HowToFixWiFiSimple fixes  •  Better connection
Setup and Configuration

How to Setup Wifi Printing on Brother Printer? Brother Print Setup

Introduction Setting up a wireless printer can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with error messages, missing drivers, or a network that refuses to cooperate. If you have recently purchased a Brother printer or moved to a new home or office, l

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Setting up a wireless printer can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with error messages, missing drivers, or a network that refuses to cooperate. If you have recently purchased a Brother printer or moved to a new home or office, learning How to Setup Wifi Printing on Brother Printer? is one of the most useful skills you can master. Once your Brother printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network, you can print from laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets without plugging in a single cable.

Brother offers a wide range of Wi-Fi enabled models, from compact home inkjets to high-volume laser printers for small businesses. While the exact menu names may vary slightly between models, the general process remains similar across the Brother lineup. This guide walks you through every step of the Brother print setup process, from gathering what you need to connecting your devices and troubleshooting common problems.

By the end of this article, you will know exactly how to connect your Brother printer to your wireless network, install the correct drivers, and print from any device in your home or office.

Table of Contents

Understanding Brother Wi-Fi Printing

Before diving into the steps, it helps to understand how Brother Wi-Fi printing works. A Brother Wi-Fi printer connects directly to your local area network through your wireless router. Once connected, the printer receives an IP address, which allows any device on the same network to send print jobs to it. This is different from older USB-only printers that required a physical connection to a single computer.

Most modern Brother printers support two main wireless modes:

  • Infrastructure mode: The printer connects to your existing Wi-Fi router, just like your laptop or phone. This is the most common setup for homes and offices.
  • Wi-Fi Direct: The printer creates its own wireless network, allowing a device to connect directly to the printer without a router. This is useful when you do not have a wireless router available.

Knowing which mode you need will determine which setup method you choose. For most users asking How to Setup Wifi Printing on Brother Printer?, infrastructure mode is the right choice because it enables printing from multiple devices simultaneously and allows the printer to access firmware updates and cloud services.

Prerequisites for Brother Print Setup

Before you begin the Brother print setup, gather the following items. Having everything ready will save time and prevent frustration halfway through the process.

  • A Brother printer with built-in Wi-Fi or a compatible wireless network card
  • A wireless router with an active internet connection (for infrastructure mode)
  • The network name (SSID) and password for your Wi-Fi
  • A computer, smartphone, or tablet connected to the same network
  • The Brother printer driver or software package for your operating system
  • A USB cable (optional, only needed for some temporary setup methods)

It is also a good idea to place the printer within range of your router. Thick walls, large appliances, and other electronics can interfere with the wireless signal, which may cause connection drops during setup or while printing. If possible, position the printer in an open area with a clear line of sight to the router.

Compatible Brother Printer Models

Not every Brother printer has wireless capability. Before following this guide, verify that your model supports Wi-Fi. Popular wireless-enabled Brother series include:

  • Brother HL-L series (monochrome laser)
  • Brother MFC-L series (all-in-one monochrome laser)
  • Brother HL-C series (color laser)
  • Brother MFC-C series (all-in-one color laser)
  • Brother DCP and MFC inkjet series with wireless support

If you are unsure, check the label on the back of your printer or look up the model number on Brother’s official website. The model number is usually printed near the barcode or on the rear panel.

Network Requirements

Your Wi-Fi network should meet a few basic requirements for a smooth Brother print setup:

  • 2.4 GHz band: Many Brother printers do not support 5 GHz Wi-Fi. If your router uses a combined network name for both bands, you may need to temporarily separate them or connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz band.
  • WPA2 or WPA3 security: Older WEP security is generally not supported by modern Brother printers.
  • DHCP enabled: The router should automatically assign IP addresses so the printer can join the network without manual configuration.

How to Setup Wifi Printing on Brother Printer via Control Panel

Using the printer’s built-in control panel is one of the most reliable ways to connect a Brother printer to Wi-Fi. This method works well if your printer has a screen and navigation buttons.

  1. Turn on the printer. Press the power button and wait for the Ready or Home screen to appear.
  2. Open the Network menu. Press the Menu button, then use the arrow keys to select Network and press OK.
  3. Select WLAN. Choose WLAN and press OK, then select Setup Wizard and press OK again.
  4. Enable wireless. When asked to enable WLAN, select Yes to turn on the wireless radio.
  5. Choose your network. The printer will scan for available networks. Select your SSID from the list and press OK.
  6. Enter your password. Use the on-screen keyboard or navigation buttons to enter your Wi-Fi password. Be careful with uppercase and lowercase letters.
  7. Confirm and apply. Press OK to save the settings. The printer will attempt to connect to your network.
  8. Print a connection report. Once connected, print a network configuration page to verify the IP address and signal strength.

If the connection is successful, the Wi-Fi light on the printer should stay solid, and the network report will show an IP address such as 192.168.1.100. If your Brother printer has a touchscreen instead of physical buttons, the steps are similar but you will tap the options directly on the display.

How to Setup Wifi Printing on Brother Printer via WPS

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a faster method if both your Brother printer and router support it. WPS allows you to connect without typing a password.

  1. Place the printer near the router. This ensures a strong signal during the initial handshake.
  2. Turn on the printer. Wait until it is in the Ready state.
  3. Press the WPS button on your router. Hold it for a few seconds until the WPS LED begins blinking.
  4. Start WPS on the printer. On the Brother control panel, go to Menu > Network > WLAN > WPS AOSS or Push Button, depending on your model.
  5. Wait for confirmation. The printer and router will negotiate the connection automatically. This usually takes one to two minutes.
  6. Verify the connection. Print a network configuration page to confirm the printer received an IP address.

WPS is convenient, but some routers disable it by default for security reasons. If WPS does not work, use the control panel method described above. You can usually find the WPS button on the back or side of your router, often labeled with a lock symbol or the letters WPS.

How to Setup Wifi Printing on Brother Printer via iPrint&Scan App

Brother’s iPrint&Scan app is available for mobile devices and computers. It can guide you through the wireless setup process and is especially helpful if your printer does not have a large screen.

  1. Download the app. Install Brother iPrint&Scan from the App Store, Google Play, or Brother’s website.
  2. Turn on the printer. Make sure it is powered on and within range of your Wi-Fi router.
  3. Open the app. Launch iPrint&Scan and tap or click on the option to add or detect a printer.
  4. Select your printer. The app should discover your Brother printer on the network. If it does not, choose the manual setup option and enter the printer’s model number.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts. The app will ask for your Wi-Fi network name and password. Enter them carefully.
  6. Complete the setup. Once the app confirms the connection, you can print a test page directly from your phone or computer.

Using the app is often the easiest way for users who are not comfortable navigating printer menus with small buttons. The app also provides access to scanner functions, ink or toner levels, and printer maintenance tools.

Setting Up Brother Printer on Windows

After connecting the printer to Wi-Fi, you need to install the driver on your Windows computer so it can send print jobs.

  1. Download the driver. Visit Brother’s support website, enter your printer model, and download the full driver and software package for Windows.
  2. Run the installer. Open the downloaded file and follow the installation wizard.
  3. Choose connection type. When prompted, select Wireless Network Connection rather than USB.
  4. Select your printer. The installer should detect your Brother printer on the network. Select it from the list.
  5. Finish installation. Complete the remaining steps and restart your computer if prompted.
  6. Set as default printer. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your Brother printer, and click Set as default.
  7. Print a test page. Right-click the printer and choose Printer properties, then click Print Test Page.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 may also detect the printer automatically through the Add a printer wizard, but downloading the full driver from Brother ensures access to all features like scanning and toner monitoring. If you are using a work computer, you may need administrator privileges to install the driver.

Setting Up Brother Printer on macOS

Mac users can add a Brother Wi-Fi printer through System Settings or System Preferences, depending on the macOS version.

  1. Download the driver. Go to Brother’s support site and download the macOS driver for your printer model.
  2. Install the driver. Open the installer package and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. Open System Settings. On macOS Ventura or later, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners. On older versions, open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
  4. Add the printer. Click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax button (or the plus icon).
  5. Select the Brother printer. Choose your printer from the list. It should appear as a Bonjour or AirPrint device if it is on the same network.
  6. Add and verify. Click Add, then print a test page to confirm everything works.

If your printer does not appear automatically, you can add it using its IP address. Print a network configuration page from the printer to find the IP, then enter it manually in the Add Printer window. Many Brother printers also support AirPrint, which allows macOS and iOS devices to print without installing a separate driver.

Setting Up Brother Printer on Android and iOS

Mobile printing is one of the biggest advantages of Wi-Fi printing. You can send documents and photos directly from your phone or tablet to your Brother printer.

Android Setup Steps

  1. Install Brother iPrint&Scan. Download the app from the Google Play Store.
  2. Connect to the same Wi-Fi. Make sure your Android device is on the same network as the printer.
  3. Open the app. Launch iPrint&Scan and allow it to search for available printers.
  4. Select your Brother printer. Tap on your model when it appears in the list.
  5. Print a file. Choose a document or photo from your device and tap Print.

Android also supports the default print service. Go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Printing, then add Brother Print Service Plugin if you prefer using the system print dialog.

iOS Setup Steps

  1. Install Brother iPrint&Scan. Download the app from the Apple App Store.
  2. Connect to the same Wi-Fi. Ensure your iPhone or iPad is on the same network as the Brother printer.
  3. Open the app. Launch iPrint&Scan and select your printer from the discovered devices.
  4. Use AirPrint (optional). Many Brother printers support AirPrint. Open any document, tap the Share icon, select Print, and choose your Brother printer from the list.
  5. Print. Adjust the number of copies and tap Print in the upper-right corner.

Connecting Multiple Devices to Your Brother Printer

One of the best reasons to learn How to Setup Wifi Printing on Brother Printer? is the ability to print from multiple devices. Once the printer is on your network, any computer, phone, or tablet connected to that same network can send print jobs.

To connect additional devices:

  • Install the Brother driver or iPrint&Scan app on each device.
  • Ensure each device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
  • Add the printer through the operating system’s printer settings or the Brother app.

There is no need to repeat the wireless network setup on the printer itself. The printer only needs to be connected to Wi-Fi once. After that, it remains available to all authorized devices on the network. This makes wireless printing ideal for households and small offices where several people share a single printer.

Comparison: Wi-Fi Direct vs. Infrastructure Mode

If you are deciding how to connect your Brother printer, this comparison table outlines the differences between Wi-Fi Direct and standard infrastructure mode.

Feature Wi-Fi Direct Infrastructure Mode
Router required No Yes
Devices supported One device at a time Multiple devices simultaneously
Setup complexity Simple for direct phone-to-printer printing Slightly more steps, but better for networks
Internet access Printer cannot access cloud services Printer can access cloud printing and firmware updates
Best use case Guest printing or no-router environments Home or office with multiple computers and phones

Troubleshooting Common Brother Wi-Fi Printing Issues

Even after a successful setup, you may run into connectivity problems. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.

Printer Not Found or Offline

If your computer cannot find the Brother printer, try the following:

  • Restart the printer, router, and computer.
  • Confirm the printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Print a network configuration page from the printer to check the IP address.
  • Disable VPN software on your computer, as it can block local network discovery.
  • Reinstall the Brother driver if the printer appears as offline in Windows or macOS.
  • Check that the printer’s Wi-Fi light is solid, not blinking.

Slow Printing or Connection Drops

Slow performance is often caused by a weak wireless signal.

  • Move the printer closer to the router.
  • Reduce interference from microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices.
  • Check if too many devices are using the network at once.
  • Update the printer firmware through Brother’s support website or the iPrint&Scan app.
  • Assign a static IP address to the printer in your router settings.

Tips and Best Practices for Brother Print Setup

Follow these tips to keep your Brother Wi-Fi printing experience smooth and reliable.

  • Use a static IP address. Assign a static IP to your printer in your router settings so its address never changes. This prevents the printer from going offline after a router reboot.
  • Keep firmware updated. Brother periodically releases firmware updates that improve Wi-Fi stability and fix bugs.
  • Use the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under the same name, temporarily disable 5 GHz or split the bands during setup.
  • Print a network configuration page regularly. This helps you verify the connection status and IP address at a glance.
  • Place the printer in an open area. Avoid putting it inside a cabinet or directly behind large metal objects.
  • Install the full driver package. Basic drivers may allow printing, but the full package unlocks scanning, ink levels, and maintenance tools.
  • Label your network. If you have multiple Brother printers, give each one a distinct name so you can identify them easily in the print dialog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a computer to set up Wi-Fi printing on a Brother printer?

No. You can set up Wi-Fi directly from the printer’s control panel or through the Brother iPrint&Scan app on a smartphone or tablet.

Why does my Brother printer not support 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

Many Brother printers only support the 2.4 GHz wireless band because it offers better range and compatibility with older routers. Check your model specifications to confirm.

Can I use my Brother printer without a router?

Yes, using Wi-Fi Direct. This allows a single device to connect directly to the printer, but you lose the ability to print from multiple devices at the same time.

How do I find my Brother printer’s IP address?

Print a network configuration page from the printer’s control panel. The IP address will be listed under TCP/IP or Wi-Fi status.

What should I do if I forget my Wi-Fi password during setup?

You will need to reset the printer’s network settings and restart the setup process. Log into your router to retrieve or reset your Wi-Fi password before trying again.

Can I print to my Brother printer from outside my home network?

Standard Wi-Fi printing works only on the same local network. For remote printing, you would need a cloud printing service or a VPN connection to your home network.

Conclusion

Learning How to Setup Wifi Printing on Brother Printer? is a straightforward process when you break it into manageable steps. Whether you use the printer’s control panel, WPS, or the iPrint&Scan app, the goal is the same: get your Brother printer onto your wireless network so you can print from anywhere in your home or office.

Once the printer is connected, install the correct drivers on your Windows or Mac computer, set up mobile printing on your phone, and follow the best practices outlined above to maintain a stable connection. If problems arise, refer to the troubleshooting section to get back online quickly.

With your Brother print setup complete, you can enjoy the convenience of wireless printing without the hassle of cables.