How to connect the Samsung Xpress M2020 printer to Wi-Fi: A complete guide with photos and tips

Monolaser printer Samsung Xpress M2020 It remains a popular choice for homes and small offices due to its compact size and reliability. However, connecting it to a wireless network often raises questions, especially for users setting up network devices for the first time. Unlike modern models with NFC or cloud services, The M2020 requires manual Wi-Fi configuration., which may seem complicated without clear instructions.

In this article we will look at all possible connection methods: from the standard method through the printer control panel to alternative options using a USB cable or mobile phone. You'll learn how to properly configure your router for stable printer operation, which drivers are needed for different operating systems, and what to do if the device doesn't see the network. We'll pay special attention to hidden printer settings that the manufacturer does not advertise in the official documentation — they will help solve 90% of connection problems.

Preparing for connection: what you need to check before starting setup

Before you begin setting up Wi-Fi, make sure all system components are ready to use. Errors at this stage — the main reason for unsuccessful connections.

First, check router:

  • 🔌 Make sure that on the router 2.4 GHz mode is enabledSamsung Xpress M2020 Doesn't support 5 GHz networks. If your router operates in dual-band mode, temporarily disable the 5 GHz band or create a separate network for 2.4 GHz.
  • 🔒 Check your router settings MAC address filtering is disabled - it can block the connection of a new device.
  • 📡 Make sure the Wi-Fi signal is stable where the printer is located. If the printer is located far from the router, use repeater or move the device closer.

Secondly, prepare the printer itself:

  • 🔋 Plug the printer into a power source and turn it on. Wait until it boots up completely—the indicator light on the panel should be green (not flashing!).
  • 📄 Make sure there is paper in the tray - the printer may request a test print to confirm the connection.
  • 🖨️ If the printer was previously connected to a different network, follow these steps: reset network settings (press and hold the button Wi-Fi for 5 seconds until the indicator flashes).
⚠️ Attention: If your router uses WPA3 or WEP- encryption, the printer may not connect. Samsung Xpress M2020 compatible only with WPA2-PSK (AES)If necessary, change the encryption type in the router settings.
📊 What type of printer connection do you use most often?
Via USB
Via Wi-Fi
Via Ethernet
Through the cloud

Method 1: Connecting via the printer control panel (standard method)

This is the primary method recommended by the manufacturer. It doesn't require a computer, but it does require careful data entry.

Steps to connect:

  1. Click the button Wi-Fi on the printer's control panel. The indicator light next to the button will start flashing.
  2. Hold the button Wi-Fi for 3 seconds until the indicator lights up WPS (If your router supports WPS, you can use this method - see the next section).
  3. A message will appear on the printer control panel. Wi-Fi Direct. Click the button Cancel (❌) to switch to manual connection mode.
  4. Using buttons ↑/↓ Select your Wi-Fi network from the list. Click OK.
  5. Enter the network password. To do this:
    • Use the buttons ↑/↓/←/→ to select symbols.
    • To switch case (upper/lower case letters) press Wi-Fi.
    • To enter numbers or special characters, use the button Cancel (❌) to switch layout.
  • After entering the password, click OK and wait for the connection. Indicator Wi-Fi should be green.
  • If the printer is successfully connected, it will print network settings report with the device's IP address. Save this sheet—you'll need it for setup on your computer.

    The 2.4 GHz mode on the router has been checked. The printer is turned on and loaded. There is paper in the tray. The Wi-Fi password is at hand. The old settings have been reset (if the printer was used previously).

    ⚠️ Attention: If your network is hidden (not broadcasting its SSID), the printer won't be able to detect it. In this case, temporarily make the network visible or use the WPS method (see the next section).

    Method 2: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)

    If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), connection will take less than a minute. This method doesn't require a password, but it has some limitations:

    • 🔄 The router must have a physical WPS button or a virtual one in the web interface.
    • 🔒 Some router models disable WPS after several unsuccessful attempts (brute force protection).
    • ⏱️ Do you have 2 minutes to connect after activating WPS on the router.

    Connection instructions:

    1. Click the button WPS on the router. The WPS indicator will start blinking.
    2. On the printer Samsung Xpress M2020 press and hold the button Wi-Fi for 3 seconds until the indicator lights up WPS.
    3. The printer will automatically find the router and connect to the network. This process takes 30-60 seconds.
    4. After a successful connection, a report with network settings will be printed.

    If connection failed:

    • Repeat the process, making sure the router is in WPS connection mode.
    • Check if the WPS function is disabled in the router settings (usually in the section Wireless Network → WPS).
    • If your router is dual-band, make sure WPS is enabled for your network. 2.4 GHz.

    Method 3: Connecting via USB cable (alternative method)

    If the printer does not see your Wi-Fi network or you prefer to configure everything through your computer, you can use temporary USB connectionThis method requires installing drivers, but is guaranteed to work even if you have wireless network issues.

    Step-by-step instructions:

    1. Connect the printer to your computer using the USB cable (included).
    2. Download and install Drivers for the Samsung Xpress M2020 from the official website:
      • For Windows: Samsung support page (select your OS).
      • For macOS: use AirPrint (built-in support) or download the driver from the same site.
  • After installing the drivers, open Control Panel → Devices and Printers (Windows) or System Preferences → Printers & Scanners (macOS).
  • Add a new printer. The system should automatically detect it. Samsung Xpress M2020.
  • In the printer properties menu, find the section Port setup or Wireless setup.
  • Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. The printer will reboot and connect to the network.
  • Disconnect the USB cable. The printer should now work via Wi-Fi.
  • If the drivers are not installed:

    • 🖥️ Check the bitness of your OS (32-bit or 64-bit) and download the appropriate driver version.
    • 🔌 Try a different USB port or cable.
    • 🔄 Restart your computer and printer before reinstalling.
    operating system Minimum version Is a driver required? AirPrint support
    Windows 10/11 1809 Yes (download from Samsung website) No
    macOS 10.12 Sierra No (built-in support) Yes
    Linux (Ubuntu/Debian) 18.04 LTS Yes (driver splix) Partially
    Android 5.0 Lollipop No (Samsung Mobile Print app) Yes
    ⚠️ Attention: On some versions Windows 11 Samsung drivers may conflict with the built-in universal drivers. In this case, remove the printer from the system before installation. Control Panel → Uninstall a program.

    Setting up a printer on a computer and mobile devices

    Once your printer is successfully connected to Wi-Fi, you need to add it to your system to start printing. The process varies depending on your device.

    On Windows 10/11

    Steps to add a printer:

    1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
    2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
    3. Wait for the system to find Samsung Xpress M2020If the printer is not detected, click The printer you need is not in the list.
    4. Select Add a printer by TCP/IP address and enter the printer's IP address (can be found on the printed connection report).
    5. Specify the driver Samsung SL-M2020 Series and complete the installation.

    On macOS

    On Mac the printer is added automatically through AirPrint:

    1. Open the document to print and select File → Print.
    2. It should appear in the list of printers. Samsung Xpress M2020If it is not there, click Add a printer.
    3. Select a tab IP and enter the printer address in the format lpd://IP address.

    On Android/iOS

    To print from your phone:

    • 📱 Install the application Samsung Mobile Print (Android) or use the built-in function Seal (iOS).
    • 🔍 Make sure your phone and printer are connected one Wi-Fi network.
    • 🖼️ In the app, select a printer and send the document to print.
    How to print from iPhone without apps?

    On iPhone/iPad printer Samsung Xpress M2020 supports AirPrintOpen the document, tap "Share" → "Print," and select the printer from the list. If the printer doesn't appear, make sure it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone and that the Print function is enabled. AirPrint enabled in the router settings (usually it is activated by default).

    Solving common connection problems

    Even with proper setup, your printer may not connect to Wi-Fi. Let's look at common errors and how to fix them.

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The printer doesn't see the Wi-Fi network. The network is operating in 5 GHz mode or is hidden (SSID is not broadcast) Switch your router to 2.4 GHz or temporarily make the network visible
    "Incorrect password" error Incorrect password entry or incompatible encryption (WPA3/WEP) Check the capitalization of the characters. Change the encryption type on the router to WPA2-PSK (AES)
    The printer connects but does not print. Incorrect port or driver settings on your computer Remove the printer and add it again with the correct IP address.
    The Wi-Fi indicator is blinking orange Weak signal or IP address conflict Move the printer closer to the router or assign a static IP in the DHCP settings.

    If the printer connects but periodically disconnects:

    • 🔄 Check your settings power saving mode On the router - some models turn off Wi-Fi to save energy.
    • 📡 Reduce Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (for example, with Auto on 6 or 11).
    • 🔋 Update your printer firmware via Samsung Easy Printer Manager (download from the official website).

    Additional settings for stable operation

    To avoid problems in the future, it is recommended to make a few additional settings.

    Assigning a static IP address

    By default, the router assigns a dynamic IP address to the printer, which can change. This can lead to connection loss. To assign the address:

    1. Find the current IP of the printer in the printed report or through the router's web interface (section DHCP clients).
    2. In the router settings, go to Local Network → DHCP → Address Reservation.
    3. Add a new rule by specifying Printer MAC address (can be found in the report) and the desired IP (for example, 192.168.1.100).

    Updating the printer firmware

    Outdated firmware may cause connection issues. To update:

    1. Download the latest firmware version from Samsung website.
    2. Connect the printer to your computer via USB.
    3. Run the firmware file and follow the instructions (the printer will reboot several times).

    Setting up cloud printing (Google Cloud Print)

    If you need a stamp from anywhere in the world:

    1. Connect the printer to Google Cloud Print through Chrome:
      • Open chrome://devices.
      • Click Add printers and select Samsung Xpress M2020.
  • Now you can print from any device using your Google account.
  • ⚠️ Attention: From December 31, 2020, the service Google Cloud Print Officially closed. Use these alternatives instead: Samsung Mobile Print, Mopria Print Service (Android) or AirPrint (iOS).

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to connect the Samsung Xpress M2020 to Wi-Fi without a computer?

    Yes, this is possible in two ways:

    1. Through printer control panel (manual password entry).
    2. Through WPS, if your router supports this technology.
    3. A computer is only needed to install drivers or if setup via USB is required.

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

    Check the following:

    • 📱 The phone and printer are connected to one Wi-Fi network.
    • 🔄 Restart your printer and phone.
    • 📲 Install the official app Samsung Mobile Print (Android) or use AirPrint (iOS).
    • 🔒 Disable it in your router settings isolation of clients (AP Isolation), if enabled.
    How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings?

    To completely reset network settings:

    1. Turn off the printer.
    2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi and, while holding it, turn on the printer.
    3. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until all indicators start flashing.
    4. Release the button and the printer will reboot with factory Wi-Fi settings.

    After the reset, you can reconfigure your network connection.

    Does the Samsung Xpress M2020 support printing via USB and Wi-Fi simultaneously?

    No, the printer can only use one interface At this moment. When connecting via USB, the wireless connection is automatically disabled, and vice versa. If you need to switch from USB to Wi-Fi, disconnect the cable and reboot the printer.

    Can this printer be connected to a public Wi-Fi network (for example, in a cafe)?

    Technically yes, but with some caveats:

    • 🔐 The network must use WPA2-PSK (most social networks use port authorizations, which the printer does not support).
    • 📡 You will need to know the exact SSID and a password (if the network is hidden, the printer will not find it).
    • 🖥️ To print from a laptop, you will have to manually add the printer by IP address each time, since DHCP on public networks often changes addresses.

    For stable operation it is better to use mobile hotspot (smartphone in modem mode).