How to Connect the Brother DCP-L2520DWR Printer to Your Computer via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

Wireless printer connection Brother DCP-L2520DWR Connecting to a computer via Wi-Fi saves time and eliminates the clutter of cables. However, many users encounter difficulties during initial setup: the device isn't connected to the network, drivers won't install, or printing is interrupted. In this article, we'll cover every step—from preparing the equipment to diagnosing common errors.

Model DCP-L2520DWR supports both standard connection via a router and direct connection to a PC via Wi-Fi DirectThe choice of method depends on your needs: network mode is more convenient for an office environment, while a direct connection is suitable for occasional printing from a laptop. We'll cover both options and explain how to update the printer's firmware for stable operation.

If you've never set up network devices before, don't worry—the process takes no more than 15 minutes with the right approach. The main thing is to make sure your router is working properly. IPv4-addresses (most printers Brother do not support IPv6), and airplane mode is disabled on the computer. These little things often cause crashes.

Preparing the printer and computer for connection

Before setting up Wi-Fi, make sure the printer is Brother DCP-L2520DWR The device is turned on and operational. The green power indicator on the front panel should be lit. If the light is flashing orange, check:

• 🔌 Connect to the power supply (the cable must be firmly inserted into the socket and the printer connector).
• 📄 There is paper in the tray (if there is none, the printer may block other functions).
• 🖨️ No cartridge jams or errors (no error messages should appear on the display).

On your computer, prepare:

• 🖥️ Operating system Windows 10/11 or macOS (The instructions are universal, but the screenshots are provided for Windows).
• 🔗 Connect to the same Wi-Fi network to which you will connect the printer (network name - SSID — will be needed later).
• 📥 Downloaded drivers from Brother's official website (choose a model DCP-L2520DWR and your OS).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a corporate network with portal authentication (for example, in hotels or offices), the printer will not be able to connect to it. In such cases, configure Wi-Fi Direct or temporarily switch to your home network.

For convenience, write down on a piece of paper:

• The name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID).
• Wi-Fi password (make sure it is entered correctly - the printer is case sensitive).
• Network Security Type (WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK - this information can be found in the router settings).

Method 1: Connecting via a router (infrastructure mode)

This method allows you to print from any device on your local network. Printer Brother DCP-L2520DWR will be available as a network device.

Step 1: Turn on the printer and wait for the self-test to complete. Press the button Menu (or Settings) on the control panel.

Step 2: Go to the menu Network → WLAN → Setup WizardThe printer will begin searching for available networks. This process may take up to 30 seconds.

Step 3. Find yours in the list SSID and select it with the button OKIf the network is not listed, check:

• 📶 Distance between the printer and the router (no more than 10 meters without obstacles).
• 🔄 Router broadcast mode (must be enabled) 2.4 GHz — the printer does not support 5 GHz).

Step 4: Enter your Wi-Fi password using the arrows and button OKTo switch between registers (upper/lower case letters, numbers), use the button #After entering, press OK and wait for the message Connected.

Step 5. Print a network settings report: Press and hold the button Go for 5 seconds. Find the line in the report IP Address - this address will be needed to install the drivers.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer does not connect to the network with a password containing special characters (!, @, #), try temporarily changing the password to a simple one (for example, 12345678) and repeat the setup. After a successful connection, return to the previous password.

Method 2: Direct connection via Wi-Fi Direct

This method allows you to connect your printer directly to your computer without a router. It's convenient for one-time printing or when the network is unavailable.

Step 1: On your printer, go to the menu Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Setup. Activate the mode Wi-Fi Direct and install Authentication in meaning WPA2-PSK.

Step 2. Set the network name (default is DIRECT-xx-BROTHER_DCP-L2520DWR) and a password (at least 8 characters). Remember this information.

Step 3. On your computer:

• 🖥️ Windows: Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi, select the printer network and connect.
• 🍎 macOS: Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, select the network Brother and enter the password.

Step 4: Install the printer driver by selecting the option in the installation wizard USB connection (even though the connection is wireless). The system will automatically detect the printer on the network.

After printing, remember to disconnect from the network. Wi-Fi Direct and return to the main network, otherwise the Internet on the computer will not work.

Installing drivers and setting up printing

Even after successfully connecting the printer to Wi-Fi, printing is impossible without drivers. Download the latest drivers from Brother website, by selecting:

• 📌 Model: DCP-L2520DWR.
• 🖥️ Operating system (for example, Windows 11 x64).
• 🌐 Language: Russian.

Step 1. Run the downloaded installation file (DCP-L2520DWR_full_driver.exe or similar). Select Typical installation.

Step 2. At the connection selection stage, specify:

• 📡 Wireless network (if the printer is connected via a router).
• 🔗 USB connection (if you use Wi-Fi Direct).

Step 3. If the installation wizard asks Printer IP address, enter it from the network report (see step 5 in the first method). Alternatively, you can use the host name (BRWxxxxxxxxxxxx — indicated on the sticker on the back of the printer).

Step 4: After installation, test printing a test page:

1. Open any document (for example, in Word or Notepad).
2. Click Ctrl + P → select a printer Brother DCP-L2520DWR.
3. Make sure it is set to Print: Regular And Format: A4.

Updating your printer's firmware for stable operation

Outdated firmware can cause Wi-Fi connection issues. Regular updates improve compatibility with new routers and operating systems.

Step 1: Check your current firmware version:

1. On the printer, press Menu → Machine Info → Firmware Ver.
2. Write down the version (eg. M1 or N1).

Step 2. Download the latest firmware from Brother website in the section Downloads → Firmware for the model DCP-L2520DWR.

Step 3: Connect the printer to your computer USB (Even if you usually use Wi-Fi). Run the downloaded firmware file and follow the wizard's instructions.

⚠️ Attention: Do not turn off the printer or interrupt the update process. This may cause the device to malfunction. If the update is stuck at the "Writing data" stage, wait 10 minutes—sometimes the process takes longer.

After the update, the printer will automatically reboot. Check the firmware version again—it should have changed.

What should I do if the firmware update is interrupted?

If the update process is interrupted (for example, due to a power outage), the printer may stop responding to commands. In this case:

1. Turn off the printer using the power button and unplug it for 30 seconds.

2. Turn on the printer while holding the button Go (this will reset your network settings).

3. Repeat the update process from the beginning.

If the printer does not turn on, contact the Brother service center.

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

If the printer Brother DCP-L2520DWR If your Wi-Fi connection or printing is not working, please follow these steps:

1. The printer does not connect to the network:

• 🔄 Reboot your router (unplug it for 1 minute).
• 📡 Check if the router is in the "Secure Mode" mode. WMM (in wireless network settings).
• 🔧 Reset your printer's network settings: Menu → Network → WLAN → Reset.

2. The computer does not see the printer on the network:

• 🖥️ Make sure your PC and printer are on the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.1.x).
• 🔍 Enter the printer's IP address manually when adding a device in Windows.
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable your antivirus (it may be blocking network discovery).

3. Printing is very slow:

• 📶 Move the printer closer to the router (or vice versa).
• 🔄 Change the Wi-Fi channel on the router (for example, from 6 on 11).
• 📄 Reduce the print quality in the driver settings (Draft instead of High).

For in-depth diagnostics, print Network report (hold Go 5 seconds) and check:

• Signal Strength — signal level (must be >50%).
• IP Address - If 0.0.0.0, the printer did not receive an address from the router.
• Connection - status Connected or Disconnected.

Additional settings for advanced users

If standard methods don't help, try manual network configuration:

1. Setting up a static IP address:

To ensure that the printer always has the same IP address on the network:

1. Go to your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.1.1).
2. Find the section DHCP → Address Reservation.
3. Add a printer by its MAC address (listed in the network report) and assign a fixed IP (eg. 192.168.1.100).

2. Changing the wireless network mode:

If the router is operating in mode 802.11n/ac, try switching it to 802.11b/g (in the wireless network settings). This will increase compatibility with older devices, including some printers. Brother.

3. Setting up printing ports:

Sometimes the standard port 9100 may be blocked. To add the port manually:

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click on the printer → Printer Properties → Ports.
3. Add a new port type Standard TCP/IP Port and enter the printer's IP address.

⚠️ Attention: Router settings may vary depending on the model and firmware. If you're unsure, consult your router manual or your ISP.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connection Brother DCP-L2520DWR

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

Yes, a printer Brother DCP-L2520DWR Supports Wi-Fi configuration from the control panel. To do this:

1. Click Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard.
2. Select your network and enter the password.
3. Confirm the connection.

After this, the printer will be available for printing from any devices on your network (smartphones, tablets, other computers), if they have the appropriate drivers or applications installed (for example, Brother iPrint&Scan).

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

The problem may be related to:

• 🖥️ Windows Firewall - temporarily disable it and check if the printer is detected.
• 🌐 Network settings - Make sure that the computer and printer are on the same subnet (for example, 192.168.1.x).
• 🔧 Driver - Uninstall the current driver and reinstall it from the official website.

You can also try entering the printer's IP address manually when adding the device in Windows:

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a printer.
2. Select Add a local printer → Create a new port → Standard TCP/IP Port.
3. Enter the printer's IP address (from the network report) and complete the installation.

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

To reset all network settings (including Wi-Fi settings):

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Hold the button Go and turn on the printer without releasing the button.
3. Here you go Go pressed until all indicators light up (about 10 seconds).
4. Release the button and the printer will reboot with factory network settings.

After the reset, you will need to set up your Wi-Fi connection again.

Is it possible to connect a printer to multiple networks at the same time?

No, Brother DCP-L2520DWR Supports connection to only one Wi-Fi network at a time. However, you can:

• 🔄 Quickly switch between networks via the printer menu (Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard).
• 🖥️ Use Wi-Fi Direct for direct connection to a computer without a router.
• 📡 Connect the printer to a router that distributes multiple networks (for example, the main and guest networks).

How to print from phone to this printer?

To print from a smartphone:

1. Install the application Brother iPrint&Scan (available for Android And iOS).
2. Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
3. Launch the application - it will automatically find the printer on the local network.
4. Select a document or photo to print and adjust the settings.

Alternatively, you can use:

• 📱 Google Cloud Print (if the printer is registered in the service).
• 🍎 AirPrint (for Apple devices, the printer must be connected to the network).