Connecting the Brother HL-L2340DWR to Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Troubleshooting

Laser printer Brother HL-L2340DWR — a popular model for home and small offices, combining compact size, duplex printing, and wireless capabilities. However, connecting to Wi-Fi often raises issues: sometimes the router doesn't detect the device, sometimes drivers install incorrectly, or network printing works intermittently. In this article, we'll look at these issues. all connection methods — from standard WPS to manual configuration via the printer panel, and we will also solve typical problems such as the error Unable to connect or a blinking Wi-Fi indicator.

Important: HL-L2340DWR supports networks only 2.4 GHzIf your router operates within the range 5 GHz, you'll need to enable compatible mode or create a separate network. We'll explain in detail how to do this, even if you've never set up a router before.

The instructions are suitable for operating systems Windows 10/11, macOS (including Ventura and Sonoma), and for printing with Android And iOSIf your printer is already connected via USB but you want to switch it to Wi-Fi, you'll find a solution here too.

1. Preparing for connection: what to check before starting setup

Before you begin setting up, make sure all the necessary requirements are met. This will save time and prevent unnecessary errors.

• 📶 The router is turned on and distributes Wi-Fi in the range 2.4 GHzOn some models (for example, TP-Link Archer or ASUS RT-AX) this range is disabled by default.
• 🔌 The printer is turned on into the power supply and is within the Wi-Fi range (no further than 5-7 meters from the router, if there are obstacles).
• 🖨️ On the printer panel There's no flashing red error light. If there is, first troubleshoot the problem (most often, a paper jam or low toner).
• 💻 Computer or smartphoneThe device from which you will set up the connection is already connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.

If your router supports double range (2.4 + 5 GHz) and it has the same network name (SSID), the printer may "catch" on 5 GHz and not connect. In this case, temporarily disable 5 GHz In your router settings, or create a separate network for 2.4 GHz. Here's how:

1. Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Go to the section Wireless network or Wi-Fi.
3. Find the setting Band Selection or Range and select Only 2.4GHz.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

⚠️ Attention: If other devices (such as a smart TV or laptop) stop working after disabling 5 GHz, revert the settings back after connecting the printer. HL-L2340DWR will work stably in the 2.4 GHz network.

2. Method 1: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Allows you to connect your printer to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This is the easiest method if your router supports WPS (most modern models do).

Instructions:

1. Make sure that on the router WPS is enabled (usually the WPS indicator blinks or lights up green).
2. On the printer Brother HL-L2340DWR press and hold the button Wi-Fi (antenna icon) during 2-3 secondsuntil the Wi-Fi indicator starts blinking.
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router (sometimes it is combined with the reset button - check the router instructions).
4. Wait until the Wi-Fi light on the printer stops blinking and turns on in blue - this means that the connection is successful.

If the indicator continues to flash or remains orange, repeat the process. If that doesn't help, proceed to manual setup (Method 2).

⚠️ Attention: Some routers (eg. Keenetic or MikroTik) require you to enable WPS manually through the web interface. If the button on the router doesn't work, check the settings at 192.168.1.1 in the section WPS or Wireless network.

Check if WPS is enabled in your router settings.

Make sure your router supports WPS (there's a button or option in the menu)

Repeat the process by holding the Wi-Fi button on the printer longer (up to 5 seconds)

Try manual setup (method 2)-->

3. Method 2: Manual Wi-Fi setup via the printer control panel

If WPS doesn't work or your router doesn't support it, configure the connection manually. To do this, you'll need:

• 📝 Network name (SSID) — the exact name of your Wi-Fi (case-sensitive!).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi password (if the network is secure).
• ✏️ Pen and paper — to record temporary settings.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Press the button on the printer Menu (Menu).
2. Using buttons ↑/↓ select an item Network (Network) and press OK.
3. Go to WLAN → Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard).
4. The printer will start searching for networks. When the list appears, select yours. SSID and press OK.
5. Enter your Wi-Fi password. To do this:
• Use the buttons ↑/↓/←/→ to select symbols.
• To change the case (upper/lower case letters) press Shift (usually indicated by an upward arrow).
• To enter numbers or special characters, switch using Symbol or 123.

After entering the password, click OK and wait for the connection to complete. The Wi-Fi indicator should light up. blue.

If the printer does not find your network:

• 🔄 Restart your router and printer.
• 📡 Check that the network not hidden (the parameter must be disabled in the router settings Hide SSID or Hide network).
• 📶 Make sure the printer is in a strong reception area (check the signal strength on your smartphone in the same location).

How to enter a complex password with special characters?

If your password contains characters like !, @ or #, on the printer HL-L2340DWR they can be entered like this:

1. Press the button Symbol (usually at the bottom of the screen).

2. Buttons ←/→ Select the desired symbol.

3. Click OK for confirmation.

4. Return to entering letters using the button ABC.

If the password is longer than 32 characters, the printer will not accept it—you will have to change the password in the router to a shorter one.

4. Method 3: Connecting via USB cable (alternative method)

If Wi-Fi stubbornly does not connect, you can temporarily use USB cable, and then connect the printer to the wireless network. This method works for both Windows and macOS.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect the printer to your computer via USB.
2. Download and install full driver package With Brother's official website (select model HL-L2340DWR).
3. Run the utility Brother iPrint&Scan (installed along with the drivers).
4. Go to the section Printer settings → Wireless network.
5. Select your Wi-Fi network, enter the password and follow the setup wizard prompts.
6. Once successfully connected, disconnect the USB cable and the printer will remain connected to the Wi-Fi network.

For macOS:

1. Connect the printer via USB and install the drivers from Brother website.
2. Open System Preferences → Printers and scanners.
3. Click +, select your printer and add it.
4. In the printer menu, select Wi-Fi settings and set up a network connection.

⚠️ Attention: If your printer loses Wi-Fi connectivity after disconnecting the USB port, check your router's power saving settings. Some models (e.g., Zyxel Keenetic) turn off low-activity devices. Find the option in your router settings AP Isolation or Wi-Fi energy saving and turn it off.

5. Installing drivers and setting up network printing

After connecting your printer to Wi-Fi, you need to install drivers on all devices you plan to print from. Without them, the system won't be able to see the printer on the network.

For Windows:

1. Download the driver from Brother website (select HL-L2340DWR and your version of Windows).
2. Run the installer and select Wireless network as a connection type.
3. When the installation wizard asks you to select a printer, select Network printer and wait until the system finds HL-L2340DWR.
4. Complete the installation and print a test page.

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers and scanners.
2. Click +, select the tab IP and enter the printer's IP address (you can find out by printing Network settings from the printer panel).
3. Select driver Brother HL-L2340DWR from the list and add the printer.

For Android/iOS:

• 📱 Install the application Brother iPrint&Scan from Google Play or App Store.
• 🔍 In the app, click Add a printer and select HL-L2340DWR from the list of found devices.
• 🖨️ Now you can print documents and photos directly from your phone.

6. Solving typical connection errors

Even after proper setup, problems may still arise. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error: "Unable to connect" or blinking orange Wi-Fi light

Reasons and solutions:

• 🔄 Incorrect password — Check the letter case and special characters. Reconnect the printer with the correct password.
• 📡 Weak Wi-Fi signal - move the printer closer to the router or use repeater.
• 🔒 Incompatible encryption type - change the router settings Security Mode on WPA2-PSK (AES).
• 🔄 IP address conflict — print it out Network settings from the printer and check that the IP does not match another device on the network.

Error: The printer is connected to Wi-Fi but does not print.

What to do:

• 🖨️ Check the printer status default: in Windows open Control Panel → Devices and Printers, right click on HL-L2340DWR and select Use as default.
• 🔌 Restart your printer and router - Sometimes this solves network connection problems.
• 📥 Update your drivers — Download the latest version from the Brother website.
• 🔍 Check the print queue: open Devices and printers, double-click on the printer and delete the stuck jobs.

Error: The printer periodically disconnects from Wi-Fi.

Possible reasons:

• ⚡ Router energy saving - disable the option Wi-Fi Power Save or AP Isolation.
• 🔄 Automatic reconnection — in the printer settings (Network → WLAN → Advanced) turn it off Auto Reconnect.
• 📶 Interference from other networks - change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (select 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).

7. Additional settings: cloud printing and security

Once you have successfully connected to Wi-Fi, you can configure remote printing and protect the printer from unauthorized access.

Setting up cloud printing (Google Cloud Print, AirPrint)

To print from any device via the Internet:

1. Install the utility on your computer Brother Web Connect (download from Brother website).
2. Register your printer with the service Google Cloud Print (through google.com/cloudprint).
3. Now you can send documents to print from any device, even outside the home network.

For iPhone/iPad it is enough that the printer is connected to the same network - AirPrint works automatically.

Protecting your printer from hacking

Network-connected printers can become a target for hackers. To protect HL-L2340DWR:

• 🔐 Change the administrator password printer (default - access (or empty). This can be done through the printer's web interface (enter its IP address in the browser).
• 🌐 Disable unnecessary protocols: in the printer settings (Network → Protocol) leave only LPD And AirPrint, turn it off FTP And Telnet.
• 🔄 Update your firmware — Check the Brother website for updates every 3-6 months.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I connect the HL-L2340DWR to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes, this is possible in two ways:

1. Through WPS (if the router supports this function).
2. Through printer panel - manually enter the network name and password (instructions in Section 3).

Both methods do not require a computer, but you may need a smartphone to check the network name (SSID).

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?

Check the following:

• Are they installed? drivers for network printing (download from the Brother website).
• Is the computer in the same Wi-Fi network, as well as the printer.
• Doesn't it block? firewall or antivirus access to the printer.
• Is the printer enabled by default (in Windows: Control Panel → Devices and Printers).

If nothing helps, try add a printer manually by IP address (you can find it out by printing it out Network settings from the printer panel).

How do I print a test page to check the connection?

To ensure that your printer is properly connected to Wi-Fi:

1. Press and hold the button Go (or Secure Print) on the printer for 5 seconds.
2. Release the button when the indicators start flashing.
3. The printer will print a network settings page that will indicate IP address, MAC address and connection status.

If the page does not print, check the paper and toner levels and make sure there are no errors (flashing red light).

Can the HL-L2340DWR be connected to Wi-Fi Direct (without a router)?

No, model HL-L2340DWR does not support Wi-Fi DirectTo print without a router, you can use:

• 🖥️ USB cable (direct connection to computer).
• 📶 Creating a temporary network from a laptop (via Mobile hotspot in Windows or General access on macOS).

To work permanently without a router, you will have to use a wired connection.

How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings?

To clear all network settings and start over:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the button Go (or Reset, if any).
3. Turn on the printer without releasing the button for 10-15 seconds.
4. Release the button when all the indicators light up and go out - this means the settings have been reset.

After the reset, repeat the Wi-Fi setup from scratch.