AirPrint is a convenient wireless printing feature developed by Apple that allows iPhone, iPad, and Mac users to print directly from their devices without installing additional drivers. Brother printers support AirPrint on many models, making it easy to print documents, emails, or photos over a Wi-Fi connection. However, sometimes users encounter issues where AirPrint won’t work properly. This guide covers common reasons why Brother AirPrint isn’t working and step-by-step solutions to fix it.

What Is AirPrint and How Does It Work?

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s important to understand how AirPrint operates:

  • AirPrint uses Wi-Fi to connect Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) to a compatible printer.

  • Both the printer and the Apple device must be connected to the same wireless network.

  • No additional apps or drivers are needed — AirPrint handles everything through the network.

When it stops working, the issue usually lies with connectivity, device settings, or printer configurations.

Common Reasons Why Brother AirPrint Isn’t Working

Here are the most frequent causes behind AirPrint problems with Brother printers:

  1. Printer and device not on the same Wi-Fi network

  2. AirPrint disabled on the printer

  3. Printer firmware outdated

  4. Network connectivity issues

  5. Incorrect printer settings

  6. Temporary glitches in the Apple device or printer

  7. Firewall or router restrictions blocking communication

  8. Unsupported printer model for AirPrint

Once you identify the cause, fixing it becomes much easier.

How to Fix Brother AirPrint Not Working

1. Check Wi-Fi Connection on Both Devices

  • Ensure your Brother printer and Apple device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

  • If either device is on a different network (like a guest or secondary network), AirPrint won’t function.

  • Restart your Wi-Fi router to refresh connections if needed.

2. Verify AirPrint Support for Your Printer Model

Not all Brother printers support AirPrint. To check:

  • Visit and search for your printer model.

  • Look under specifications or features for AirPrint compatibility.

  • If unsupported, consider using Brother’s iPrint&Scan app for wireless printing instead.

3. Restart Printer and Apple Device

Sometimes, a simple restart resolves temporary glitches:

  • Turn off your Brother printer, unplug it for 30 seconds, then power it back on.

  • Restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

  • After both devices restart, try printing again via AirPrint.

4. Update Printer Firmware

Outdated printer firmware can cause compatibility issues with AirPrint:

  • Visit Website.

  • Enter your printer model and download the latest firmware update tool.

  • Install it on your computer and follow the instructions to update your printer.

Updated firmware often resolves AirPrint functionality problems.

5. Ensure AirPrint Is Enabled on the Printer

Some Brother printers let you toggle AirPrint on or off:

  • Access your printer’s Network Settings via the control panel.

  • Navigate to Protocol > AirPrint.

  • Confirm it’s set to On. If not, enable it.

If unsure, consult your printer’s manual for exact navigation steps.

6. Check Firewall or Router Settings

Network firewalls or router configurations can block AirPrint connections:

  • Temporarily disable your router’s firewall to test if AirPrint works.

  • Ensure Bonjour (mDNS) service is enabled in your router settings, as AirPrint relies on this protocol.

  • If AirPrint works after disabling the firewall, adjust your firewall rules to allow communication on the local network.

7. Remove and Re-add the Printer on Mac

If you’re having trouble printing from a Mac:

  • Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  • Select your Brother printer and click the minus (-) button to remove it.

  • Click the plus (+) button, and your Mac should detect the printer via AirPrint.

  • Add it again and test printing.

8. Reset Network Settings on Your Apple Device (Optional)

If none of the above works:

  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

  • This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords but can fix persistent connectivity issues.

Reconnect to your Wi-Fi and test AirPrint again.

Quick AirPrint Test

To quickly check if AirPrint is working:

  1. Open a photo or note on your iPhone or iPad.

  2. Tap the Share icon.

  3. Select Print.

  4. See if your Brother printer appears in the list.

  5. If it shows up, AirPrint is working.

Tips to Avoid Future AirPrint Issues

  • Keep your printer’s firmware updated regularly.

  • Always connect both printer and Apple device to the same Wi-Fi network.

  • Restart your router and devices occasionally to maintain network stability.

  • Avoid connecting devices to guest networks or different Wi-Fi frequencies (2.4GHz vs. 5GHz) unless both support it.

Conclusion

Brother AirPrint not working issue typically arise from network connectivity problems, outdated firmware, or disabled AirPrint settings. By following the steps outlined in this guide — including checking your Wi-Fi, updating firmware, verifying settings, and adjusting your firewall — you can resolve most AirPrint problems quickly.

Maintaining proper network setups and keeping devices updated ensures seamless wireless printing from your Apple devices. If problems persist, Brother’s official support site or customer service can provide additional help.