How to set up Wi-Fi on the Brother DCP-2520 MFP via the menu: a complete guide with photos

Connecting a multifunctional device Brother DCP-2520 Connecting to a wireless network opens up new possibilities: wireless printing from a laptop, scanning directly to a smartphone, and saving desktop space. However, many users encounter difficulties when setting up Wi-Fi for the first time—especially if they only have to use buttons on the control panel, without a screen. This article will help you understand all the nuances: from preparing the router to diagnosing common errors.

We will look at two main ways of setting up - through WPS (the fastest method) and manual entry of network parameters (if your router doesn't support WPS). You'll also learn how to check if the connection is successful and what to do if the printer isn't detecting the network. All instructions are tailored specifically to your model. DCP-2520 taking into account its features: the absence of a touch screen and a specific menu.

Before you begin, make sure your router is turned on and broadcasting Wi-Fi, and the MFP is in a strong signal range. If you're using a dual-band router (2.4 and 5 GHz), The Brother DCP-2520 printer only operates in the 2.4 GHz band. - this point is often overlooked.

1. Preparing to set up Wi-Fi: What to check before you start

Before accessing the printer menu, make sure all external conditions are met. This will save you an hour of frustration:

• 🔌 Power and switching onThe MFP must be plugged into a power outlet and turned on (the power indicator is green). If the printer has just been turned on, wait 1-2 minutes for it to fully boot up.
• 📶 Distance to the routerOptimally, no further than 5 meters without obstacles. Walls, metal cabinets, and microwaves will degrade the signal.
• 🔒 Network parameters: Find out the exact name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID) and a password. If you're using a hidden network, you'll have to add it manually.
• 🔄 Router mode: During setup, disable guest networking, MAC filtering, and your firewall (if it blocks new devices).

Pay special attention wireless network mode. Printer Brother DCP-2520 supports only standards 802.11b/g/n in the range 2.4 GHzIf your router is in the mode 802.11ac (5 GHz) or uses encryption WPA3, you will have to temporarily switch to WPA2-PSK (AES).

⚠️ Note: If you have a dual-band router with a shared network name for both 2.4 and 5 GHz (the "Smart Connect" feature), the printer may freeze while searching. In this case, temporarily separate the networks by assigning them different names (e.g. MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).

2. Method 1: Quick connection via WPS (recommended)

If your router supports the technology WPS (A button or PIN code) is the easiest way to connect. The entire process takes no more than a minute:

1. Make sure the WPS indicator on your router is lit (usually blinking).
2. On the printer Brother DCP-2520 press and hold the button Wi-Fi (with the antenna icon) for 2 seconds until the indicator starts flashing orange.
3. For 2 minutes Press the WPS button on your router (or enter the WPS PIN if required).
4. Wait until the Wi-Fi light on the printer turns on blue (constant) - this means that the connection is established.

If the indicator continues to flash orange for more than 2 minutes or goes out, the process was unsuccessful. Try again or proceed to manual setup.

The router is on and distributing Wi-Fi|The WPS button is available on the router|The printer is within 3 meters|The orange Wi-Fi indicator on the printer is blinking-->

⚠️ Note: Some ISPs disable WPS by default for security reasons. If your router doesn't have a WPS button or it doesn't work, check the settings in the router's web interface (under "WPS" or "QiSS").

After successful connection, print network reportto make sure the settings are correct:

1. Press and hold the button Cancel/Stop (red) for 5 seconds.
2. The printer will print a sheet with network parameters. In the section Wireless check:
   • 🔹 Connection: should be Active
   • 🔹 SSID: the name of your network
   • 🔹 Signal Strength: not less than 70%

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

If WPS is not available or does not work, you will have to enter the network settings manually. Brother DCP-2520 This is done through a combination of buttons - without a screen the process requires attention.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and the power light is on. green.
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) for 5 seconds until all the indicators flash. This resets the network settings.
3. Press again Wi-Fi once - the Wi-Fi indicator will start blinking orange (setting mode).
4. Now you need to enter SSID (network name) and password. To do this:
   • 🔠 Use the arrow buttons (▲/▼) to select letters/numbers.
   • 🔘 Button OK confirms the choice of symbol.
   • 🗑️ Button Cancel/Stop erases the last letter entered.

Typing takes time—here are some life hacks:

• 🔤 To switch case (upper/lower case letters) press Shift (up arrow button).
• 🔢 Numbers and special characters (!, @, #) available after clicking Symbol (button with an asterisk *).
• 🔍 To avoid mistakes, write it down SSID and the password on paper and enter it character by character.

After entering SSID The printer will prompt you to select a security type. Use the arrow keys to select. WPA2-PSK (the most common option), then enter the password. If everything is done correctly, the Wi-Fi indicator will blink. blue, and after 10-20 seconds it will light up continuously.

4. Checking the connection and troubleshooting

Even if the Wi-Fi indicator is blue, it doesn't guarantee it's working. Here's how to check the connection:

• 🖨️ Test print: Print a report over the network (hold Cancel/Stop 5 seconds). In the section Wireless there must be your network and IP address (for example, 192.168.1.105).
• 💻 Ping from a computer: Open a command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and enter:

  ping [printer IP address]

  If the packets pass without loss, the connection is stable.

• 📱 Mobile application: Install Brother iPrint&Scan (Android/iOS) and check if it sees the printer.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

⚠️ Attention: If after several attempts the printer still does not connect, check whether the mode is enabled on the router 802.11r (Fast Roaming) This feature often interferes with devices with a simple Wi-Fi card, like Brother DCP-2520.

5. Setting up the printer on your computer after connecting to Wi-Fi

Simply connecting an MFP to the network isn't enough—you also need to install drivers and add the printer to the system. Here are step-by-step instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Download the full driver package from Brother's official website (select model DCP-2520DW even if you have DCP-2520 — drivers are compatible).
2. Run the installer and select the option Wireless network.
3. When the program asks you to select a printer, click Refresh — your device should appear in the list.
4. Follow the installation wizard's instructions. For the test print step, use a plain text document (such as Word or Notepad).

For macOS, the process is similar, but the drivers are downloaded from the partition Mac on the Brother website. Linux owners will have to use CUPS or foo2zjs - detailed instructions are in Arch Wiki.

If your printer does not appear in the list of available devices:

• 🔌 Check that your computer and printer are on the same network.
• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 🔧 Temporarily disable Windows Firewall (Control Panel → Firewall → Disable).

6. Firmware update for stable Wi-Fi operation

If your Brother DCP-2520 If your phone periodically loses network connection or prints slowly over Wi-Fi, the problem could be outdated firmware. Updating fixes most software bugs.

Update instructions:

1. Download the latest firmware from Brother website (chapter Downloads → Firmware).
2. Unzip the archive and copy the firmware file (usually with the extension .djf) to a USB flash drive (FAT32, no more than 4 GB).
3. Insert the flash drive into the USB port on the front of the printer.
4. On the printer, press Menu → All Settings → Device Settings → Firmware Update → USB.
5. Confirm the update and wait until it is completed (the printer will reboot automatically).

⚠️ Important: Do not remove the flash drive or turn off the printer during the update! If the process is interrupted, the device may not turn on. In this case, a restore via service mode will be required (only at authorized centers).

After updating, reset your network settings (hold Wi-Fi for 5 seconds) and reconfigure your Wi-Fi settings. This will help avoid conflicts with previous settings.

What to do if the firmware does not install?

If the printer does not see the firmware file on the flash drive, check:

1. Flash drive format - only FAT32 (not NTFS or exFAT).

2. File name - no more than 8 characters (for example, DCP2520.djf).

3. The flash drive size must not exceed 4 GB.

4. USB port - try a different port on the printer (if available).

If the problem persists, download the firmware again—the file may have downloaded incorrectly.

7. Alternative connection methods if Wi-Fi doesn't work

If all attempts to set up Wi-Fi have failed, there are backup options:

• 🔌 Direct USB connectionSuitable for one-time printing. Use the original cable (included)—cheap cables often don't transmit data correctly.
• 📡 Access point mode: The printer can share its network. Activated via Menu → Network → WLAN → Access PointConnect to the printer's network from your computer and set up printing.
• 🖥️ Connecting via EthernetIf your printer has an RJ-45 port, use a patch cord to connect to your router. The setup is similar to Wi-Fi, but more stable.

For continuous use it works best Ethernet — it is free from the interference and speed issues typical of Wi-Fi. If the router is far away, use Powerline adapters (Internet transmission via electrical wiring).

If you decide to use access point mode, please note:

• 🔋 The printer will drain the battery (if it has one) faster.
• 📶 Printing speed will be reduced by approximately 30% compared to regular Wi-Fi.
• 🔒 Each time you print, you will have to connect to the printer's network manually.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up Wi-Fi on the Brother DCP-2520

🔹 Why doesn't the printer see my Wi-Fi network, even though it exists?

Most likely, your router operates in the range 5 GHz or uses encryption WPA3Switch to . 2.4 GHz with encryption WPA2-PSK. Also check if the network is hidden (this option should be enabled in the router settings) Broadcast SSID).

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

Yes, all settings are made through the printer menu. You will only need the network name (SSID) and a password. If your router supports WPS, the connection will take less than a minute.

🔹 How do I reset my printer's network settings to factory defaults?

Hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) for 5 seconds until all indicators flash. After this, the printer will return to its factory network settings.

🔹 Why does my printer connect to Wi-Fi but not print from my phone?

Check:

• Is the application installed? Brother iPrint&Scan.
• Is the phone on the same network as the printer?
• Is your antivirus or VPN blocking the connection to the printer?

Try restarting your phone and printer.

🔹 How do I find my printer's IP address after connecting to Wi-Fi?

There are three ways:

1. Print network report (hold Cancel/Stop 5 sec).
2. View in the router's web interface (section DHCP Clients or Connected devices).
3. Use the utility Brother BRAdmin Light (download from the official website).