s WPS feature is enabled. This may require pressing the WPS button on your router.
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Power On the Printer:
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Make sure your printer is powered on.
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Access WPS Setup:
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Press the Menu button, navigate to Network, and select WLAN.
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Select WPS:
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Choose WPS and press OK.
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Initiate WPS Connection:
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Follow the prompts to initiate the WPS connection. This will typically involve selecting Push Button or PBC and confirming your choice.
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Connect to Wi-Fi:
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The printer will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network once it detects the router’s WPS signal.
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Confirm the Connection:
- Similar to the previous method, you can print a network configuration page to ensure the successful connection.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
Sometimes, you may encounter challenges while connecting your Brother MFC-L2717DW to Wi-Fi. Here are some common issues and solutions to help you troubleshoot:
Common Issues:
- Incorrect Wi-Fi Password: Ensure you enter the correct Wi-Fi password. Double-check for any typos or incorrect characters.
- Printer Not Detected: Make sure your printer is within range of the Wi-Fi router. If needed, move it closer and try reconnecting.
- Router Issues: Restart your router if you continue to experience issues. This can help resolve any temporary connectivity problems.
Checking Printer Status:
To check the printer status:
- Print a Network Configuration page.
- Confirm that the IP address is listed and shows as “Connected.”
- Utilize printer software on your computer to diagnose connectivity issues.
Installing the Printer Drivers
After establishing a Wi-Fi connection, the next step is to install the printer drivers on your computer to begin printing:
For Windows Users:
- Visit the Brother Support website.
- Search for MFC-L2717DW and select the appropriate driver for your operating system.
- Download and install the driver following the on-screen instructions.
For Mac Users:
- Open ‘System Preferences’ on your Mac.
- Select ‘Printers & Scanners.’
- Click the ‘+’ button to add a new printer, and your MFC-L2717DW should appear in the list.
- Select the printer and click ‘Add.’
Utilizing Your MFC-L2717DW for Wireless Printing
Now that your printer is connected to Wi-Fi and drivers are installed, you can enjoy wireless printing!
Printing from Mobile Devices:
– Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your mobile device.
– Ensure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
– Use the app to print documents, photos, or scan directly.
Printing from a Computer:
– Select the MFC-L2717DW as your default printer.
– Use any application to print documents just as you would with a wired connection.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully connected your Brother MFC-L2717DW to Wi-Fi. Enjoy the convenience of wireless printing, mobile printing capabilities, and the efficiency that comes with being able to print from anywhere in your home or office. With a little practice, you can effortlessly manage your printing tasks, enhancing your productivity and workflow.
By following this guide, you’re not just connecting a printer; you’re unlocking a new realm of possibilities in managing your printing needs. Whether it’s documents for work, school assignments, or personal projects, your Brother MFC-L2717DW is now ready to serve you wirelessly!
What are the prerequisites for connecting my Brother MFC-L2717DW to Wi-Fi?
To successfully connect your Brother MFC-L2717DW to Wi-Fi, you will need a few essential items. First, ensure that your wireless network is operational and that you have the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password readily available. Additionally, having a computer or mobile device with internet access will help you in the setup process.
Next, it’s important to verify that your printer is powered on and that it has sufficient ink and paper. It’s also recommended to keep the printer close to your Wi-Fi router during the initial setup. Once you have these prerequisites in place, you can proceed with the connection process.
How do I access the printer’s menu to start the Wi-Fi setup?
To begin the Wi-Fi setup on your Brother MFC-L2717DW, first, ensure that the printer is turned on. Then, using the control panel on the printer, press the “Menu” button to access the main menu. From there, navigate to the “Network” option using the arrow keys, and select it by pressing “OK.”
Once in the network menu, you should see several options related to network settings. Look for “WLAN” (Wireless LAN) settings and select that. You will then be able to access the Wi-Fi setup options, which will allow you to search for available wireless networks in your vicinity.
How can I connect my Brother MFC-L2717DW to my Wi-Fi network?
After accessing the WLAN settings on your Brother MFC-L2717DW, you will have the option to select “Setup Wizard.” This feature will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Once the scanning is complete, it will display a list of detected networks. Use the arrow keys to scroll through the list and select your network name (SSID) by pressing “OK.”
After selecting your network, you will be prompted to enter the Wi-Fi password. Make sure to input the password carefully, paying attention to capitalization and special characters. Once you’ve entered the password correctly, confirm by pressing “OK.” The printer will then attempt to connect to the Wi-Fi network, and a confirmation message will appear once the connection is successful.
What should I do if my printer fails to connect to Wi-Fi?
If your Brother MFC-L2717DW fails to connect to the Wi-Fi network, first, double-check the Wi-Fi password you entered. A common mistake is miskeying the password, especially if it contains complex characters. Repeating the setup process may resolve the issue, so try accessing the WLAN settings again and re-enter the password.
Additionally, ensure that the printer is within a good range of the Wi-Fi router. If the signal strength is weak, consider moving the printer closer to the router or eliminating any obstacles that may be causing interference. Restarting both your printer and the router might also help to refresh the network connection.
Can I connect my Brother MFC-L2717DW to Wi-Fi without using the control panel?
Yes, you can connect your Brother MFC-L2717DW to Wi-Fi using the Brother iPrint&Scan app, available for both iOS and Android devices. To do this, make sure your mobile device is connected to the Wi-Fi network you wish to connect your printer to. Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the appropriate app store, and open it once installed.
Within the app, you will find an option to configure the printer’s network settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your Wi-Fi network and input the password. The app will assist you through the process, making it an alternative option if you’re looking to avoid using the printer’s control panel.
How can I verify if my Brother MFC-L2717DW is successfully connected to Wi-Fi?
After setting up the Wi-Fi connection, it’s essential to verify that your Brother MFC-L2717DW is indeed connected to your network. One way to do this is by printing a network configuration page directly from the printer. To do so, navigate to the “Print Reports” option in the menu, and select “Network Config.” This will generate a page listing the current network status.
Additionally, you can run a test print from your computer or mobile device. Ensure that the printer driver is installed on your device, then send a document or image to the Brother MFC-L2717DW. If the printer successfully completes the print job, you can confirm that it is connected to your Wi-Fi network.