How to Set Up the Brother DCP-L2520DWR Printer via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

Connecting a printer Brother DCP-L2520DWR Connecting to a wireless network is a task users face when first starting up a device or after changing a router. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be challenging due to the printer's interface or Wi-Fi settings. In this article, we'll cover all available setup methods, including the control panel and WPS, and also discuss common errors and solutions.

Model DCP-L2520DWR It is a laser multifunctional device (MFP) with duplex printing and wireless connectivity. Its key advantage is compatibility with most modern Wi-Fi standards (802.11b/g/n), which allows you to integrate the printer into home and office networks without additional equipment. However, for successful setup, it's important to consider several nuances: from choosing the right security mode to checking compatibility with the router.

If you're new to network printers, don't worry: this guide is designed for users of all skill levels. We avoid technical jargon and provide clear steps with explanations. For experienced users, we'll also provide additional tips on optimizing your connection and troubleshooting rare issues.

Preparing to set up Wi-Fi on the Brother DCP-L2520DWR

Before starting setup, make sure all prerequisites are met. This will save time and prevent common errors.

• 📋 Check the complete setYour printer box should include a power supply, a USB cable (for initial setup, if needed), and a driver disc. The driver disc is optional—the software can be downloaded from the website. Brother.
• 🔌 Connect the printer to the networkPlug the device into a power outlet and press the power button. Wait for the initialization process to complete (the main menu will appear on the screen).
• 📶 Make sure your Wi-Fi is stable: The router must be turned on and the signal must be stable. If your network operates within the range 5 GHz, temporarily switch to 2.4 GHz — the printer only supports it.
• 🔒 Remember the network settings: you will need the network name (SSID) and password. If you're using a hidden network, you'll need to temporarily make it visible.

Pay special attention to the printer's location. It should be within a strong Wi-Fi range, but not too close to the router (1–3 meters is ideal). Avoid placing it near sources of interference, such as microwaves, cordless phones, or other devices that operate on the same frequency. 2.4 GHz.

If the printer was previously used on a different network, reset its network settings. To do this:

1. Click the button Menu on the control panel.
2. Go to Network → WLAN → Reset.
3. Confirm the reset by pressing OK.

Method 1: Connecting via the printer control panel

This is the basic setup method, which works 90% of the time. It doesn't require any additional devices other than the printer and router.

Step 1. Turn on the printer and wait for the main menu to load. Press the button Menu, then select Network (Network) using the arrows and confirm your selection with the button OK.

Step 2. In the network menu, go to the section WLAN (Wireless network). Select the item here. Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard). The printer will begin searching for available networks.

Step 3. In the list of found networks, select yours SSIDIf the network is not listed, check:

• 🔍 Network visibility (whether it is hidden).
• 📡 Wi-Fi range (must be 2.4 GHz).
• 🔋 Signal level (the printer must be within the coverage area).

Step 4: Enter your Wi-Fi password using the arrows and button OKTo switch between registers (upper/lower case letters, numbers), use the button Shift (usually indicated by an up arrow). After entering the password, press OK and wait for the connection.

Step 5. After successful connection, the printer will print a network settings report (Network Configuration). It will indicate IP address devices - save it for further configuration on your computer.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer does not connect, check if your network is using MAC address filteringIn this case, add the printer's MAC address (indicated in the settings report) to the list of allowed devices on the router.

Method 2: Connecting using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

Method WPS It's convenient because it doesn't require a password—connection occurs by pressing a button on the router. However, it only works if:

• 🔄 Your router supports WPS (there's usually a button labeled WPS).
• 🔒 The network uses encryption WPA/WPA2 (Not WEP or open network).
• ⏱️ The WPS function is activated in the router settings.

Step 1: On your printer, go to the menu Network → WLAN → WPS.

Step 2: Select a mode Push Button Mode (Button mode) and press OKThe printer will begin waiting for a signal from the router.

Step 3. During 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router. It's usually located on the back panel and marked with a 🔄 icon.

Step 4. Wait for the connection confirmation message to appear on the printer screen. As with the previous method, the device will print a report with network settings.

⚠️ Attention: Some routers (eg. TP-Link Archer C6) By default, WPS is disabled after several unsuccessful attempts. In this case, you may need to reboot the router.

Installing drivers and setting up on a computer

After connecting the printer to Wi-Fi, you need to install drivers for the devices you plan to print from. Without them, the operating system will not recognize the MFP.

Step 1. Download drivers from Brother's official website (support section). For the model DCP-L2520DWR select:

• 🖥️ Full Driver & Software Package — a complete package for Windows/macOS.
• 📱 Brother iPrint&Scan — application for mobile devices (Android/iOS).

Step 2. Run the installer and follow the instructions. When selecting the connection type, specify Wireless network connection.

Step 3. When the program asks you to specify a printer, select it from the list of found devices. If the printer is not displayed, enter it IP address manually (it is indicated in the printed report).

Step 4: After installing the drivers, print a test page to ensure proper operation.

How to find out the IP address of a printer without printing it?

If the printer is connected to the network but you haven't saved the report, go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and search for the device by name (e.g., "BRWxxxxxxxxxxxx").

For users macOS Additional configuration may be required in system preferences:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click +, select the tab IP.
3. Enter the printer's IP address and select the protocol. LPD or AirPrint.
4. Specify the driver Brother DCP-L2520DWR from the list.

Setting up printing from mobile devices

To print from your phone or tablet, use the official app. Brother iPrint&Scan (available for Android And iOS). It supports not only printing, but also scanning documents directly to the device.

Step 1: Install the app from App Store or Google Play.

Step 2: Launch the app and click Add a printer. Select Search the web.

Step 3. The application will find DCP-L2520DWR on the local network. If this does not happen, enter the IP address manually.

Step 4. Once connected, you can:

• 📄 Print documents from cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• 📷 Print photos from the gallery.
• 📑 Scan documents in PDF or JPEG format.

If your printer is not detected in the app, please check:

• 🔄 Restart your printer and router.
• 📱 Update the application iPrint&Scan to the latest version.
• 🛡️ Disable the VPN on your mobile device—it may be blocking local traffic.

Solving common Wi-Fi connection problems

Even with proper configuration, glitches can still occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. The printer does not find the network

• 🔍 Check that the network is visible (not hidden).
• 📡 Make sure your router is in wireless mode 802.11b/g/n (and not 802.11ac or ax).
• 🔄 Restart your router and printer.

2. Authentication error

• 🔑 Make sure your password is entered correctly (case sensitive!).
• 🔒 Check the encryption type: the printer only supports WPA/WPA2-PSK (Not WPA3 or WEP).
• 📋 If the password contains special characters (eg. !, @), try to temporarily change it to a simple one (for example, 12345678) for the test.

3. Printing is slow or stops

• 📶 Check the Wi-Fi signal strength on the printer (in the menu WLAN → Signal Strength).
• 🔄 Change the Wi-Fi channel on your router (for example, from automatic to fixed 6 or 11).
• 🖨️ Reduce the print quality in the driver settings (for example, with 1200 dpi on 600 dpi).

4. The printer periodically disconnects from the network

• ⚡ Check the printer's energy saving settings (turn off the power saving mode) Sleep on the menu General Setup).
• 🔄 Update your printer firmware via Brother's official website.
• 📡 Configure a static IP address for the printer on the router (using the MAC address).

⚠️ Attention: If your printer cannot connect to Wi-Fi after updating the firmware, reset the network settings (Network → WLAN → Reset) and set up the connection again.

Additional features and optimization

Printer Brother DCP-L2520DWR supports several useful features that make your work easier:

• 🖼️ AirPrint - printing from devices Apple without installing drivers.
• ☁️ Google Cloud Print - printing via the Internet (requires configuration in Google Account).
• 🔄 Double-sided printing - saves paper (can be enabled in the driver settings).
• 📡 Googol Print — an alternative to Cloud Print for Android users.

To optimize printer performance on a network:

• 📡 Set up Quality of Service (QoS) on the router to prioritize printer traffic.
• 🔒 Disable the guest network if the printer is connected to the main network.
• 📊 Check the toner level regularly through the menu Machine Info → Toner Save.

Important: The Brother DCP-L2520DWR printer does not support connection to networks with Captive Portal (such as those found in hotels or airports) because it cannot log in via a web page.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Setting Up the Brother DCP-L2520DWR

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a screen?

Yes, but this will require temporarily connecting the printer to the computer via USB and using the utility Brother BRAdmin To set up Wi-Fi, download it from the official website and follow the connection wizard's instructions.

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

Check:

1. That the computer and printer are on the same network.
2. That the firewall or antivirus is not blocking access (temporarily disable them for testing).
3. That the correct IP address of the printer is specified in the driver settings.

If the problem persists, try reinstalling the drivers.

How do I reset my printer to factory settings?

For a full reset:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the button Menu and, while holding it, turn on the printer.
3. Here you go Menu before the message appears Initialize (about 10 seconds).

After resetting, all network settings and printing options will be deleted.

Does the printer support IPv6?

No, Brother DCP-L2520DWR works only with the protocol IPv4If your network uses IPv6, make sure that the router supports Dual Stack (simultaneous operation with both protocols).

Can I use my printer as a scanner via Wi-Fi?

Yes, for this:

1. Install the full driver package from the official website.
2. In the program Brother ControlCenter Select the scanning function.
3. Specify the folder to save scanned files.

You can also scan via the app iPrint&Scan on mobile devices.