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How to Connect Wifi to Brother Printer? Brother Wifi Guide

Introduction If you have recently purchased a Brother printer or moved your existing printer to a new spot in your home or office, you are probably wondering How to Connect Wifi to Brother Printer? Going wireless means you can print from your laptop, smartphon

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Introduction

If you have recently purchased a Brother printer or moved your existing printer to a new spot in your home or office, you are probably wondering How to Connect Wifi to Brother Printer? Going wireless means you can print from your laptop, smartphone, or tablet without hunting for a USB cable or crowding around a single computer. Brother makes several WiFi-enabled models, and while the exact menu names can vary slightly between series, the general process is similar across most devices.

In this guide, we will walk through every major way to get your Brother printer onto your wireless network. You will learn how to use WPS, the Wireless Setup Wizard, WiFi Direct, and even a temporary USB connection if your printer’s display is giving you trouble. We will also cover how to verify the connection, install the right drivers, and troubleshoot the most common problems that pop up along the way.

By the end of this article, you should feel confident answering the question How to Connect Wifi to Brother Printer? for your specific model, and you will know what to do if something goes wrong.

Table of Contents

Why Connect Your Brother Printer to WiFi?

Connecting your Brother printer to WiFi removes the need for physical cables between your computer and the printer. This is especially useful in households with multiple users or in small offices where everyone needs to print from different devices.

  • Print from anywhere in range: Send print jobs from the couch, the kitchen, or a meeting room without plugging in.
  • Mobile printing: Use Brother iPrint&Scan, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria to print directly from your phone or tablet.
  • Less clutter: Fewer cables running across desks and floors.
  • Shared access: Multiple computers on the same network can use one printer without swapping USB connections.

If you are asking How to Connect Wifi to Brother Printer? because you want one of these benefits, you are in the right place.

Before You Start: Requirements and Preparation

Before you touch any buttons on the printer, gather the following information and equipment. Having everything ready will make the setup much smoother.

  • Wireless network name (SSID): This is the name of your WiFi network, such as Home_WiFi or Office_Network_5G.
  • Wireless password (network key): The password you use to connect phones and laptops to your router.
  • A Brother printer with built-in WiFi: Not every Brother model has wireless capability. Check your model number on the front or back of the machine.
  • A working WiFi router: The printer and router should be powered on and within reasonable range of each other.
  • A computer or mobile device: You will need this to install drivers and send a test print.

Check Your Router Band

Many Brother printers connect only to the 2.4 GHz WiFi band. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under the same name, the printer might get confused during setup. If possible, temporarily separate the bands or make sure you are selecting the 2.4 GHz network during configuration.

Write Down Your Network Details

Write your SSID and password on a piece of paper. You will need to enter them exactly, including uppercase and lowercase letters, because WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.

Method 1: Connect Using WPS (Push Button)

WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) is one of the fastest ways to answer How to Connect Wifi to Brother Printer? if your router supports it. WPS lets you connect without typing the password manually.

Step-by-Step WPS Instructions

  1. Place your Brother printer within range of your wireless router.
  2. Turn on the printer and wait until it reaches the ready state.
  3. Press and hold the WiFi button on the printer for about two seconds, or until the WiFi light starts blinking. On some models, you may need to press the WPS button instead.
  4. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router.
  5. Wait for the printer’s WiFi light to stop blinking and remain steadily lit. This indicates a successful connection.
  6. Print a network configuration page to confirm the printer received an IP address from your router.

If the WiFi light continues to blink or turns off, WPS may have timed out. Repeat the steps, making sure you press the router’s WPS button within the two-minute window.

Method 2: Connect Using WiFi Direct

WiFi Direct lets your phone, tablet, or computer connect directly to the Brother printer without going through a wireless router. This is useful if you want to print from a mobile device and your router is out of reach or not working.

Step-by-Step WiFi Direct Instructions

  1. On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Network > WiFi Direct > On.
  2. Note the SSID (network name) and password displayed on the screen. The SSID often starts with DIRECT- followed by your printer model.
  3. On your computer or mobile device, open the WiFi settings and look for the printer’s SSID in the list of available networks.
  4. Select the printer’s network and enter the password shown on the printer’s display.
  5. Once connected, open the document or photo you want to print and choose your Brother printer from the print menu.

Keep in mind that while WiFi Direct is active, your device may lose its connection to the internet because it is linked directly to the printer instead of your router.

Method 3: Connect Using the Wireless Setup Wizard

The Wireless Setup Wizard is the most common method for users who want to connect their Brother printer to an existing home or office network. It is built into the printer’s display menu and works well for most models.

Step-by-Step Wireless Setup Wizard Instructions

  1. Press the Menu button on your Brother printer’s control panel.
  2. Use the arrow keys to select Network, then press OK.
  3. Select WLAN, then press OK.
  4. Choose Setup Wizard and press OK.
  5. When the printer asks WLAN Enable?, select Yes to turn on the wireless radio.
  6. The printer will scan for nearby networks. Use the arrow keys to find your network name (SSID) and press OK.
  7. If your network is not listed, choose SSID and enter the name manually.
  8. Select Auth Mode or Authentication. Most home networks use WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK.
  9. Enter your wireless password carefully. Use the on-screen keyboard or dial pad to input uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
  10. Press OK to apply the settings. The printer will attempt to connect.
  11. Wait for a message such as Connected or a steady WiFi light.

If the printer fails to connect, double-check that you entered the password correctly and that your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz signal.

Method 4: Connect Using Brother Software or Mobile Apps

Brother provides software utilities and mobile apps that can help you configure WiFi settings from a computer or smartphone. This method is helpful if the printer’s buttons are difficult to navigate or if you prefer a graphical interface.

Using BRAdmin Light or Brother iPrint&Scan

  1. Download BRAdmin Light (for Windows or Mac) or the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Brother support website or your device’s app store.
  2. Install the software and launch it.
  3. Make sure your computer is on the same WiFi network you want the printer to join.
  4. Use the software to discover your Brother printer. If it is not found, connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable temporarily so the software can detect it.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your WiFi SSID and password.
  6. Send the settings to the printer. Once the configuration is received, disconnect the USB cable if you used one.

This approach is especially handy for configuring multiple Brother printers in an office environment.

Method 5: Temporary USB Setup for Wireless Configuration

Some Brother printers allow you to configure wireless settings through a computer using a USB cable as a bridge. Once the wireless settings are saved, you can remove the cable and print over WiFi.

Step-by-Step Temporary USB Setup

  1. Connect the Brother printer to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Install the full driver and software package from the Brother website.
  3. During installation, choose Wireless Network Connection when prompted for the connection type.
  4. The installer will detect your printer over USB and guide you through entering your WiFi network name and password.
  5. Complete the installation and allow the printer to restart if necessary.
  6. Disconnect the USB cable. The printer should remain connected to your wireless network.

This method is often the most reliable when the printer’s control panel is unresponsive or when WPS is not available on your router.

How to Verify the WiFi Connection

After you finish any setup method, you should confirm that the Brother printer is actually on your network before you start printing important documents.

Verification Steps

  1. Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer’s control panel. Look under Menu > Print Reports > Network Configuration.
  2. Check the report for the WiFi status. It should say Connected or Interface Enabled.
  3. Look for the IP Address on the report. It usually looks like 192.168.1.xxx or 10.0.0.xxx. If the IP address starts with 169.254, the printer did not get a valid address from your router.
  4. On your computer, open a web browser and type the printer’s IP address into the address bar. If the printer’s web management page loads, the connection is working.
  5. Send a test print from your computer or mobile device to make sure everything communicates properly.

Installing Drivers and Software After Connection

Connecting the printer to WiFi is only half the job. Your computer still needs the correct driver to send print jobs to the right IP address.

  1. Go to the official Brother support website and search for your printer model.
  2. Download the Full Driver & Software Package for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  3. Run the installer and choose Wireless Network Connection when asked.
  4. The installer should detect your Brother printer on the network. Select it from the list.
  5. Complete the installation and print a test page.

If you are using a Mac, you may also be able to add the printer through System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer, where Bonjour may discover the Brother printer automatically.

Troubleshooting Common Brother Printer WiFi Issues

Even when you follow the steps carefully, wireless printers can sometimes act up. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.

Printer Not Found on the Network

  • Make sure the printer’s WiFi light is steady, not blinking.
  • Restart the printer, router, and computer.
  • Confirm that your computer is connected to the same network as the printer.
  • Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus software that might be blocking printer discovery.

Incorrect Wireless Password

  • WiFi passwords are case-sensitive. Double-check uppercase and lowercase letters.
  • If you recently changed your router password, update it on the printer through the Wireless Setup Wizard again.

WPS Connection Fails

  • Press the router’s WPS button within two minutes of pressing the printer’s WPS or WiFi button.
  • Move the printer closer to the router.
  • If WPS continues to fail, switch to the Wireless Setup Wizard method instead.

5 GHz Network Problems

  • Many Brother printers only support 2.4 GHz WiFi. If your router uses a single name for both bands, the printer may try to connect to 5 GHz and fail.
  • Log into your router settings and give the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks different names, then connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz network.

Printer Loses Its IP Address

  • Assign a static IP address to the printer through your router’s DHCP reservation settings.
  • Alternatively, set a manual IP address on the printer’s control panel under Network > TCP/IP.

Tips and Best Practices for Stable Wireless Printing

Once you have figured out How to Connect Wifi to Brother Printer?, keep these tips in mind to avoid future headaches.

  • Keep the printer close to the router: Walls and appliances can weaken the WiFi signal. If the signal is weak, print jobs may fail or take a long time to start.
  • Use 2.4 GHz when possible: Even if your router has a fast 5 GHz band, the 2.4 GHz band usually offers better range and compatibility with Brother printers.
  • Update the printer firmware: Visit the Brother support site occasionally to check for firmware updates that improve wireless performance.
  • Set a static IP: Assigning a fixed IP address prevents the printer from “disappearing” when your router reassigns addresses.
  • Restart periodically: If the printer goes offline, power cycling both the printer and router often resolves the issue.
  • Label your network: If you have multiple Brother printers, give each one a recognizable name in your router’s device list so you can tell them apart.

Comparison: Connection Methods at a Glance

Not every method works equally well for every situation. Use this table to decide which approach fits your needs best.

Method Difficulty Speed Best For Requirements
WPS Push Button Easy Fast Quick setup when router has a WPS button WPS-enabled router and printer
WiFi Direct Easy Fast Mobile printing without a router Brother printer with WiFi Direct support
Wireless Setup Wizard Moderate Moderate Standard home or office network connection Printer display panel, SSID, and password
Brother Software / App Moderate Moderate Configuring multiple printers or using a GUI Computer or mobile device, Brother software
Temporary USB Setup Moderate Slower When WPS or the control panel is not working USB cable and computer

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Brother printers support WiFi?

No. Only Brother models with built-in wireless capability can connect to WiFi. Check your model number on the Brother website to confirm.

Can I connect my Brother printer to a 5 GHz network?

Many Brother printers support only 2.4 GHz WiFi. If your router combines both bands under one name, try separating them or manually selecting the 2.4 GHz network during setup.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You can find the password on a sticker on your router, in your router’s admin settings, or on a device already connected to the network. You will need it to complete How to Connect Wifi to Brother Printer?

How do I print a network configuration page?

On the printer’s control panel, go to Menu > Print Reports > Network Configuration, then press OK or Start.

My printer connected to WiFi but my computer cannot find it. What should I do?

Make sure you installed the Brother driver and selected the wireless connection during setup. Also confirm that your computer and printer are on the same network. Restarting both devices often helps.

Can I use WiFi Direct and a regular WiFi network at the same time?

Usually, no. When WiFi Direct is active, the printer creates its own direct connection and may disconnect from your local WiFi network.

How do I change the WiFi network on my Brother printer?

Run the Wireless Setup Wizard again and select the new network name. The printer will forget the old network and connect to the new one.

Is a USB cable required for wireless printing?

No. Once the printer is configured for WiFi and the drivers are installed, you do not need a USB cable for normal printing.

Conclusion

Learning How to Connect Wifi to Brother Printer? does not have to be complicated. Whether you use the WPS button, the Wireless Setup Wizard, WiFi Direct, Brother software, or a temporary USB connection, the goal is the same: get your printer on your wireless network so you can print from any device in your home or office.

Start by gathering your network name and password, choose the method that matches your equipment, and verify the connection by printing a network configuration page. If you run into issues, check your router band, confirm your password, and consider assigning a static IP address to keep the printer easy to find.

With your Brother printer now on WiFi, you are ready to print wirelessly from your laptop, phone, or tablet whenever you need to. Happy printing!