Multifunctional device Xerox WorkCentre 3345 — a popular solution for small offices or home use, but setting it up via Wi-Fi often raises questions. Unlike a wired connection, wireless communication requires proper configuration on both the printer and the router. This article will help you avoid common mistakes, from choosing the connection mode (WPS, Wi-Fi Direct or manual entry) to diagnose problems with IP addresses and security protocols.
Feature of the model 3345 — support of standards 802.11b/g/n on frequency 2.4 GHz, which limits the data transfer rate to 150 Mbps. This is important to consider when choosing a channel on a router: congested channels (for example, 6 or 11) can cause connection interruptions. We'll cover all connection methods, including hidden settings not described in the official documentation.
Preparing the printer and router for Wi-Fi setup
Before you begin setting up, make sure that your Xerox 3345 updated to the latest firmware version. Outdated software versions may not support modern encryption protocols (WPA3) or there may be errors in the Wi-Fi module. You can check the version through the printer menu: Settings → System Information → Software Version.
Also check your router settings:
- 📶 Opening hours: only
2.4 GHz(the printer does not support5 GHz). If the router is dual-band, create a separate network for2.4 GHz. - 🔒 Encryption type:
WPA2-PSK (AES)— the best option.WPA3may not work, butWEPunsafe. - 📡 Wi-Fi channel: choose the least loaded one (use apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer for analysis).
- 🔄 DHCP: must be enabled to automatically assign an IP address to the printer.
Be mindful of the printer's physical location: walls, metal cabinets, and other devices (such as microwaves) can cause interference. The optimal distance from the router is no more than 10 meters without any obstacles. If the signal is weak, consider using repeater or Mesh systems.
Xerox 3345 Wi-Fi Connection Methods: A Comparison of Methods
At the printer Xerox WorkCentre 3345 There are three main ways to connect to a wireless network. Each is suitable for different scenarios:
| Method | Advantages | Flaws | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) | Fast (2-3 clicks), no password required | Not all routers support WPS, risk of vulnerabilities | If the router is nearby and supports WPS |
| Manual input (via printer menu) | Reliable, works with any router | It takes a long time to enter a complex password using the buttons | For offices with strict security regulations |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Connection without a router (directly to a PC/smartphone) | Not suitable for continuous network operation | For one-time printing from a mobile device |
Important: If your router uses a hidden network (hidden SSID), the printer will not be able to connect to it via WPS or Wi-Fi Direct. In this case, you will need to manually enter the network name and password.
Step-by-step instructions: connecting via WPS
Method WPS — the fastest, but only works if your router supports this feature. Usually the button WPS located on the back panel of the router and marked with the corresponding icon (🔄 or 🔒).
Make sure your router supports WPS|The printer is turned on and in standby mode|The WPS indicator on the router is lit (usually blinking)|There are no other devices nearby trying to connect via WPS-->
Instructions:
- Press the button on the printer
Settings(gear). - Go to
Network → Wireless Network → WPS Setup. - Select
PBC button(Push Button Configuration). - For
2 minutespress the buttonWPSon the router. - Wait for the message
"Connected"on the printer display (may take up to30 seconds).
If connection failed:
- ⚠️ Check if it is blocking router firewall new connections.
- ⚠️ Make sure that the router is in the enabled mode
WPS(sometimes it is disabled by default). - ⚠️ Try restarting your printer and router.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
If the connection fails after three attempts, the router may automatically disable the WPS function for 5-10 minutes. In this case, manually enter the network address or reboot the router through the web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
Manual Wi-Fi setup: entering SSID and password
If WPS If the network connection is unavailable or doesn't work, you'll have to enter the network details manually. This method takes longer, but is more reliable. You'll need:
- 📝 The exact name of the network (
SSID). - 🔑 Wi-Fi password (case-sensitive!).
- 📡 Security type (
WPA2-PSK,WPA-WPA2etc.).
Instructions:
- On the printer:
Settings → Network → Wireless → Manual connection. - Select
Search for networksand wait for the list of available onesSSID. - Find your network and click
OK. - Enter the password using the on-screen keyboard (use the buttons
↑/↓/←/→for navigation). - Select the security type (usually
WPA2-PSK). - Save the settings and wait for the connection.
Tips for entering a password:
- 🔠 To switch case, use the button
Shift(usually indicated by an arrow ↑). - 🔢 Symbols (
!, @, #) are entered through the menuSpecial characters. - 🔄 If your password is long, write it down on paper and enter it character by character to avoid mistakes.
Setting up Wi-Fi Direct for direct printing
Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect devices (smartphone, laptop) directly to the printer without a router. This is convenient for one-time printing, but not suitable for regular office use.
How to enable:
- On the printer:
Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct. - Enable the function and record the generated
SSIDAndpassword(they will be displayed on the screen). - On your device (smartphone/laptop), connect to the printer's network as if it were a regular Wi-Fi connection.
- Install the drivers Xerox Print Service (For Android) or add a printer via
Control Panel → Devices and Printers(For Windows).
Restrictions Wi-Fi Direct:
- 📵 Only one can be connected one device at a time.
- 🔌 The printer will not be available on the main office network.
- 📱 On iOS may require additional software (eg. Xerox Mobile Link).
Troubleshooting: Why Your Printer Won't Connect to Wi-Fi
If Xerox 3345 does not connect to the network, check the following points:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The printer does not find the network | Hidden SSID or wrong channel | Enter the network manually or change the channel on the router to 1-11 |
| Authentication error | Incorrect password or encryption type | Check the case of your password, change the encryption to WPA2-PSK |
| The connection is broken | Weak signal or interference | Move the printer closer to the router or use a repeater |
| IP address is not assigned | DHCP is disabled on the router | Enable DHCP or assign a static IP manually |
For advanced diagnostics:
- 🖨️ Print it out network report:
Settings → Information → Print ConfigurationIt will contain information about the current connection and errors. - 🌐 Check it out MAC filtering on the router: if enabled, add the printer's MAC address (indicated in the report).
- 🔧 Reset your printer's network settings:
Settings → Network → Reset network settings(re-configuration will be required!).
Assigning a static IP address (for office networks)
In offices with a large number of devices, it is recommended to assign a printer static IP addressThis will prevent DHCP conflicts and make it easier to access the device.
Instructions for the router (using an example) TP-Link):
- Go to the router's web interface (
192.168.1.1). - Go to
DHCP → Address Reservation. - Add a new rule by specifying MAC address printer (you can find it in the network report).
- Assign an IP address outside the DHCP range (e.g.
192.168.1.100). - Save the settings and reboot the router.
On the printer:
Settings → Network → Wireless Network → TCP/IP Settings.- Select
Manual setup. - Enter the assigned IP address, subnet mask (
255.255.255.0), gateway (192.168.1.1) and DNS (usually the same as the gateway).
ping 192.168.1.100
If there are no responses, check your firewall settings or physical connection.-->
Firmware update to improve Wi-Fi stability
If your printer frequently loses connection, it may be due to outdated firmware. Xerox regularly releases updates that fix Wi-Fi module errors.
How to update firmware:
- Download the latest version from official Xerox website (select model WorkCentre 3345).
- Unzip the file and copy it to a USB drive (format
FAT32). - Insert the flash drive into the printer.
- Go to
Settings → Maintenance → Software Update. - Select the firmware file and confirm the update.
Warnings:
⚠️ Attention: Do not remove the USB drive or turn off the printer during the update. This may cause device breakdown and require service repair.
⚠️ Attention: After updating, reset the printer's network settings (Settings → Network → Reset network settings) and set up Wi-Fi again.
After updating, check the firmware version in the menu System InformationIf Wi-Fi issues persist, try resetting the printer to factory settings (Settings → Maintenance → Reset all settings).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up Wi-Fi on the Xerox 3345
Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a display (if the screen is broken)?
Yes, but you will need to use printer web interface or Xerox CentreWare utilityConnect the printer to the router via cable, find its IP address in the list of DHCP devices on the router, then go to the web interface at http://[IP printer] and set up Wi-Fi there. You can also use USB cable for direct connection to PC and configuration via Xerox Print Driver.
The printer connects to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?
Please check the following points:
- Make sure the printer and computer are in one subnet (the first three digits of the IP address must match, for example,
192.168.1.x). - Open
Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a printerand select the optionAdd a network printer. - If used Windows 10/11, try installing the driver manually with Xerox website.
- Turn it off for a while firewall or antivirus, which can block device detection.
How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings if I forgot the password?
There are two ways:
- Partial reset:
Settings → Network → Reset network settingsThis will only delete the Wi-Fi settings, the other settings will remain. - Full reset:
Settings → Maintenance → Reset all settingsThe printer will return to factory settings and will require reconfiguration.
After reset, the printer will create its own network. Wi-Fi Direct with a species name Xerox_3345_XXXXConnect to it and set up Wi-Fi again.
Is it possible to connect the Xerox 3345 to two networks at the same time (for example, Wi-Fi and Ethernet)?
No, Xerox WorkCentre 3345 Does not support simultaneous connections to both wired and wireless networks. Priority is always given to the wired network. wired connection (Ethernet). If the cable is connected, Wi-Fi will be disabled automatically. To use Wi-Fi, disconnect the network cable.
What ports need to be opened on the router for Wi-Fi printing?
For stable printer operation via Wi-Fi, it is recommended to open the following ports:
TCP 9100- for direct printing (port JetDirect).TCP 515— for printing via protocol LPD.UDP 161- For SNMP (printer status monitoring).
The configuration is performed in the router's web interface in the section Port Forwarding. Specify the printer's local IP address and protocol (TCP or UDP).