Connecting a Samsung printer to a computer via Wi-Fi

Modern office solutions require mobility, and the ability to print documents without being tied to a specific cable is becoming standard. Wirelessly connecting a Samsung MFP to a home or office network allows scanning and printing from any device within range of the router. This eliminates the need to constantly switch USB cables or transfer files on a flash drive.

The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, but most models Samsung Equipped with an intuitive interface. In this article, we'll cover all current configuration methods, from automatic pairing to manual network settings. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and ensure a stable connection between your computer and printer.

Before starting the procedure, make sure your router is working properly and providing internet access, and that the printer is within a strong signal range. You will also need to know the password for your Wi-Fi network, as authorization is impossible without it. If you are using a corporate network with complex security protocols, you may need assistance from a system administrator.

Preparatory stage and compatibility check

Before proceeding with the settings, you need to make sure that your equipment is technically ready to work in wireless mode. Not all models Samsung They have a built-in Wi-Fi module, so the presence of a corresponding antenna or a button with a wave symbol on the housing is mandatory. If such markings are not available, you may need to purchase a separate USB adapter compatible with your specific printer series.

It's also important to prepare the computer or laptop from which the device will be controlled. The device must have basic drivers or a software distribution installed, which is usually supplied on a disc or available for download from the official website. Without the correct software, the operating system will malfunction. Windows or macOS may not see the network printer even if successfully connected to the router.

⚠️ Important: Make sure your computer and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (same SSID). If you have a dual-band router, both devices should be operating on either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, as some older printer models cannot detect 5 GHz networks.

Check the cartridge status and paper availability, as network setup may be interrupted if hardware errors occur. Some models block access to the settings menu when covers are open or critical mechanical errors occur. Ensure the device is in Ready mode and not in deep sleep.

Using WPS technology for quick setup

The easiest way to connect MFP Samsung to a wireless network is the use of technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer network security settings from your router to your printer with the simple press of a button, eliminating the need to manually enter a password. This is especially convenient if your Wi-Fi password is complex or you don't want to enter it using the printer's awkward on-screen keyboard.

First, locate the WPS button on your router. It may be a physical button or a virtual button in the admin interface. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the light flashes. Then, within two minutes, press the Wi-Fi button on the printer's control panel or select WPS in the device's network settings menu.

  • 📶 Press the WPS button on the router and hold it for 3-5 seconds.
  • 🖨️ Activate WPS mode on your Samsung printer via the menu or button.
  • 🔄 Wait for the wireless indicator to flash, confirming the search.
  • ✅ Make sure the Wi-Fi indicator is solid and not blinking.

The automatic setup process usually takes no more than a minute. If the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer lights up solid, the connection has been established successfully. If the light continues to flash or goes out, the connection was unsuccessful, and you should try the manual setup method or check the distance between the devices.

📊 Which connection method do you prefer?
WPS (one button)
Manual password entry
WPS via PIN code
USB cable for initial setup

Manual Wi-Fi setup via the control panel

If automatic mode doesn't work or your router hides the network name (SSID), you'll need to use the manual data entry method. This method is more reliable in complex network environments where precise encryption type specification is required. You'll need to navigate the printer menu using the navigation buttons and display.

Go to the main menu of the device and find the section Network settings or Network. Select an item Wireless network (Wireless) and go to Wi-Fi settingsIn the list of available networks that opens, find the name of your router. If the network is hidden, select the manual addition option and enter the SSID manually.

Menu -> Network -> Wireless -> Wi-Fi Settings -> Select SSID -> Enter Password

After selecting the network, the screen will ask you to enter a password. Use the navigation keys or touchscreen to enter characters. Please pay attention to case sensitivity, as the password is case-sensitive. After confirming your entry, the printer will attempt to obtain an IP address from the router's DHCP server.

⚠️ Important: When entering your password, carefully check the characters, especially the number 0 and the letter O, or the number 1 and the letter l. A mistake in even one character will result in access being denied.

☑️ Checking manual settings

Completed: 0 / 4

Setup via USB cable and Samsung utility

In cases where entering data from the printer panel is difficult due to a small screen or faulty buttons, the optimal solution is initial setup via a USB cable. Software Samsung Easy Printer Manager or a driver installation package can automatically transfer Wi-Fi settings from your computer to the printer.

Connect the printer to your computer using a USB Type-B cable (standard square connector). Run the driver installation file you downloaded from the official website or from the disc. During the installation process, select the connection type. Wireless network connection, although the device is still physically connected by a cable.

The program will detect the device and offer to transfer the Wi-Fi network settings to which your computer is connected. This is the most secure method, as the computer already has an active connection and knows all the necessary encryption keys. After the settings are transferred, the cable can be disconnected.

Parameter Description Where to find
SSID The name of your Wi-Fi network On the bottom of the router or in the Wi-Fi properties
IP Address The device's network address Network Configuration Report
Subnet Mask Subnet mask Router TCP/IP settings
Gateway Default Gateway Router address (usually 192.168.0.1)

Make sure your antivirus or firewall isn't blocking the installer during the data transfer. Once the process is complete, a successful setup message will appear on the screen, and the printer will enter wireless standby mode.

Installing drivers and adding a device in Windows

Once the printer is connected to the router, you need to add it to your computer's operating system. Windows often automatically detects network printers, but for full functionality, you still need to install the full driver package. Without them, scanning or toner level monitoring features may not be available.

Go to Parameters -> Devices -> Printers and scanners. Click Add a printer or scannerIf the system finds your Samsung device in the list, tap it to install. If the search returns no results, select the option The printer you need is not listed. and select adding by TCP/IP address.

Enter the printer's IP address, which you found earlier (from the configuration report or network menu). The system will attempt to connect to the device. If a connection is established, Windows will prompt you to select a driver from the list or install one from disk. It is recommended to use the driver. UNIDriver or Samsung Universal Print Driver for best compatibility.

  • 💻 Open Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.
  • 🔍 Click "Add a printer" and select "Search by other options."
  • 🌐 Select "Add a printer by TCP/IP address".
  • 🔢 Enter the IP address listed in the printer's network report.

After installation, try printing a test page. If the document prints, the connection between your computer and printer is established correctly. You can now use the device to wirelessly print documents from any application.

Diagnosing and resolving connection problems

Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where the printer stops responding or the computer "cannot see" it. Often, the problem stems from a change in the printer's IP address, if the router hasn't reserved a static address. When rebooting, the router may assign a new address to the device, interrupting the connection with the computer.

Another common cause is updating the router's security protocols. If the router has switched to a standard WPA3If your printer only supports WPA2, connecting will be impossible. In this case, you'll need to access your router's settings and change the security mode to Mixed or Compatible.

⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions are subject to update. If the menu items described differ, please refer to the official documentation for your specific model or the manufacturer's website for the current navigation paths.

Try resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults and reconnecting. This often resolves accumulated configuration errors. Also, make sure the Print Spooler service isn't disabled on your computer.

What to do if the red Wi-Fi light is on?

A red LED usually indicates a critical connection error. Try completely unplugging the router and printer for 30 seconds, then plugging the router back in, waiting for it to fully boot up, and only then plugging in the printer. This will synchronize the IP address acquisition process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I find the IP address of my Samsung printer if I can't print a report?

You can find the IP address through the printer menu itself. Press the button Menu or Settings, go to the section Net (Network) -> Wireless network (Wireless) -> State (Status). The current IP address will be displayed there. You can also use the utility Samsung Printer Status on your computer if it was installed previously.

My Samsung printer isn't detecting my 5GHz Wi-Fi network. What should I do?

Most Samsung office printers only support the 2.4 GHz band. Make sure your router is configured to broadcast the 2.4 GHz network. If you have a smart router that combines networks under a single name, try temporarily separating them in the router settings, giving the 2.4 GHz network a unique name, and then connect the printer to that network.

Is it possible to connect a Samsung printer to Wi-Fi without a screen on the printer body?

Yes, this is possible. Models without a display usually have a Wi-Fi button. Press and hold it for a few seconds to activate setup mode. Then use the WPS method on your router or connect the printer to your computer via USB to transfer the initial wireless network settings via the driver.

Why does the computer see the printer, but the status is "Offline"?

The "Offline" status often means that the computer can't connect to the printer over the network. Check if the printer's IP address has changed. Go to the printer properties in Windows, under the Printer tab. Ports, and make sure the port with the correct IP address is selected. If the address has changed, create a new port with the current IP.