Setting up modern office equipment often turns into a challenge, especially when it comes to wireless connections. Many owners of this model Brother DCP-2520 encounter difficulties when trying to activate wireless module Without a USB cable. This is a common problem, as the device doesn't have a touchscreen and is controlled via buttons and menus.
However, the process of establishing a connection between the printer and a mobile device is quite feasible if you follow the steps carefully. You will need to know the password for your device in advance. Wi-Fi networks and ensure the router is within line of sight. In this article, we'll detail every step required to successfully integrate the printer into your home network.
It is important to understand that Brother 2520 This is an entry-level laser MFP with a limited interface. Therefore, initial setup often requires a computer or a specific sequence of keystrokes on the device's control panel. Mobile printing will only become available after the printer receives an IP address from your router.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure your equipment is ready for use. Model Brother DCP-2520 supports standards IEEE 802.11b/g/n, which means it's compatible with most modern home routers. However, there are some nuances related to the signal frequency.
The device operates exclusively in the range 2.4 GHzIf your router only broadcasts on the 5 GHz frequency or uses "5 GHz only" mode, the printer won't see the network. You'll need to access the router settings to enable or combine the bands.
- 📡 Make sure your smartphone and printer are on the same local network (same SSID).
- 🔌 Check that the MFP is plugged into a power outlet and in a ready state (not in deep sleep mode).
- 📱 Install the application on your phone Brother iPrint&Scan or Brother Mobile Connect from the official store.
- 🔑 Prepare your Wi-Fi password in advance, as you will have to enter it manually.
⚠️ Please note: Some corporate networks use hidden SSIDs or complex authentication systems (Enterprise), which may be incompatible with Brother printer modules. In such cases, you will need assistance from your system administrator.
It's also worth checking the operating system version on your mobile device. Brother apps usually require the following operating system version for stable operation: Android 8.0+ or iOS 12.0+Older OS versions may not support the required encryption protocols.
Resetting the printer's network settings
If the printer was previously used on a different network or the settings have become corrupted, it's best to start from scratch. Resetting the network settings deletes saved profiles and restores network module to factory defaults. This eliminates IP address conflicts.
To perform a reset on the control panel Brother DCP-2520 You need to use a combination of buttons. First, press the button Menu, then use the arrow keys to select "All Settings" or "Network." Depending on your firmware, the path may vary slightly.
Menu -> Network -> Network Reset -> Reset Network? -> YesAfter confirming the action (by pressing the button Yes or 1) The device will reboot the network interface. The screen may go blank for a few seconds. When the printer becomes active again, it will be ready to search for a new network.
Please note that resetting does not affect fax settings or the number of printed pages, it only affects LAN and Wi-Fi parametersThis is a safe operation that can be performed repeatedly without risk to the device.
Setting up Wi-Fi via WPS (the fastest method)
The easiest way to connect Brother 2520 to the router - use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transmit the password automatically, without having to enter it using the printer buttons. However, your router must support this feature and have a corresponding button.
Find the button WPS on the router's body. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the WPS indicator starts blinking. Immediately afterward, approach the printer.
On the MFP control panel, press the button Menu, go to the section Network -> WLAN -> WPS -> WPS-PBCThe printer will begin searching for a signal. If successful, the screen will display "Connected" or "OK," and the Wi-Fi indicator will remain lit.
☑️ Checking the WPS connection
⚠️ Note: The WPS function has a timeout (usually 2 minutes). If you don't activate the mode on the printer after pressing the button on the router, you'll have to repeat the process.
In some cases, routers have WPS disabled by default for security reasons. In this case, you'll need to log into the router's web interface via a browser and manually enable this option before beginning the process.
Manual setup via Wizard Setup
If the WPS button is missing or does not work, you will have to use manual entry of parameters through Setup WizardThis method is more labor-intensive as it requires navigating through menus using navigation buttons and entering characters.
In the printer menu, select Network -> WLAN -> Setup WizardThe device will begin scanning for available networks. Find your network name (SSID) in the list and press OK or Yes.
You'll then be prompted for a password. Use the arrow keys to select the desired characters. This may take a moment, especially if the password is complex. After entering, confirm the action. The printer will attempt to connect.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi mode | Infrastructure | Leave unchanged |
| Protocol | Auto / WPA2-PSK | Select WPA2-PSK (AES) |
| IP Address | DHCP (Auto) | Use automatic |
| IPv6 | On/Off | Can be disabled for simplicity |
After successful connection, the printer will automatically print a connection report indicating the assigned IP addressWrite down this information; it may be useful for manually installing drivers on your PC.
What should I do if the network is not displayed in the list?
If your router hides the network name (SSID Broadcast disabled), you won't see it in the list. In this case, select "Manual Input" in the Setup Wizard menu and enter the network name and password manually, being careful about case.
Connecting a smartphone via Brother iPrint&Scan
Once the printer is connected to the router, you can set up a connection with your phone. Make sure your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the MFP. Different subnets (guest and main) can prevent the device from being detected.
Launch the application Brother iPrint&Scan or Brother Mobile ConnectClick the "Select Device" or "Change" button. The app will begin searching for printers on the local network.
If Brother 2520 If the search returns no results, click "I can't find my printer" and follow the instructions to add the device manually, entering the IP address printed in the report earlier.
- 🖨️ To print a photo, select the "Photo" tab and select an image from the gallery.
- 📄 For documents, select "Document" and scan or select a file.
- ⚙️ You can change the paper size and print quality in the app settings.
⚠️ Note: App interfaces may be updated by the developer. The location of the "Print" or "Scan" buttons may differ from the description depending on the software version installed on your phone.
Now you can print documents directly from your phone. Data transfer speed depends on the Wi-Fi signal strength at the printer's location.
Alternative methods: Wi-Fi Direct and AirPrint
Model Brother DCP-2520 also supports technology Wi-Fi DirectIt allows you to connect your phone directly to the printer without using a router. This is convenient if you're in a location without access to the main network or if it's overloaded.
To activate Wi-Fi Direct, click Menu -> Network -> WLAN -> Wi-Fi Direct -> OnThe network name (starting with DIRECT-) and password will appear on the screen. Connect to this network through your phone's Wi-Fi settings and enter the password.
Apple device owners can use AirPrintIf your iPhone and printer are on the same network, simply tap "Share" -> "Print" in any app. The system will automatically detect it. Brother 2520 without installing additional drivers.
Using AirPrint ensures the best printing quality from iOS devices, as this protocol is built into the system and optimized by Apple. For Android, the equivalent service is Google Cloud Print (although support for it is gradually being phased out) or Mopria Print Service.
Common problems and their solutions
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, errors may occur. Often, the problem lies in the frequency range: the printer sees the 5 GHz network but cannot connect to it. The only solution is to separate the network names (SSIDs) for 2.4 and 5 GHz in the router settings and connect the printer exclusively to the 2.4 GHz band.
Another common error is "No response from server." This means the phone sees the printer but can't send data. Check if client isolation is enabled on your router, which prevents devices within the network from exchanging data.
Connection check (Ping):1. Open the Terminal app on your phone (or the command line on your PC).
2. Enter: ping 192.168.1.X (where X is the printer address).
3. If there are replies (Reply from...), there is a connection.
If the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer is blinking, it usually means the connection is in progress or there's a connection error. A steady light indicates successful operation. If the indicator is completely off, the Wi-Fi module is disabled in the menu.
Why is my printer printing slowly over Wi-Fi?
Wireless printing speeds may be slower than wired printing due to interference from microwave ovens, neighboring routers, or the thickness of walls. Try moving the router closer to the printer.
FAQ: Questions and Answers
Can the Brother 2520 be connected to 5G Wi-Fi?
No, the DCP-2520 model only supports the 2.4 GHz standard. If your router only broadcasts 5G, the printer will not see the network. You must enable 2.4 GHz mode in your router settings.
What is the default password for Wi-Fi Direct?
The password is usually located on an information sticker on the device or may be printed on the network configuration report. It is often an 8-character combination.
The printer is not in the app even though the Wi-Fi is on.
Make sure your phone and printer are connected to the same network (not a guest network). Try rebooting your router. Also, check if your antivirus software is blocking local connections on your phone.
How to change the IP address of a printer?
This can be done through the printer's web interface (by entering its current IP in the browser) or through the Brother iPrint&Scan utility on the computer in the network settings section.