No More Hassle: How to Setup a Brother HL-2170W Wireless Printer Like a Pro

Are you ready to ditch the tangled cables and embrace the ease of wireless printing? Setting up your Brother HL-2170W wireless printer is a breeze, allowing you to print from any device in your home or office with ease. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Gather Your Supplies

Before we begin, let’s gather everything you’ll need for a smooth setup:

• Brother HL-2170W Wireless Printer: Make sure your printer is brand new or reset to factory settings.
• Ethernet Cable: While not strictly necessary for wireless setup, an Ethernet cable can be helpful for initial connection.
• Wireless Router: Ensure your router is powered on and broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal.
• Computer or Mobile Device: You’ll need a device to connect to the printer and configure its settings.
• Installation CD or Downloadable Software: This contains the necessary drivers and utilities for your printer.
• Internet Connection: You may need an internet connection to download the latest software and updates.

Connect Your Printer to Power and Your Network

1. Power Up: Connect your Brother HL-2170W printer to a power outlet and turn it on.
2. Ethernet Connection (Optional): For a more stable initial connection, you can temporarily connect your printer to your router using an Ethernet cable. This helps ensure a successful wireless setup.
3. Wireless Setup: Locate the wireless button on your printer control panel. Press it once to activate the wireless configuration mode.

Install the Software and Drivers

1. Software Installation: Insert the installation CD into your computer or download the software from the Brother website for your operating system. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software and drivers.
2. Wireless Network Selection: During software installation, you’ll be prompted to select your wireless network from a list. Choose the correct network name (SSID) and enter the password.
3. Connection Confirmation: After selecting your network, the software will attempt to connect your printer. Once the connection is established, you’ll receive a confirmation message.

Configure Your Printer Settings

1. Access the Printer Settings: Open the Brother printer software on your computer.
2. Network Settings: Navigate to the network settings section. Here, you can verify the printer’s IP address and confirm that it’s connected to your wireless network.
3. Wireless Security: If your network uses encryption (WPA/WPA2), ensure that the printer’s security settings match your router’s settings.
4. Print Test Page: Print a test page to verify that your printer is functioning correctly and connected to your wireless network.

Connect from Your Mobile Device

1. Brother iPrint&Scan App: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Add Printer: Open the app and follow the instructions to add your Brother HL-2170W printer. You may need to enter the printer’s IP address or select it from a list of available devices.
3. Print and Scan: Once connected, you can easily print documents and photos from your mobile device or scan documents directly to your phone or tablet.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during the setup process, here are some common troubleshooting tips:

• Check Your Router: Ensure that your router is powered on and broadcasting a strong Wi-Fi signal.
• Restart Your Devices: Restart your computer, printer, and router to resolve any temporary connection issues.
• Verify Network Settings: Double-check that the printer’s wireless settings (SSID and password) match your router’s settings.
• Update Drivers: Download and install the latest drivers from the Brother website to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
• Contact Brother Support: If you’re still experiencing problems, contact Brother support for assistance.

Beyond the Basics: Maximizing Your Wireless Experience

Now that your Brother HL-2170W is wirelessly connected, let’s explore some advanced features to enhance your printing experience:

• Mobile Printing: Use the Brother iPrint&Scan app to print from your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to print documents, photos, and web pages from anywhere.
• Cloud Printing: Utilize cloud printing services like Google Cloud Print to print from any device with an internet connection.
• Wireless Network Sharing: Share your printer with other devices on your network, allowing multiple users to print wirelessly.
• Printer Management: Use the Brother software to manage printer settings, monitor ink levels, and perform routine maintenance.

Your Wireless Printing Journey Begins

Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up your Brother HL-2170W wireless printer and unlocked a world of printing possibilities. With your printer connected wirelessly, you can print from any device in your home or office, enjoying the freedom and flexibility of a truly connected printing experience.

What People Want to Know

Here are some frequently asked questions about setting up your Brother HL-2170W wirelessly:
Q: My printer is not connecting to my wireless network. What should I do?
A: First, ensure that your router is powered on and broadcasting a strong Wi-Fi signal. Restart your computer, printer, and router to resolve any temporary connection issues. Double-check that the printer’s wireless settings (SSID and password) match your router’s settings. If the problem persists, try connecting your printer to your router using an Ethernet cable to establish a stable connection and then attempt wireless setup again.
Q: Can I use my Brother HL-2170W with a different wireless network?
A: Yes, you can connect your printer to a different wireless network. Simply follow the wireless setup steps outlined above, selecting the new network and entering its password.
Q: How do I update the printer drivers?
A: To update your printer drivers, visit the Brother website and search for the latest drivers for your specific model. Download and install the updated drivers to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
Q: Can I use my printer with multiple devices?
A: Yes, you can share your Brother HL-2170W with multiple devices connected to your wireless network. Each device will need to be configured to connect to the printer.
Q: How do I reset my printer to factory settings?
A: To reset your printer to factory settings, consult your printer’s user manual for specific instructions. This process will typically involve pressing a combination of buttons on the control panel.