Connecting the Samsung ML-2165W Printer to Wi-Fi: Complete Instructions with Pictures and Tips

Wireless printer connection Samsung ML-2165W Connecting to a Wi-Fi network opens up new possibilities: printing from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet without unnecessary wires, sharing access across multiple devices, and saving desktop space. However, many users encounter difficulties during initial setup—the printer doesn't find the network, doesn't print over Wi-Fi, or constantly loses connection. In this article, we'll walk you through all the connection steps. from unpacking to first print, and we will also look at typical mistakes and their solutions.

Model ML-2165W It belongs to the budget segment of monochrome laser printers, but despite this, it supports all modern wireless communication standards. It is important to understand that the setup process depends not only on the printer itself, but also on router, the device's operating system (Windows, macOS, Android/iOS), and even driver versions. We've compiled universal instructions suitable for most configurations, along with tips on optimizing the connection for stable operation.

1. Preparing the printer for Wi-Fi setup

Before connecting wirelessly, you need to properly prepare your printer. This step is often overlooked, leading to problems later.

Firstly, unpack the printer and remove all protective films, especially from the internal mechanisms. Make sure the kit includes network cable (for temporary connection to the router) and software disk (although it's better to download the drivers from the official website). Secondly, install cartridge - without it, the printer may not turn on or fail to initialize. ML-2165W cartridge model used MLT-D101S or MLT-D101L (check on the cartridge body).

  • 📦 Check the completeness: printer, power cable, network cable (Ethernet), software disc, instructions, cartridge.
  • 🔌 Connect the power: Plug the cable into a power outlet and press the power button (front left). Wait until the indicator light goes out. Ready (may flash for up to 2 minutes).
  • 📡 Place the printer: Place it within 1–2 meters of the router for the first connection. Walls and metal objects can weaken the signal.

If the printer has been used before, please do the following: reset network settingsTo do this:

  1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (with the antenna icon) on the printer panel for 5 seconds.
  2. Wait for the indicator Wi-Fi will start flashing quickly - this is a reset signal.
  3. Release the button. The printer will reboot and be ready for new setup.

2. Methods for connecting the Samsung ML-2165W to Wi-Fi

There are three main methods for setting up a wireless connection for this printer. The choice depends on your router, device, and personal preference. Let's look at each.

2.1. Connecting via WPS (the fastest way)

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 works if your router supports WPS (usually there's a button labeled WPS or the two arrows icon).

  • 🔄 Click the button WPS on the router and hold for 2-3 seconds (the indicator on the router will start flashing).
  • 🖨️ On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fi until the indicator starts flashing quickly (about 3 seconds).
  • ⏳ Wait 1-2 minutes. If the connection is established, the indicator Wi-Fi will light up green, and the WPS light on the router screen will stop blinking.

If the indicator continues to flash or remains orange, the connection is not established. Repeat the process or try another method.

2.2. Connecting via the printer control panel

This method is suitable if your router does not support WPS or you prefer to enter data manually. ML-2165W there is no display, so the setup is done through key combinations and indicators.

Make sure your router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi|Write down the network name (SSID) and password|The printer is turned on and located near the router|The green light on the printer is on Ready

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Instructions:

  1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer until the indicator starts flashing (about 5 seconds).
  2. Release the button. The printer will begin searching for available networks (the indicator light will blink slowly).
  3. Click the button Wi-Fi Press briefly once. The indicator will start flashing faster—this signals the transition to manual input mode.
  4. Now you need to enter SSID (network name) and password. To do this, use Samsung Easy Printer Manager program (you can download it from official website). Connect the printer to your computer via USB, launch the program, and follow the setup wizard prompts.

If you are unable to connect your printer via USB, you can use printer web interfaceTo do this:

  1. Connect the printer to the router via Ethernet cable (included in the kit).
  2. Find the printer's IP address in the router's list of connected devices (usually 192.168.1.XX or 192.168.0.XX).
  3. Enter this IP into the address bar of your browser. The web interface will open, where in the section Network → Wireless You can manually specify the SSID and password.

2.3. Connecting via USB cable (alternative method)

If wireless setup fails, you can temporarily connect the printer to your computer via USB, install the drivers, and configure Wi-Fi using Samsung software. This method is reliable, but requires an additional cable.

  • 🖥️ Connect the printer to your PC or laptop via USB.
  • 💿 Install the drivers from the disk or download the latest version from the Samsung website (select the model ML-2165W).
  • 🔧 Launch Samsung Easy Printer Manager and select the item Setting up a wireless network.
  • 📡 Follow the wizard's instructions: the program will automatically find available networks, and all you need to do is enter the password.

Once setup is successful, disconnect the USB cable - the printer should remain connected to the Wi-Fi network.

Via WPS|Via the printer control panel|Via USB and the Samsung program|Via the router's web interface

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3. Setting up the printer on your computer (Windows/macOS)

Once your printer is connected to Wi-Fi, you need to add it to your system to start printing. The process differs for Windows and macOS, but in both cases, you'll begin with installing drivers.

3.1. Installing drivers for Windows

For ML-2165W Universal Samsung drivers or specialized software are suitable. We recommend downloading the latest version from the official website:

  1. Go to the support page Samsung.
  2. Please enter your printer model (ML-2165W) and select your operating system.
  3. Download Samsung Universal Print Driver or a complete software package (Easy Printer Manager).
  4. Run the installer and follow the instructions. When prompted, select Wireless network connection.

If the driver is installed but the printer is not found:

  • 🔍 Check that the printer and computer are connected one Wi-Fi network.
  • 🔄 Restart the printer (turn the power off and on).
  • 🖨️ In Control Panel → Devices and Printers click Add a printer and select ML-2165W manually.

3.2. Setup on macOS

For Mac, the process is simpler thanks to built-in support for most printers:

  1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
  2. Click + to add a new printer.
  3. Select from the list Samsung ML-2165WIf it is not there, click Add a printer or scanner manually and enter the printer's IP address (can be found in the router).
  4. Select driver Samsung ML-2165 Series from the list.

If macOS doesn't find the driver, download it from the Samsung website or use the universal driver. AirPrint (supported by most modern printers).

4. Connecting the printer to a smartphone (Android/iOS)

Printing from a smartphone or tablet is becoming increasingly popular, especially for documents on the go. Samsung ML-2165W Supports mobile printing via manufacturer apps or standard protocols.

4.1. Printing from Android

For Android, there are two main methods:

  • 📱 Samsung Mobile Print app: Download it from Google Play, add the printer manually (click + and select ML-2165W from the list) and follow the instructions.
  • 🖼️ Standard Print: open the document, click Seal → select Save as PDF or Printing via Wi-Fi. It should appear in the list of printers. Samsung ML-2165W.

If the printer is not displayed:

  • Check that your phone and printer are in one Wi-Fi network.
  • Restart the printer (power off and on).
  • In your phone's Wi-Fi settings, turn off the mode. Saving traffic or Adaptive Wi-Fi - They can block device detection.

4.2. Printing from iPhone or iPad

iOS uses technology AirPrint, which is supported ML-2165W:

  1. Open the document (in Photo, Files or another application).
  2. Click Share (square with an arrow pointing up) → Seal.
  3. In the list of printers, select Samsung ML-2165W.
  4. Set the parameters (number of copies, orientation) and click Seal.

If your printer does not appear in the list:

  • 🔄 Make sure your iPhone and printer are connected one 2.4 GHz network (AirPrint does not work on the 5 GHz network).
  • 📡 Restart your router and printer.
  • 📱 In your iPhone settings, check that the function is enabled Local area network (V Settings → Privacy) is enabled for the applications you print from.
Why is my printer not visible on the 5 GHz network?

Many printers, including ML-2165W, only support the range 2.4 GHzIf your router distributes two networks (for example, MyWiFi And MyWiFi_5G), connect the printer to the network without a set-top box 5GYou can also disable range splitting in your router settings, combining the networks into one.

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with proper setup, problems can still arise. We've compiled the most common errors and how to fix them.

Problem Possible cause Solution
Indicator Wi-Fi flashing orange Incorrect password or printer is not connected to the network Reset the Wi-Fi settings on the printer (hold the button Wi-Fi 5 sec) and try connecting again
The printer does not print over Wi-Fi, but is connected. Drivers not installed or IP address conflict Reinstall the drivers. Assign a static IP address to the printer in the router (using DHCP reservation).
The printer periodically disconnects from Wi-Fi Weak signal or router power saving Move the printer closer to the router. Disable it in the router settings. Wi-Fi energy saving
Unable to connect via WPS WPS is disabled on the router or is not supported. Check your router settings (section WPS). Use manual data entry
The printer is not visible on the smartphone. Devices on different networks or blocked by a firewall Connect your phone and printer to the same network. Check that client isolation is not enabled in your router.AP Isolation)

If none of the methods helped, try update printer firmwareTo do this:

  1. Download the latest firmware from the Samsung website for your model ML-2165W.
  2. Connect the printer to your computer via USB.
  3. Run the firmware file and follow the instructions (do not turn off the printer during the update!).

6. Optimize Wi-Fi connection for stable printing

To the printer Samsung ML-2165W To ensure your Wi-Fi network works smoothly, it's important not only to configure it correctly but also to optimize the Wi-Fi network itself. Here are some tips:

  • 📶 Select the correct Wi-Fi channel: in the router settings (section Wireless) set a fixed channel (eg 6 or 11) instead AutoThis will reduce interference from neighboring networks.
  • 🔒 Set up IP reservation: Assign a permanent IP address to the printer in your router (DHCP reservation). This will prevent connection conflicts.
  • 🔄 Disable power saving: In the router settings, deactivate options like Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) or Green AP, which can break the connection.
  • 🛡️ Update your router firmware: Outdated router software may cause compatibility issues with the printer.

If the printer is used in an office with a large number of devices, consider network division:

  • Create a separate network for office equipment (for example, Office-Devices).
  • Restrict access to this network to trusted devices only by MAC address.
  • Use VLAN, if your router supports this feature.

Important: The Samsung ML-2165W printer does not support connecting to networks with a hidden SSID (hidden name). If your network isn't broadcasting its name, temporarily enable the SSID visibility in your router settings, connect the printer, and then hide the network again.

Always|Sometimes|Nearby|Never

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

If you can't set up a wireless connection, there are several alternative options:

7.1. Connection via Ethernet (LAN)

ML-2165W equipped with a port Ethernet, which allows you to connect it directly to the router with a cable. This is more reliable than Wi-Fi, but requires wiring.

  • 🔌 Connect the printer to the router via LAN cable.
  • 🖥️ On your computer, add the printer as a network printer by entering its IP address (you can find it in the router's list of devices).
  • 📱 For mobile devices, use apps like PrinterShare, which support printing over a local network.

7.2. Connecting via USB

If wireless methods aren't available, you can connect the printer directly to your computer via USB. To do this:

  1. Install drivers from the official Samsung website.
  2. Connect the printer to the USB port.
  3. IN Control Panel → Devices and Printers add ML-2165W as a local printer.

To print from a smartphone in this case you will need:

  • Turn on the computer printer sharing (in printer properties → Access).
  • On your smartphone, connect to the same network and use apps like Google Cloud Print or HP Smart (despite the name, it supports many printer models).

7.3 Using an external Wi-Fi adapter

If the printer's built-in Wi-Fi module is faulty, you can use external USB Wi-Fi adapter, connected to a router or computer. For example:

  • Buy an adapter with support Wi-Fi Direct or SoftAP.
  • Connect it to the printer's USB port (if supported) or to the router.
  • Configure the adapter as a bridge between the printer and the network.

This method requires additional costs and setup skills, but can save the situation if the built-in module fails.

8. Wireless Printing Security

A printer connected to Wi-Fi becomes a potential access point for intruders. To protect your data:

  • 🔐 Change the default password: in the printer's web interface (section Security) set a complex password to access the settings.
  • 🚫 Disable unnecessary protocols: if you don't use it FTP or Telnet, deactivate them in the settings.
  • 📡 Configure MAC address filtering: In your router, allow connections only for the MAC addresses of your devices.
  • 🔄 Update your firmware regularly: Manufacturers release patches to eliminate vulnerabilities.

If the printer is used in an office:

  • Create a separate guest network for clients and a separate one for office equipment.
  • Use VPN for remote printing.
  • Turn on IPsec or SSL/TLS to encrypt data when sending it to print.

Critical vulnerability: In 2022, a vulnerability was discovered in some Samsung printer models that allows remote code execution via the SNMP protocol. Update your printer firmware to the latest version to fix this vulnerability.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting the Samsung ML-2165W

🔹 Why can't my printer find my Wi-Fi network?

Possible reasons:

  • The network operates in the range 5 GHz (The printer only supports 2.4 GHz).
  • The router is in the enabled mode 802.11n Only - try installing 802.11b/g/n.
  • The signal is too weak - move the printer closer to the router.
  • Hidden SSID - Make the network visible temporarily.

Also check if it is enabled on the router MAC address filter, which can block the connection of new devices.

🔹 How do I reset my printer to factory settings?

Do it full reset:

  1. Turn off the printer.
  2. Press the buttons Cancel And Wi-Fi simultaneously.
  3. Turn on the power by holding the buttons for 10-15 seconds until all indicators flash.
  4. Release the buttons. The printer will reboot to factory settings.

⚠️ Attention: After the reset, you will have to reconfigure your Wi-Fi connection and install drivers on your computer.

🔹 Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes, there are two ways:

  1. Via WPS: Press the WPS button on the router, then hold Wi-Fi on the printer (as described in section 2.1).
  2. Via mobile app: download Samsung Mobile Print on your smartphone, connect to the printer via USB (via an OTG adapter for Android) and set up Wi-Fi through the app.

If your router does not support WPS, you will have to temporarily connect the printer to your computer for manual configuration.

🔹 Why is my printer delayed when printing over Wi-Fi?

Delays when printing over a wireless network can be caused by:

  • Low internet connection speed (if the document is downloaded from the cloud).
  • Router overload (many connected devices).
  • Suboptimal printer settings (e.g. high default print resolution).

Solutions:

  • Reboot your router.
  • In the printer settings (in the driver) set Quick Print or Draft for ordinary documents.
  • Connect the printer to the router via cable (Ethernet) if delays are critical.
🔹 How do I find my printer's IP address on the network?

There are several ways:

  1. Via router: Go to the router's web interface (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and look at the list of connected devices (section DHCP Clients or Connected Devices).
  2. Via the printer panel: press and hold the button Wi-Fi 3 seconds - the printer will print a page with network settings, where the IP will be indicated.
  3. Via computer: in Windows, open Control Panel → Devices and Printers