How to connect a Xerox Phaser 3020 printer to Wi-Fi: step-by-step instructions with photos

Laser printer Xerox Phaser 3020 — a popular model for home and small offices, but setting it up via Wi-Fi often raises questions. Unlike a wired connection, wireless configuration requires the correct sequence of steps, from preparing the router to installing drivers on the computer. This article will help you avoid common mistakes and save time.

We will look at two main connection methods: via WPS (the fastest method) and manually (if your router doesn't support WPS). You'll also learn how to check the connection, set up printing from different devices, and troubleshoot common issues—from a lack of network connectivity to the "Unable to connect" error.

Important: Phaser 3020 does not have a screen, so all manipulations are performed through buttons on the body and indicators. If this is your first time setting up your printer, please be patient—the process will take 10-15 minutes.

Preparing to connect: What you need to do before setting up Wi-Fi

Before you begin connecting, please ensure three key conditions are met:

• 📶 The router is turned on and distributes Wi-Fi in the range 2.4 GHz (the printer does not support 5 GHz). Network name (SSID) should be visible on other devices.
• 🖨️ The printer is turned on and is within range of the network (no further than 5-7 meters from the router). The green power indicator on the front panel should be lit.
• 💻 Computer or laptop Connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to. This will be necessary for installing the drivers.

If your router uses hidden network (broadcast SSID is disabled), make it visible temporarily or specify the network name and password. Xerox Phaser 3020 cannot connect to hidden networks manually.

Also check what is on the router MAC address filter disabled (if configured). The printer may not connect if its MAC address is not included in the list of allowed devices. Find this setting in the router's web interface (usually in the Wireless Network → MAC Filter).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a dual-band router, make sure that the networks 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz have different namesThe printer will not be able to connect to the network with the same SSID for both ranges.

Method 1: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)

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 (check for a button labeled WPS or the 🔄 icon).
• 🔒 WPS mode is enabled on the router (usually activated automatically).
• ⏱️ The printer is located close to the router (maximum 2-3 meters).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and the power light is green.
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the front panel of the printer for 3 secondsuntil the wireless indicator starts blinking.
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router (usually located on the back panel). Hold it for 1-2 seconds.
4. Wait until the Wi-Fi light on the printer stops blinking and turns on permanent green (this will take 30-60 seconds).

If the indicator continues to blink or remains orange, the connection failed. Repeat the process or proceed to manual setup.

Make sure your router supports WPS|

The printer is on and the power indicator is green|

Press the Wi-Fi button on the printer for 3 seconds|

Activate WPS on the router within 2 minutes-->

⚠️ Attention: Some routers (eg. TP-Link Archer C6) require you to hold the WPS button until the indicator on the router itself flashes. If the standard press doesn't work, try holding the button for 5-10 seconds.

Method 2: Manual Wi-Fi setup via computer

If your router doesn't support WPS or the connection fails, use the manual method. This will require temporarily connecting the printer to your computer via USB and configure the network through the program Xerox CentreWare.

Download and install drivers for Phaser 3020 With official Xerox website (select model Phaser 3020 and your operating system). The drivers come with a utility CentreWare Internet Services.

After installation, follow the steps:

1. Connect the printer to the computer via USB (use the cable included).
2. Launch CentreWare Internet Services (find the program in the menu Start or through search).
3. Go to the section Settings → Wireless Network.
4. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list or enter SSID manually.
5. Enter the network password and save the settings.
6. Turn it off USB cable — the printer will automatically reconnect to Wi-Fi.

If the printer doesn't appear in the device list after disconnecting the USB, reboot it (power it off and then back on). The Wi-Fi indicator should be on. green.

What should I do if CentreWare doesn't see my printer?

Make sure the printer is connected to the computer. directly (without USB hubs). Try a different cable or port on your PC. If the problem persists, check if the drivers are installed correctly. Device Manager (section "Print queues").

Checking the connection and setting up printing

Once you've successfully connected to Wi-Fi, you need to make sure your printer is accessible on the network and ready to print. Here are three steps to follow:

1. Check the printer's IP address: print Network configuration pageTo do this, hold down the button Cancel on the printer for 5 seconds until printing begins. In the section Wireless find the line IP Address — this is the local address of the printer on your network.
2. Add a printer to your computer:
   • 🖥️ Windows: go to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a Printer and select Xerox Phaser 3020 from the list.
   • 🍎 MacOS: open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → Add and enter the printer's IP address.

Print a test page: send any document to print (for example, Notebook with the text "Test"). If the page prints, the setup was successful.

If your printer doesn't appear in the list of devices, try adding it manually. IP addressTo do this:

1. In Windows, click Add a printer → The printer I need is not in the list → Add a printer by TCP/IP address.
2. Enter the printer's IP address (from the configuration page) and select the driver Xerox Phaser 3020.

Setting up printing from mobile devices

To print from your phone or tablet Xerox Phaser 3020, use one of the applications:

• 📱 Xerox Print Service Plugin (for Android) - official app, supports printing documents and photos.
• 🍎 AirPrint (for iPhone/iPad) - built-in iOS function, no installation required.
• 🌐 Google Cloud Print (if the printer is added to your Google account).

Instructions for Android:

1. Install Xerox Print Service Plugin from Google Play.
2. Open the document (for example, in Google Docs or Gallery) and select Seal.
3. In the list of printers, select Xerox Phaser 3020 (if it is not there, click Refresh).
4. Adjust the print settings and confirm.

For iPhone/iPad:

1. Make sure your phone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the document, click Share → Print.
3. Select Xerox Phaser 3020 from the list (the printer should be detected automatically via AirPrint).

⚠️ Attention: If the printer is not showing up in mobile apps, check that the router client isolation mode is disabled (AP Isolation). This feature blocks communication between devices on the same network.

Troubleshooting: Why Your Printer Won't Connect to Wi-Fi

If Xerox Phaser 3020 does not connect to the network, check the following points:

• 🔌 Router power supply: Reboot your router (turn it off for 30 seconds and turn it back on).
• 📡 Wi-Fi range: The printer only works with 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts both networks (2.4 and 5 GHz) under the same name, separate them.
• 🔒 Network password: Make sure you enter the correct password (case sensitive!).
• 🔄 Resetting the printer: If the Wi-Fi indicator is orange, reset the network settings. To do this, hold down the button Wi-Fi 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.

A critical feature of the Phaser 3020 is that the printer does not support networks with WPA3 encryption—only WPA2-PSK (AES). If your router uses WPA3, change the encryption type in the settings to WPA2-PSK.

If the printer connects to the network but does not print:

• 🖨️ Check that the printer is installed as default printer in Windows/MacOS settings.
• 📥 Update drivers via CentreWare or from the Xerox website.
• 🔌 Make sure that on the router The SMB protocol is not blocked (used for network printing).

Additional settings: security and optimization

After a successful connection, it is recommended to perform several steps to ensure stable operation:

1. Assign a static IP address: This will prevent the printer's address from changing when the router reboots. You can do this in the router's DHCP settings (bind the printer's MAC address to a fixed IP address).
2. Update firmware: Download the latest firmware from the Xerox website and install it via CentreWareThis will fix possible connection errors.
3. Set up energy saving: If the printer is rarely used, turn on the mode Sleep Mode in the settings so that it turns off automatically.

To improve security:

• 🔐 Change the printer administration password (default is 1111 or empty). This can be done through CentreWare in the section Security.
• 📡 Turn off WPS on the router after setup (this is a vulnerable protocol).
• 🖥️ Set a password for the print queue in Windows if the printer is used in the office.

If the printer will be used in a public network (for example, in a coworking space), it is recommended disable Wi-Fi access and use only a wired connection for security.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Connecting the Xerox Phaser 3020

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

Yes, if your router supports it. WPSIn this case, the setup is performed only through the buttons on the printer and router (see Method 1). Without WPS and a computer, it's impossible to set up Wi-Fi—a temporary USB connection is required.

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

Check:

1. The phone and printer are connected to one network.
2. It's disabled on the router. AP Isolation (client isolation).
3. The application has been installed Xerox Print Service Plugin (for Android) or used AirPrint (for iOS).

If the problem persists, restart your printer and phone.

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

To reset network settings, hold the button Wi-Fi on the front panel during 10 secondsuntil the indicator light starts blinking rapidly. After this, the printer will "forget" all saved networks, and you can set up the connection again.

Does the Phaser 3020 support cloud printing (Google Cloud Print)?

No, Xerox Phaser 3020 has no built-in support Google Cloud PrintHowever, you can:

• Use intermediary - a computer with it turned on Google Chrome and the Cloud Print extension.
• Tune port forwarding on a router for remote printing (requires a static IP).

Which routers are definitely compatible with the Phaser 3020?

The printer works with most routers that support 802.11b/g/n in the range 2.4 GHz. Proven models:

• 📶 TP-Link TL-WR841N (budget option).
• 📶 ASUS RT-N12 (stable work).
• 📶 MikroTik hAP lite (for advanced users).

Problems most often arise with routers Zyxel Keenetic due to non-standard Wi-Fi settings. In this case, disable the function Smart Connect.