How to enable Wi-Fi on a Samsung printer: all the methods + troubleshooting

Connecting a printer Samsung Connecting to a wireless network opens up a host of possibilities: printing wirelessly from a laptop, sending documents from a smartphone, or even managing a device via cloud services. However, many users encounter difficulties already at the activation stage. Wi-Fi module — especially if the printer is not new or the documentation has long been lost. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for enabling Wi-Fi on printers. Samsung (including models SL-M2020, Xpress M2070, ProXpress M4070 and others), as well as typical errors that interfere with a stable connection.

It is important to understand that the connection algorithm may differ depending on printer series and firmware versions. For example, budget models often lack a display, requiring alternative methods (WPS buttons or a USB cable). Flagship MFPs even support NFC connectivity. We'll look at universal solutions that work with 90% of the brand's devices, and also provide troubleshooting tips if your printer isn't detecting the network or constantly losing connection.

1. Preparing the printer for Wi-Fi connection

Before turning on the wireless module, make sure the printer and router are ready to connect. Skipping this step is the main cause of problems.

  • 📋 Check compatibility: not all printers Samsung support Wi-Fi. Check the specifications of your model on the official website or in the documentation. For example, Samsung ML-2165 Works only via USB.
  • 🔄 Update the firmware: Outdated software may block wireless functionality. Download the latest versions from Samsung support site.
  • 🔌 Connect the printer to a 220V network: The Wi-Fi module is not activated if the device is running on backup power or in power saving mode.
  • 📶 Check your router: it must maintain standards 802.11b/g/n (for older printer models) or 802.11ac (for new users). Disable guest networking and MAC address filtering.

If the printer is already connected to your computer via USB, temporarily disconnect the cable—this may block the wireless network search. Also, make sure there are no other devices operating on the same frequency within 5 meters. 2.4 GHz (microwaves, baby monitors, wireless mice) - they create interference.

📊 What type of Samsung printer do you have?
Laser (SL-M series)
Inkjet (SCX, Xpress)
MFP (ProXpress, CLX)
I don't know the model

2. Turn on Wi-Fi via the printer control panel

The most direct way is to activate the module through the printer menu. The interface varies by model, but the general logic remains the same.

For printers with touch screen (series ProXpress, CLX):

  1. Click the button Menu (or gear icon).
  2. Go to the section NetworkWireless.
  3. Select Wi-Fi Direct or Infrastructure (to connect to the router).
  4. Activate the option On and start searching for networks (Wireless Setup Wizard).
  5. Select your network from the list, enter the password and confirm.

For printers with buttons (series SL-M2020, Xpress M2070):

Use the key combination:

Press [Wi-Fi] (or [WPS]) for 3 seconds → indicator flashes → press [OK] → select the network using [↑]/[↓] buttons → enter the password (if there is a numeric keypad).

If the printer does not respond to pressing, reset the network settings: hold down Stop/Cancel for 10 seconds until all indicators flash. After rebooting, try again.

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3. Connecting via WPS (without entering a password)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer and router without manually entering a password. This is convenient if the printer doesn't have a screen or keyboard. However, not all routers support WPS—check for a button on the back panel.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Activate WPS on your router: press the button WPS (usually it is signed or marked with a 🔄 icon). You have 2 minutesto complete the connection.
  2. On the printer:
    • For models with a screen: Menu → Network → WPS → Push Button.
    • For models with buttons: hold Wi-Fi or WPS 5 seconds until the indicator flashes.
  • Wait for the message Connected on the printer or the Wi-Fi indicator is steadily lit.
  • If the connection is not established, repeat the process or check:

    • 🔌 The router supports WPS (some providers disable this feature by default).
    • 🔒 The router is in the "Security Mode" mode. WPA2-PSK (WPS does not work with WPA3).
    • ⏱️ Synchronization time has not expired (repeat pressing WPS on the router).
    What to do if WPS doesn't work?

    If your router does not support WPS or the feature is disabled, use alternative methods:

    1. Connect the printer to the router via USB cable (section 4).

    2. Enter the password manually through control Panel (section 2).

    3. Use Samsung Mobile Print mobile app (section 5).

    4. Update your router firmware - sometimes WPS is blocked due to security vulnerabilities.

    4. Connecting via USB cable (for printers without a screen)

    If your printer Samsung does not have a display or a WPS button (e.g. ML-2240 or SCX-3400), you can temporarily connect it to your computer via USB and set up Wi-Fi via software.

    Instructions for Windows:

    1. Connect the printer to your PC via USB.
    2. Install drivers from official website (select your printer model → section Software).
    3. Run the utility Samsung Printer Settings or Easy Printer Manager.
    4. Go to the section Network settingsWireless network.
    5. Select your Wi-Fi network, enter the password and apply the settings.
    6. Disconnect the USB cable - the printer should automatically connect to the network.

    For macOS use the built-in utility Printers and scanners (chapter Settings → Printers). If the printer is not displayed, add it manually by specifying the IP address (you can find it in the router section DHCP Clients).

    ⚠️ Attention: After setting up Wi-Fi via USB, some printer models Samsung may "forget" network settings when turned off. To avoid this, assign the printer's IP address to the router settings (section DHCP Reservation).

    5. Setting up Wi-Fi via a mobile app

    Application Samsung Mobile Print (available for Android And iOS) allows you to not only print from your phone but also set up a wireless printer connection. This is especially convenient for models without a screen or with limited functionality.

    How to connect a printer via smartphone:

    1. Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
    2. Turn on Wi-Fi on your phone and connect to the same network you want to connect the printer to.
    3. Launch the application and select Add a printerWireless printer.
    4. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will automatically find the printer on the network or prompt you to enter it MAC address (printed on the sticker on the back).
    5. Select a Wi-Fi network and enter the password (if the printer is not connected).

    If your printer is not detected, check:

    • 📱 Bluetooth is enabled on your phone (some models) Samsung use it for initial setup).
    • 🔋 The printer is turned on and in standby mode (not in sleep mode).
    • 🌐 The phone and printer are connected to the same network (e.g. not to 5 GHz, if the printer only supports 2.4 GHz).

    6. Solving common Wi-Fi problems on Samsung printers

    Even after a successful connection, the printer may lose its connection to the network or fail to print wirelessly. Let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The printer cannot find the Wi-Fi network. The network is hidden (SSID is not broadcast) or is operating on 5 GHz In your router settings, enable SSID visibility or switch to 2.4 GHz.
    The connection drops after a few minutes. Printer power saving mode or weak signal Disable "Sleep Mode" in the printer settings or move it closer to the router.
    Printing over Wi-Fi is very slow Slow connection speed or network congestion Switch your router to a channel with less interference (for example, 1 or 11) in the settings Wireless
    The printer is connected to Wi-Fi but does not print. Drivers not installed or blocked by firewall Reinstall the drivers and add the printer to your antivirus/firewall exceptions.
    "Incorrect password" error You entered an incorrect security key or the settings have been corrupted. Reset the network settings on the printer (hold Stop/Cancel 10 sec) and try connecting again

    If none of the methods helped, do the following: reset the printer to factory settings:

    1. Turn off the printer.
    2. Hold the button Stop/Cancel (or Menu for models with a screen).
    3. Turn on the printer without releasing the button for 10-15 seconds.
    4. After rebooting, please repeat the Wi-Fi setup.
    ⚠️ AttentionResetting will delete all saved print jobs and network settings. If your printer is connected to an office network, check with your administrator before resetting.

    7. Additional Wi-Fi features on Samsung printers

    Once successfully connected to the network, you can use the printer's advanced features:

    • 🖨️ Cloud printing: through Google Cloud Print, Samsung Cloud Print or AirPrint (for iOS). To do this, register your printer with the appropriate service.
    • 📱 Printing from mobile devices: via applications Samsung Mobile Print, Mopria Print Service (Android) or built-in iOS functions.
    • 🔄 Network scanner: If the printer is an MFP, set up scanning to a PC via Samsung Scan Assistant.
    • 🔒 Access protection: in the printer settings (Network → Security) enable MAC address filtering or set up a password to access the control panel.

    For office printers Samsung (For example, ProXpress M4580) functions are available LDAP authentication And seals for accounting recordsThis allows you to restrict access to the printer and track printed pages. Configuration is performed through the printer's web interface (enter its IP address in the browser).

    FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi on Samsung Printers

    My Samsung printer isn't detecting the 5 GHz network. What should I do?

    Most printers Samsung (especially those released before 2020) only work on the frequency 2.4 GHzSolutions:

    • Configure your router to work in wireless mode 2.4 GHz (turn off 5 GHz temporarily).
    • If your router is dual-band, create a separate network for 2.4 GHz with a different name (SSID).
    • Update your printer firmware - some newer models (eg. Xpress M2885FW) support 5 GHz after the upgrade.
    How to find the IP address of a Samsung printer for connection?

    There are several ways:

    1. Print network report: on the printer, press Menu → Reports → Network Configuration.
    2. Check the list of devices in the router: go to the router's web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and find the printer in the section DHCP Clients.
    3. Use the utility Samsung Easy Printer Manager (chapter Network settings).
    The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What's the problem?

    Check the following:

    • 🖥️ The PC has the latest printer drivers installed (download from official website).
    • 🔌 The printer and computer are connected to one network (for example, not to the guest).
    • 🔒 Your firewall or antivirus isn't blocking access (add the printer to the exceptions).
    • 🔄 Restart your printer and router.

    If the problem persists, add the printer manually via Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a Printer → Add by TCP/IP Address (specify the printer IP).

    Is it possible to connect a Samsung printer to Wi-Fi without a router (point-to-point)?

    Yes, some models support the mode Wi-Fi Direct or Ad-HocInstructions:

    1. Activate on the printer Wi-Fi Direct (on the menu Network).
    2. On your computer or phone, connect to the printer's network (the name will be something like DIRECT-xx-SAMSUNG_XXX).
    3. Install the drivers and add the printer as a network printer.

    Restrictions:

    • In Wi-Fi Direct mode, the printer will not be accessible to other devices on the network.
    • The data transfer speed is lower than when connected via a router.
    How to update Samsung printer firmware to fix Wi-Fi issues?

    A firmware update can resolve connection issues, add support for new Wi-Fi standards, or fix bugs. Instructions:

    1. Download the latest firmware version for your model from Samsung website (chapter Download → Firmware).
    2. Connect the printer to your PC via USB.
    3. Run the downloaded file (usually with the extension .exe or .dll) and follow the instructions of the update wizard.
    4. Do not turn off the printer during the process (this may cause damage!).

    After updating, reset the printer's network settings (Section 6).