Modern laser printer Brother HL-L2340DWR It's one of the most popular home printing devices due to its reliability and wireless support. Its Wi-Fi setup allows for placement anywhere convenient, without the need for short cables, which is especially important for small apartments or offices. However, establishing the initial connection to the router can often be challenging for users unfamiliar with the intricacies of network protocols.
In this article, we'll walk you through every step of connecting your device to a wireless network. We'll cover both standard WPS setup methods and manual configuration from a computer, and we'll also address common errors you might encounter along the way. Proper network configuration will ensure reliable document printing from any device in your home, whether it's a laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
Preparing equipment and checking network parameters
Before you begin software setup, you need to make sure the hardware is physically ready for operation. Make sure the printer HL-L2340DWR is connected to the electrical network and is in standby mode, which is indicated by the indicator lighting up ReadyIt's important that the device is located within a strong signal range of your wireless router, ideally within the same room for initial setup.
For successful integration, you will need to know your network name (SSID) and password. If you haven't changed your router settings yourself, this information may be found on a sticker on the bottom of the router. Please note that this printer model supports the following standards: 802.11b/g/n and operates primarily in the 2.4 GHz band, so make sure your network is active and not hidden.
It's also recommended to check the driver status on your computer beforehand. If you have the installation disc included with your device or can download the latest software from the official website, this will significantly simplify the process. In some cases, the operating system may automatically detect the device, but for full functionality, it's best to use the original utilities.
Quick setup method via WPS
The fastest way to connect the Brother HL-L2340DWR to Wi-Fi is using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to establish a connection without manually entering a password, minimizing the risk of error. First, make sure your router supports WPS, which is true for the vast majority of modern models.
Press the WPS button on your wireless router. Typically, after pressing the button, the router's security indicator will start blinking, indicating it's searching for devices. You have about two minutes to activate the same feature on the printer itself.
On the printer control panel, press and hold the button Wi-Fi for about two seconds until the Wi-Fi indicator starts blinking slowly. Then press the button OKThe device will begin searching for available networks with WPS enabled. If the connection is successful, the Wi-Fi indicator will remain lit and a message will appear on the screen. Connected.
- 📡 Make sure the WPS button on the router is pressed before activating the mode on the printer.
- ⏱ The interval between button presses should not exceed 2 minutes, otherwise the process will have to be repeated.
- 🔒 The WPS method does not work if your network uses an encryption type other than WPA-Personal or WPA2-Personal.
⚠️ Attention: If the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer flashes rapidly and then goes out, this means the connection is not established. Check if WPS mode is enabled on the router, or try the manual setup method.
☑️ Checklist for connecting via WPS
Manual setup via the Setup Wizard (Windows)
If automatic setup doesn't work, the most reliable option is to use Brother software. You'll need a Windows computer connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. Download the full driver and utility package from the manufacturer's official website, selecting your model.
Run the downloaded setup file. During the installation, select "Wireless Network." The program will prompt you to select a connection method; select "Yes, I want to connect my printer wirelessly" and follow the on-screen instructions. The utility will automatically find the printer on the network or offer to temporarily connect it via USB to transfer network settings.
During the process, you may be asked to select your network name (SSID) from a list of available ones. If the network is hidden, you will need to enter the name manually. Then, enter the Wi-Fi password. After confirming the settings, the printer will attempt to connect to the router. Successful completion of this step is confirmed by a printed connection report or a corresponding message on the monitor screen.
| Setup stage | User action | Expected result |
|---|---|---|
| Launching the installer | Select the "Wireless Network" connection type | Go to network settings |
| Network search | Selecting an SSID from the list | Displaying the password entry field |
| Data entry | Entering the Wi-Fi password | Transferring settings to the printer |
| Finalization | Waiting for confirmation | The Wi-Fi indicator is on steadily. |
Setup via macOS and the Brother iPrint&Scan utility
Apple computer users can use built-in system tools or specialized software. In macOS, the process is often automatic thanks to AirPrint technology, but for initial Wi-Fi setup, it's better to use a utility. Brother iPrint&Scan or a full driver package. Download the necessary software from the official Brother support resource.
After installing the app, launch it and select the option to add a printer. The program will prompt you to select a connection type; select "Wireless Network." If the printer was previously connected via cable or WPS, it may be detected automatically. Otherwise, the setup wizard will guide you through selecting a network and entering a password, similar to the Windows process.
It's important to note that in newer versions of macOS (starting with Catalina), the system may request additional permissions to access the printer's local network. Be sure to allow these actions in the system privacy preferences, otherwise the computer won't see the device in the list of available printers.
- 🍏 Make sure your Mac and printer are on the same subnet (same gateway IP address).
- 🔐 When prompted for permissions on macOS, be sure to click "OK" or "Allow."
- 🔄 If the printer is not found, try temporarily switching to the 2.4 GHz network if your router broadcasts 5 GHz separately.
What to do if your Mac doesn't see your printer?
Check your firewall. In System Preferences, go to "Security & Privacy" -> "Firewall." Make sure incoming connection blocking is disabled or an exception has been added for Brother.
Connecting mobile devices (Android and iOS)
Mobile printing is becoming the standard, and the Brother HL-L2340DWR fully supports this feature. For iPhone and iPad owners, AirPrint is the primary tool, requiring no additional drivers. The only requirement is that the Apple device and printer be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
For Android devices, as well as for advanced functionality on iOS, it is recommended to install the free app Brother iPrint&ScanAfter launching the app, it will automatically search for printers on the local network. If the printer is already configured to Wi-Fi (for example, via WPS or a PC), the app will detect it immediately.
If the printer isn't yet connected to the network, the app may offer setup assistance. However, for the initial configuration of the printer's wireless module, it's still more convenient to use a computer or the WPS method described above. Once successfully connected, you'll be able to scan documents directly into the app and print photos.
⚠️ Attention: When using a guest Wi-Fi network on a router, mobile devices may be isolated from the local network, making it impossible to discover the printer. Use the main network.
Troubleshooting and Advanced Settings
Even with proper setup, situations may arise where the printer loses connection or isn't detected by the computer. The first step should always be printing a network report. To do this, press the button on the printer's control panel. Menu, go to the section Network (Network) or WLAN, select WLAN and press Print Report (Print report).
In the received document, pay attention to the line Link Status. If it is indicated there Disconnected, then the printer has lost connection with the router. Check that the password and network name are entered correctly. You should also pay attention to the IP address: if it starts with 169.254.x.x, this means that the device was unable to obtain an address from the router's DHCP server.
In complex cases, you may need to reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. Follow these steps: Menu → Network → Network Reset. Confirm the action (Yes), and the printer will reboot. After this, you'll have to go through the Wi-Fi setup procedure again.
- 📶 Check if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router, which may block new devices.
- 🔄 Restarting the router often solves problems with the DHCP server freezing.
- 🔌 A temporary connection via USB cable can help the setup utility transfer Wi-Fi settings if the wireless module is not "visible".
What should I do if the printer sees the network but doesn't connect?
Most often, the issue lies with the encryption type. Make sure your router is set to WPA2-PSK (AES). Older encryption methods (WEP, TKIP) may not be supported or may be unstable. Also, check that the client list on your router isn't full.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden network (Hidden SSID)?
Yes, this is possible, but only through manual setup from a computer or through the printer's menu (Menu -> Network -> WLAN -> Setup Wizard). You'll need to manually enter the exact network name (SSID) and security type. Automatic methods like WPS won't work for hidden networks.
Why is the Wi-Fi light orange?
An orange light usually means the wireless network is enabled, but there's no connection to the router or the signal is too weak. A green light indicates an active and stable connection to the network.