Mastering Your Brother HL-L2390DW: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Enter Network Key

Connecting your Brother HL-L2390DW printer to your wireless network is a straightforward process, but it can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the steps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of entering your network key and getting your printer up and running wirelessly.

Understanding the Basics: What is a Network Key?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what a network key is. It’s also known as a Wi-Fi password or **WPA/WPA2 key**. This is the unique code that secures your wireless network and prevents unauthorized access.

Step 1: Preparing Your Printer and Network

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• Your Brother HL-L2390DW printer: Make sure it’s powered on and within range of your wireless router.
• Your network name (SSID): This is the name of your Wi-Fi network, usually displayed on your router.
• Your network key (password): This is the password you use to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
• A computer or mobile device connected to your Wi-Fi network: You’ll need this to access the printer’s settings.

Step 2: Accessing the Printer’s Menu

There are two primary ways to access the printer’s settings:
1. Using the LCD Panel:

• Locate the “Menu” or “Settings” button on your printer’s control panel.
• Press the button to access the menu.
• Navigate to the “Network” or “Wireless” settings using the arrow keys.

2. Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App:

• Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
• Install the app and open it.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network.

Step 3: Connecting to Your Wireless Network

Once you’ve accessed the network settings, you’ll need to choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the network key:

• Using the LCD Panel:
• Select “Wireless Setup” or a similar option.
• Choose “Search for Network” or “Scan for Networks.”
• The printer will scan for available Wi-Fi networks.
• Select your network name (SSID) from the list.
• Enter your network key using the numeric keypad on the printer’s control panel.
• Confirm the network key and save the settings.
• Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App:
• Open the app and follow the instructions to connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network.
• The app will guide you through the process of selecting your network and entering your network key.

Step 4: Verifying the Connection

After entering the network key, the printer will attempt to connect to your Wi-Fi network. You can verify the connection in a few ways:

• Check the LCD Panel: The printer’s display should show a message indicating that it’s connected to the network.
• Print a Network Configuration Report: This report provides details about your network connection. To print this report, follow the instructions in your printer’s manual.
• Try printing a test page: If you can print successfully, your printer is connected to the network.

Step 5: Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If you’re unable to connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network, here are some common troubleshooting steps:

• Check the network key: Ensure you’ve entered the correct network key. Case sensitivity matters!
• Check your router’s security settings: Make sure your router is using a compatible security protocol (WPA/WPA2).
• Restart your router and printer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connection issues.
• Move your printer closer to the router: If the signal is weak, try moving the printer closer to your router.
• Check for firmware updates: Update your printer’s firmware to the latest version.
• Contact Brother support: If you’re still having trouble, contact Brother support for assistance.

Final Thoughts: A Wireless World of Convenience

Successfully connecting your Brother HL-L2390DW printer to your wireless network opens up a world of convenience. You can now print from anywhere in your home or office, access your printer from multiple devices, and enjoy the ease of wireless printing.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What if I forget my network key?
A: If you have forgotten your network key, you’ll need to reset your router to its factory settings. This will erase all your network settings, including the password. You can then access your router’s configuration page and set up a new password.
Q: Can I connect my printer to multiple networks?
A: Most printers, including the Brother HL-L2390DW, can only connect to one network at a time. If you need to connect to multiple networks, you can manually switch between them in the printer’s settings.
Q: What if my printer is not listed in the available networks?
A: If your printer is not listed in the available networks, ensure that your router is broadcasting the network name (SSID) and that the printer is within range. You may also need to reset your printer to factory settings and try the connection process again.
Q: Can I connect my printer to a guest network?
A: You can usually connect your printer to a guest network, but it may not have access to all the resources on your main network. Check the settings of your guest network to see if it allows printing.
Q: How do I update my printer’s firmware?
A: To update your printer’s firmware, visit the Brother website and download the latest firmware for your specific model. You can then follow the instructions in the firmware update file to install the update on your printer.