Switching to wireless printing significantly simplifies working with office equipment, freeing the user from unnecessary wires and restrictions on the device's placement. Model Brother HL-2520DWR Equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module, the device can be placed anywhere in the room as long as there's a router signal. However, initial setup can often be challenging, especially when standard automatic detection methods fail.
In this guide, we'll cover not only the basic steps for connecting via USB or WPS but also delve into more advanced network settings. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes related to router frequency ranges and how to assign a permanent address to your printer so it always remains accessible on your corporate or home network.
To get started, make sure your device is fully functional and ready for configuration. Wireless connection Requires a stable router and correctly installed drivers on your computer. If you've just unpacked the printer, the first step is to prepare it for use.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting setup, ensure the cartridge and drum unit are installed correctly and the protective orange tapes are completely removed from the internal compartments. The machine will not enter setup mode if it detects a mechanical error or missing consumables.
There are several ways to activate wireless mode on HL-2520DWR: via the installation disc, via a USB cable, or using the WPS button on the router. The method you choose depends on your operating system and whether you have the necessary cables on hand. Connecting via USB and then reconfiguring to Wi-Fi is considered the most reliable option, as this method ensures that all network parameters are transferred without errors.
Preparing equipment and choosing a connection method
Before running the installer, you need to physically prepare the printer and computer. Make sure the router is turned on and has a signal, and the computer is within range. Network settings The printer's default settings may be reset, so it's best to reset the network settings to factory defaults immediately to avoid conflicts with previous configurations.
To reset network settings in Control Panel Brother HL-2520DWR Press the Menu button, then use the arrow keys to find "Network." In the menu that opens, select "Network Reset" and confirm by pressing "Yes" or "OK." The printer will then reboot the network module.
- 🔌 Prepare a USB cable type AB (square connector) for the initial connection to the PC.
- 📡 Find out the password for your Wi-Fi network if you plan to enter it manually.
- 💻 Download the latest driver and utility package from the manufacturer's official website.
- 🔄 Make sure your computer and printer are connected to the same network (relevant for the WPS method).
11b/g/n, but only works in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz networks under the same name, identification issues may arise. In such cases, it is recommended to temporarily separate the networks in the router settings or use the WPS method, which often bypasses SSID visibility issues.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and operating system versions are constantly updated. If the menu items described here differ from yours, please consult your internet service provider's or router manufacturer's documentation for current security settings.
Installing drivers and software
Installing the correct software is key. Avoid using the drivers included on the disc, as they may be outdated. Visit the official support website. Brother, enter your device model and download the full package of drivers and software for your version of Windows or macOS.
Run the downloaded installation file. During the installation process, the wizard will prompt you to select a connection type. Here, select the option Wireless network connectionIf the installer prompts you to connect a USB cable, do so when prompted. The program will automatically recognize the device and transfer the Wi-Fi settings to it.
During setup, you'll see a list of available wireless networks. Select your SSID from the list. If the network is hidden, you'll need to enter the name manually. When entering the password, be careful with case-sensitive letters, as Wi-Fi password Sensitive to this parameter. After successful data transfer, the printer will attempt to connect to the router.
The installation process may take several minutes. Do not disconnect the cable or turn off the devices during this time. Once complete, the wizard will prompt you to print a test page. A successful print confirms that the connection between the computer and printer has been established correctly.
☑️ Pre-installation checklist
Using WPS technology for quick setup
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), the connection process can be significantly simplified by eliminating the need to manually enter a password. This method is ideal for smartphones and tablets, where entering complex characters can be difficult. On the front panel Brother HL-2520DWR There is a button with the corresponding icon.
Press and hold the WPS button on the printer for 2 seconds until the Wi-Fi indicator starts flashing green. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys, and the printer will connect to the network.
A successful connection will be indicated by the Wi-Fi indicator turning solid. If the indicator continues to flash or remains red, the connection has not been established. In this case, check whether WPS is enabled in your router settings, as some models have it disabled by default for security reasons.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
WPS may not work if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router or if you're using an encryption type that doesn't support this technology. In this case, switch to the USB cable setup method, which is the most universal solution.
Setting up Wi-Fi Direct for printing from a smartphone
Function Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect your mobile device directly to the printer without using a router. This is convenient when you need to urgently print a document from your phone in a location without access to the main network or guest Wi-Fi.
To activate the mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel or use the network settings menu. A signal with a name containing "DIRECT-xxxx-BRO" will appear in the list of available networks on your smartphone screen. Connect to it by entering the password, which can be found in the network configuration report or on the device's sticker.
Once connected, use the app Brother iPrint&Scan or the standard Android/iOS printing function. Please note that in this mode, the printer creates its own local network, and your phone's Wi-Fi internet access may be temporarily lost.
- 📱 Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app for advanced functionality.
- 🔐 The default password for Wi-Fi Direct is often found on a label inside the device.
- 🔄 To return to the regular network, you need to switch in the phone settings.
⚠️ Attention: Using Wi-Fi Direct may result in slower printing than through a router, and the range is limited to a few meters. For permanent office use, connecting via an infrastructure network is preferable.
Troubleshooting network visibility and 2.4 GHz frequency issues
One of the most common problems when setting up HL-2520DWR The network isn't visible in the installer list. This is often due to the printer not supporting the 5 GHz band. If your router broadcasts both networks under the same name (Dual Band), the printer may be attempting to connect to the wrong frequency or losing the signal.
The solution is to separate the network names (SSIDs) in the router settings. Name the 2.4 GHz network, for example, "Home_24," and the 5 GHz network, "Home_5." Then connect your computer to the "Home_24" network and repeat the driver installation process. The printer is guaranteed to see the correct network.
Problems can also arise due to the encryption type. Outdated encryption methods, such as WEP or TKIP, may not be supported by new drivers or, conversely, be blocked by modern routers. The optimal choice is WPA2-Personal (AES)Make sure this type is selected in your router's security settings.
If the printer still can't see the network, check if MAC address filtering is enabled. In this case, you'll need to find the printer's MAC address (by printing a configuration report) and add it to the whitelist of allowed devices in the router interface.
Setting up a static IP address for stable operation
By default, the printer obtains an IP address automatically via DHCP. This means that when the router is rebooted, the device's address may change, resulting in loss of communication with computers whose driver is configured with the old address. For an office environment, it is critical to assign static IP address.
First, find out the printer's current IP address by printing a configuration report or viewing it in the device properties in Windows. Open a browser, enter this IP address in the address bar, and press Enter. This will open the Brother web management interface.
In the left menu, select "Network," then "Protocols," and find "TCP/IP." Go to the "Boot Method" settings and select "Static." Enter your network information in the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway fields. The gateway address is usually the same as the router's address (e.g., 192.168.1.1), and the printer's address should be unoccupied (e.g., 192.168.1.200).
| Parameter | Example of meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Method | Static | Method of obtaining an address (manually) |
| IP Address | 192.168.1.200 | Permanent printer address on the network |
| Subnet Mask | 255.255.255.0 | Subnet mask (usually default) |
| Gateway | 192.168.1.1 | Your router's address |
After entering the data, click "Submit" or "OK." The printer will reboot the network module with the new settings. Now, even after a power failure, it will always be accessible at the same address, eliminating print queue errors.
Diagnostics and Frequently Asked Questions
If the printer still doesn't print after all these steps, check the print queue in Windows. Sometimes old documents get stuck there, blocking new ones. Clear the queue and try again. Also, make sure the correct port corresponding to the new IP address is selected in the printer properties.
A common problem is antivirus or firewall software, which can block network discovery. Try temporarily disabling the protection and testing the connection. If this helps, add an exception for Brother print services in the security settings.
Why can't my computer see my Brother HL-2520DWR printer on the network?
Most often, the problem is that the computer and printer are on different subnets or connected to different router frequencies (2.4 vs. 5 GHz). Also, check whether the Print Spooler service is enabled in Windows and whether your antivirus software is blocking network discovery.
How do I find out the IP address of my printer if it doesn't print a report?
Use the "Brother Utilities" or "Printer Setting Tool" utility, which are installed with the drivers. The current IP address is displayed in the "Device Settings" or "Network" section. You can also view the address in the list of connected clients in your router's interface.
Can this printer be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
No, model HL-2520DWR The router is equipped with a module that operates only in the 2.4 GHz range. To connect to a dual-band router, ensure the 2.4 GHz network is active and has a separate name (SSID), or use the WPS method, which often helps bypass visibility restrictions.
What to do if the red Wi-Fi light is on?
A red light means the wireless module is enabled, but the connection to the router is not established. Check the password entered correctly, make sure the router is transmitting a signal, and ensure the printer isn't too far from the signal source. Try reconnecting the device via USB.