How to connect a Samsung ML-2165W printer to Wi-Fi: 3 working methods + troubleshooting

Monolaser printer Samsung ML-2165W remains a popular choice for homes and small offices due to its compact size, cost-effectiveness, and wireless printing support. However, setup Wi-Fi connections This model often raises questions, especially for users who are new to network printers. Unlike modern devices with touchscreens, ML-2165W It is controlled via buttons and indicator lights, which requires precise following of instructions.

In this article you will find three proven connection methods to Wi-Fi (including methods via WPS, printer panel and USB cable), as well as analysis of typical errors - from the flashing indicator Wi-Fi to driver issues. We've taken into account the nuances of firmware versions from different years and the specifics of working with routers from various manufacturers. If your printer was previously connected to a different network or reset to factory settings, you'll find up-to-date solutions here.

1. Prepare your printer and router before setting up Wi-Fi

Before you begin connecting, make sure both devices are ready to communicate. Samsung ML-2165W supports wireless communication standards 802.11b/g/n on frequency 2.4 GHz - this means that the printer will not be able to connect to networks 5 GHz or modern protocols like Wi-Fi 6If your router broadcasts two networks (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G), choose the one that works on 2.4 GHz.

Also check:

• 🔌 Printer power supply: the device must be turned on and in standby mode (indicator Power (lights up green).
• 📡 Router location: the printer must be located in a strong signal area (no further than 5-7 meters from the router, without thick walls).
• 🔒 Network security settings: ML-2165W compatible with encryption WPA/WPA2-PSKIf your router uses WPA3, temporarily switch to WPA2 (in wireless network settings).
• 📄 Documentation: Have your SSID (network name) and Wi-Fi password ready - you will need them during the data entry stage.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer was previously connected to a different network, its settings may conflict with the new access point. In this case, follow these steps: reset network settings before re-configuring.

2. Method 1: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer to your network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This method works if:

• 🔄 Does your router support WPS (most models of TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Mercusys).
• 🔐 Function WPS activated in the router settings.
• ⏱️ The printer and router are within range of each other (no more than 3-4 meters).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and in standby mode (the indicator Power (it glows with a steady green light).
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the front panel of the printer 3-5 seconds, while the indicator Wi-Fi will not start blinking quickly.
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router (usually it is signed or marked with an icon 🔄).
4. Wait for the indicator Wi-Fi the printer won't light up even blue - this is a signal of successful connection.

If the indicator continues to flash or remains red, repeat the process. Possible reasons for failure:

• ❌ WPS disabled in the router settings (check the section Wireless Network → WPS).
• ⏳ Sync timed out (please press the buttons again faster).
• 🔌 The printer was connected to a different network - please do reset settings.

3. Method 2: Manual connection via the printer panel

If your router does not support WPS or you prefer to enter data manually, use this method. For Samsung ML-2165W the procedure looks like this:

Step 1: Activate Wi-Fi setup mode:

1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer until the indicator starts blinking orange (this will take about 5 seconds).
2. Release the button and the printer will enter network search mode.

Step 2: Select your network:

3. Indicator Wi-Fi will blink with pauses - this means that the printer is scanning available networks.
4. Click the button Wi-Fi onceto begin selecting a network. The indicator will begin flashing faster.
5. Wait until the printer finds your network (the indicator will blink) green). Click Wi-Fi once again to confirm.

Step 3. Enter your password:

6. Indicator Wi-Fi And Error will start flashing alternately - this is a signal to enter the password.
7. Use the buttons ↑/↓ (arrows) on the printer control panel to select password characters. Each press cycles through the options (for example, a → b → c → 1 → 2 etc.).
8. To confirm the symbol selection, press Wi-Fi.
9. After entering the password, press and hold Wi-Fi 3 seconds - printerAttempts to connect.

If the password is entered correctly, the indicator Wi-Fi will light up blue. Error (red light) means incorrect password or network problems. When entering the password, please be careful with the case of the characters - the printer is case sensitive.

What to do if the printer does not find the network?

If the Wi-Fi indicator flashes orange for more than 2 minutes, check:

- Is SSID broadcast enabled in the router settings (sometimes networks are hidden).

- Is MAC address filtering used on the router (disable it temporarily).

- Is the signal too weak (move the printer closer to the router).

4. Method 3: Connecting via USB cable (alternative method)

If the first two methods did not work, you can set up Wi-Fi by temporarily connecting the printer to the computer via USBThis method requires installation of drivers and software. Samsung.

Step 1. Connect the printer to your PC:

1. Download and install the driver for ML-2165W With official Samsung website (select the section "Support → Drivers").
2. Connect the printer to the computer via USB cable (included in the kit).
3. Wait for the device to be installed automatically (it should appear in the device manager) Samsung ML-2165W).

Step 2. Run the setup wizard:

4. Open the program Samsung Printer Settings (installed along with the drivers).
5. Go to the section Wireless Network → Wi-Fi Setup.
6. Select your network from the list and enter the password.
7. Click Apply — the printer will reboot and connect to Wi-Fi.

After successful connection, disconnect USB cable. Indicator Wi-Fi the printer light should be on blue.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer is not detected after connecting via USB, check:

- Is the cable connected to the port? USB 2.0 (some laptops have problems with USB 3.0 for older devices).

- Are the drivers installed for your version of Windows (e.g. ML-2165W may not support Windows 11 without updated drivers).

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after proper setup Samsung ML-2165W may refuse to work over Wi-Fi. Below is an analysis of the most common problems and how to fix them.

If your printer previously worked via Wi-Fi but suddenly stopped connecting, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the router (sometimes the DHCP server "forgets" the assigned IP addresses).
• 📱 Check your Wi-Fi channel: If the router is running on automatic channel selection, force it 1, 6 or 11 (they are less susceptible to interference).
• 🖨️ Update your printer firmware: Outdated software versions may conflict with modern routers.

6. Resetting the printer's network settings

If all connection attempts fail, please follow these steps: complete reset of network settingsThis will reset the printer to its factory Wi-Fi settings, deleting all saved networks.

Instructions:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on (the indicator light is on). Power (lights up green).
2. Press and hold the button Cancel (❌) on 10-15 secondsuntil all indicators start flashing.
3. Release the button - the printer will reboot and reset its settings.

After the reset, repeat the Wi-Fi setup using one of the methods described above. Please note: the reset does not affect Print settings (such as paper quality or size), network settings only.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware versions ML-2165W The reset may require additional confirmation. If after holding Cancel the indicators are not flashing, try the combination: Wi-Fi + Cancel (hold both buttons for 5 seconds).

7. Setting up the printer on your computer after connecting to Wi-Fi

A successful network connection is only half the battle. To print over Wi-Fi, you need to properly configure the printer in your operating system.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
3. Wait for the system to find Samsung ML-2165WIf the printer is not displayed, click The printer you need is not listed..
4. Select Add a printer by TCP/IP address and enter the printer IP (you can find out by printing Network configuration).
5. Specify the driver Samsung ML-2165 Series and complete the installation.

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click +, select the tab IP.
3. Enter the printer's IP address and select the driver. Samsung ML-2165W and add the device.

If the printer has been added, but the document does not print:

• 🖼️ Make sure your printer is selected as default.
• 📡 Make sure your computer and printer are on the same network.
• 🔧 Reinstall the drivers from the official website Samsung.

8. Additional tips for stable operation

To avoid problems with ML-2165W In the future, follow these guidelines:

• 📶 Optimize printer placement: Keep it within 3-5 meters from the router, avoiding obstacles (metal cabinets, concrete walls).
• 🔄 Update your firmware: on the website Samsung Patches are released periodically to fix connection issues. Check your software every six months for updates.
• 🔌 Use an uninterruptible power supply: Sudden power outages can disrupt printer settings.
• 📥 Set up a backup connection: If Wi-Fi is critical to your work, keep it handy USB cable for emergency printing.

If the printer is used in an office with multiple devices, consider assigning it static IP address in your router settings. This will prevent DHCP conflicts and make it easier to connect new computers.

To assign a static IP:

1. Find out the MAC address of the printer (print Network configuration).
2. Go to your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
3. Find the section DHCP → Address Reservation (or Static Lease).
4. Add a new rule by specifying the printer's MAC address and the desired IP (e.g. 192.168.0.100).

⚠️ Attention: Router settings may vary depending on the model and firmware. If the section Address reservation missing, please refer to your router documentation.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up Wi-Fi on the ML-2165W

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?

Please check the following points:

1. The computer and printer are on the same network (for example, both are connected to MyWiFi_2G).
2. The printer settings in Windows indicate the correct port (should be Standard TCP/IP Port with the printer's IP address).
3. Your firewall or antivirus is not blocking network printing (temporarily disable them to check).

If the problem persists, remove the printer from the system and add it again, selecting the model. ML-2165W manually.

Is it possible to connect the ML-2165W to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes, the first two methods from this article (via WPS (or printer panel) do not require a PC. However, printing from a computer will still require installing drivers.

The printer prints from my computer, but isn't visible via Wi-Fi from my phone. Why?

Samsung ML-2165W does not support direct printing from mobile devices via protocols like AirPrint or MopriaTo print from a smartphone:

1. Install the application Samsung Mobile Print (available for Android and iOS).
2. Connect your phone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In the application, select the document and send it to print.

How do I find out my printer's firmware version?

Print it out Network configuration:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on.
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on 10 seconds, until printing starts.

Find the line in the printout Firmware Version - this is the firmware version.

Is it possible to connect the ML-2165W to a public network (for example, in a cafe)?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• The network must use WPA2-PSK (most public networks operate on WPA2-Enterprise, which the printer does not support).
• You will need to enter the password manually through the printer panel (which is not always convenient in a public place).
• Some networks block printing by protocols LPD or IPP.

For stable operation, it is better to use a personal router with an access point (for example, 4G modem).