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Brother printers can sometimes develop connection, configuration, printing, or software-related problems that are difficult to resolve through normal troubleshooting. Resetting the printer can help when the machine is not connecting to WiFi, has incorrect network settings, is showing communication problems, or needs to be configured for a new computer or wireless network.
The reset process depends on the Brother printer model and the type of reset you need. A network reset removes stored network information, while a broader machine reset can restore additional settings. Brother provides different reset procedures for different printer models, so it is important to use the procedure that matches your machine.
Why Reset a Brother Printer?
There are several situations where resetting a Brother printer can be useful. You may need to reset the printer after changing your wireless router, replacing your WiFi network, changing the wireless password, or moving the printer to another network.
A reset can also help when the printer repeatedly disconnects from WiFi, cannot be detected by a computer, or has incorrect network information saved.
If you are preparing the printer for another person or another location, resetting its network configuration can remove the previous network information and allow a fresh setup.
Brother explains that a network reset restores network settings such as wireless configuration and, on supported models, IP address information to factory defaults.
Check Your Brother Printer Model
Before resetting the printer, identify the exact Brother model.
The model name is usually printed on the front or top of the machine. You may also find it on a label attached to the printer.
This information is important because the reset procedure is not identical for every Brother printer. Some models use a touchscreen menu, while others use physical buttons and navigation keys.
Do not assume that the reset instructions for one Brother printer will work on another model. Always use the procedure designed for your particular machine.
Understand the Difference Between a Network Reset and a Full Reset
A network reset is useful when the main problem involves WiFi, Ethernet, IP address information, or other network settings.
A network reset can remove stored network configuration and return those settings to their factory defaults. Brother's documentation confirms that supported models can reset wireless and, where applicable, wired network settings.
A broader machine reset can affect additional printer settings. Because a full reset may remove customized configurations, it should generally be used only when necessary.
If your only problem is WiFi connectivity, a network reset is usually the more appropriate starting point.
Prepare the Brother Printer for a Reset
Before resetting your Brother printer, make sure the machine is powered on and is not currently printing, scanning, copying, or performing another operation.
Allow any active job to finish before beginning the reset.
If you are resetting the printer because you changed your WiFi network, have the current wireless network name and password available. After the reset, you will need to configure the printer with the new network information.
If your printer is connected by USB or Ethernet and the model-specific reset instructions tell you to disconnect cables, follow those instructions. Brother's procedures can differ between printer models.
Reset Brother Printer Network Settings
Many Brother printers with touchscreen controls provide a Network Reset option through the control panel.
Open Settings on the printer and select All Settings when available. Open Network and look for Network Reset.
Select Network Reset and follow the confirmation instructions displayed on the printer.
On many supported Brother models, the machine asks you to confirm the reset before restarting automatically. Brother's current documentation shows the path as Settings, All Settings, Network, and Network Reset on supported touchscreen models.
After the printer restarts, its previous network configuration will no longer be available. You will need to connect it to your wireless or wired network again.
Reset Brother Printer With Physical Buttons
Some Brother printers do not have a touchscreen. These models may use physical buttons, arrow keys, and a Menu button.
On supported models, open the Menu and navigate to Network. Select Network Reset and confirm the reset when prompted.
For example, Brother documentation for certain models uses Menu, Network, and Network Reset before asking the user to confirm the operation. The machine then restarts after the reset.
The exact button sequence varies by printer, so check the instructions for your model before proceeding.
Reset Brother Printer WiFi Settings
If your main problem is that the Brother printer will not connect to WiFi, resetting the network settings can be useful.
After the network reset, the printer will no longer remember the previous wireless configuration. You can then open the wireless setup menu and search for your current WiFi network.
Select the correct network and enter the current WiFi password.
Wait for the printer to establish the connection. Once connected, your computer and printer should normally be on the same network for wireless printing.
A network reset is especially useful after changing the router, WiFi password, or network name.
Reset Brother Printer After Changing the Router
Changing your wireless router can cause a previously configured Brother printer to stop connecting.
The printer may still contain the old network name or password. Instead of repeatedly trying to connect with outdated information, reset the network configuration and perform the wireless setup again.
After the reset, open the Brother printer's wireless setup menu. Search for the new network and enter the current password.
Brother states that network reset restores stored network information to factory settings on supported machines, allowing the network configuration to be set up again.
Reset Brother Printer When It Is Offline
A network reset can help when a Brother printer remains offline because of incorrect or outdated network information.
Before resetting, however, check whether the printer is actually connected to WiFi. If the printer is already connected but the computer shows it as offline, the problem could instead involve the printer driver, IP address, print queue, or computer settings.
If the printer cannot connect to the wireless network at all, resetting its network configuration and performing a fresh WiFi setup can be a useful troubleshooting step.
Reset Brother Printer Network Password and IP Information
Network configuration can include information such as wireless settings, passwords, and IP address information.
On supported Brother models, resetting the network settings returns this information to factory defaults. Brother specifically documents that network reset can clear information such as the password and IP address on certain models.
After the reset, the printer may receive a new IP address when it reconnects to the network.
If your computer still cannot find the printer afterward, you may need to add the printer again or update the network printer configuration.
Reconnect Brother Printer After a Network Reset
Once the printer has restarted after a network reset, it is effectively ready for a new network configuration.
Open the wireless settings on the Brother printer and start the wireless setup process.
Allow the printer to search for available networks. Select your WiFi network and enter the correct password.
If the network is hidden, some Brother models provide options for manually entering the wireless network information.
After the connection is complete, check the printer's wireless status and try printing a small document from your computer.
Check the Brother Printer After Resetting
After the reset and network setup, verify that the printer is working normally.
Check whether the printer shows a wireless connection indicator or network status. If your model provides a network configuration report, you can use it to confirm the current network information.
On your computer, open the printer settings and check whether the Brother printer appears.
If the printer is missing, add it again using the appropriate wireless or USB connection method.
Finally, print a test document to confirm that the printer and computer can communicate successfully.
Reset Brother Printer When It Will Not Connect to WiFi
If your Brother printer still will not connect after a network reset, check the wireless network itself.
Make sure the WiFi router is operating correctly and that other devices can connect to the same network.
Verify the network name and password. Move the printer closer to the router if the wireless signal is weak.
You should also check whether your router settings have changed. Wireless security settings, hidden network names, access restrictions, and other router configurations can affect printer connectivity.
If the printer cannot find the network after the reset, consult the wireless setup instructions for your specific Brother model.
Reset Brother Printer to Factory Network Settings
The phrase factory reset can mean different things depending on the Brother model.
For many machines, Network Reset specifically restores the network configuration while leaving other printer settings intact. Brother documentation for newer models states that network reset restores network settings while, on some models, the administrator password remains unchanged.
Other Brother models provide broader reset options under the machine's settings.
Because these options can affect different configurations, select the reset function carefully. If your problem only concerns WiFi, choose Network Reset rather than a broader reset whenever your model provides that choice.
Reset Brother Printer Without Losing Unnecessary Settings
If you only need to fix a wireless connection, avoid performing a full machine reset unless the model-specific instructions recommend it.
A network reset is generally more focused because it targets network-related information rather than changing every printer setting.
This approach can save you from having to reconfigure unrelated printer preferences.
However, the exact behavior depends on the Brother model, so review the reset description displayed on the printer before confirming.
Reset Brother Printer Using Web Management
Some network-capable Brother printers provide Web Based Management.
When supported, network settings can be managed through the printer's web interface. Brother documentation explains that certain models can also reset the print server to factory settings through Web Based Management.
This option is mainly useful when the printer is already accessible on the network and you are comfortable managing its network configuration.
If the printer is completely disconnected from the network, using the physical control panel may be easier.
What to Do If Reset Does Not Fix the Problem
If resetting the Brother printer does not solve the problem, check the WiFi connection, router, printer driver, and computer settings.
For a wireless printer, confirm that the printer and computer are connected to the same network.
For a USB printer, check the USB connection and make sure the correct Brother driver is installed.
If the printer connects to WiFi but remains unavailable on the computer, check the printer's IP address and remove outdated or duplicate printer entries.
You can also reinstall the Brother printer software if the existing driver or network configuration appears to be damaged.
Final Thoughts
Resetting a Brother printer can be an effective solution for network, WiFi, and configuration problems. The most appropriate reset depends on what you are trying to fix.
If the problem involves WiFi or network communication, use the Network Reset option when it is available. On many Brother touchscreen models, this can be found under Settings, All Settings, Network, and Network Reset.
Some Brother printers use physical buttons and Menu options instead. The exact procedure varies by model, so always follow the instructions designed for your particular printer.
After completing a network reset, reconnect the Brother printer to your current WiFi network, verify the connection, and test printing from your computer. If the issue continues, investigate the router, wireless signal, printer driver, IP address, and computer settings before considering a broader machine reset.