Quick summary
- Are you struggling to connect your Brother HL-2270DW printer to your network, or perhaps you need to assign a specific IP address for better network management.
- In some cases, you might want to assign a static IP address to your printer for better network management and security.
- If your Brother HL-2270DW is connected to your network via an Ethernet cable, you can change the IP address using the printer’s control panel.
Are you struggling to connect your Brother HL-2270DW printer to your network, or perhaps you need to assign a specific IP address for better network management? This guide will walk you through the process of changing the IP address on your Brother HL-2270DW printer, covering both wired and wireless connections.
Understanding IP Addresses
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what an IP address is and why you might need to change it. An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to every device connected to a network. It allows your computer, printer, and other devices to communicate with each other.
In most cases, your Brother HL-2270DW will automatically obtain an IP address through DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). This means your network router assigns an IP address to your printer. However, there might be situations where you need to manually set a specific IP address:
- Network Conflicts: If two devices on your network are assigned the same IP address, it can lead to connectivity issues.
- Static IP Configuration: In some cases, you might want to assign a static IP address to your printer for better network management and security. This ensures that the printer always has the same IP address, even if your router restarts.
- Troubleshooting: Changing the IP address can be a helpful troubleshooting step if you’re experiencing connectivity problems with your printer.
Changing IP Address on a Wired Connection
If your Brother HL-2270DW is connected to your network via an Ethernet cable, you can change the IP address using the printer’s control panel. Here’s how:
1. Power on your printer and connect it to your network using an Ethernet cable.
2. Press the “Menu” button on the printer’s control panel.
3. Navigate to the “Network” settings. The specific menu options might vary slightly depending on the printer model.
4. Select “TCP/IP” or “Network Settings.”
5. Choose “IP Address” or “Static IP” from the options.
6. Enter the desired IP address in the format “XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX.”
7. Confirm the new IP address and save the settings.
Changing IP Address on a Wireless Connection
For wireless connections, you can change the IP address using the Brother iPrint&Scan app or the printer’s web-based configuration page.
Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App
1. Download and install the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your smartphone or tablet. You can find the app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and connect your device to your wireless network.
3. Select your Brother HL-2270DW printer from the list of available devices.
4. Go to the “Settings” or “Configuration” menu within the app.
5. Look for “Network” or “Wireless” settings.
6. Locate the “IP Address” option and change it to your desired IP address.
7. Save the changes and confirm the new IP address.
Using the Printer’s Web-Based Configuration Page
1. Open a web browser on your computer and connect to your wireless network.
2. Find the IP address of your Brother HL-2270DW printer. You can usually find this information printed on a label on the back or bottom of the printer.
3. Enter the IP address into the address bar of your web browser. This will open the printer’s web-based configuration page.
4. Log in to the printer’s configuration page using the default username and password. If you’ve changed the password, use your new credentials.
5. Navigate to the “Network” or “Wireless” settings.
6. Locate the “IP Address” option and change it to your desired IP address.
7. Save the changes and confirm the new IP address.
Tips for Changing IP Address
Here are a few tips to make the process smoother:
- Note the current IP address: Before changing the IP address, make sure to note down the current IP address assigned to your printer. This will be helpful for troubleshooting if you encounter any issues.
- Check for IP address conflicts: Before assigning a new IP address, ensure that it’s not already being used by another device on your network.
- Use a valid IP address: Make sure the IP address you choose is within the range of your network’s subnet mask.
- Restart your printer and router: After changing the IP address, restart your printer and your router to ensure the new settings are applied correctly.
Troubleshooting IP Address Issues
If you’re encountering problems changing the IP address or connecting to your printer after changing it, here are some troubleshooting steps:
- Check the network cable connection: Ensure that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the printer and your router.
- Verify the IP address format: Make sure you’re entering the IP address in the correct format (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX).
- Restart your printer and router: Restarting both devices can often resolve connectivity issues.
- Check your network settings: Ensure that your network settings are configured correctly and that your router is assigning IP addresses properly.
- Contact Brother Support: If you’re still unable to resolve the issue, contact Brother support for assistance.
What to Do After Changing the IP Address
Once you’ve successfully changed the IP address on your Brother HL-2270DW, you might need to update the network settings on your computer or other devices to reflect the new address.
- Update printer drivers: If you’re using a wired connection, you might need to update your printer drivers after changing the IP address. This ensures that your computer can find the printer on the network.
- Update network settings in applications: If you’re using applications that connect to your printer, such as scanning software, you might need to update the printer’s IP address within the application settings.
Moving Forward: Maintaining Your Network
Changing the IP address on your Brother HL-2270DW is a useful skill for network management and troubleshooting. By understanding the process and following these steps, you can ensure that your printer is connected to your network seamlessly.
Remember to keep your printer drivers and software updated for optimal performance.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I change the IP address on my Brother HL-2270DW without connecting it to a network?
A: No, you cannot change the IP address on your printer without connecting it to a network. The IP address is assigned by the network, and you need to be connected to the network to access the printer’s settings.
Q: What if I forget the new IP address I assigned to my printer?
A: If you forget the new IP address, you can usually find it in your router’s settings. Check the DHCP client list or connected devices list in your router’s web interface.
Q: Can I use any IP address I want for my printer?
A: No, you need to use a valid IP address within the range of your network’s subnet mask. Consult your router’s settings or network administrator for the correct subnet mask.
Q: Can I change the IP address on my Brother HL-2270DW without a computer?
A: You can change the IP address on your printer using the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your smartphone or tablet. This eliminates the need for a computer.
Q: What if I can’t access the printer’s web-based configuration page?
A: If you can’t access the web-based configuration page, you might need to reset your printer to its factory settings. This will usually reset the IP address to the default setting, allowing you to access the configuration page again.