Many office equipment users are familiar with the situation of urgently needing to print a document from a phone or tablet, but the printer won't connect to the wireless network. In such cases, technology comes to the rescue. WiFi Direct, which allows for a direct connection between devices without a router. However, the key obstacle to completing setup is often the lack of a PIN or password requested by the mobile device.
Search problem P2P-Password (direct connection password) is especially relevant for owners of MFP series SL-M2070, SL-M2880 or more modern models XpressUnlike a standard home network connection, a separate security protocol is used here. Knowing exactly where to find this information and how to enter it correctly will save you a lot of time and frustration when trying to set up printing.
In this article, we'll cover all available methods for obtaining an access key in detail: from printing a configuration report to using the WPS button. You'll learn how to distinguish an administrator password from a wireless network key and what to do if standard methods don't work.
How WiFi Direct Works on Samsung Devices
Technology WiFi Direct Creates a virtual access point directly on the printer itself. This means your smartphone or laptop connects to the printer just like a regular home router. An encryption protocol is used to protect transmitted data. WPA2-PSK, requiring the entry of a unique security key.
Many users confuse the WiFi Direct password with the password for the web administrator interface (SyncThru Web Service). These are different things. The wireless connection key is often labeled as WPS PIN or P2P PasswordIn some models it is static and does not change, while in others it is generated randomly each time the function is turned on.
⚠️ Note: If you previously changed security settings via the web interface, the default factory password may no longer work. In this case, you will need to reset the network settings to factory defaults.
It's important to understand that when WiFi Direct is active, the printer may temporarily lose connection to the primary local network if the model doesn't support dual-bridge mode. Therefore, it's recommended to disable the direct connection function after printing to improve the security of your office network.
Finding the password on the device's information sticker
The fastest and most reliable way to find the required code is to inspect the printer body. Engineers Samsung Electronics Factory data is usually located on a special information sticker. It can be located on the front panel, the side of the device, or under the paper tray cover.
Look for lines with marks WPS PIN, P2P PIN or WiFi Direct PasswordDepending on the year of production of the model, the recording format may differ. For example, in the series M2020 This is often an 8-digit numeric code, and newer models may use an alphanumeric combination.
If the sticker is worn off or difficult to read, you can try to find similar information in the user manual that came with the device. However, in today's environment, manufacturers are increasingly removing individual keys from paper manuals, leaving them only on the device's body.
Printing a Network Configuration Report
If physical access to the sticker is difficult or missing, the most informative method is to print a special report. This document contains comprehensive information about the current status of network modules, including MAC addresses, IP addresses, and passwords.
To perform this procedure, you will need to press a specific combination of buttons on the control panel. The sequence of actions depends on the model of your MFP. Typically, you will need to hold down the button WPS or WiFi within a few seconds, or use the menu via the button M (Menu).
☑️ Print a network report
After receiving the sheet, carefully study the section WiFi Direct InformationThe SSID (the printer's network name) and Security Key will be listed there. This is the key you need to enter on the connecting device. Please pay attention to case, as the security system is case-sensitive.
Using the WPS button to connect automatically
There is a method that allows you to bypass the need to manually enter a complex password. Protocol WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) allows you to pair devices with the simple press of a button. This is especially convenient if your smartphone or tablet doesn't have a physical keyboard and typing is difficult.
To use this method, make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on your mobile device. Then, start printing a document or photo. When prompted to select a printer, find your Samsung model in the list. Instead of entering a password, the system will prompt you to "Connect via WPS" or "Press a button on the printer."
At this point, you need to quickly go to the MFP and press the button WPS on the control panel. If your model doesn't have a dedicated button, you can activate the function through the menu: Menu → Network → WiFi Direct → WPS Push ButtonThe devices will find each other and exchange encryption keys automatically.
⚠️ Note: The WPS method only works for a short time (usually 2 minutes). If you don't press the printer button after initiating the search on your phone, you'll have to repeat the process.
Setting up via the Samsung Printer Settings program
For users working from a computer running Windows or macOS, a convenient tool is the proprietary utility Samsung Printer Settings (formerly known as SyncThru Web Service Admin or part of the Easy Printer Manager suite). This program allows you to manage your printer's network settings through a graphical interface.
After installing the software and connecting the printer via a USB cable (for initial setup), go to the section Network settings or WirelessThe window that opens often displays the current WiFi Direct status and allows you to view or change the password. You can even set your own, easier-to-remember password.
The program interface may vary depending on the driver version. In some cases, you may need to navigate to a tab. Security or Network StatusIf the program asks for a login and password to access settings, try the standard pair: admin / sec00000.
What to do if the standard password admin/sec00000 does not work?
If the default credentials don't work, the password was previously changed by the network administrator. In this case, the only solution is a full network reset, which will restore factory settings but delete all saved WiFi profiles.
Table of standard passwords and PIN codes for different series
Although each printer has a unique key, there are standard factory settings that are used by default until the user first activates the device. Below is a table of the most common combinations for various Samsung product lines.
| Printer series | Connection type | Factory PIN/Password | Where to find the unique code |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL-M2020 / M2070 | WiFi Direct | 12345678 | Sticker on the body |
| SL-M2830 / M2880 | WPS PIN | 01234567 | Network Config Report |
| Xpress C430 | P2P Password | Random (8 digits) | Printer screen (if available) |
| ProXpress Series | WiFi Direct | sec00000 | Device menu |
Please note that the "Factory PIN/Password" column contains values that may be requested upon initial connection or to enter the administrator menu. The actual password for connecting the phone (P2P Password) is usually unique to each phone and is indicated on the sticker.
Resetting network settings and troubleshooting
If none of the above methods work, or if you've forgotten the password you previously set, there's a radical but effective solution: resetting the network settings. This will return the wireless module to its factory settings.
Performing a reset usually requires turning off the printer, then holding down a combination of buttons (often WPS + Cancel or Menu + #) and, while holding them, turn on the device. It's best to check the exact combination for your model in the technical documentation, as it varies.
After rebooting, the printer will behave as if it were new. You'll be able to reprint the configuration report and see the current WiFi Direct password. It's also recommended to check for firmware updates, as new software versions may improve security and connection convenience.
Why can't my phone see my Samsung printer even with the correct password?
A common cause is frequency range. Many older Samsung printer models only operate within this range. 2.4 GHzIf your router or phone is connected to a 5 GHz network, a direct connection may not be established. Try switching your smartphone to a 2.4 GHz network or temporarily disabling this band in your router.
Is it possible to connect to WiFi Direct without a password?
No, the WPA2 security protocol requires mandatory authentication. However, if the printer is configured to WPS Push Button, you can connect by pressing a physical button, which formally does not require entering a symbolic password, but does require physical access to the device.
How do I change the WiFi Direct password on my printer?
You can change the password through the SyncThru web interface (by entering the printer's IP address in a browser) or through the Samsung Printer Settings app on your computer. In the network menu, find the WiFi Direct settings and the Password/PIN field. After changing the password, be sure to reconnect all mobile devices with the new code.