How to Connect the Brother DCP-2340DW Printer to Wi-Fi: A Complete A-Z Guide

Connecting a printer Brother DCP-2340DW Setting up a wireless network is a challenge faced by both novice and experienced office equipment owners. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be complicated by driver incompatibilities, authentication errors, or router features. This article will help you understand all the nuances: from preparing the equipment to diagnosing common problems.

Model DCP-2340DW supports both wired connection via USB, and wireless - through Wi-Fi Direct or a standard network 802.11b/g/nWe'll focus on the second option, as it offers flexibility in printer placement and the ability to print from multiple devices simultaneously. It's important to note that the connection algorithm may differ slightly depending on the operating system (Windows 10/11 or macOS) and router models.

Before you begin, make sure you have the following on hand:

  • 📄 Printer manual (if available) - it contains the factory network settings.
  • 🔌 Network cable Ethernet (in case a temporary wired connection is required for setup).
  • 💻 A computer or laptop with the latest OS version and administrator rights.
  • 📶 Wi-Fi connection details: network name (SSID) and password.
📊 What type of printer connection do you use most often?
Via USB
Via Wi-Fi
Via Ethernet
Wi-Fi Direct

1. Preparing the printer Brother DCP-2340DW to setting up Wi-Fi

Before setting up a wireless connection, the printer must be in working order. Start by checking the package contents: the box should contain the printer itself, a power cable, cartridges (if purchased separately), a driver disc, and a quick start guide. Make sure all protective films and shipping locks have been removed, especially for the cartridges and scanner.

Connect the printer to the network 220V and press the power button. Wait for the initialization process to complete—this will take about 1–2 minutes. The device will indicate that it is ready. green indicator on the control panel. If the light is flashing orange or red, this indicates an error. In this case, check:

  • 🔋 Ensure that the cartridges are installed correctly (the printer may not turn on if the sensor does not detect their presence).
  • 📦 There is paper in the tray (some models block functions without paper).
  • 🔌 Quality of connection to the power grid (try a different cable or outlet).

If the printer has successfully turned on, proceed to resetting the network settings (recommended to avoid conflicts with previous connections). To do this:

  1. Click the button Menu on the control panel.
  2. Go to the section NetworkWLANReset Network.
  3. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.

2. Select a connection method: Wi-Fi or WPS

Printer Brother DCP-2340DW supports two main methods of connecting to a wireless network: manual entry of Wi-Fi parameters And automatic connection via WPSThe choice depends on your router's capabilities and security preferences.

Method 1: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

This is the fastest method, but it requires your router to support the technology. WPS (This is usually indicated by the presence of a button with the corresponding inscription). Algorithm of actions:

  1. Activate the mode WPS on the router - press the button WPS (it can be combined with Wi-Fi).
  2. On the printer, go to MenuNetworkWLANWPS.
  3. Select Push Button Method and confirm to start searching for the network.
  4. Wait for a message about successful connection (usually takes up to 2 minutes).

Method 2: Manually entering Wi-Fi parameters

If the router does not support WPS or if you prefer a more controlled process, use this method. You will need to enter SSID (network name) and password manually. To do this:

  1. On the printer, select MenuNetworkWLANSetup Wizard.
  2. Specify the name of your network from the list of available ones (or enter it manually if the network is hidden).
  3. Enter the password using the printer's on-screen keyboard.
  4. Confirm saving the settings.
What to do if the printer doesn't see your Wi-Fi network?

If the printer does not show your network in the list of available networks, check:

1. Router operating mode: The printer only supports networks 2.4 GHz (Not 5 GHz).

2. Encryption type: must be included WPA2-PSK (AES) or WPA3-PSK. Turn it off. TKIP or mixed modes.

3. Hidden network (SSID): If the network is hidden, select the option Manual Setup and enter the network name manually.

3. Installing drivers on your computer

Even after successfully connecting the printer to Wi-Fi, the computer will not be able to communicate with it without special software. Drivers ensure compatibility. Brother DCP-2340DW with your operating system and allow you to use all the functions of the device (printing, scanning, copying).

There are two ways to install drivers:

  • 💿 From the disc that came with your printer (useful if you don't have internet access).
  • 🌐 From the official website Brother - This method is preferable, as it guarantees the current version of the software.

To download drivers from the website:

  1. Go to the support page Brother (link opens in a new tab).
  2. Enter your printer model - DCP-2340DW — in the search field.
  3. Select your operating system and its bit depth (32-bit or 64-bit).
  4. Download the file Full Driver & Software Package.

After downloading, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. When selecting the connection type, specify Wireless Network ConnectionIf the printer is already connected to Wi-Fi, the installer should automatically detect it. Otherwise, you may need to temporarily connect via USB to complete the setup.

Disable your antivirus during installation|Close all programs using the printer|Connect the printer to a 220V network|Make sure you have a stable internet connection-->

4. Setting up the printer in the operating system

After installing the drivers, the printer should automatically appear in the list of devices. However, in some cases, it may need to be added manually. Let's look at the process for Windows 10/11 And macOS.

For Windows:

  1. Open ParametersDevicesPrinters and scanners.
  2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
  3. Wait for the system to detect Brother DCP-2340DWIf this does not happen, click The printer you need is not listed..
  4. Select Add a printer by its TCP/IP address or hostname and enter the printer's IP address (you can find it by printing a network report from the printer's control panel).

For macOS:

  1. Open System PreferencesPrinters and scanners.
  2. Click + to add a new printer.
  3. Select a tab IP and enter the printer address, specifying the protocol Line Printer Daemon - LPD.
  4. In the field Name Please enter a custom name (for example, Brother Office), and in Location — the location of the printer installation.
  5. In the section Use select driver Brother DCP-2340DW.

5. Checking the connection and troubleshooting

After setup, you need to ensure that the printer communicates correctly with the computer. To do this:

  1. Send a test document to print (for example, a page with text from Notepad).
  2. Check if the printer appears in the list of devices without an exclamation mark.
  3. Print it out Network Configuration Page from the printer control panel to ensure that the network settings are correct.

If printing fails, please refer to the table of typical errors and their solutions:

Error Possible cause Solution
Offline (The printer is offline) The printer is not connected to Wi-Fi or the IP address has changed. Restart the printer and router. Check the IP address in the printer settings.
Driver Unavailable (Driver not available) The driver is not installed or is corrupted. Reinstall the driver from the official website Brother.
Authentication Error (Authentication error) Incorrect Wi-Fi password or incompatible encryption type. Check your router password and security settings (should be WPA2-PSK).
Unable to Connect (Unable to connect) The printer and computer are on different subnets. Configure a static IP address for the printer within your local network range.

A critical feature of the DCP-2340DW model: the printer does not support 5 GHz networks, so if your router operates in dual-band mode, make sure that the 2.4 GHz network is enabled and has a unique name (SSID).

6. Additional settings: printing from mobile devices

One of the advantages of wireless connectivity is the ability to print from smartphones and tablets. You can use the official app for this. Brother iPrint&Scan (available for Android And iOS) or built-in functions of the operating system.

Setting up via Brother iPrint&Scan:

  1. Download the app from App Store or Google Play.
  2. Run it and allow access to the local network.
  3. The app will automatically find the printer on the same Wi-Fi network. If it doesn't, add it manually by entering its IP address.
  4. Select a document to print from your gallery, cloud storage, or email.

Printing via AirPrint (for iPhone/iPad):

Model DCP-2340DW supports AirPrint, so for printing from devices Apple enough:

  1. Open the document or photo you want to print.
  2. Press the button Share (square with an arrow pointing up).
  3. Choose Seal and specify the printer Brother DCP-2340DW.
  4. Set up print settings (number of copies, orientation, etc.) and confirm.
How to print from Android without the Brother app?

On most Android devices, you can add a printer through the system:

1. Open SettingsConnected devicesSeal.

2. Click Add a service and select Brother Print Service Plugin (if it is not installed, download it from Play Market).

3. After installing the plugin, the printer will appear in the list of available devices for printing.

7. Optimizing printer operation on the network

To avoid connection problems in the future, it is recommended to make a few additional settings:

  • 🔄 Firmware update: Check the website regularly for printer updates. BrotherNew firmware versions fix bugs and add support for modern security standards.
  • 📡 Selecting a Wi-Fi channelIf your printer frequently loses connection, try changing the channel in your router settings. 2.4 GHz to a less busy one (for example, 1, 6 or 11).
  • 🔒 Setting up a firewallMake sure Windows Firewall or antivirus software isn't blocking access to the printer. Add its IP address to the exceptions list.
  • 📥 Toner saving: In the driver settings, enable the mode Tonersaver (Toner Save), if print quality is not critical.

It is also useful to set up sleep mode printer to reduce energy consumption. To do this:

  1. On the printer, go to MenuGeneral SetupSleep Time.
  2. Set the time to go into sleep mode (eg. 5 minutes or 15 minutes).
  3. Activate the option Deep Sleep, if the printer is used rarely.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🔹 Why won't my Brother DCP-2340DW printer connect to Wi-Fi even though the password is correct?

The problem may be related to your router settings:

  • Check that the network is working in mode 802.11b/g/n (Not 802.11ac or ax).
  • Disable the feature WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) or QoS in the router settings.
  • Make sure that the network name (SSID) there are no Cyrillic characters or spaces.

If nothing helps, reset the printer to factory settings and try setting it up again.

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

Yes, for this:

  1. On the printer, select MenuNetworkWLANSetup Wizard.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to manually enter your network details.
  3. After connecting, print Network Configuration Pageto find out the IP address of the printer.

This is enough for printing from mobile devices via the app. Brother iPrint&Scan.

🔹 How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings?

To reset network settings:

  1. Click Menu on the control panel.
  2. Go to NetworkWLANReset Network.
  3. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.

After this, the printer will lose all saved networks and they will have to be configured again.

🔹 Why is my printer printing slowly over Wi-Fi?

Slow wireless printing may be caused by:

  • Weak Wi-Fi signal (check the signal strength on the printer).
  • Network congestion (turn off other devices that consume traffic).
  • Low printer priority in settings QoS router.
  • Outdated printer firmware.

Try connecting the printer to the router via cable. Ethernet - If the speed increases, the problem is in the wireless connection.

🔹 How do I find the IP address of my Brother DCP-2340DW printer?

There are three ways:

  1. Print it out Network Configuration Page: press and hold the button Go (or Wireless) within 5 seconds.
  2. Check the list of connected devices in the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
  3. Use the utility BRAdmin Light (you can download it from the website) Brother).

If you encounter a problem not described in this article, we recommend contacting support. Brother along with the error code (if displayed on the printer's screen). In most cases, the solution can be found in the official knowledge base or on relevant forums.