Transformation printer into a network device is the best way to improve the convenience of printing in your home or office. Model Samsung Xpress M2020 It doesn't have a built-in wireless module, but that doesn't mean it should sit in a corner collecting dust. With a dedicated USB adapter and the right steps, you can easily set up remote printing.
Many users mistakenly believe that wireless printing requires complex resoldering of the board or the purchase of new equipment. In fact, a standard USB cable (included) and the latest software are sufficient. In this article, we'll cover all the setup details so you can print from any device on your network.
Before you start any manipulations, make sure that your router The printer is working reliably, and the laptop or computer used for configuration is connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer. This is critical, as the configuration is transferred via the PC.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that Client Isolation is not enabled on your router, otherwise devices on the network will not “see” each other, even if they are connected to the same access point.
Necessary components for setup
To successfully implement the plan, you will need a minimal set of equipment, which you usually already have on hand. The main element is the Samsung printer, which must be in good working order and have a refilled cartridge. Without toner, the device may not complete the self-test procedure required for connection.
The second key component is a USB Type AB cable. This is what will transmit the Wi-Fi configuration. You will also need a computer or laptop running Windows or macOS with internet access to download drivers. Don't use older driver versions from previous years.
☑️ Preparing for connection
The third component is the wireless adapter itself. Some kits included it separately, while others required purchasing it separately. If you don't have one, Wi-Fi setup is impossible without purchasing an additional module or using the technology. WPS, if your router supports direct connection without an adapter (which is rare for this model).
Installing software
The first step is to download the latest driver package. Don't rely on the discs that may have come with your device, as the information on them is often out of date. Visit the manufacturer's official website or a trusted resource for drivers. M2020 Series.
Run the downloaded installer. During installation, the program will prompt you to select a connection type. Be careful: select "Wireless Network Connection." If you select USB, the installation wizard will simply install a local driver, making network setup later more difficult.
Where can I find drivers if there is no official website?
Sometimes official support pages are moved or removed. In these cases, look for the Samsung Unified Driver Package, which is suitable for the entire Xpress line of devices. It contains all the necessary modules for network communication.
When the program asks to connect the device, while do not insert USB cable. First, choose a setup method. Typically, two options are offered: WPS (by pressing a button on the router) or manual (entering a password). For the M2020 model, manual data entry via cable is considered the most secure.
Connection process via USB cable
Now we move on to the most important stage. Connect printer Connect the device to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure the device is plugged in and the power indicator is solid. The computer should detect the new hardware.
Return to the installer window. The program will begin searching for the device. Once the connection is established, a list of available wireless networks will appear. Find your network name in the list (SSID) and select it. If your network isn't listed, check if it's hidden.
Enter your Wi-Fi network password. Be careful with capitalization. Once entered, click "Next." The program will transfer the settings to the printer. At this point, the wireless indicator on the device should start blinking and then turn solid blue or green, indicating a successful connection.
After the settings have been successfully transferred, the program will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. Do so. Now your Samsung Xpress is a full member of the local network and is ready to accept print jobs.
Setup via WPS (if supported by the router)
There is a faster method that does not require entering a password and using a computer during setup, but it requires technology support WPS on your router. This method only works if you already have the driver installed or are using the built-in OS features.
Press the WPS button on your router. It usually blinks, waiting for the device to connect. Within two minutes, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer's control panel. M2020 for a few seconds until the indicators start flashing more quickly.
The devices will find each other automatically. Encryption keys will be exchanged without your intervention. This is the simplest method, but it is less secure, as physical access to the router's button grants connection rights to any device within range.
| Parameter | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| WPS method | Automatic key transfer | Requires a button on the router |
| PIN method | Entering an 8-digit code | Rarely used |
| USB cable | Manually transferring the SSID and password | The most reliable option |
| Mobile application | Setup via smartphone | Requires Android/iOS |
Adding a printer to Windows
Once the device is connected to the router, you need to add it to the operating system so your computer can see it over the network. Open "Settings" in Windows and go to "Devices," then "Printers & Scanners."
Click the "Add a printer or scanner" button. The system will begin searching for available devices on the local network. If the drivers were previously installed, Windows can automatically find Samsung M2020 over the network and install it as a network device.
If the automatic search doesn't yield any results, select "The printer I want isn't listed." Then select "Add a printer by its TCP/IP address." You'll need to know the IP address assigned to the printer by the router. You can print this by generating a configuration report (usually by pressing the WPS or Stop button for a certain amount of time; see your model's manual).
⚠️ AttentionThe printer's IP address may change every time the router is turned on unless you reserve an address in the DHCP settings. For stable office operation, it's best to assign a static IP address.
Solving common problems
Users often encounter a situation where the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking, but printing does not work. This may indicate a weak signal. Make sure that printer Don't place it in a metal cabinet or far from the router. Walls and appliances can block the signal.
Another common issue is frequency band incompatibility. The M2020 model may not support the standard. 5 GHz or work only in certain security modes (for example, WPA2-AES). If you have a modern router, try temporarily switching it to compatibility mode or separating the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks with different names.
Also check your computer's firewall. Sometimes antivirus programs block detection of network printers, considering them suspicious devices. Add your printer to the exceptions or allowed applications list.
Printing from mobile devices
Once setup is complete, you can print directly from your smartphone. For Android devices, the technology Samsung Mobile Print or the standard Android printing service (Mopria) will allow you to send documents without installing additional drivers if the phone and printer are on the same network.
For iOS users (iPhone, iPad), the situation is more complicated, as these models don't support AirPrint natively. You'll need to install a dedicated Samsung app or use third-party intermediary programs that emulate AirPrint on your computer.
Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same guest network or primary band as the printer. A common mistake is when the phone is connected to mobile data (4G/5G) rather than your home Wi-Fi, which results in no device search results.
What should I do if my computer doesn't see my printer after setup?
Check that the wireless light on the printer is solid. If it's blinking, the connection has been lost. Try reconnecting the USB cable and rerunning the setup program, selecting "Change wireless connection." Also, make sure that the subnet on your computer and printer is set to the same network (e.g., 192.168.0.x).
Can the M2020 be connected to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, this is possible, but only through manual configuration. When selecting a network from the list of available networks, select "Other" or "Enter manually." You will need to accurately specify the SSID (network name) and encryption type. The automatic search does not reveal hidden networks.
Will turning off the printer reset the print settings?
No, network settings are saved in the device's non-volatile memory after turning it off and on again. Samsung Xpress M2020 will attempt to automatically connect to the last known network. If the router has changed its password or name, the connection will fail and you will have to set it up again.