In today’s wireless world, connecting your Brother printer to Wi-Fi allows you to print conveniently from anywhere within your network range, whether you're using a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. This wireless setup eliminates the need for USB cables and enables seamless printing across devices.

Whether you have a Brother inkjet or laser printer, connecting it to Wi-Fi is straightforward if you follow the correct steps. This detailed guide will walk you through how to connect a Brother printer to Wi-Fi, including different models and connection methods such as WPS, manual wireless setup, and setup via Brother iPrint&Scan.

Why Connect Your Brother Printer to Wi-Fi?

Connecting your printer to a wireless network offers several advantages:

  • Cable-free printing from multiple devices.

  • Remote printing using mobile apps or cloud services.

  • Flexible placement without worrying about cable length.

  • Access from laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Let’s explore the various methods available for wireless setup.

Method 1: Connect Brother Printer to Wi-Fi Using Control Panel (Manual Setup)

This is the most commonly used method to connect your Brother printer to a Wi-Fi network.

📌 Applicable For:

Most Brother models with a display screen (e.g., DCP, MFC, HL series)

🔧 Steps:

  1. Turn On the Printer

    • Plug in and turn on your Brother printer.

  2. Access the Control Panel

    • On the printer’s screen, press the Menu, Settings, or WLAN button depending on your model.

  3. Navigate to Network Settings

    • Select Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard.

    • The printer will search for available wireless networks.

  4. Choose Your Wi-Fi Network (SSID)

    • From the list, select your Wi-Fi network name.

    • Press OK to proceed.

  5. Enter Your Wi-Fi Password

    • Use the printer’s keypad to enter your Wi-Fi password (case-sensitive).

    • Press OK or Apply when done.

  6. Connection Confirmation

    • Your printer will attempt to connect.

    • If successful, it will display Connected or print a confirmation report.

⚠️ Tip: If you don’t see your network, check that your router is broadcasting the SSID and your printer is within signal range.

Method 2: Connect Brother Printer to Wi-Fi Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

This method is the fastest if your router and printer support WPS. It doesn’t require entering any password.

📌 Applicable For:

Printers and routers with WPS support

🔧 Steps:

  1. Power On Both Devices

    • Ensure the router and Brother printer are turned on.

  2. Enable WPS Mode on Printer

    • Press the WPS or Wi-Fi button on the printer for a few seconds until the LED blinks.

  3. Press the WPS Button on Router

    • Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router.

  4. Wait for Connection

    • The printer will automatically detect the router and connect within a minute.

    • A successful connection message will appear, or a wireless report will print.

⚠️ Not all routers or Brother printers support WPS. If not available, use manual setup.

Method 3: Connect Brother Printer to Wi-Fi Using iPrint&Scan (Mobile App)

Brother's iPrint&Scan app allows you to configure wireless settings from your smartphone.

📱 Compatible Devices:

iOS and Android smartphones/tablets

🔧 Steps:

  1. Download iPrint&Scan

    • Install from the App Store or Google Play.

  2. Turn on Your Printer’s Wi-Fi

    • Ensure the printer is in wireless mode or supports mobile configuration.

  3. Connect Your Phone to Printer Wi-Fi

    • Go to your phone’s Wi-Fi settings and select the temporary Wi-Fi network broadcasted by your printer (e.g., “Brother_Setup”).

  4. Launch iPrint&Scan App

    • Follow the on-screen instructions to select your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

  5. Reconnect to Home Wi-Fi

    • Your printer will now connect to your home Wi-Fi.

    • Reconnect your smartphone to your regular Wi-Fi and start printing.

Additional Method: Setup Brother Printer to Wi-Fi on PC or Mac (Via USB)

If your printer doesn't have a touchscreen display or you're facing difficulties, you can use a USB cable for the initial wireless setup via computer.

🔧 Steps:

  1. Connect the Printer to PC Using USB

    • Use the USB cable that came with your Brother printer.

  2. Download Brother Installer

    • Go to Brother Website.

    • Search for your model and download the Full Driver & Software Package.

  3. Run the Installer

    • During installation, choose Wireless Setup.

    • Follow the prompts to connect the printer to your wireless network.

  4. Remove USB Cable

    • Once the wireless setup is complete, you can remove the USB cable.

    • Your printer should now work wirelessly.

How to Verify Your Brother Printer’s Wireless Connection

After connecting to Wi-Fi, confirm the success of your setup:

  1. Print a Network Configuration Page

    • On your printer, go to Menu > Print Reports > Network Config.

    • This report will show your printer’s IP address, SSID, and connection status.

  2. Check from Your Computer

    • Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

    • Right-click your Brother printer and ensure its status is “Ready” and not offline.

  3. Ping Test (Optional)

    • Open the command prompt and type:
      ping [your printer's IP address]

    • If replies are received, your printer is successfully connected.

Troubleshooting: Brother Printer Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi

If your Brother printer fails to connect, here are some troubleshooting steps:

✅ Double-Check Wi-Fi Credentials

Ensure the SSID and password entered are correct. They are case-sensitive.

✅ Move Printer Closer to Router

Weak signals can prevent successful connections. Try placing the printer near the router temporarily.

✅ Restart Devices

Power cycle your printer, router, and computer to refresh the network connection.

✅ Update Printer Firmware

Visit the Brother support site and check for any firmware updates for your model.

✅ Assign a Static IP Address (Advanced)

Access your router’s settings and assign a static IP to your printer. This avoids IP conflicts in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Do I need a computer to connect my Brother printer to Wi-Fi?

No, you can connect using the printer’s control panel or Brother’s mobile app.

❓ Can I connect a Brother printer to two networks?

No. Brother printers can only connect to one Wi-Fi network at a time.

❓ What should I do if my Brother printer disconnects frequently?

Assigning a static IP address and ensuring strong Wi-Fi signals can help prevent disconnections.

Conclusion

Connecting your Brother printer to Wi-Fi opens up a world of convenience—allowing you to print from multiple devices without dealing with cables. Whether you choose manual setup via the control panel, WPS, or the mobile app, the process is easy to follow and typically takes just a few minutes.

By following the steps in this guide, you’ll ensure a smooth and successful wireless setup. And if issues arise, the troubleshooting section will help you resolve them quickly.

For uninterrupted wireless printing, keep your printer’s firmware up to date, and ensure your Wi-Fi signal is strong and stable.