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Brother printers are designed to make wireless printing convenient, allowing you to print documents, photos, and other files without keeping a USB cable connected to your computer. Connecting a Brother printer to WiFi also makes it possible for multiple computers and compatible mobile devices on the same network to access the printer.
The exact names of wireless settings can vary between Brother printer models, but the overall process is similar. Before beginning, make sure your Brother printer is powered on and that you know the WiFi network name and password. Brother recommends having the wireless network information available before starting the setup.
Prepare Your Brother Printer for WiFi Setup
Before connecting your Brother printer to WiFi, place the printer within a reasonable range of your wireless router. A weak wireless signal can make the setup unsuccessful or cause the printer to disconnect later.
Make sure the printer is turned on and ready. Check that there are no error messages, paper-feed problems, or other conditions preventing the printer from operating normally.
You should also identify the name of your wireless network, commonly called the SSID, and the WiFi password or network key. If you are unsure about these details, check your router or the wireless settings of a computer that is already connected to the network.
Brother's wireless setup instructions specifically require the SSID and network key for many printer models.
Connect Brother Printer to WiFi Using the Control Panel
Many Brother printers allow you to connect directly from the printer's display.
Start by turning on the Brother printer. Open the Menu or Settings option on the printer's control panel. Depending on the model, look for Network, WLAN, WiFi, or a similar wireless option.
Open the wireless setup area and select Setup Wizard, Find WiFi Network, or another option with similar wording. Some newer Brother models provide a WiFi button or a path through Settings and Network before displaying available wireless networks.
Once the wireless setup wizard starts, the printer searches for nearby WiFi networks. When the available networks appear, find and select your wireless network.
Enter your WiFi password carefully. Pay attention to uppercase and lowercase letters because wireless passwords are case-sensitive.
After entering the password, confirm the wireless settings. The printer will attempt to connect to the selected network. When the connection is successful, the printer may display a connected message or show a wireless connection indicator.
Brother's current setup instructions use this general process: enable wireless networking, search for available SSIDs, select the appropriate network, enter the network key, and allow the machine to establish the connection.
Connect Brother Printer to WiFi Using WPS
Some Brother printers and wireless routers support WPS, which can provide an easier wireless connection without manually typing the WiFi password.
First, make sure your router supports WPS and that the printer is located within wireless range. Open the WLAN or WiFi settings on the Brother printer and look for WPS or a similar wireless setup option.
Select the WPS setup option on the printer. Then activate WPS on your wireless router according to the router's instructions.
The printer and router will communicate with each other and attempt to establish the wireless connection. When the process is successful, the printer should show a wireless connection indicator or a connected message.
WPS availability depends on the Brother printer model and wireless router. Brother documents WPS as one of the available wireless configuration methods on supported machines.
Connect Brother Printer to WiFi During Software Installation
Another convenient method is to configure the wireless connection while installing the Brother printer software on your computer.
First, connect your computer to the WiFi network you want the printer to use. Download the appropriate Brother printer software and driver for your model and operating system.
Start the installation and follow the instructions displayed on the screen. When the installer asks how you want to connect the printer, select the wireless or WiFi connection option.
The installation program may search for available wireless networks. Select your WiFi network and provide the required network password.
Continue through the installation until the wireless configuration is completed. Once the printer connects successfully, finish the software installation.
Brother explains that wireless setup can be completed during printer driver installation, with the installer providing the wireless network configuration options.
Connect Brother Printer to WiFi on Windows
After the Brother printer has successfully joined your WiFi network, your Windows computer should also be connected to the same network.
Open the Windows printer settings and choose the option to add a printer or scanner. Allow Windows to search for available devices.
If the Brother printer appears in the available printer list, select it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
If Windows does not automatically detect the printer, install the appropriate Brother printer software and driver. During installation, select the wireless connection method and follow the setup instructions.
The printer and computer generally need to communicate through the same wireless network for normal network printing.
Connect Brother Printer to WiFi on Mac
Mac users can also connect a compatible Brother printer through a wireless network.
First, make sure the Mac is connected to the same WiFi network that you configured on the Brother printer.
Open the Mac printer settings and select the option to add a printer. Look for your Brother printer in the available devices.
Select the printer and allow macOS to configure it. Depending on the Brother model and macOS version, you may be able to use AirPrint or Brother software and drivers.
For supported Brother models, Brother provides wireless setup utilities and software for completing network configuration on Mac computers.
Check the WiFi Connection After Setup
Once your Brother printer connects to WiFi, it is a good idea to verify the connection before attempting a large print job.
Check the printer's wireless indicator or network status. If your printer provides a network configuration or WLAN report, you can use it to confirm the wireless settings and network status.
You can also send a small test document from your computer. If the document prints successfully, the wireless connection is generally working correctly.
If the printer appears on the computer but printing does not begin, check that the correct Brother printer is selected as the default or active printer.
Brother Printer Not Connecting to WiFi
If your Brother printer cannot connect to WiFi, first verify that the WiFi password was entered correctly. An incorrect password is one of the most common reasons a wireless setup fails.
Check the wireless signal near the printer. If the printer is located far from the router or separated by several walls, move it closer temporarily and try the setup again.
Restarting both the printer and wireless router can also help clear temporary communication problems.
If the printer previously used another wireless network, its stored network configuration may interfere with a new setup. Brother notes that some models require the existing network settings to be reset before wireless configuration is performed again.
Brother Printer WiFi Connection Keeps Dropping
A Brother printer that connects successfully but repeatedly disconnects may have a weak wireless signal or network communication problem.
Move the printer closer to the router and check whether the connection becomes more stable. Make sure the router is operating normally and that other wireless devices are not experiencing similar connection problems.
You should also verify that the printer is connecting to the intended wireless network. If your home has multiple WiFi networks with similar names, selecting the wrong SSID can result in unexpected behavior.
Keeping the Brother printer software and firmware updated can also be useful when dealing with persistent connectivity issues, provided that the update is appropriate for your particular model.
Brother Printer Cannot Find WiFi Network
If your Brother printer does not display your wireless network, check whether other devices can see the network from the same location.
Move the printer closer to the wireless router and run the wireless setup process again. Make sure WiFi is enabled on the printer.
If the network is hidden, you may need to manually enter the SSID depending on the printer model and wireless configuration options.
Network security and wireless compatibility can also vary between printer models. If the printer cannot connect even when the correct network information is being used, consult the wireless setup instructions specific to your Brother model.
Reset Brother Printer Network Settings
If you have changed your router, WiFi password, or wireless network name, the Brother printer may still contain the previous network information.
In this situation, resetting the printer's network settings can allow you to start the wireless setup again. The exact reset procedure varies by Brother model.
After resetting the network configuration, return to the printer's wireless setup menu and select the current WiFi network. Enter the correct password and allow the printer to establish a new connection.
Brother's support documentation notes that previously configured wireless settings may need to be reset before configuring the wireless connection again on certain models.
Tips for a Stable Brother WiFi Connection
Keep the Brother printer within a good wireless range of the router whenever possible. Avoid placing the printer directly beside equipment that may interfere with wireless communication.
Make sure the WiFi network is working correctly before troubleshooting the printer. If other devices also lose their connection, the problem may be related to the router or internet network rather than the printer.
Always enter the correct SSID and network password. If you recently changed your WiFi password, update the wireless settings on the Brother printer as well.
For computers, make sure the correct Brother printer software or driver is installed. A successful WiFi connection does not always mean the computer has automatically installed the necessary printing software.
Final Thoughts
Connecting a Brother printer to WiFi makes wireless printing easier and eliminates the need to keep the printer connected directly to a computer. The most common setup method is to open the printer's wireless settings, start the setup wizard, select the correct WiFi network, enter the network password, and confirm the connection.
Brother also supports additional wireless configuration methods on compatible models, including WPS and wireless setup through printer software.
If the Brother printer does not connect, check the WiFi password, wireless signal, network settings, and printer software. When the printer has previously been connected to another network, resetting its network configuration may also be necessary. Following the wireless setup process designed for your specific Brother model can help establish a reliable WiFi connection for everyday printing.