It's hard to imagine a modern office or home workspace without wireless printing of documents and photos. Devices from this Japanese brand Brother While Wi-Fi networks are deservedly popular due to their reliability and functionality, initial setup of a Wi-Fi connection often presents difficulties for users. Proper network configuration allows you to free yourself from unnecessary cables and access your printer from any device within the router's range, whether it's a laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
Process print settings The connection process may vary depending on the specific model of your MFP and your computer's operating system, but the basic principles remain the same. In this article, we'll cover every step of the connection process, from resetting network settings to installing drivers, so you can get started quickly. It's important to understand that connection stability directly depends on the signal quality and the correct security settings for your wireless network.
Before starting the software, make sure the hardware is ready for use. Make sure the printer is turned on, there's paper in the tray, and the cartridges are installed correctly. You'll also need to know your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password, as this information will be needed to authorize the device on the local network.
Preparatory stage and resetting network settings
Always begin setup by checking the current status of the printer's network module. If the device has previously been used on a different network or the connection has been interrupted, it is recommended to reset the network settings to factory defaults. This will eliminate IP address conflicts and saved profiles that may interfere with establishing a new connection. On most models Brother This operation is performed via the menu on the display or by a combination of buttons.
For devices without a touch screen, the following sequence is often used: press the button Menu, go to the section Network, then select Network Reset and confirm the action by selecting Yes or 1After this, the printer will reboot the network module. If your device has a touchscreen, the path may look like this: Settings → All settings → Network → Network reset.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting your network settings, all previously saved Wi-Fi settings will be deleted. Make sure you have the current router password handy, as the printer will not be able to automatically restore the old settings.
An important aspect of the preparation phase is determining the location of the equipment. The printer must be located within a strong signal range. If the device is located too far from the router or behind thick concrete walls, print quality and data transfer speeds may be significantly reduced.
Connecting via WPS: The Fastest Method
The easiest way to set up Brother WiFi printing is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to connect your printer to your router without manually entering a password, simply by pressing the corresponding button on the router. You should check your router's manual to see if this feature is supported, although it's almost always included in modern models.
The algorithm of actions is extremely simple: on the printer control panel, find the button WPS or go to the network menu and select the option WPSAfter the printer enters standby mode (the Wi-Fi indicator will begin blinking), press the WPS button on your router within two minutes. The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys and establish a connection.
- 🔘 Find the WPS button on the router body or in its settings interface.
- 🖨️ Activate WPS mode on your Brother printer via the menu or button.
- ⏳ Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator lights up continuously, which means the connection is successful.
- 📄 Print a network report to verify that you have received an IP address.
If automatic connection doesn't occur, check if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router. In some cases, older routers may not work correctly with the WPS protocol, requiring manual configuration. Also, keep in mind that WPS only works in the 2.4 GHz band.
Why isn't WPS working?
The WPS function may not work if this protocol is disabled in the router's security settings, or if the signal is too weak. In rare cases, antivirus software on your computer may block the pairing process.
Manual Wi-Fi setup via the printer menu
If the quick method doesn't work or your router doesn't support WPS, you'll have to configure it manually. This method is more secure, as you have control over network selection and password entry. On the printer display, go to the menu. Network (Network) or click the gear button, then select WLAN or Wi-Fi.
In the list of available networks that opens, find your router's name (SSID). If the network is hidden, select the option Manual or Entering SSID and enter the name manually. After selecting the network, the device will ask for a password. Use the navigation arrows or the touch keyboard to enter the security key, being careful not to overwrite the letters.
After entering the password, the printer will attempt to connect. A successful connection is confirmed by a message. Connected and the wireless network indicator is lit. At this stage, the device receives IP address From the router's DHCP server. It's recommended to immediately print a network configuration report to record the assigned address.
⚠️ Attention: When entering the password, pay close attention to the case and symbols. Even a single character error will result in access being denied, and the printer will continually attempt to connect.
For dual-band models, make sure you're connecting to a 2.4 GHz network if your device's drivers or firmware don't support the 5 GHz standard. Many older and budget models Brother operate exclusively in the 2.4 GHz frequency range.
Installing drivers and software
Once the printer is connected to the network, you need to install the software on your computer. Without the correct drivers The operating system won't be able to interpret print commands correctly. It's best to download the software from the manufacturer's official website, choosing the full installation package, which includes not only drivers but also scanning and monitoring utilities.
During the installation process, the wizard will prompt you to select a connection type. Select the option Wireless network or Network ConnectionThe installer will attempt to find the printer on the local network. If the device is found, its IP address will be displayed in the list. If the search fails, you can select the option to install via USB cable and then reconfigure it to Wi-Fi, following the wizard's prompts.
| Software component | Function | Necessity |
|---|---|---|
| Print driver | Provides data transfer to the printer | Necessarily |
| Brother iPrint&Scan | Utility for scanning and printing from a PC | Recommended |
| ControlCenter4 | Advanced management of MFP functions | As desired |
| Prestopage | Monitoring printer status | Optional |
After installation is complete, we recommend printing a test page. If the document prints successfully, the connection between the computer and printer is established correctly. If errors occur, check your Windows firewall or antivirus software to see if it may be blocking network access to the printer.
☑️ Installing drivers
Setting up printing from mobile devices
Modern users often need to print documents directly from their smartphones or tablets. For devices based on Android And iOS Brother has developed a special application Brother iPrint&ScanIt allows you to not only print photos and documents, but also scan images directly to your phone's gallery.
For owners of Apple devices (iPhone, iPad) the technology is available AirPrint, which doesn't require installing any additional apps. The main requirement is that your mobile device and printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Simply open a document or photo, tap the "Share" button, select "Print," and then find your printer in the list.
- 📱 Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store or Google Play.
- 📶 Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
- 🖼️ Select a file to print from the app or gallery.
- ⚙️ Adjust the settings (paper size, number of copies) and start printing.
Android users also have access to Mopria Print Service, which is built into many modern versions of the operating system. This allows you to print directly from most apps, without launching third-party software, as long as the corresponding plugin is enabled in the printing settings.
Diagnostics and problem solving
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where the printer becomes unavailable. One common cause is the printer's IP address being changed by the router. To avoid this, we recommend reserving a static IP address for your Brother printer's MAC address in your router settings. This ensures that the device's network address does not change.
If your printer isn't printing, check the print queue status in your operating system. Sometimes stuck jobs can block the entire queue. Clearing the print queue and restarting the print spooler service often resolves the issue. It's also worth checking whether "Work Offline" mode is enabled in the printer properties.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions are subject to update. If the menu items described differ, please refer to the user manual for your specific model or the official support website.
If connection issues persist, try temporarily disabling network address translation (NAT) or your router's firewall to test. If this helps, you'll need to add exceptions to your firewall rules for the printer's IP address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a Brother printer to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, this is possible. When searching for networks, select "Other" or "Enter SSID" in the printer menu and manually enter the exact name of the hidden network, followed by the password. Automatic network detection will not detect the network in this case.
What should I do if my computer can't see my printer on the network?
Make sure both devices are on the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x). Check if your antivirus or Windows Firewall is blocking network discovery. Try adding the printer manually by IP address through the Devices and Printers menu.
Do all Brother models support cloud printing?
No, support for cloud services (Google Cloud Print, Brother Web Connect) depends on the model and year of the device. Older models may not have built-in cloud printing capabilities, requiring the use of an intermediary PC.
How to find out the IP address of a printer if there is no display?
Models without a display usually have a report button. Press and hold the report button (often marked with a piece of paper) for a few seconds to print a network configuration page, which will show your current IP address.
Can I use USB and Wi-Fi at the same time?
Yes, most modern Brother MFPs allow you to use both connection types simultaneously. However, for the initial wireless network setup, we recommend using only Wi-Fi or USB to avoid conflicts with the setup wizard.