How to Connect the Brother DCP-L2520DWR Printer to Wi-Fi: 3 Proven Methods

Wireless printer Brother DCP-L2520DWR — one of the most popular solutions for home and small offices thanks to laser printing, scanning, and automatic duplex printing. But to get the most out of it, you need to properly configure the connection to Wi-Fi networksMany users encounter problems: the printer doesn't detect the network, doesn't print from the phone, or constantly drops the connection.

In this article - 3 working connection methods (via WPS, control panel, and computer software), analysis of common errors, and troubleshooting tips. There's also a table of error codes and their meanings, which you won't find in the standard manual.

If you have already tried to connect and received a message like Unable to connect or Wi-Fi error 46 Don't rush to take your printer to a service center. In 90% of cases, the problem can be resolved by configuring the router or resetting the device's network settings. We'll tell you how to do this without voiding the warranty or incurring unnecessary expenses.

1. Preparing to connect: What to check before setting up Wi-Fi

Before you begin setup, make sure your network meets the printer's requirements. Brother DCP-L2520DWR supports networks only 2.4 GHz (not 5 GHz!) and safety standards WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSKIf your router is in the mode 802.11n/ac at a frequency of 5 GHz, the printer simply won’t see the network.

Here's what you need to do in advance:

• 📡 Check your Wi-Fi frequency: go to the router settings (usually at the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and make sure that the network 2.4 GHz enabled. If you have a dual-band router, the networks should have different names (SSID).
• 🔒 Make sure you have the correct encryption type: The printer does not support legacy WEP and some versions WPAThe best option is WPA2-PSK (AES).
• 📱 Prepare network data: write down the exact SSID (network name) and password. If the name contains spaces or special characters (for example, !, #), they will have to be entered using the printer's virtual keyboard - this may be inconvenient.
• ⚡ Check the power supply: The printer must be plugged into a power outlet. without surge protectors - They can block the Wi-Fi signal.

Important: If your router uses the "Smart Connect" feature (automatically switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under a single network name), you must disable it. The printer will not be able to connect to this network.

⚠️ Attention! If you are using a corporate network with portal-based authentication (for example, in a hotel or office), connecting the printer to that Wi-Fi may not be possible without the help of an administrator.

2. Method 1: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your device to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This is the easiest method if your router supports WPS.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure the green power light on the printer is on. Press the power button. Wi-Fi on the control panel (button with the antenna icon).
2. On the printer screen, select WLAN → WPS → Push Button Mode.
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on your router (usually it is labeled or blinking).
4. Wait for the message Connected on the printer display. If the connection is not established, try again.

If your router doesn't have a WPS button, check if this feature is enabled in its settings. For example, on TP-Link routers, you need to go to Wireless Mode → WPS and activate the option.

The router supports WPS (check the documentation)

The WPS button is physically present on the router body.

The printer is located within a radius of 1-2 meters from the router

The printer is in WPS mode (the corresponding option is displayed on the screen) -->

⚠️ Attention! Some ISPs disable WPS by default for security reasons. If the button doesn't respond, contact your ISP's technical support.

3. Method 2: Manual setup via the printer panel

If WPS isn't working or your router doesn't support it, you can enter your network details manually. This method is universal, but requires careful entry.

Step-by-step instructions:

• 🖥️ Click the button Menu on the printer, then select Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard.
• 🔍 The printer will start searching for available networks. When the list appears, select yours. SSID (network name) using the buttons ↑/↓ and press OK.
• 🔑 Enter your Wi-Fi password. Use the virtual keyboard on the screen:
  • Switching between registers: button a/A.
  • Special characters: button Sym.
  • To confirm your input, press OK after each symbol.
• ✅ After entering the password, select Apply and wait for the connection to complete. If the password is entered correctly, the following message will appear on the screen: Connected.

If the printer gives an error Authentication Error, check:

• The entered password is correct (case sensitive!).
• Network encryption type (must be WPA2-PSK).
• No spaces at the beginning/end of the password.

4. Method 3: Connecting via a computer (for Windows and macOS)

This method is convenient if you find it easier to enter network data using a keyboard rather than a small printer screen. It will require a temporary USB connection to the printer.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download and install drivers from Brother's official website (select model DCP-L2520DWR and your OS).
2. Connect the printer to the computer via USB cable (included in the kit).
3. Run the utility Brother iPrint&Scan or Printer Setting Tool (installed along with the drivers).
4. In the utility menu, select Network Configuration → Wireless Setup Wizard.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions: the program will automatically find available networks, and you can select yours by entering the password from the keyboard.
6. Once the connection is successful, disconnect the USB cable. The printer will save the Wi-Fi settings.

For macOS the procedure is similar, but instead of Printer Setting Tool the utility is used Brother Utilities.

⚠️ Attention! If the printer stops printing via Wi-Fi after connecting via USB, check the parameter in the Brother utility settings Prioritize USB - it must be turned off.

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after proper setup, your printer may still fail to connect to the network. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:

If the printer connects to the network but does not print from the computer:

• 🖨️ Check if the printer is installed as default device in Windows/macOS settings.
• 🌐 Make sure your computer and printer are in one network (for example, not connected to both the guest and main networks at the same time).
• 🔄 Reinstall the drivers by downloading them from the official website (do not use the included disks, as they are often outdated).

What should I do if my printer connects but keeps disconnecting?

This issue is usually related to the power saving settings of your router or printer. Try:

1. In your router settings, disable the "Wi-Fi Power Save" option (may be called "Wi-Fi Power Save" or "Green Mode").

2. On the printer, go to Menu → Network → WLAN → Sleep Mode and set the value Off.

3. Update the printer firmware using the utility Brother Firmware Update Tool.

6. Setting up remote printing from your phone

Once your printer is connected to Wi-Fi, you can print directly from Android or iOSTo do this, you will need to install the official app. Brother iPrint&Scan.

Instructions for smartphones:

• 📱 Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
• 🔍 Launch the app and click Add PrinterThe app will automatically find the printer on your network.
• 📄 Select a document or photo to print, adjust the settings (number of copies, orientation, color) and click Print.

If the application does not find the printer:

• Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
• In the router settings, check that the function is enabled. AP Isolation (Client Isolation) is disabled - it blocks devices from interacting with each other on the network.
• Restart the printer (power off and on).

To print from cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) in the application iPrint&Scan there is a separate section Cloud, where you can log in and select files directly.

7. Firmware update and reset

If your printer is acting erratically or won't connect despite your best efforts, you may need to firmware updateBrother regularly releases updates that fix compatibility issues with new routers.

How to update firmware:

1. Download the latest firmware version for DCP-L2520DWR With official website.
2. Connect the printer to your computer via USB.
3. Run the firmware file and follow the instructions of the update wizard. Do not turn off the printer during the process!

If the printer has completely stopped responding to Wi-Fi settings, follow these steps: reset network settings:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the button Go (or Secure Print, depending on the region) and hold it while turning on the power.
3. Keep the button pressed until all indicators turn orange (about 10 seconds).
4. Release the button and the printer will return to factory Wi-Fi settings.

⚠️ Attention! Resetting network settings doesn't affect other printer settings (such as toner counters or print settings). However, you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi information after the reset.

8. Additional tips for stable operation

To avoid connection problems in the future, follow these guidelines:

• 📶 Place the printer closer to the router Laser printers are sensitive to interference. Avoid locations near microwaves, cordless phones, or metal obstructions.
• 🔄 Reboot your router regularly - This helps clear the DHCP cache and prevent IP address conflicts.
• 🔒 Use a backup Wi-Fi channel: If you have a lot of devices on your network, select a less crowded channel (for example, 1 or 11) in your router settings.
• 📱 Set up email printing: V Brother DCP-L2520DWR there is a function Scan to Email And Print from EmailTo do this, you need to register the printer with the service. Brother Web Connect.

If you frequently print from different devices, consider assigning a printer static IP addressThis will prevent problems with finding the device on the network after rebooting the router. You can do this in your router's DHCP settings (section LAN or DHCP Reservation).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 The printer connects to Wi-Fi, but won't print from my computer. What's the problem?

Most likely, the network printing drivers are not installed on your computer. Download the full driver package from the Brother website and select the "Network" installation option. Also, check that the correct port is specified in the printer settings in Windows (it should be something like Standard TCP/IP Port with the printer's IP address).

🔹 Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a display (if the screen is not working)?

Yes, but you'll need a computer. Connect the printer via USB, install the drivers, and use the utility. Brother Printer Setting Tool to set up Wi-Fi. An alternative method is to temporarily connect the printer to another network via WPS, and then change the settings through the printer's web interface (enter its IP address in the browser).

🔹 How do I connect a printer to a hidden Wi-Fi network?

When setting up manually via the printer control panel, select Manual Setup instead of Setup WizardThen manually enter the hidden network name (SSID), select the encryption type, and enter the password. If you use WPS, a hidden network is not supported—you'll need to temporarily make it visible.

🔹 Why does my printer print test pages but not accept tasks from my PC?

This is a typical firewall or antivirus issue. Disable Windows Firewall and antivirus software for the duration of the test. If printing works, add the printer to the exceptions list. Also, check that no ports are blocked in your router settings. 9100 And 54925 (used for network printing).

🔹 Can this printer be connected to Wi-Fi Direct (without a router)?

Brother DCP-L2520DWR does not support Wi-Fi Direct. For a direct connection to devices (such as a laptop or phone), you can use the Ad-hoc, but it's less stable. It's better to set up the printer through a regular router or use a USB cable.