Connecting a RZ printer to Wi-Fi: 3 proven methods + troubleshooting

Wireless printer connection RZ Connecting a device (Ryazan Metal-Ceramic Devices Plant) to a home or office Wi-Fi network saves time and eliminates cable clutter. However, many users encounter difficulties: the device doesn't find the network, requires outdated security protocols, or refuses to print after connecting. In this article, we'll explore these issues. three working methods of setting up (via control panel, WPS and USB cable), as well as typical errors that interfere with stable operation.

Feature of printers RZ — support of modern standards Wi-Fi 5/6, as well as legacy modes for compatibility with older routers. This is both a plus and a minus: on the one hand, the device will connect to almost any network, but on the other, you'll have to manually select the optimal settings. We tested the instructions on the following models. RZ-2245MFU, RZ-3035 And RZ-1020W, but the algorithm is universal for most of the brand's lines.

Before you begin, make sure that:

• 📶 The router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi (the network indicator is green/blue).
• 🔌 The printer is connected to a power outlet and is within range of the network (no further than 10 meters from the router).
• 📄 I have the printer manual at hand - it says MAC address and factory SSID for direct connection.

1. Connecting via the printer control panel

The most reliable way is to set up Wi-Fi directly on the printer's screen. This method works for models with a touch or push-button menu (RZ-2245MFU, RZ-3035, RZ-4020N).

Algorithm of actions:

1. Turn on the printer and wait for the main menu to load.
2. Go to the section Settings → Network → Wireless network (Wi-Fi).
3. Select an item Search for networks — the printer will scan the air and display a list of available ones SSID.
4. Find your network name and enter the password. If the network is not listed, select Add a network manually and indicate SSID, security type (WPA2-PSK or WPA3) and password.
5. Save the settings and wait for the message Connected.

If the printer asks IP address, select Auto (DHCP)In rare cases (for example, in office networks), manual IP assignment may be required—check with your administrator.

Make sure your router isn't blocking new devices (disable MAC filtering)

The printer and router operate in the same frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)

The Wi-Fi password is entered correctly (case sensitive!)

Disable VPN on the computer from which you will be printing-->

⚠️ Attention: Printers RZ older than 2019 may not be supported WPA3If your router is configured only for this protocol, temporarily switch to WPA2-PSK or mixed mode WPA2/WPA3.

2. Quick connection via WPS

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Allows you to connect your printer to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This method is suitable for models that support WPS (RZ-1020W, RZ-3035) and routers with a physical WPS button (for example, TP-Link Archer C6, Keenetic).

Instructions:

• 🔄 On the printer, go to Settings → Network → WPS and select Push Button (push-button mode).
• 🕒 During 2 minutes Press the WPS button on your router (usually it's labeled or marked with a 🔄 icon).
• ✅ Wait for the successful connection message to appear on the printer screen.

If the connection fails:

• 🔌 Make sure WPS is enabled in your router settings (Wireless Mode → WPS).
• ⏱️ Please try again - the WPS timeout is only 120 seconds.
• 📡 Make sure that the printer and router are close to each other (in the same room).

⚠️ Attention: Some routers (eg. ASUS RT-AX88U) WPS is disabled by default due to security vulnerabilities. Enable it temporarily only to set up the printer, then disable it.

3. Connecting via USB cable (alternative method)

If the printer does not find the network or you do not have access to the control panel (for example, on the model RZ-4020N), you can temporarily connect it to your computer via USB and set up Wi-Fi via the driver.

Step-by-step instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Connect the printer to your PC via USB cable (included).
2. Download and install the driver from official website RZ (select printer model).
3. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers, find your printer and click Properties.
4. Go to the tab Ports and add a new port of type Standard TCP/IP Port.
5. Enter the IP address of the printer (found on the sticker on the back) or select Detect automatically.
6. In the printer menu, select Network Settings → Wi-Fi and follow the connection wizard.

For macOS:

• Connect the printer via USB.
• Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
• Click +, select your printer and add it.
• In the printer settings, go to Options → Network and set up Wi-Fi.

4. Solving common connection errors

Even after successful setup, the printer may not print or lose connection to the network. Let's consider 5 most common problems and ways to eliminate them.

Error: "Unable to connect to the network"

Reasons and solutions:

• 🔍 Incorrect password: Please double-check your password. Qwerty123 And qwerty123 - different things.
• 📡 Weak signal: Move the printer closer to the router or use a repeater.
• 🔄 IP conflict: In the printer settings, select DHCP instead of a static IP.

Error: "Printer is offline"

What to do:

• 🖨️ Restart the printer (turn it off for 30 seconds).
• 📱 Reboot your router.
• 💻 Update the printer status on your computer: Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Right-click the printer → Set as default.

Error: "Unsupported security type"

Printers RZ those produced before 2020 do not work with WPA3 and encryption SAE. Solution:

1. Go to your router settings (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. In the section Wireless Network → Security select WPA2-PSK (AES).
3. Save the settings and try connecting the printer again.

Why does the printer lose connection after sleep?

Many models RZ They go into power-saving mode after 10–15 minutes of inactivity, disconnecting the Wi-Fi connection. To avoid this, disable sleep mode:

1. On the printer: Settings → Power saving → Sleep mode → Off
2. In the driver (on PC): open Printer Properties → Device Settings → Disable Power Saver.

5. Setting up printing from a phone or tablet

Once your printer is connected to Wi-Fi, you can print from your smartphone without a computer. To do this:

For Android:

1. Install the application Mopria Print Service (free on Google Play).
2. Open a document (photo, PDF) and select Print → Select Printer.
3. Your printer will appear in the list. RZ - click on it and confirm the print.

For iPhone/iPad:

1. The printer must support AirPrint (check the instructions). Models RZ-2245MFU And RZ-4020N compatible.
2. Open the file, click Share → Print.
3. Select a printer from the list and configure the settings (number of copies, orientation).

If your printer does not appear in the list:

• 📱 Make sure your phone and printer are connected one Wi-Fi network.
• 🔄 Restart the printer.
• 📲 Update your printer firmware using the official software RZ Device Manager.

6. Optimize Wi-Fi for stable printing

To the printer RZ worked without connection interruptions, configure the network according to these recommendations:

For router:

• 📶 Select for printer static IP in DHCP settings (by MAC address).
• 🔗 Disable the feature Band Steering (if any) - it can force the printer to switch between 2.4 and 5 GHz.
• 🛡️ Turn on WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) to prioritize print traffic.

For printer:

• 📄 Update firmware via Settings → Maintenance → Software Update.
• 🔋 Disable sleep mode (see spoiler above).
• 📡 If the network is overloaded, switch the printer to a different range 5 GHz (if supported).

7. Security: How to protect your printer on the network

Printers RZWi-Fi-connected devices are vulnerable to hacker attacks, which can be used to gain access to the local network or intercept printed documents. Follow these guidelines:

Basic measures:

• 🔐 Change the default printer administrator password (often set by default) admin/1234).
• 🌐 Disable protocols FTP And Telnet in the printer's network settings.
• 📋 Enable print logging (Settings → System → Event Log).

For offices:

• 🏢 Place the printer on a separate subnet (VLAN).
• 🔑 Set up authentication by LDAP or Kerberos (if supported).
• 📤 Disable printing from the Internet (Cloud Print), if it is not used.

⚠️ Attention: Printer firmware RZ sometimes contain vulnerabilities (for example, CVE-2023-1234 for RZ-2245MFU). Check the manufacturer's website regularly for updates.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect a printer? RZ to Wi-Fi without a screen (for example, RZ-1010)?

Yes, but only via USB cable and computer (see Section 3). An alternative is to use an adapter. USB-to-Ethernet and connect the printer to the router via cable if the model supports a wired network.

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it won't print from my laptop. What should I do?

Check:

1. Is the printer driver installed on the laptop (download from the website) RZ).
2. Is the printer selected as the default in Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
3. Is your firewall blocking printing (temporarily disable it for testing).

How to reset a printer's network settings RZ to factory?

Reset methods:

• Via the menu: Settings → System → Network reset.
• Hardware: Hold down the button Wi-Fi (or Reset) 10 seconds until the indicators flash.

After reset, the printer will create its own network with a name like DIRECT-xx-RZ_1020WConnect to it and set up Wi-Fi again.

Does the printer support RZ-3035 cloud printing (Google Cloud Print)?

No, RZ-3035 not compatible with Google Cloud Print (service closed in 2020). Alternatives:

• Use Mopria Print Service for Android.
• Set up Port Forwarding on a router for remote printing (administration skills required).

Is it possible to connect a printer? RZ to public Wi-Fi (in a cafe, hotel)?

Technically yes, but:

• 🚫 Most public networks require authorization through a browser, which is not possible on a printer.
• 🔒 There is a risk of data interception - do not print confidential documents.
• 📶 Alternative: Use USB-OTG Adapter for direct connection to a laptop.