How to connect a Samsung M2020W printer to a laptop via Wi-Fi: full instructions with photos

Wireless printer connection Samsung M2020W Connecting your laptop via Wi-Fi saves desk space and eliminates cable clutter. This compact laser printer supports network printing, but many users encounter difficulties during initial setup. Unlike a wired connection, which requires simply plugging in a USB cable, wireless connection requires synchronizing three devices: the printer itself, the router, and the laptop.

In this article we will look at step-by-step algorithm connections M2020W to laptops on Windows 10/11 And macOSWe'll also look at common errors, from a printer not being listed as available to driver issues. We'll pay special attention to router configuration, as incorrect network settings are the most common cause of connection blockages.

If you have already tried to connect and received an error like "Device not found" or "Unable to establish connection"Don't rush to reset your printer. In 80% of cases, the problem can be resolved by adjusting the Wi-Fi settings or reinstalling the drivers. We've compiled all the working methods in one guide—from basic setup to alternative connection methods.

📊 What type of printer connection do you use most often?
Via USB
Via Wi-Fi
Via the cloud (Google Cloud Print, etc.)
I don't use a printer

1. Preparing the Samsung M2020W printer for Wi-Fi connection

Before setting up your wireless network, make sure your printer is ready to use. Samsung M2020W The unit comes with a minimal set of buttons—just one power button and a status indicator. This simplifies operation, but requires precise adherence to instructions.

What you need to do before connecting:

  • 🔌 Plug the printer into a power outlet and press the power button. Wait until the indicator light stops flashing (the printer should make a distinctive initialization sound).
  • 📄 Install the cartridge and load paper. An empty tray may block access to the Wi-Fi menu.
  • 📡 Check that the router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi. Printer M2020W supports networks only 2.4 GHz - if your router is operating in mode 5 GHz, you will have to temporarily switch or create a separate network.

An important nuance: The printer does not have a screen, so all Wi-Fi settings are done through WPS (button on the router) or software Samsung Easy Printer ManagerIf your router doesn't support WPS, skip to the section on installing drivers.

To check the current printer status, print network configuration report:

  1. Hold down the power button 3 seconds, until the indicator starts flashing.
  2. Release the button and the printer will print a sheet of data, including MAC address and the current Wi-Fi status.

2. Configuring the router to connect the printer

Printer Samsung M2020W compatible with networks only 802.11b/g/n on frequency 2.4 GHzIf your router is in the mode 5 GHz or uses modern standards like Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), the printer simply won't see the network. There may also be problems with:

  • 🔒 Hidden SSID (if the network name is not broadcast).
  • 🔐 Complex passwords with characters like #, $, %.
  • 🛡️ MAC address filtering (the printer will be blocked).

How to set up a router for M2020W:

  1. Open your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  2. Go to the section Wireless network (Wi-Fi) or Wireless Settings.
  3. Make sure that:
    • Network mode: 802.11b/g/n mixed or Legacy.
    • Channel: from 1 to 11 (auto-selection will also work).
    • Channel width: 20 MHz (the printer does not support 40 MHz).
  • Save the settings and reboot the router.
    • What to do if the router does not support 2.4 GHz?

    Some modern routers (for example, the ASUS RT-AX88U) disable the 2.4 GHz network by default. In this case:

    1. Enable compatibility mode in settings.

    2. Or create a guest network with 2.4 GHz parameters specifically for the printer.

    ⚠️ Warning: If you use dual-band router (with the same name for 2.4 and 5 GHz), the printer may connect to the wrong network. We recommend temporarily disable 5 GHz or rename the 2.4 GHz network (for example, add a suffix _2G).

    3. Connecting the printer to Wi-Fi via WPS

    The fastest way to knit Samsung M2020W with a router - use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). It works if the router has a physical WPS button or a web-based activation function.

    Step-by-step instructions:

    1. Make sure your router supports WPS (usually there is a logo on it) WPS icon or an inscription WPS).
    2. Press and hold the power button on the printer 5 secondsuntil the indicator starts flashing quickly (WPS mode).
    3. For 2 minutes Press the WPS button on the router (or activate WPS in its settings).
    4. Wait until the printer light comes on. green (or stops blinking) - this means the connection is successful.

      5. If the indicator continues to flash or stays on orange, repeat the procedure. Possible reasons for failure:

      • 🕒 Timed out (WPS only works for 2 minutes).
      • 🔄 The router is unable to process the request in time (try rebooting it).
      • 🚫 WPS is disabled in the router settings.

      The router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi|The WPS button is available (not blocked)|The printer is in standby mode (the indicator is green)|The distance between the devices is no more than 5 meters-->

      ⚠️ Please note: Some providers (eg. Rostelecom or Beeline) disable WPS by default for security reasons. In this case, use the connection method via Samsung Easy Printer Manager (section 4).

      4. Installing drivers and software

      Even if the printer is connected to Wi-Fi, the laptop will not be able to communicate with it without the correct drivers. Samsung M2020W utility required Samsung Easy Printer Manager, which automatically finds the printer on the network and installs the necessary components.

      Where to download drivers:

      • 🌐 Samsung official website: go to the support section, enter the model M2020W and select your OS.
      • 💿 Disc included: if it is saved, drivers can be installed from it (but they may be outdated).
      • 🔄 Windows Update: Sometimes the system itself finds drivers after connecting the printer to the network.

    Instructions for Windows 10/11:

    1. Download and run the installer Samsung Easy Printer Manager.
    2. Select Wireless connection in the installation wizard.
    3. Follow the program's prompts—it will automatically find the printer on the network and install the drivers.
    4. Once complete, print a test page to confirm functionality.

    For macOS the process is similar, but instead Easy Printer Manager the standard printer addition menu is used (System Preferences → Printers & Scanners). Select Add a printer, then find in the list Samsung M2020W with a note Bonjour or AirPrint.

    operating system Required software Connection method
    Windows 10/11 Samsung Easy Printer Manager Automatic network search or manual IP entry
    macOS Built-in drivers (or Samsung Printer Driver) Through System Preferences → Printers
    Linux CUPS + driver Samsung M2020 Series Manual installation via localhost:631

    5. Manually connecting the printer to the laptop (alternative method)

    If the automatic installation does not work, you can add the printer manually through its IP addressThis method is universal and works even with problems with Easy Printer Manager.

    How to find the printer's IP address:

    1. Print it out network configuration report (hold down the power button 3 seconds).
    2. Find the line IP Address — this is the local address of the printer on your network (for example, 192.168.0.105).

    Adding a printer via IP in Windows:

    1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
    2. Click Add a printer or scanner → The printer you need is not in the list.
    3. Select Add a printer by TCP/IP address and enter the IP from the report.
    4. Specify the port Standard TCP/IP Port and install the driver for Samsung M2020 Series.

    For macOS:

    1. Go to System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
    2. Click +, then select the tab IP.
    3. Enter the printer's IP address, protocol Line Printer Daemon - LPD and driver Samsung M2020.

    If the printer gives an IP address of the form 0.0.0.0 or 169.254.x.x, this means it's not connected to the network. Repeat the Wi-Fi setup (sections 2–3).

    6. Troubleshooting common errors

    Even with proper setup, glitches can still occur. Here are the most common issues and their solutions:

    Printer not found on the network:

    • 🔄 Restart your router and printer (turn off for 30 seconds).
    • 📡 Check that your laptop and printer are connected to one network (not to guest or mobile Internet).
    • 🛠️ Update your printer drivers via device Manager (chapter Print queues).

    Printing error or "Printer not available":

    • 🖨️ Make sure there is paper in the printer and the cartridge is not empty.
    • 🔌 Check if the print is blocked firewall or antivirus (Turn them off temporarily).
    • 📥 Reinstall the printer: remove it from the system and add it again.

    Wi-Fi is connected, but printing does not work:

    • 🔧 Go to the printer settings (Control Panel → Devices and Printers) and check that it is installed as default printer.
    • 📊 Print self-test page (hold down the power button 5 seconds) - if it fails, the problem is in the laptop drivers.
    ⚠️ Note: If the printer was previously connected via USB, Windows may "remember" this port and ignore the wireless connection. In this case, remove all references M2020W V Device Manager and reinstall the drivers.

    7. Alternative connection methods (if Wi-Fi doesn't work)

    If the wireless connection still doesn't work, there are backup options:

    1. USB connection (temporary solution):

    • 🔌 Connect the printer and laptop with the cable (included) M2020W).
    • 🖥️ Windows will automatically install the drivers (or use Easy Printer Manager).
    • 🔄 After printing, disconnect the cable - the Wi-Fi settings will be saved.

    2. Connecting via a mobile hotspot:

    • 📱 Turn on modem mode on a smartphone (Wi-Fi or USB).
    • 🖨️ Connect your printer to this network via WPS or Easy Printer Manager.
    • 💻 Connect your laptop to the same hotspot and add a printer.

    3. Cloud Print (Google Cloud Print):

    Although Google Cloud Print officially closed, some Samsung printers support alternatives like Samsung Cloud Print or Mopria Print Service (for Android). To do this:

    1. Install on your laptop Mopria Print Service (available in Microsoft Store).
    2. Connect the printer to the same network as your laptop.
    3. Add it through the app Mopria.
    How to print from your phone to the Samsung M2020W?

    1. Install the application Samsung Mobile Print (Android/iOS).

    2. Connect your phone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network.

    3. Select the document in the application and click Seal.

    Note: Your printer must already be configured to work with Wi-Fi (see sections 2-3).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting the Samsung M2020W

    🔹 Why won't my printer connect to Wi-Fi even though my router is working?

    The most likely reasons are:

    • The router is operating in the mode 5 GHz (you need to switch to 2.4 GHz).
    • MAC address filtering is enabled (add the printer's MAC to the white list).
    • The signal is too weak (move the printer closer to the router).
    • Incorrect Wi-Fi password (check case).

    Try connecting via WPS or reset the printer (hold down the power button 10 seconds).

    🔹 Can the M2020W be connected to multiple devices at the same time?

    Yes, once connected to Wi-Fi, the printer will be accessible to all devices on the network (laptops, smartphones, tablets). The main requirement is that all devices must use the same router.

    To print from your phone, install Samsung Mobile Print or Mopria Print Service.

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

    To reset your printer to factory network settings:

    1. Turn off the printer.
    2. Hold down the power button 10-15 seconds, until the indicator starts flashing orange.
    3. Release the button - the printer will reboot and reset the network settings.

    After the reset, repeat the Wi-Fi setup (section 3).

    🔹 Do I need to update my printer firmware?

    Updating the firmware may solve connection issues, but for Samsung M2020W It is rarely needed. To check its relevance:

    1. Download Samsung Easy Printer Manager.
    2. Connect the printer via USB.
    3. Run the utility and check the section Software update.

    ⚠️ Do not interrupt the update process - this may damage the printer!

    🔹 Why does my printer print blank or streaky sheets?

    This is not Wi-Fi related, but it is a common problem M2020W:

    • 🖨️ The toner is out - replace the cartridge (model MLT-D101S).
    • 🔧 The toner has dried up - remove the cartridge and gently shake it from side to side.
    • 📄 Incorrect print settings - in the printer driver, select Draft or Economy mode.

    📖 Read also

    Epson XP 203: How to connect via Wi-Fi router and phone Detailed instructions for setting up the Epson XP 203 via Wi-Fi. Resetting network settings, WPS, connecting with HP Laser 107w: Wi-Fi Router Connection and Setup Step-by-step instructions on how to connect the HP Laser 107w printer to Wi-Fi. Setup via USB, WPS, and HP Smart. HP Smart Tank 515: How to reconnect the printer to a new Wi-Fi network Step-by-step instructions: how to connect the HP Smart Tank 515 printer to a new WiFi network. Reset settings, WP Wi-Fi MFPs: Why You Need One, Benefits, and Setup Why do you need a WiFi-enabled MFP? We explore the benefits of wireless printing, space savings, and mobile capabilities. HP LaserJet MFP M28a: How to Connect to WiFi Step-by-Step Detailed instructions for setting up the HP LaserJet MFP M28a via WiFi Direct and WPS. Troubleshooting other issues How to connect a printer to Wi-Fi: complete setup instructions Step-by-step guide to setting up wireless printing. Connecting HP, Canon, Epson, and Brot printers