Owners of laser MFP series Samsung M2020W Users often need to reconnect their device to a wireless network. This can happen after replacing a router, changing their ISP's security settings, or simply when trying to connect a new laptop to an existing printer. The main difficulty is that the device lacks a display, and standard methods for viewing saved data are not obvious to the average user.
It's important to understand that the printer itself does not store your WiFi network password in plain text, which could be easily "read" from its casing. Password The wireless network password is the access key to your router, not the printer's internal settings. However, there are proven ways to restore access or reconfigure the connection using the device's built-in features and operating system.
In this article, we'll cover all available methods in detail: from using the WPS button to resetting network settings using utilities. You'll learn how to find the security key in Windows settings if the device was previously connected, and what to do if standard methods don't work. Technical support recommends acting sequentially, starting with the simplest options.
Finding a password through Windows settings
If you have already connected the printer Samsung M2020W If you previously connected to a Windows computer, the operating system may have saved your wireless network credentials. This is the easiest way to find the password without having to perform complex configuration steps on the device itself. You'll need access to the PC you used to set it up.
First, you need to open the Network and Sharing Center. Press the following key combination Win + R, enter the command ncpa.cpl and press Enter. In the window that opens, find your active wireless connection, right-click it, and select "Status." Then, go to the wireless network properties.
In the Properties window, you'll want to look at the "Security" tab. This is where the network security key is stored. By default, it's hidden behind asterisks. To see the characters, check the "Show entered characters" box. If you have administrator rights, the system will show security key in the text field.
- 🔑 Open the Network Control Panel using the command
ncpa.cpl. - 🖱️ Right-click on the active WiFi connection.
- 🛡️ Go to the "Security" tab in network properties.
- 👁️ Enable display of characters to view the password.
⚠️ Note: If the Security tab is unavailable or hidden, it means that your current account does not have administrator rights or the network profile has been deleted from the system.
It's worth noting that this method only works if the computer you're trying to find the password from is currently or has previously been connected to the same network to which you want to connect the printer. For Windows 10 and 11, the procedure may look slightly different, but the logic remains the same. Saved passwords are part of the system registry.
Using the WPS function to connect
Model Samsung M2020W Equipped with a Wi-Fi module that supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This standard allows devices to connect to the network without manually entering a password. If your router also supports this feature (and almost all modern models do), you simply won't need to know the password.
The connection process is as follows: find the button with the wireless network icon or the WPS icon on the printer body. Depending on the firmware version, the procedure may vary. Most often, you need to press and hold the WiFi button on the printer until the indicator light starts blinking, then quickly press the WPS button on the router.
The device will automatically exchange encryption keys. The printer's indicator will stop flashing and turn solid, indicating a successful connection. This is the most safe method from a data entry perspective, as it eliminates the human factor and typos when entering a complex password.
There's also a software-based WPS method using a PIN code. The printer generates a unique eight-digit code that must be entered into the router settings. However, for the M2020W model, a physical button is more common. Make sure WPS is enabled in your router's web interface if automatic connection doesn't occur.
Resetting the printer's network settings
If the previous methods didn't help, or you don't remember the network password and need to connect the device urgently, you can reset the printer's network settings. This will restore the network module. Samsung M2020W to factory settings. After this, the device can be set up again as new using the current password.
To reset the network without using a computer (since drivers may be lost), use a button combination. Typically, you need to press and hold the cancel button (red cross or triangle) for a few seconds until the lights flash. It's best to check the manual for the exact sequence, but holding the WiFi button often works.
☑️ Network Settings Reset Checklist
After the reset, the printer will create its own temporary network (Direct Mode) or enter setup mode. In this state, it has no IP address on your local network. You will need to run the installation disc or download the driver from the official website to restart the initialization process.
⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings will not affect! Resetting the printer's network settings does not delete the last PC connected, but it does erase the WiFi settings (SSID and password).removes data about the most recently printed documents from the device's memory, but completely clears the WiFi routing table.
It's important to understand the difference between a hard reset (cold reset) and a network reset. We're specifically looking for the latter. If you accidentally perform a hard reset, it could reset your tray settings, sleep timers, and other settings that you'll need to manually configure using a utility. SetIP or driver.
Setup via USB cable and utility
The most secure way to tell the printer the new password is to use a wired connection. Even if you don't have drivers, the operating system often automatically installs a basic driver for Samsung M2020W when connected via USB. This allows you to launch the proprietary setup utility.
Connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable. Wait for the device to install. Then, launch the "Samsung Printer Settings" program or the installation package from the manufacturer's website. Select "Wireless Setup" from the menu. The program will automatically scan for current networks and prompt you to select yours.
In the window that opens, you'll be prompted to enter your WiFi password. Since you're entering it from your computer keyboard, you can view it first in your router settings or on a sticker on the router itself. After entering the password, the utility will transfer it to the printer, and it will reconnect over the air.
| Parameter | Default value | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Network mode | Infrastructure | Do not change |
| SSID (Network Name) | Empty | Select from the list |
| Security | WPA2-PSK | Auto-detect |
| IP Address | Auto (DHCP) | Leave the car |
Using a cable ensures successful setup even if the WiFi signal is weak or there are network visibility issues. Once the settings have been successfully transferred, you can disconnect the cable. The printer will save the settings in non-volatile memory.
Using the Samsung Mobile Print app
For owners of smartphones based on Android or iOS, there is an excellent solution - an application Samsung Mobile PrintIt allows you to set up your printer without using a computer. This is especially useful if you don't have a PC with a disc drive or USB Type-B cable.
First, you need to put the printer into setup mode. This is usually done by long-pressing the WiFi button. Then, in the smartphone app, select "Add Printer" -> "Network Setup." The app will prompt you to connect to the printer's temporary network or use Bluetooth for data transfer.
Once connected, your phone will transmit your home network's SSID and password to the printer. This method is convenient because the password is already entered into your phone, so you don't have to remember it. Mobile setup takes no more than 2-3 minutes.
Please note that the M2020W series printers only operate in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router uses the same network name for both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, this may cause conflicts when setting up the printer from your phone. In this case, we recommend temporarily separating the networks in your router settings.
Common mistakes and their solutions
Users often encounter recurring issues during setup. Understanding the causes of errors can help avoid wasted time. Most often, the problem lies not with the printer itself, but with router settings or security protocol compatibility.
One of the most common errors is trying to connect to a 5 GHz network. The WiFi module in Samsung M2020W The printer doesn't physically support this range. If your router only broadcasts on the 5 GHz band or uses Smart Connect mode (frequency bonding), the printer may not see the network or refuse to connect.
- 📶 The printer does not see the network: check if the SSID (network name) is hidden.
- 🔒 Password error: Make sure Caps Lock is not enabled and that you have the correct keyboard layout.
- 🌐 MAC address filtering: Check if your router is set to block new devices from connecting.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions are subject to update. If the steps described don't match yours, please refer to the router manufacturer's documentation or the latest user manual on the official website.
It's also worth mentioning the WPA3 security protocol. This is the latest standard, and older devices may not support it. If you have "WPA3 Only" mode enabled, the M2020W printer will not be able to connect. You'll need to switch your router to compatibility mode. WPA2/WPA3 Mixed or temporarily use WPA2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I find the WPS PIN on my Samsung M2020W printer?
On this model, the PIN is usually not printed on a sticker. It can be obtained by printing a network configuration report. To do this, press and hold the "WPS/Stop" button (or the cancel button, depending on the revision) for more than 10 seconds until the indicator light starts blinking. The printer will print a page containing the PIN.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden WiFi network?
Yes, but it won't be found automatically. You'll need to use the USB cable setup method and the Samsung Printer Settings utility. In Manual Setup mode, you can enter the network name (SSID) manually, even if it's hidden.
My printer stopped responding to WiFi after changing my router. What should I do?
You need to reset the printer's network settings (see the "Resetting Network Settings" section). The old information about the previous router conflicts with the new one. After resetting, follow the setup procedure again as for a new device.
Does M2020W support 5GHz connection?
No, the M2020W model is equipped with an 802.11 b/g/n module, which operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. For this to work, the router must be broadcasting in this band.