Learning how to connect Brother printer to WiFi allows you to print wirelessly from a computer, laptop, or compatible mobile device without keeping the printer physically connected through a USB cable. Once the wireless connection is configured correctly, devices connected to the same network can communicate with the printer.
by Brother printer model, but most wireless models provide network settings or a setup wizard that can guide you through the connection process. Follow the steps below to set up your Brother printer on WiFi.
Before Connecting Brother Printer to WiFi
Before beginning wireless setup, make sure you have the following information available:
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Your wireless network name, also known as the SSID
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Your WiFi network password
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An active wireless router
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Your Brother printer powered on
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A computer or mobile device connected to your network
Place the printer reasonably close to the wireless router during initial setup. A weak signal can cause connection failures.
How to Connect Brother Printer to WiFi Using the Control Panel
For a Brother printer with a display or control panel, the built-in wireless setup option is often the easiest method.
On the printer, open Menu or Settings and look for an option such as Network, WLAN, or Wi-Fi. The wording and menu structure depend on the printer model.
Choose the wireless setup or Setup Wizard option.
The printer will search for nearby wireless networks. When the list appears, select your WiFi network name.
Enter your wireless password carefully. WiFi passwords are generally case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters must be entered correctly.
Confirm the settings and allow the printer to establish a connection.
When the setup succeeds, the printer should display a connected or successful connection message.
Connect Brother Printer to WiFi Using WPS
Some Brother printers and wireless routers support WPS, which may allow you to connect without manually entering the WiFi password.
Enable the appropriate WPS or wireless setup function on your Brother printer. Then activate the WPS function on your router according to the router manufacturer’s instructions.
The devices should attempt to establish a wireless connection automatically.
Because WPS availability and procedures vary by printer and router, consult the documentation for both devices before using this method.
Add Brother Printer to Windows
After connecting the printer to WiFi, you may need to add it to your Windows computer.
Open:
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
Choose Add device and wait while Windows searches for available printers.
When your Brother printer appears, select it and complete the setup instructions.
If Windows cannot detect the printer, confirm that both the computer and printer are connected to the same network.
Add Brother Printer to Mac
Mac users can open:
System Settings > Printers & Scanners
Choose the option to add a printer and wait for your Brother printer to appear.
Select the appropriate printer and complete the setup.
If it does not appear, check the printer’s WiFi status and make sure your Mac is using the same local network.
What If Brother Printer Won’t Connect to WiFi?
If your Brother printer won’t connect to WiFi, restart the printer and wireless router before trying again.
Verify that you selected the correct network and entered the correct password. Moving the printer closer to the router can help if the WiFi signal is weak.
Also check whether your specific printer supports the wireless network configuration being used. Wireless frequency and security compatibility can vary between models.
If the WiFi password, router, or network name was recently changed, configure the printer again with the new network information.
Reconnect Brother Printer After Changing Router
When you install a new router or change the WiFi name or password, the printer may remain configured with the previous network information.
Open the printer’s wireless network settings and run the setup process again. Select the new network and enter its current password.
If the old configuration continues causing problems, you may need to reset the printer’s network settings first. The network reset procedure varies by model, so follow the instructions provided for your specific Brother printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I connect my Brother printer to a new WiFi network?
Open the printer’s network or WLAN settings, start the wireless setup wizard, select the new network, and enter its WiFi password.
Why can’t my Brother printer find my WiFi?
Weak signal strength, router configuration, network compatibility, or wireless settings can prevent network detection. Move the printer closer to the router and check the network configuration.
Do my computer and Brother printer need the same WiFi?
For normal local network printing and automatic printer discovery, connecting both devices to the same network is generally recommended.
Why is my Brother printer connected to WiFi but not printing?
The problem may involve the computer’s printer configuration, print queue, driver, or local network communication. Check that the correct printer is selected and clear any failed print jobs.
Conclusion
Understanding how to connect Brother printer to WiFi makes wireless printing more convenient across compatible computers and mobile devices. Start by finding your WiFi network name and password, open the printer’s network settings, select the correct network, and complete the wireless setup. After connecting, add the printer to Windows or Mac and perform a test print. If the connection fails, check the WiFi password, signal strength, router settings, and printer network configuration.