How to Connect Brother Printer to WiFi

Connecting your Brother printer to WiFi can streamline your printing tasks and offer you the convenience of wireless printing from multiple devices. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can connect your Brother printer to your wireless network without trouble.

Understanding Your Brother Printer's WiFi Capabilities

Before attempting to connect your Brother printer to WiFi, it's essential to ensure that your printer supports wireless connectivity. Most modern Brother printers are equipped with WiFi capabilities, but checking your printer's manual or manufacturer’s website can confirm this.

Preparing for WiFi Connection

Ensure you have the following before you start the connection process:

The SSID (network name) of your wireless network
The network password (WEP key/WPA passphrase)
Your Brother printer's power cord and the device itself
A computer or mobile device on the same network

Gathering these details in advance will make the process smoother and quicker.

Connecting Your Brother Printer to WiFi

Using the Control Panel

Turn on your Brother printer: Ensure your printer is plugged in and powered up.
Access the menu: Press the ‘Menu’ button on the printer’s control panel.
Select Network: Use the arrow keys to navigate to ‘Network’ and press ‘OK.’
Choose WLAN: Navigate to ‘WLAN’ and press ‘OK.’
Select Setup Wizard: Choose ‘Setup Wizard’ and press ‘OK.’ When ‘Wireless LAN enable?’ appears, select ‘Yes’ to activate the wireless network.
Scan for networks: The printer will now search for available SSIDs. Choose your network from the list.
Enter your network password: When prompted, enter your WiFi password (WEP key/WPA passphrase). Ensure correctness as this step is crucial for a successful connection.
Confirm the connection: Press ‘OK’ after entering the password, and the printer will attempt to connect to the network. Once connected, the IP address will be displayed on the screen.

Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

Locate the WPS button on your router: This functionality allows devices to connect to your network without entering a password.
Initiate WPS on the Brother printer: Access ‘Menu’ > ‘Network’ > ‘WLAN’ > ‘WPS’ on the printer's control panel and press ‘OK.’
Press the WPS button: Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
Wait for connection: The printer will connect to the WiFi network automatically. Confirmation messages will appear on the printer’s screen indicating a successful connection.

Connecting with Brother iPrint&Scan App

Download the app: Install the Brother iPrint&Scan app from your device’s app store (available on iOS and Android).
Open the app: Launch the app and follow the on-screen setup instructions to link your Brother printer to your WiFi network.
Configure the connection: The app will detect your printer. Select it and follow the instructions to finalize the WiFi setup.

Additional Tips and Troubleshooting

Here are some additional tips and troubleshooting measures if you encounter problems:

Check signal strength: Ensure your router has a strong signal and is not too far from your printer.
Restart devices: Sometimes, simply restarting the router and printer can resolve connectivity issues.
Firmware updates: Ensure your printer’s firmware is up-to-date. Visit the Brother website for updates.
Factory reset: As a last resort, reset your printer to its factory settings, which can resolve persistent issues.

Guide Steps

Ensure WiFi capabilities.
Prepare necessary details (SSID, password).
Use Control Panel or WPS for connection.
Use Brother iPrint&Scan App for an alternative method.
Follow additional troubleshooting if needed.

FAQ

What should I do if my Brother printer is not connecting to WiFi?: Ensure the correct SSID and password are entered, and the signal strength is adequate. Restart the printer and router, and ensure firmware is updated.
Can I connect my Brother printer to a mobile hotspot?: Yes, if your mobile hotspot provides a stable connection and the SSID and password are entered correctly in the printer setup.
Does the Brother printer support WPS?: Most modern Brother printers support WPS, streamlining the wireless setup process without needing a network password.