Modern office equipment requires flexibility in placement, and Brother MFC-L2740DWR is no exception. This model features a built-in wireless module, allowing it to be placed anywhere in the room where there's network coverage, eliminating the need for long Ethernet cables. However, initial setup can often be challenging, as the device's interface isn't always intuitive at first glance.
Pairing your printer with your router allows you to print documents, scan to a folder, and send faxes wirelessly from any computer or smartphone in your home. It's important to understand that a successful connection depends not only on the correct steps entered in the control panel but also on the state of your local network. Before you begin, make sure your router is turned on, is distributing internet, and that you know the exact network name (SSID) and password.
In this article, we'll cover all available methods for activating wireless mode, from automatic network detection to manual configuration via WPS. We'll also cover possible connection errors and how to troubleshoot them to ensure your MFP operates reliably and is always available for tasks of any complexity.
Preparing equipment and checking the network environment
Before you start setting up wireless interface, you need to perform some basic hardware setup. Make sure the Brother MFC-L2740DWR is plugged in and turned on. If the device is freshly unpacked, allow it to complete its initialization process. During this process, do not remove any cartridges or close the scanner lid.
Knowing your Wi-Fi network parameters is crucial. Unlike a wired connection, where simply plugging in a cable is enough, you'll need precise information. You'll need the following information:
- 📶 The exact name of your wireless network (SSID) - case-sensitive.
- 🔑 Security password (encryption key) - usually a complex combination of characters.
- 🔒 Encryption type - most often it is WPA2-PSK or WPA/WPA2.
It is worth noting that this printer model only supports operation in the range 2.4 GHzIf your router only broadcasts a signal at 5 GHz or uses "5 GHz only" mode, your device simply won't see the network. Most modern routers combine these frequencies into a single network, but if yours has separate names (for example, MyWiFi and MyWiFi_5G), select the one that uses the 2.4 GHz standard.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure MAC address filtering is not enabled on your router. If "whitelisting" is enabled, you'll need to find the printer's MAC address in advance (under Network → WLAN → MAC Address) and add it to the router settings; otherwise, the connection will be blocked.
Quick connection method via WPS
The easiest way to establish a connection between a router and a printer is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)This method allows you to transfer security settings automatically, without having to manually enter a complex password using the buttons on the device's small screen. To use this method, your wireless router must also support the WPS function, which is required for the vast majority of modern equipment.
The activation process is as follows: On the printer control panel, press the button Menu, then select the item Net and find the option WLANIn the menu that opens, select WPS and press OKAfter this, a message will appear on the screen informing you that the search process has started.
Within two minutes, you need to press the WPS button on the router itself. This can be a physical button on the router's case or a virtual one in the router's web interface. Once the devices "see" each other, a message will appear on the printer's display. Connected, and the wireless indicator will start to glow steadily.
In some cases, automatic detection may fail on the first try due to signal delays. If a connection is not established after 2 minutes, repeat the procedure, ensuring the printer and router are in close proximity (no more than 1-2 meters) to ensure signal reception during the handshake.
Manual Wi-Fi setup via the device menu
If automatic WPS mode is unavailable or doesn't work for some reason, you'll need to use a manual network search. This is a more reliable method, allowing you to see a list of available connections and select the desired one explicitly. First, access the device's main menu by pressing the corresponding button on the control panel.
Using the navigation arrows, go to the section Net, then select WLAN and press Setup WizardThe printer will prompt you to turn on the wireless network; if it is turned off, confirm the action by selecting On or OnAfter this, the device will begin scanning the air.
Once the list of networks is generated, find your router's name (SSID) in it. If the network is hidden, select the option <Hidden> or
☑️ Verify your password before entering it
Entering your password is the most important step. Use the arrow keys. Up/Down to select a symbol and To the right to move to the next position. After entering all the characters, press OK, then select Confirm (or Yes). The printer will attempt to connect to the router, and if successful, the IP address assigned to the device will appear on the screen.
Using WPS PIN for pairing
There is an alternative option to use WPS technology called WPS PIN CodeThis method is convenient in situations where physical access to the WPS button on the router is difficult, or you're setting up the network remotely through the router's web interface. In this case, the printer generates a unique code that needs to be entered into the router's settings.
To obtain the code on the panel of the Brother MFC-L2740DWR MFP, follow these steps: go to the menu Net → WLAN → WPS with PIN codeAn eight-digit digital code will appear on the screen. This code must be memorized or written down.
Next, transfer the steps to a computer or smartphone connected to the same network. You need to access your router's settings (usually through a browser at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find the WPS section, and select "Enter Client PIN." Entering the code received from the printer initiates a secure connection.
What to do if the PIN code is not accepted?
The WPS PIN is temporary and only valid for a few minutes after it's generated. If you don't enter it into your router settings, the code will expire. Simply repeat the process on your printer to generate a new, valid code, and immediately enter it into the router interface.
After successful authorization, the router will transfer the necessary encryption keys to the printer. A message indicating a successful connection will appear on the device's display. This method is especially useful in corporate networks, where administrators prefer to control connections through a central interface rather than physical buttons.
Setting up printing from mobile devices and computers
After Brother MFC-L2740DWR Once your printer is successfully connected to Wi-Fi, you need to configure printing on your devices. For computers running Windows or macOS, we recommend downloading the full driver package from the manufacturer's official website. During installation, select the "Wireless" connection type, and the installer will automatically find the printer on the network by IP address.
For smartphone and tablet owners, the situation is even simpler. Technology Wi-Fi Direct Printing via a printer or cloud service is possible without installing cumbersome drivers. If your router supports AirPrint (for Apple) or Mopria (for Android), your device will automatically detect the printer on the same Wi-Fi network.
Alternatively, you can use the proprietary app. Brother iPrint&ScanIt allows you to not only print documents but also scan images directly onto your smartphone screen, saving them to your gallery or sending them via email. The app requires that the mobile device and printer be on the same subnet.
>Not required (built-in)
| Platform | Connection method | Required software | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10/11 | Wi-Fi Infrastructure | Complete driver package | Full functionality including fax |
| macOS | AirPrint / Wi-Fi | Automatic detection | |
| iOS (iPhone/iPad) | AirPrint | Not required | Print from any application |
| Android | Mopria / Wi-Fi Direct | Print plugin (often built-in) | Support for most applications |
Diagnosing problems and resetting network settings
During operation, situations may arise where the printer stops responding to requests or loses connection to the router. The first step in troubleshooting should always be printing a network configuration report. To do this, click Menu → Printing reports → WLAN configurationThe report will show you the connection status, signal strength, and current IP address.
If the status indicates a connection error or the IP address is 0.0.0.0, then the printer hasn't received an address from the router's DHCP server. In this case, it's a good idea to check whether your router has reached its maximum number of connected devices. Also, try rebooting the router by unplugging it for 10-15 seconds.
If software methods don't help, you can reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. This will return the Wi-Fi settings to their original state, deleting saved passwords and profiles. To do this, select Net → Network reset (or Network Reset) and confirm the action.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting your network settings, you will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi again because all saved security keys will be deleted from your device's memory.
A common issue is changing the router password. If you've changed your Wi-Fi password, the printer won't be able to connect automatically because the old password remains in its memory. In this case, you'll also need to reset the network and reconfigure it with the new password.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the Brother MFC-L2740DWR be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, this model is equipped with a module that operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. If your router only broadcasts at 5 GHz, the printer will not see it. You must enable support for the 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) standard in your router settings.
What should I do if the printer doesn't see my Wi-Fi network in the list?
Make sure the access point isn't hidden (the "Hidden SSID" flag isn't checked). Also, check the distance between the devices—walls and metal structures can significantly weaken the signal. Try moving the printer closer to the router during setup.
How to find out the printer's IP address after connection?
Click the button Menu, go to Net → WLAN → TCP/IPThe IP address line will display the device's current local network address. This information can also be found in the printed configuration report.
Does this model support Wi-Fi Direct?
Yes, the MFC-L2740DWR supports Wi-Fi Direct technology, allowing you to connect mobile devices directly to the printer without a wireless router. Setup is done through the menu. Net → Wi-Fi Direct.
Why is printing so slow over Wi-Fi?
Print speed may be reduced by a weak signal or interference (such as from a microwave oven). Try changing the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings to a less congested one (1, 6, or 11) or moving the router closer to the printer.