Brother Printer not Connecting to Internet: How to fix it?

If your Brother printer is not connecting to the internet, it can result from a range of issues such as network settings, router configurations, or printer hardware. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve the problem of a Brother printer not connecting to Wi-Fi or the internet.

1. Ensure Printer Compatibility and Network Requirements

• Check Wi-Fi Compatibility: Ensure that your Brother printer model supports Wi-Fi. Some older models only support USB or Ethernet connections.
• Network Requirements: Brother printers usually connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks, as many do not support the 5 GHz band. Ensure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network and that it’s enabled.
• Range and Signal Strength: Place your printer close to the router to ensure it receives a strong signal, especially if there are walls or objects obstructing the Wi-Fi signal.

2. Reboot Devices to Refresh Connections

• Power Cycle the Printer and Router: Turn off your Brother printer and unplug the router. Wait about 10 seconds, then plug in the router, let it start fully, and turn the printer back on. This can reset the connection and solve temporary network issues.
• Restart Computer: If your printer communicates with a computer, restart it as well to ensure all devices are on the same network.

3. Check Printer Network Settings

• Printer Control Panel: Use the printer’s control panel to check the network status. Many Brother printers have an option to view Wi-Fi connection information, such as signal strength and the connected network name (SSID).
• Network Configuration Report: Print a network configuration or WLAN status report. This will show whether the printer is connected to the network, its IP address, and any potential connection issues.

4. Verify Wi-Fi Settings and Reconnect

• Reconnect to Wi-Fi:
  1. On the printer control panel, go to Settings > Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard.
  2. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password carefully. Incorrect passwords are a common reason for failed connections.
• Confirm Network Credentials: Double-check that the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password are correct, especially if your password has been recently updated.

5. Assign a Static IP Address

• Set a Static IP on Printer: Sometimes, assigning a static IP address to your Brother printer helps maintain a stable connection. You can usually do this within the printer’s network settings menu.
• Router Settings: You may also be able to set a reserved IP for the printer directly through your router’s settings. Refer to your router’s manual to find this option, which varies depending on the router model.

6. Update Printer Firmware and Drivers

• Firmware Update: Outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues. Go to the Brother support website, enter your printer model, and download the latest firmware.
• Driver Update on Computer: If you’re connecting the printer to a computer, make sure you have the latest drivers installed. You can find updated drivers on Brother’s support site. Mac and Windows users may need specific drivers to enable network printing.

7. Check Router Settings

• Enable SSID Broadcasting: Some Brother printers require that the SSID (Wi-Fi network name) is visible to connect. Make sure SSID broadcasting is enabled on your router.
• MAC Address Filtering: If your router has MAC address filtering enabled, it might block new devices. Add your printer’s MAC address to the list of allowed devices in the router settings.
• Router Firmware Update: Make sure your router firmware is up-to-date. Updated firmware can improve connectivity and network stability.

8. Printer and Computer IP Compatibility

• Same Network: Ensure both your computer and printer are connected to the same network (if you have multiple networks or a guest network).
• Subnet Compatibility: The IP address ranges for both devices should be compatible. For instance, if your computer’s IP address starts with “192.168.1.x,” the printer’s IP address should also follow that range.

9. Disable VPNs and Firewalls Temporarily

• VPNs: Disconnect any VPN on the computer when troubleshooting network connectivity. Some VPNs interfere with local network devices.
• Firewall Settings: Temporarily disable any firewall or security software that might block the printer from connecting. Re-enable these settings once you confirm the printer is connected.

10. Reset Network Settings on Printer

• If all else fails, try resetting the printer’s network settings to default. This will clear any saved networks and allow you to start from scratch.
• Steps:
  1. On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Settings > Network > Network Reset.
  2. Confirm the reset. Once completed, go through the Wi-Fi setup process again.

11. Connect Printer via WPS

• Many Brother printers support Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), a quick way to connect without entering a password.
• Using WPS:
  1. Press the WPS button on your router.
  2. On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Network settings and select WPS. Follow the prompts to complete the connection.

12. Check Brother Support Resources

• Online Support: Visit Brother’s website for FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and driver downloads specific to your printer model.
• Manual and Documentation: Brother provides detailed manuals and connection guides for each printer model, which can be helpful for specific settings and configurations.

13. Contact Brother Customer Support

• If the problem persists after all troubleshooting steps, contact Brother’s customer support. They can provide additional assistance, including diagnosing hardware issues or firmware problems that might be impacting connectivity.

Summary

Getting your Brother printer connected to the internet requires verifying Wi-Fi settings, adjusting network configurations, and ensuring compatibility with your router. By checking signal strength, updating firmware, assigning a static IP, and adjusting router settings, you should be able to resolve most connectivity issues. Taking these steps helps ensure a stable network connection, allowing your Brother printer to connect and function reliably.