How to connect a Samsung ML-2165W printer to your phone via Wi-Fi

The modern pace of life dictates its own conditions, and the ability to print documents directly from a smartphone is becoming not just a convenience, but an urgent necessity. Model Samsung ML-2165W The MX200 has long established itself as a reliable laser printer for home and small offices, but many users still use it only in conjunction with a computer, missing out on its powerful wireless functionality.

Setting up wireless connection Opens up completely new horizons for the device owner: you can instantly print photos from your gallery, tickets, boarding passes, or work documents without even turning on your desktop computer. The entire setup process takes just 10-15 minutes, but requires attention to detail and consistent steps.

In this article, we'll explore all the nuances of integrating your mobile device into a network with a printer. We'll cover both standard methods via a router and alternative approaches if your infrastructure has specific requirements.

Equipment preparation and compatibility testing

Before you begin software configuration, you must ensure that the hardware is physically ready. Printer Samsung ML-2165W It is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module, but for correct operation it must be located in an area with a strong signal reception.

Make sure the cartridge is filled and paper is loaded in the tray. It's also crucial that your mobile device and printer are on the same local network. This means they must be connected to the same router.

  • 📱 Make sure that the Wi-Fi module is enabled on your smartphone (Android or iOS).
  • 📡 Check that your router is transmitting a signal at a frequency of 2.4 GHz (this model does not support 5 GHz).
  • 🔋 Make sure the printer is turned on and the lights on the control panel are steady.
⚠️ Attention: If your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (2.4 and 5 GHz), temporarily separate them or connect your phone to the 2.4 GHz network, as ML-2165W may not see a device on another subnet.

To set it up, you'll need to know your Wi-Fi network password. If you don't remember it, it's best to check with your provider or look for it on a sticker underneath the router.

📊 What smartphone do you use to set up the printer?
Android
iPhone (iOS)
Windows tablet
Other OS

Using the Samsung Mobile Print app

The main tool for managing printing is the official application Samsung Mobile PrintAlthough Samsung printers are now owned by HP, the native Samsung app is the best choice for older ML-2165W series models, ensuring the most stable connection.

Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After installation, launch the program and grant it the necessary permissions to access files and the local network. Without this permission, the app won't be able to "see" the printer.

In the app interface, click the "Add Printer" button. The program will automatically search for available devices on your network. If the printer is already connected to the router, it will appear in the list.

  • 📲 Click on the found device to pair.
  • 📄 Select a file to print from your gallery or documents.
  • ⚙️ Set the parameters (number of copies, paper size) and click "Print".

If the automatic search doesn't yield any results, you can add the printer manually by selecting the "IP Address" or "QR Code" option. You can find the device's IP address by printing a network configuration report.

☑️ Check before printing

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Setting up WPS: connecting without entering a password

There is a faster way to connect Samsung ML-2165W to a wireless network if your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method eliminates the need to manually enter a complex password and reduces setup time to a minimum.

On the printer's control panel, locate the Wi-Fi or WPS button. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the wireless light starts blinking. This puts the printer in connection mode.

Immediately after this, go to the router and press the WPS button on its body. On some router models, this feature must be activated through the administrator's web interface. The devices will find each other and automatically exchange encryption keys.

WPS sequence of actions:

1. Press WPS on the printer (hold for 2-3 seconds).

2. Press WPS on the router.

3. Wait 1-2 minutes until the Wi-Fi indicator lights up.

⚠️ Please note: WPS technology is considered less secure in terms of data protection, as it is vulnerable to PIN guessing. If you print confidential documents in the office, it's better to use the manual setup method via the app.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?

If the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking but not solid, the connection is not established. Try moving the printer closer to the router or rebooting the router. Also, make sure your router isn't configured to block new devices by MAC address.

Wi-Fi Direct connection (without a router)

One of the most useful features of the model Samsung ML-2165W is technology support Wi-Fi DirectIt allows you to create a direct access point between the printer and your phone, bypassing the router. This is ideal for printing while visiting someone, at the dacha, or when your home network is temporarily down.

In this mode, the printer itself becomes a mini-router. You don't need an internet connection; data is transferred directly. To activate this feature, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer's control panel until the direct connection indicator lights up.

On your smartphone, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks. You'll see a network with a name beginning with "Direct-HP-" or "Samsung-Printer." Connect to it. The default password is usually listed in the instructions or on a sticker; it's often "sec00000" or an 8-digit combination.

Parameter Default value Where to change
Network name (SSID) Direct-HP-ML-2160... Wi-Fi Direct settings
Password sec00000 Web interface (SyncThru)
IP address 192.168.223.1 Configuration report
Encryption type WPA2-Personal Doesn't change

After connecting the printer to the network, launch the printing app. Now your phone will "see" the device even without an external internet connection. the only way to print if your router is configured in guest network mode with client isolation, which prevents devices from seeing each other.

Printing via cloud services and AirPrint

Apple device owners can use the built-in technology AirPrint, which doesn't require installing additional drivers. If your iPhone and printer are on the same network, simply tap the "Share" button in any app, select "Print," and specify Samsung ML-2165W.

For Android users and cross-platform printing, cloud-based solutions like Google Cloud Print (although support is gradually phasing out, alternatives are developing) or Mopria are excellent options. Mopria Print Service is preinstalled on many modern Android smartphones.

Simply enable the Mopria service in your phone's settings (Connections -> Print). The system will automatically find a printer on the network. The advantage of this method is its versatility: it works with virtually any app that supports the standard print function.

  • 🍏 AirPrint: native support on iOS, high-quality layout.
  • 🤖 Mopria: Android standard, wide compatibility.
  • ☁️ Cloud: print from anywhere in the world (upon server setup).

Diagnosis and solution of common problems

Even with proper setup, problems can still occur. The most common issue is the phone not seeing the printer. In 90% of cases, this is due to the devices being on different subnets or frequency bands.

Try rebooting your router, printer, and phone. This is a simple but effective tip that helps flush the DNS cache and renew IP addresses. Also, check if your router has a MAC address filter, which could be blocking new devices.

If your printer is printing garbage or disconnecting mid-document, the problem may be a weak signal. In this case, moving the router closer to the printer or using a Wi-Fi repeater may help.

⚠️ Please note: Mobile app and operating system interfaces are updated regularly. Button locations and menu item names may differ from those described in the instructions. Always refer to the current interface for your device.

Reset network settings to factory defaults

If you've changed your router or Wi-Fi password, the old settings on your printer will interfere with the connection. In this case, you'll need to reset your network settings. Samsung ML-2165W to factory values.

To do this, turn off the printer. Press and hold the WPS button (or wireless button) on the control panel. Without releasing the button, turn on the printer. Hold the button for about 10-15 seconds until all the lights flash simultaneously.

After this procedure, the printer will forget all saved networks. You can now restart the setup process via the app or WPS, as described at the beginning of the article. This often resolves issues with the network module freezing.

Why won't my printer connect to the 5GHz network?

Model Samsung ML-2165W The printer is equipped with an 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi module, which operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. Modern routers often combine the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands under a single network name (Smart Connect). In this case, the printer may become "lost." Solution: Separate the networks in the router settings, giving them different names (e.g., HomeWiFi and HomeWiFi_5G), and connect the printer only to the network without the 5G adapter.

What password should I use for Wi-Fi Direct?

The default Wi-Fi Direct password on Samsung/HP printers is often "sec00000" (eight characters). However, if you previously changed the settings through the SyncThru Web Service web interface, the password may have been changed. The only way to reset it is by completely resetting the printer's network settings (by holding the WPS button while turning it on).

Is it possible to print without the Internet via Wi-Fi Direct?

Yes, this is possible. Wi-Fi Direct creates a local network between your phone and the printer. Your phone's internet connection won't work at this point (unless you're using mobile data for other tasks, but the connection to the printer is direct). This is ideal for printing in locations without internet access.