How to Connect Brother Printer to Wifi: Fix it

Connecting your Brother printer to Wi-Fi enables wireless printing, making it easier to print from any device on the same network. This guide covers all essential steps to help you connect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi, troubleshoot any issues, and ensure a stable connection.

1. Check Printer Compatibility and Network Requirements

• Wi-Fi Capability: Make sure your Brother printer model supports Wi-Fi connectivity. Most Brother models released in recent years include Wi-Fi support, but it’s always good to check the user manual or Brother’s website.
• Network Frequency: Brother printers typically connect to the 2.4 GHz band on dual-band routers. If your router has both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, make sure the 2.4 GHz network is enabled and that your devices are on the same network.
• Network Name (SSID) and Password: You will need your Wi-Fi network’s SSID (network name) and password to connect the printer.

2. Gather Information for Setup

• Network Configuration Report: Some Brother printers can print a network configuration report that provides useful network information. You may also want to make note of the printer’s MAC address (if required) and IP address once connected, which can be useful for troubleshooting.
• Router Access: If your router has MAC address filtering or other security measures, you may need to access router settings to ensure the printer is allowed to connect.

3. Connect Using the Control Panel (WLAN Setup Wizard)

• Access Wi-Fi Setup:
  1. On the printer control panel, go to Menu > Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard.
  2. Use the printer’s navigation buttons to select options and navigate through the menus.
• Select Your Wi-Fi Network:
  • The printer will search for available networks. Once the list appears, select your Wi-Fi network (SSID) from the list.
• Enter Wi-Fi Password:
  • Use the on-screen keyboard to enter your Wi-Fi password carefully. The printer’s display might only show one character at a time, so double-check your entry.
• Confirm and Connect:
  • After entering the password, confirm the connection. The printer will attempt to connect, and you’ll see a success message if the connection is established.

4. Use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) for Quick Connection

• Check WPS Compatibility: Both the printer and router need to support WPS for this method. WPS is typically indicated by a button labeled "WPS" on the router.
• Steps to Connect via WPS:
  1. Press and hold the WPS button on your router for about 3-5 seconds.
  2. On the Brother printer, go to Menu > Network > WLAN > WPS/AOSS.
  3. Select WPS as the connection method, and the printer should automatically connect to the network.
• Connection Confirmation: Once connected, your printer will display a message indicating success. This method avoids manual password entry, making it quicker if WPS is available.

5. Install Brother Printer Drivers on Computer

• To ensure smooth communication between your computer and the printer, download and install the latest printer drivers.
• Driver Installation:
  1. Visit the Brother Support website and enter your printer model.
  2. Download and install the appropriate drivers for your operating system (macOS or Windows).
• During installation, the driver setup may prompt you to select the connection type. Choose Wireless or Wi-Fi.

6. Verify Wi-Fi Connection and Print Network Report

• Print a Network Configuration Report:
  • Many Brother printers offer an option to print a network configuration report, which shows your printer’s IP address and Wi-Fi connection status. This can be helpful to confirm the connection.
• Check IP Address: Confirm that the printer has an IP address assigned by your network. This indicates it’s successfully connected to Wi-Fi.

7. Assign a Static IP Address (Optional)

• If you want to prevent connectivity issues caused by changing IP addresses, you can assign a static IP to the printer.
• Assigning a Static IP:
  1. Access your router’s settings and look for “DHCP Reservation” or “IP Reservation.”
  2. Enter the printer’s MAC address and assign it a fixed IP address.
  • This step is optional but can help maintain a stable connection if you plan to use the printer frequently.

8. Troubleshooting Connection Issues

• Incorrect Password: If the printer fails to connect, double-check your Wi-Fi password. An incorrect password is a common issue.
• Out of Range: Ensure the printer is close enough to the router. Move the printer closer if necessary.
• Router Settings: Disable MAC address filtering or add the printer’s MAC address to the list of allowed devices if filtering is enabled.
• Reset Network Settings on Printer:
  • On the printer, go to Settings > Network > Network Reset. This clears any previous connections, allowing you to start fresh.

9. Add Printer to Mac or Windows Device

• On macOS:
  1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
  2. Click the + button to add a printer.
  3. Your Brother printer should appear in the list if it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• On Windows:
  1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a printer.
  2. Select your Brother printer from the list and follow the prompts to complete setup.

10. Use Brother iPrint&Scan App (Mobile Printing)

• Download the App: For mobile printing, download the Brother iPrint&Scan app, available on both iOS and Android.
• Connect App to Printer:
  • Ensure your mobile device is on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
  • Open the app, and it should detect your Brother printer automatically. Follow the app’s instructions to start printing directly from your mobile device.

11. Contact Brother Support for Assistance

• If you’re still unable to connect, Brother’s customer support can provide additional troubleshooting. Have your printer model, router information, and network details ready when contacting support.

Summary

Connecting a Brother printer to Wi-Fi involves verifying network compatibility, setting up the printer through the control panel or WPS, installing drivers, and troubleshooting as needed. Once connected, you can add the printer to your computer or mobile device and start printing wirelessly.