Mastering Connectivity: How to Connect Your MFC-L2710DW to WiFi

Connecting your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer to WiFi opens up a world of convenience and efficiency in printing, scanning, and copying. Whether you’re looking to print from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, a wireless connection can ease your workflow and eliminate the hassle of tangled cords. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process of connecting your MFC-L2710DW to WiFi, ensuring that you can take full advantage of this multifunctional printer.

Table of Contents

Understanding the MFC-L2710DW

Before jumping into the connection process, it’s beneficial to understand what makes the MFC-L2710DW a standout printer. This all-in-one monochrome laser printer combines the functions of printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. Designed with small offices and home use in mind, it offers several features:

Print Speed: Up to 36 pages per minute.
Print Resolution: Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi.
Wireless Connectivity: Supports both WiFi and mobile printing.
Automatic Document Feeder: Holds up to 50 sheets for easy scanning and copying.

Armed with this knowledge, let’s dive into the steps for connecting your printer to WiFi.

Preparing for the Connection

Before starting the connection process, ensure you have the following:

Your WiFi network name (SSID).
Your WiFi password.
The Brother MFC-L2710DW printer turned on and within range of your WiFi router.

Additionally, it’s recommended to have the Brother printer driver installed on your computer. You can download it from the Brother support website if it’s not already installed.

Connecting Your MFC-L2710DW to WiFi

There are primarily two methods to connect your Brother MFC-L2710DW to WiFi: using the control panel interface directly on the printer or utilizing the Brother installation software on your computer. We will discuss both methods step by step.

Method 1: Connecting via the Printer Control Panel

This method allows you to connect the printer directly to your WiFi network without needing a computer.

Step 1: Access the Menu

Turn on your MFC-L2710DW printer.
Press the Menu button on the printer’s control panel.
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Network option and press OK.

Step 2: Select WLAN

In the Network menu, navigate using the arrow keys to find WLAN and press OK.
You will now see an option for Setup Wizard. Select it and press OK to proceed.

Step 3: Enable WLAN

Choose Yes to enable the WLAN.
The printer will search for available WiFi networks. This may take a few moments.
Once the search is complete, a list of detectable networks will appear. Find your network’s SSID and select it.

Step 4: Enter the WiFi Password

When prompted, enter your WiFi password using the printer’s keypad. You can navigate between characters using the arrow keys and select letters/numbers by pressing OK.
After entering your password, press OK to confirm.

Step 5: Confirm the Connection

Your printer will attempt to connect to the network. A confirmation message will appear if the connection is successful.
Print a network configuration page to verify the connection. Go back to the Network menu and select Print Network Config.

Method 2: Connecting via Brother Software

Following this method leverages your computer to help connect the printer to your WiFi network.

Step 1: Prepare the Printer

Ensure that your MFC-L2710DW is turned on.
Connect it to your computer temporarily using a USB cable.

Step 2: Download Brother Software

Visit the Brother support website.
Search for MFC-L2710DW and navigate to the Downloads section.
Download the appropriate driver and software package for your operating system.

Step 3: Install the Software

Run the downloaded file to initiate the installation process.
Follow the installation prompts until you reach the connection type selection.
Choose Network and select Wireless as the connection method.

Step 4: Connect to the WiFi

The software will either search for your WiFi network or provide an option to enter your SSID manually.
Enter your WiFi password when prompted. The software will attempt to connect the printer to your WiFi network.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

Once the connection is established, follow the remaining installation prompts to complete the driver installation.
When prompted, print a test page to ensure that everything is functioning correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, even after following the above steps carefully, you may face some connectivity issues. Let’s review a few common problems and helpful troubleshooting tips.

Issue 1: Printer Not Detected

If your printer isn’t detected by your computer or mobile device:

Ensure that the printer is within range of the WiFi router.
Verify that your WiFi network is functioning by checking other connected devices.
Restart both your printer and WiFi router.

Issue 2: Slow Printing Speeds

If you experience slow printing speeds once connected to WiFi:

Reduce the distance between the printer and router.
Minimize obstacles that may interfere with the WiFi signal.
Ensure that there aren’t large files in the print queue, as this can slow down the process.

Issue 3: Incorrect Password Entered

If you receive an error regarding the WiFi password:

Double-check the password for accuracy, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters.
If uncertain, log into your router settings to retrieve or reset your WiFi password.

Benefits of Wireless Printing

Connecting your MFC-L2710DW to WiFi brings numerous advantages:

Convenience: Print from anywhere in your home or office without needing to disconnect and reconnect USB cables.
Mobile Printing: Utilize mobile printing features such as AirPrint or Brother iPrint&Scan, allowing seamless printing from smartphones and tablets.
Multi-Device Capability: Multiple users can connect to the printer simultaneously, making it ideal for shared environments.

Final Thoughts

Connecting your Brother MFC-L2710DW printer to WiFi is straightforward, whether you opt for the control panel method or the Brother software. By following these steps, you can enjoy the ultimate convenience of wireless printing, scanning, and copying. Should you encounter any issues, the troubleshooting tips outlined above can help you navigate and resolve any problems.

In conclusion, making the leap to a wireless setup not only simplifies your printing tasks but also enhances your overall productivity. Embrace the future of printing and streamline your workflow today!

What is the first step to connect my MFC-L2710DW to WiFi?

To begin the process of connecting your MFC-L2710DW to WiFi, ensure that your printer is turned on and that your wireless network is set up and functioning properly. You will also need your WiFi network name (SSID) and password, as these will be required to connect the printer to your network.

Next, navigate to the printer’s control panel. Press the ‘Menu’ button, use the arrow keys to scroll to ‘Network’, and select ‘WLAN’. Here, choose the option for ‘Setup Wizard’, which will search for available wireless networks in your vicinity. When prompted, select your WiFi network from the list displayed.

How do I enter my WiFi password on the MFC-L2710DW?

After selecting your WiFi network, the printer screen will prompt you to enter your WiFi password. You will need to use the printer’s control panel to input your password correctly. The control panel will display the character set available for password entry, often requiring you to toggle through letters, numbers, and special characters.

Carefully input the password by selecting each character using the navigation keys and confirming with the ‘OK’ button for each character. Once you have entered the complete password, select ‘OK’ to proceed. The printer will then attempt to connect to your WiFi network, and you will see a confirmation message if successful.

What should I do if my printer cannot detect my WiFi network?

If your MFC-L2710DW is having trouble detecting your WiFi network, first ensure that the router is powered on and functioning properly. It can help to bring the printer closer to the router to eliminate any potential signal interference. This is particularly important if there are walls or other obstructions that could weaken the signal.

If the network still does not appear, check if your WiFi is set to ‘hidden’ mode. If your router is configured to hide the SSID, you will need to manually enter the network name and password by selecting the ‘Other’ option on the printer’s WiFi setup screen. This manual entry will allow the printer to connect to the hidden network directly.

Can I connect the MFC-L2710DW to WiFi using a smartphone or computer?

Yes, you can connect your MFC-L2710DW to WiFi using a smartphone or computer. This can be done through the Brother iPrint&Scan app available for both iOS and Android devices. First, ensure that your smartphone or computer is connected to the same WiFi network you want to connect the printer to.

After installing the app, open it and select the option to connect to the printer. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the wireless connection. This method often provides a more straightforward approach, especially if you are more comfortable navigating from a mobile device or computer interface.

What do I do if the printer shows a ‘Connection Failed’ message?

If you encounter a ‘Connection Failed’ message on your MFC-L2710DW, it typically indicates an issue with the WiFi credentials or the network connection itself. Start by double-checking that the WiFi name and password you entered are correct. A simple typo could lead to this error message.

If the credentials are verified, try restarting both your printer and your WiFi router. Turn off the printer, wait a few moments, then power it back on. Additionally, power cycle your router by unplugging it for a few seconds and then plugging it back in. After both devices have restarted, attempt the connection process again.

Is there a way to print over WiFi without connecting my MFC-L2710DW directly to my network?

Yes, if you prefer not to connect your MFC-L2710DW directly to your home WiFi network, you can utilize a direct wireless connection, often referred to as wireless direct printing. This allows you to connect your mobile device or computer to the printer wirelessly without the need for a router.

To enable this feature, access the printer’s ‘Network’ settings through the control panel and look for ‘Wi-Fi Direct’. Activate it, and you will be provided with network credentials. Connect your device to this wireless network and use the Brother iPrint&Scan app or the appropriate printing settings from your computer to send print jobs directly to the printer.

How can I check if my MFC-L2710DW is successfully connected to WiFi?

To check if your MFC-L2710DW is successfully connected to your WiFi network, you can print a network configuration page. Navigate to the ‘Menu’ on the printer’s control panel, select ‘Print Reports’, and then choose ‘Network Configuration’. This report will detail the printer’s network status and confirm whether it is connected to WiFi.

Alternatively, you can also verify the connection by attempting to print a test page or using the Brother iPrint&Scan app. If the app successfully detects the printer and you are able to send a print job, it is a clear indication that the connection is established.