How to Setup a Brother HL-2170W Wireless: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Are you ready to unleash the power of wireless printing with your Brother HL-2170W? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple steps to connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network and enjoy the freedom of printing from any device in your home or office. We’ll cover everything from initial setup to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring a seamless printing experience.

Getting Started: Unboxing and Preparation

Before diving into the wireless setup, let’s get your printer ready to go.
1. Unpack your Brother HL-2170W: Carefully remove all packaging materials and ensure you have all the necessary components, including the printer, power cord, USB cable, and setup guide.
2. Connect the Power Cord: Plug the power cord into the printer and then into a working electrical outlet.
3. Install the Toner Cartridge: Open the front cover of the printer and carefully install the toner cartridge that came with your printer. Refer to the user manual for detailed instructions.
4. Choose Your Connection Method: The Brother HL-2170W offers two primary connection methods:

• Wireless Setup: This method connects your printer directly to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to print from any device on the same network.
• USB Connection: This traditional method connects your printer to your computer via a USB cable. While not as versatile as wireless, it’s a reliable option if you primarily print from one computer.

Wireless Setup: Connecting to Your Network

For the most convenient and flexible printing experience, we recommend setting up your Brother HL-2170W wirelessly. Follow these steps:
1. Turn on the Printer: Ensure your printer is powered on and ready to connect.
2. Locate the WPS Button: On the front panel of your printer, you’ll find a WPS button (Wi-Fi Protected Setup).
3. Enable WPS on Your Router: Check your router’s documentation or user interface to enable WPS mode. This mode typically allows for a quick and easy connection between your printer and router.
4. Initiate the Connection: Press and hold the WPS button on your printer for a few seconds. The printer’s Wi-Fi indicator light should start blinking, indicating that it’s searching for a network.
5. Confirm Connection: Once the connection is established, the Wi-Fi indicator light on your printer should become solid.

Alternative Wireless Setup: Using the LCD Panel

If your router doesn‘t support WPS, or you prefer a more manual approach, you can set up your printer’s wireless connection through the printer’s LCD panel:
1. Access the Wireless Menu: Navigate to the network settings on your printer’s LCD panel. The specific steps might vary slightly depending on your printer model.
2. Select “Wireless Setup” or “Network Setup”: This option will guide you through the wireless connection process.
3. Choose “Search for Network”: The printer will scan for available Wi-Fi networks in your area.
4. Select Your Network: From the list of detected networks, choose your home or office Wi-Fi network.
5. Enter Your Wi-Fi Password: You’ll be prompted to enter the password for your Wi-Fi network. Carefully type the password and confirm.
6. Confirm Connection: The printer will attempt to connect to your network. Once the connection is successful, the Wi-Fi indicator light will become solid.

Installing Drivers and Software

After successfully connecting your Brother HL-2170W wirelessly, you’ll need to install the necessary drivers and software for your operating system.
1. Download Drivers: Visit the Brother website and download the latest drivers for your specific printer model and operating system.
2. Run the Installation: Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Connect to Your Network: During the installation process, you might be prompted to connect your printer to your network. The installer will guide you through the necessary steps.

Printing from Your Devices

With the drivers and software installed, you’re ready to print from your devices:
1. Print from Your Computer: Open the document you want to print and select “Print” from the file menu. Choose your Brother HL-2170W as the printer and adjust any print settings as needed.
2. Print from Mobile Devices: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Install the app on your smartphone or tablet, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device to your printer. You can now print documents, photos, and web pages directly from your mobile device.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While setting up your Brother HL-2170W is generally straightforward, you might encounter some common issues:

• Printer Not Connecting to Wi-Fi: Double-check that your Wi-Fi network is active and that you’ve entered the correct password. Try restarting both your printer and router.

• Printer Not Recognized by Your Computer: Ensure that the drivers and software are installed correctly. You might need to reinstall or update the drivers.

• Print Quality Issues: Check the toner cartridge level and replace it if necessary. Also, verify that the paper is loaded correctly and that there are no paper jams.

• Slow Printing Speeds: Ensure that your Wi-Fi signal is strong and that there are no other devices heavily using your network.

Maximizing Your Printing Experience

To get the most out of your Brother HL-2170W, consider these tips:

• Regular Maintenance: Clean the printer regularly to prevent dust and debris from affecting print quality.

• Use High-Quality Toner: Invest in genuine Brother toner cartridges to ensure optimal print quality and longevity.

• Update Firmware: Check the Brother website for the latest firmware updates to improve your printer’s performance and address any known issues.

Printing Made Simple: Your Brother HL-2170W is Ready

Congratulations! You have successfully set up your Brother HL-2170W wirelessly and are ready to enjoy seamless printing from any device. With its user-friendly interface, reliable performance, and wireless capabilities, the Brother HL-2170W is a fantastic choice for home and small office users.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: What if my router doesn’t support WPS?
A: You can still set up your printer wirelessly by using the manual method through the printer’s LCD panel, as explained in the “Alternative Wireless Setup” section.
Q: What if I’m having trouble with the wireless connection?
A: Try restarting both your printer and router. Also, ensure that your Wi-Fi network is active and that you’ve entered the correct password. If you’re still having issues, consult the Brother website for troubleshooting guides or contact Brother support.
Q: Can I print from multiple devices simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can print from multiple devices on the same Wi-Fi network at the same time.
Q: How do I update the printer’s firmware?
A: Visit the Brother website and download the latest firmware update for your specific printer model. Follow the instructions provided on the Brother website to update the firmware.
Q: How do I replace the toner cartridge?
A: Refer to your printer’s user manual for detailed instructions on replacing the toner cartridge. It’s generally a simple process involving opening the front cover, removing the empty cartridge, and inserting the new one.