HowToFixWiFiSimple fixes  •  Better connection
Setup and Configuration

How to Connect Wifi to Printer Brother? iPrint & Scan Setup

Introduction Wireless printing has become a standard expectation in homes and offices, and Brother printers are among the most reliable choices for users who want to cut the cord. Whether you are setting up a new device or reconnecting an existing one to a new

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Wireless printing has become a standard expectation in homes and offices, and Brother printers are among the most reliable choices for users who want to cut the cord. Whether you are setting up a new device or reconnecting an existing one to a new router, knowing How to Connect Wifi to Printer Brother? can save you time and frustration. Brother offers a free companion application called iPrint & Scan that simplifies wireless printing and scanning from smartphones, tablets, and computers.

This guide walks you through every step of the process, from preparing your network to installing the iPrint & Scan app and troubleshooting common connection problems. By the end, you will be able to send print jobs and scan documents wirelessly without hunting for cables or wondering why your computer cannot find the printer.

Table of Contents

What You Need Before You Start

Before you begin the wireless setup, gather the following items. Having everything ready will make How to Connect Wifi to Printer Brother? much smoother and reduce the chance of getting stuck halfway through.

  • A Brother wireless printer: Confirm your model supports WiFi. Most modern Brother inkjet and laser printers include built-in wireless, but some entry-level models are USB-only.
  • WiFi network name (SSID) and password: You will need to enter these during setup. If you do not know them, check the sticker on your router or contact your internet service provider.
  • A computer, smartphone, or tablet: You need a device on the same network to install drivers and the iPrint & Scan app.
  • The iPrint & Scan app: Available free for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.
  • Printer powered on and loaded with paper: You will need paper to print a test page once the connection is established.

It is also helpful to place the printer within range of your router during setup. Thick walls, large appliances, and other electronics can interfere with the signal, so keeping the printer in the same room as the router initially is a good idea.

Understanding Brother iPrint & Scan

Brother iPrint & Scan is a free application designed to let you print and scan documents directly from a mobile device or computer without needing a physical cable connection. Once your printer is on the same WiFi network as your device, the app discovers the printer automatically and lets you send print jobs, initiate scans, check ink or toner levels, and manage printer settings.

The app is especially useful if you do not want to install full printer drivers on every device in your home. Instead, you can install iPrint & Scan on a phone or tablet and print photos, emails, web pages, and PDF files on demand. For scanning, you can place a document on the scanner glass or use the automatic document feeder (if your model has one) and save the scan directly to your mobile device.

How to Connect Wifi to Printer Brother? Preparation Steps

If you are asking How to Connect Wifi to Printer Brother?, the first step is always preparation. Do not skip these steps, as missing network credentials or a printer that is not powered on will cause setup to fail.

  1. Unbox and power on the printer: Remove all packing materials, install the ink or toner cartridges, load paper into the tray, and turn the printer on. Wait for it to reach the ready state.
  2. Locate your WiFi credentials: Write down your network name (SSID) and password. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive.
  3. Confirm your router band: Many Brother printers connect only to 2.4 GHz WiFi networks. If your router broadcasts a combined 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network under the same name, you may need to temporarily separate them or connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz band specifically.
  4. Position the printer: Place it close enough to the router to receive a strong signal during the initial setup. You can move it to its permanent location later if the signal remains strong.
  5. Have a device ready: Whether you plan to use the printer control panel, WPS, a mobile phone, or a computer, have that device nearby and connected to the same WiFi network.

Method 1: Connect Using the Printer Control Panel

Most Brother printers with an LCD screen or touchscreen allow you to configure WiFi directly on the device. This is often the fastest method if you do not want to download anything first.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Press the Menu button on the printer control panel.
  2. Use the arrow keys or touchscreen to navigate to Network, then select WLAN.
  3. Choose Setup Wizard and press OK.
  4. When prompted to enable WLAN, select Yes or On.
  5. The printer will scan for available networks. Select your network name (SSID) from the list.
  6. If your network is hidden, choose Manual Setup and enter the SSID exactly as it appears.
  7. Enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard or printer buttons. Take care with uppercase and lowercase letters.
  8. Confirm the settings. The printer will attempt to connect and should display a message such as Connected or show a WiFi symbol on the screen.
  9. Print a network configuration page to verify the IP address and connection status.

If your Brother printer has a touchscreen, the process is similar but uses touch taps instead of physical buttons. Look for icons labeled Settings, Network, or WiFi.

Method 2: Connect Using WPS Push Button

WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you connect the printer to your router without entering a password manually. This method works best if your router has a physical WPS button and supports WPS push-button mode.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Make sure the printer is powered on and in a ready state.
  2. Press and hold the WiFi button on the Brother printer for a few seconds until the WiFi light begins to flash. On some models, you may need to navigate the menu to enable WPS mode instead.
  3. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router.
  4. Wait for the printer and router to communicate. The printer’s WiFi light should stop flashing and remain steady once connected.
  5. Print a test page to confirm the connection is active.

WPS is convenient, but not all routers have an easily accessible WPS button. If your router does not support WPS or if the connection fails, use one of the other methods described in this guide.

Method 3: Connect Using the iPrint & Scan Mobile App

You can also use the iPrint & Scan app itself to guide the printer through wireless setup. This is helpful if you prefer doing everything from your phone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Download and install the Brother iPrint & Scan app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  2. Open the app and grant any requested permissions for local network access.
  3. Tap Printer or Select Printer. The app will search for Brother printers on the network.
  4. If your printer is not yet connected to WiFi, the app may offer a wireless setup option. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your network and enter the password.
  5. Once the app finds the printer, select it and print a test page.

Some Brother models support setup through the app using Bluetooth as a bridge. If prompted, enable Bluetooth on your phone temporarily to help the app discover and configure the printer.

Method 4: Connect Using a Computer (Windows or Mac)

For users who want full printer driver functionality alongside wireless printing, connecting through a computer is the most thorough approach.

Windows Instructions

  1. Visit the official Brother support website and search for your printer model.
  2. Download the full driver and software package for Windows.
  3. Run the installer and choose Wireless Network Connection when prompted.
  4. Follow the wizard to select your WiFi network and enter the password.
  5. Some models may ask you to connect a USB cable temporarily during driver installation. If so, connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable, complete the wireless setup, then disconnect the cable.
  6. Finish the installation and print a test page from Windows.

Mac Instructions

  1. Download the Brother driver for macOS from the support website.
  2. Open the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts.
  3. When asked to choose a connection type, select Wireless or WiFi.
  4. Select your network from the list and enter the password.
  5. Open System Settings (or System Preferences), go to Printers & Scanners, and add the Brother printer if it does not appear automatically.
  6. Print a test page to verify everything works.

Installing iPrint & Scan on Mobile Devices

Installing the app is straightforward, but there are a few permission details worth noting so the app can find your printer on the network.

For iPhone and iPad

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Search for Brother iPrint & Scan.
  3. Tap Get to download and install.
  4. Open the app. If iOS asks for permission to access the local network, tap OK. Without this permission, the app may not detect your Brother printer.

For Android Phones and Tablets

  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. Search for Brother iPrint & Scan.
  3. Tap Install.
  4. Open the app and allow location or local network permissions if prompted. Android uses these to discover devices on your WiFi network.

Once installed, open the app, select your printer, and you are ready to print photos, documents, and web pages wirelessly.

Setting Up iPrint & Scan on Desktop Computers

Brother also offers iPrint & Scan for Windows and Mac. This desktop version provides a simple interface for quick print and scan tasks without opening full printer software.

Windows Desktop Setup

  1. Download the iPrint & Scan application from the Brother website.
  2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. Launch the app. It should automatically detect Brother printers on the same network.
  4. If the printer does not appear, use the Add Printer or Search function and enter the printer’s IP address manually.

Mac Desktop Setup

  1. Download the Mac version of iPrint & Scan from Brother’s support site.
  2. Install the application by dragging it to your Applications folder or running the installer package.
  3. Open the app and select your Brother printer from the list of discovered devices.
  4. Set default preferences for paper size, print quality, and scan resolution if desired.

Testing Your Wireless Connection

After completing any of the setup methods above, you should verify that the connection is stable before relying on it for important work.

  1. Print a test page: Use the iPrint & Scan app or your computer’s print dialog to send a simple document to the Brother printer.
  2. Test scanning: Place a document on the scanner glass or in the document feeder. Use iPrint & Scan to start a scan and save it to your device.
  3. Check status: In the app or printer settings, verify that ink or toner levels are being reported correctly. This confirms two-way communication between the device and printer.
  4. Test from multiple devices: If you have a phone, tablet, and computer, try printing from each one to ensure the printer is accessible across your network.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Even with careful preparation, wireless printer setup can sometimes run into problems. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.

Printer Not Found on Network

  • Make sure the printer and your device are on the same WiFi network.
  • Restart the printer, router, and your phone or computer.
  • Move the printer closer to the router to rule out signal weakness.
  • Check if the printer is connected to a guest network while your device is on the main network.

Wrong Password Error

  • Double-check that you entered the WiFi password exactly, including uppercase and lowercase letters.
  • If you recently changed your router password, update the printer’s saved credentials through the control panel or iPrint & Scan app.

Printer Shows as Offline

  • Power cycle the printer by turning it off, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on.
  • On Windows, go to Printers & Scanners, select the Brother printer, and make sure Use Printer Offline is not checked.
  • Assign a static IP address to the printer through your router settings so its address does not change.

5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz Problems

  • Many Brother printers only support 2.4 GHz WiFi. If your router uses a single network name for both bands, the printer may fail to connect. Try separating the bands in your router settings or move closer so the printer negotiates the 2.4 GHz band.

Resetting Network Settings

If nothing works, you can reset the printer’s network settings to factory defaults and start the wireless setup over. Look for a Network Reset option in the printer menu, or hold the WiFi button for several seconds depending on your model. After resetting, repeat one of the connection methods in this guide.

Brother Wireless Printer Models Comparison

Not every Brother printer offers the same wireless features. The table below compares several popular models to help you understand what to expect regarding WiFi, iPrint & Scan support, and display options.

Model Print Type WiFi iPrint & Scan Display Best For
HL-L2350DW Monochrome Laser Yes Yes None (LED indicators) Basic home wireless printing
MFC-L2710DW Monochrome Laser All-in-One Yes Yes 2.7-inch color touchscreen Home office with scanning
DCP-L2550DW Monochrome Laser All-in-One Yes Yes 2-line LCD Small office scanning and copying
MFC-J995DW Color Inkjet All-in-One Yes Yes 2.7-inch color touchscreen Color photos and documents
HL-L3210CW Color Laser Yes Yes None (LED indicators) Wireless color laser printing

Tips and Best Practices for Stable WiFi Printing

  • Assign a static IP: Configure your router to always assign the same IP address to the Brother printer. This prevents the printer from going offline when its DHCP lease expires.
  • Keep firmware updated: Check Brother’s support website periodically for firmware updates. These can improve wireless stability and fix bugs.
  • Place the router centrally: Avoid putting the printer inside a cabinet or far from the router. Walls and metal objects weaken WiFi signals.
  • Reduce interference: Keep the printer away from microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors that operate on the 2.4 GHz band.
  • Print a test page weekly: If you do not use the printer often, printing occasionally keeps the print heads active and confirms the wireless connection is still working.
  • Use the app for quick checks: iPrint & Scan makes it easy to check ink or toner levels without walking to the printer.

Security Considerations for Network Printers

A wireless printer is a device on your network, so it deserves basic security attention. If you are in an office or shared environment, take these steps:

  • Change the printer admin password: If your Brother model has a web management interface, change the default login credentials.
  • Use WPA2 or WPA3: Make sure your WiFi network uses modern encryption. Avoid older WEP security.
  • Isolate IoT devices: Some routers allow you to place printers on a separate VLAN or guest network for added security.
  • Disable unused services: If you do not use features like Bluetooth or NFC, turn them off in the printer settings to reduce the attack surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all Brother printers connect to WiFi?

No. Only Brother models with built-in wireless capability can connect to WiFi. Entry-level models may be USB-only. Check your printer’s specifications before attempting wireless setup.

Does iPrint & Scan work without WiFi?

iPrint & Scan requires a network connection between your device and the printer. Some models support WiFi Direct, which lets you connect your phone directly to the printer without a router, but you still need a wireless link.

Why can’t my phone find the Brother printer?

This usually happens when the phone and printer are on different networks, when local network permissions are denied, or when the printer is not yet connected to WiFi. Verify that both devices are on the same network and that the app has permission to access the local network.

Do I need a computer to connect a Brother printer to WiFi?

No. You can use the printer control panel, WPS, or the mobile app to connect without a computer. A computer is only necessary if you want to install full desktop drivers.

What should I do if I forget my WiFi password?

You will need to recover the password from your router’s settings or contact your internet service provider. You cannot retrieve the WiFi password from the printer itself.

How do I print a network configuration page?

On most Brother printers, go to the control panel, select Menu, then Printer Reports or Network Configuration, and print the page. It shows the IP address, SSID, and signal strength.

Can I connect multiple devices to the same Brother wireless printer?

Yes. Once the printer is on your WiFi network, any computer, phone, or tablet on that network can send print jobs to it, provided they have the appropriate driver or app installed.

My printer connects to WiFi but prints slowly. What can I do?

Try moving the printer closer to the router, reducing print quality settings for draft documents, or checking for interference from other devices. A weak signal is the most common cause of slow wireless printing.

Conclusion

Learning How to Connect Wifi to Printer Brother? is not difficult when you break it into manageable steps. Whether you prefer using the printer control panel, WPS, the iPrint & Scan mobile app, or a computer, Brother gives you several reliable options for getting online.

Start with the preparation steps, choose the connection method that matches your printer model and comfort level, and always test with a print page before considering the job finished. If you run into trouble, the troubleshooting section covers the most common issues, from wrong passwords to offline status and band conflicts.

Once your Brother printer is connected, you will enjoy the freedom of printing from anywhere in your home or office without hunting for cables. Keep the iPrint & Scan app handy, maintain your network, and you will have a dependable wireless printing setup for years to come.