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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Connect Your Brother Printer to WiFi Without the Hassle

April 12, 2025 by Lucky

Setting up your Brother printer to connect to Wi-Fi can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, making it easy to get your printer connected without any fuss. Whether you’re using the control panel, WPS, or even a mobile app, you’ll be printing wirelessly in no time. Plus, we’ll touch on some troubleshooting tips to help if you run into any bumps along the way. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

Make sure you know your Wi-Fi network name and password before starting.
Use the printer’s control panel for a straightforward setup process.
WPS is a quick option if your router supports it, allowing you to connect without a password.
The Brother mobile app is handy for connecting your printer on the go.
If you face issues, check your network signal and ensure the password is correct.

Check Wireless Settings Before Connecting

Before you even think about wrestling with your Brother printer and trying to get it online, let’s make sure we’ve got all our ducks in a row. It’s like prepping ingredients before you start cooking – makes the whole process way smoother. Trust me, a little prep here can save you a ton of frustration later.

Identify Your Network Name

First things first, you need to know the name of your Wi-Fi network. This is also called the SSID. It’s probably something you set up when you first got your internet, but hey, we all forget things. Usually, you can find it by looking at the list of available Wi-Fi networks on your phone, laptop, or tablet. Make sure you pick the right one! If you have multiple networks (like a guest network), choose the one you actually want your printer connected to.

Gather Your Network Password

Okay, you know the network name, great. Now, what’s the password? This is the key to getting your printer onto the Wi-Fi. It’s usually printed on a sticker on your router, or maybe you wrote it down somewhere safe (hopefully!). If you can’t find it, you might need to log into your router’s settings to retrieve it. Don’t skip this step – you absolutely need the correct password.

Ensure Printer Compatibility

Not all Brother printers are created equal. Some older models just don’t have Wi-Fi capabilities. Before you spend hours trying to connect, double-check that your printer actually supports wireless connectivity. Look for the Wi-Fi logo on the printer itself, or check the model number on the Brother website. It’s a bummer to realize your printer is too old for wireless, but better to find out now than later!

It’s a good idea to jot down your network name and password on a piece of paper. Keep it somewhere handy, like near your printer or router. This way, you won’t have to go hunting for it every time you need to connect a new device. Also, make sure your printer is relatively close to your router. A weak Wi-Fi signal can cause all sorts of connection problems.

Connecting Using the Control Panel

Sometimes, the easiest way to connect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi is right there on the printer itself! Many models have a built-in control panel that lets you navigate menus and enter your Wi-Fi details directly. It might seem a little old-school, but it can be surprisingly straightforward.

Access the Control Panel

First things first, you need to get to the right spot on your printer’s screen. Usually, this involves pressing the “Menu” button. From there, you’ll probably need to use the arrow keys to find something like “Network,” “Wireless LAN,” or something similar. The exact wording will depend on your specific Brother printer model, so check your manual if you’re not sure. The goal is to get to the network settings.

Select Network Setup

Once you’re in the network settings, look for an option like “Setup Wizard,” “WLAN Setup,” or “Wireless Setup.” This is where the printer will start scanning for available Wi-Fi networks. Select this option, and the printer should display a list of networks within range. It might take a minute or two to populate, so be patient. If you don’t see your network, make sure your router is turned on and broadcasting its signal.

Enter Wi-Fi Credentials

Now comes the crucial part: selecting your Wi-Fi network and entering the password. Choose your network from the list, and the printer will prompt you to enter the password. Use the control panel buttons to type in your password carefully. Double-check that you’ve entered it correctly, as it’s easy to make a mistake. Once you’re sure, confirm the password, and the printer will attempt to connect. If all goes well, you should see a confirmation message on the screen. If not, double-check your password and try again.

Connecting via the control panel can be a bit clunky, especially if you have a long or complex password. But it’s a reliable method that doesn’t require any extra software or devices. Just take your time, follow the on-screen instructions, and you should be up and printing wirelessly in no time.

Utilizing Wi-Fi Protected Setup

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) offers a super easy way to connect your Brother printer to your wireless network. It’s designed to simplify the connection process, especially if you’re not super tech-savvy. Instead of manually entering your Wi-Fi password, you can often just push a button! However, it’s worth noting that not all routers support WPS, and some security experts advise against using it due to potential vulnerabilities. Still, for home users, it can be a quick and convenient option.

Ensure WPS is Enabled

First things first, you need to make sure that WPS is actually enabled on your wireless router. Most routers have WPS enabled by default, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. Look for a WPS button on your router. It usually has the WPS logo on it. If you can’t find a physical button, you might need to access your router’s settings through a web browser. The process varies depending on your router’s brand and model, so consult your router’s manual for specific instructions. Enabling WPS is the first step to a hassle-free connection.

Press the WPS Button

Once you’ve confirmed that WPS is enabled, it’s time to put it to work. Locate the WPS button on your router and press it. Immediately after pressing the WPS button on your router, go to your Brother printer. The timing is important here; you usually have a short window (like a minute or two) to initiate the connection on the printer side after pressing the router’s WPS button.

Follow On-Screen Instructions

After pressing the WPS button on your router, your Brother printer should detect the WPS signal. Depending on your printer model, you might need to navigate to the network settings on the printer’s control panel and select the WPS option. The printer’s screen should then display instructions, which usually involve waiting for the connection to be established automatically. Once the connection is successful, the printer should display a confirmation message. If the connection fails, double-check that WPS is enabled on your router and try again, making sure to press the WPS button on the router before initiating the connection on the printer.

I remember when I first tried setting up my printer with WPS. I pressed the button on the printer first, then ran to the router. It didn’t work! Turns out, you gotta press the router button first. Live and learn, right?

Using the Brother Web Admin Interface

Sometimes, the easiest way to configure your printer’s wireless settings is through its web interface. It might sound intimidating, but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. You’ll need a computer and either a USB cable or an Ethernet cable to get started.

Connect via USB or Ethernet

First things first, you need to physically connect your Brother printer to your computer. Use a USB cable for a direct connection, or use an Ethernet cable to connect the printer to your network. The Ethernet option is useful if you want to configure the printer from a different computer on the same network.

Access the Web Interface

Once connected, you’ll need to find your printer’s IP address. Here’s how:

Print a network configuration report directly from your printer. Usually, you can find this option in the printer’s menu under “Network” or “Reports.”
Look for the IP address on the printed report. It will be something like 192.168.1.100.
Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) and type the IP address into the address bar. Press Enter.
You should now see the Brother printer’s web admin interface. If you get a warning about the connection not being private, it’s usually safe to proceed (just make sure you’re on your local network).

Configure Wireless Settings

Now for the fun part! Once you’re in the web interface:

Look for a “Network” or “Wireless Setup” section. The exact wording will vary depending on your printer model.
Select your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
Enter your Wi-Fi password (the same one you use for your computer and phone).
Save the settings. The printer should now connect to your Wi-Fi network.
Disconnect the USB or Ethernet cable. Your printer should now be working wirelessly.

I remember the first time I tried this, I kept typing the wrong IP address. Double-check that number! It makes all the difference. Also, make sure your computer is on the same network as the printer when using Ethernet; otherwise, it won’t work.

Setting Up with the Brother Mobile App

Using the Brother mobile app is a convenient way to connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network, especially if you frequently print from your smartphone or tablet. It streamlines the process and offers a user-friendly interface.

Download the Brother App

First things first, you’ll need to download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from either the App Store (for iOS devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices). Make sure you download the official app to avoid any security risks. Once downloaded, install the app on your mobile device. This app is your gateway to easily configure your printer’s wireless settings.

Connect to Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi Direct allows your mobile device to connect directly to your Brother printer without needing an existing Wi-Fi network. Here’s how to use it:

On your printer’s control panel, navigate to the Wi-Fi Direct settings. The exact location may vary depending on your printer model, but it’s usually found under the Network or Wireless settings.
Enable Wi-Fi Direct. The printer will display a Wi-Fi Direct name (SSID) and password.
On your mobile device, go to your Wi-Fi settings and connect to the Wi-Fi Direct network displayed by your printer. Enter the password when prompted.

Select Your Home Network

Once connected to the printer via Wi-Fi Direct, open the Brother iPrint&Scan app. The app should detect your printer. Follow these steps to connect your printer to your home Wi-Fi network:

Within the app, look for an option to connect the printer to a Wi-Fi network. It might be labeled as “Wireless Setup” or something similar.
The app will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your home network from the list.
Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted. Make sure you enter the password correctly.
The app will then configure the printer to connect to your home network. Once connected, your printer will be able to communicate with all devices on your network.

Connecting your Brother printer to Wi-Fi using the mobile app is a straightforward process. The app guides you through each step, making it easy to get your printer up and running on your wireless network. This method is particularly useful if you don’t have access to a computer or prefer a more visual, interactive setup experience. Now you know how to connect brother printer to wifi using the app!

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Check Network Signal Strength

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. A weak Wi-Fi signal can cause all sorts of connection problems. Make sure your printer is within a reasonable range of your router. Walls and other obstructions can interfere with the signal. Try moving the printer closer to the router to see if that improves the connection. You can also use a Wi-Fi analyzer app on your phone or computer to check the signal strength in the printer’s location. If the signal is weak, consider moving the router or using a Wi-Fi extender.

Verify Password Accuracy

It sounds obvious, but double-checking your Wi-Fi password is a must. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve mistyped a password and spent hours troubleshooting, only to realize I made a simple mistake. Make sure you’re entering the correct password for your network. Passwords are case-sensitive, so pay attention to capitalization. If you’re not sure what the password is, you can usually find it on your router or by logging into your router’s settings through a web browser. It’s also worth noting that some routers have separate passwords for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, so make sure you’re using the correct one.

Restart Printer and Router

When in doubt, reboot! Restarting your printer and router is often the first and easiest step in troubleshooting connection issues. It’s like giving your devices a fresh start. Turn off both devices, wait about 30 seconds, and then turn them back on. This can resolve temporary glitches and refresh the network connection. It might seem too simple to work, but you’d be surprised how often it does the trick.

Here’s a quick checklist:

Turn off the printer.
Unplug the router.
Wait 30 seconds.
Plug the router back in.
Turn the printer back on.

Printing Wirelessly from Different Devices

So, you’ve finally got your Brother printer connected to your Wi-Fi. Awesome! Now comes the fun part: actually printing from all your gadgets. It’s not always as straightforward as you’d think, but I’ll walk you through it.

Connecting from Windows

Windows is usually pretty good at finding printers on its own. Make sure your computer and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. If it doesn’t automatically detect your printer, here’s what to do:

Go to “Settings” > “Devices” > “Printers & scanners.”
Click “Add a printer or scanner.”
Wait for Windows to search for available printers. If your printer shows up, select it and follow the instructions.
If it doesn’t show up, click “The printer that I want isn’t listed” and follow the prompts. You might need to manually enter the printer’s IP address (you can usually find this in the printer’s network settings).

Connecting from Mac

Macs are generally pretty user-friendly when it comes to printers. Here’s how to get things rolling:

Go to “System Preferences” > “Printers & Scanners.”
Click the “+” button to add a printer.
Select your printer from the list. If it’s not there, make sure it’s turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
If you still don’t see it, click “Add Printer or Scanner…” and choose your printer from the list, or enter its IP address.

Connecting from Mobile Devices

Printing from your phone or tablet is super convenient. Brother has their own app that makes this pretty easy. If you are having issues with your printer, you may need to seek out local “printer repair” services. Also, make sure you have enough ink from your “printer cartridge suppliers“.

Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Open the app and make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer.
The app should automatically detect your printer. If it doesn’t, you might need to manually add it by entering its IP address.
Once connected, you can print documents, photos, and more directly from your mobile device.

Sometimes, even after following all these steps, you might still run into issues. Don’t panic! Double-check that your printer’s firmware is up to date, and make sure your Wi-Fi network is stable. A simple restart of both your printer and your device can often do the trick. If all else fails, Brother’s support website is a great resource for troubleshooting.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it! Connecting your Brother printer to Wi-Fi doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you used the control panel, WPS, or the mobile app, you can now print wirelessly from your devices. Just remember to double-check your Wi-Fi details and keep your printer close to the router during setup. If you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to consult the manual or the Brother support site. Happy printing!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my Brother printer’s Wi-Fi password?

You can usually find the Wi-Fi password on a sticker on your router or in the router’s settings if you access it through a web browser.

What should I do if my printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi?

Make sure your printer is close to the router, check that you entered the correct password, and restart both the printer and the router.

Can I connect my Brother printer to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes, you can connect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi using its control panel or the Brother mobile app without needing a computer.

What if my network name is not showing up on the printer?

Ensure your Wi-Fi is turned on and working, and check if the network is hidden. If it’s hidden, you’ll need to enter the network name manually.

Is my Brother printer compatible with my Wi-Fi network?

Most Brother printers support standard Wi-Fi networks, but it’s best to check your printer’s specifications to confirm compatibility.

How can I print from my phone to my Brother printer?

You can use the Brother iPrint&Scan app to connect your phone to the printer and print documents directly from your mobile device.