A modern office or home workspace is unimaginable without convenient wireless printing. Switching to a Wi-Fi connection frees you from unnecessary cables and allows you to send documents directly from your laptop or tablet, from anywhere in the home. However, the initial configuration process often raises questions among users, especially when automatic driver installation doesn't go as planned.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to connect equipment Brother to a wireless network using a laptop running Windows or macOS. You will learn the nuances of working with IP addresses, WPS methods, and manual configuration via the control panel. Properly setting the parameters during installation will prevent most future printing errors.
Before you begin, make sure your router is turned on and providing internet access, and that the printer is within a strong signal range. It's also important to prepare your laptop: close any open tabs to prevent the system from going into sleep mode during the software installation. Critical: Setup should only be performed on the Wi-Fi frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) supported by your specific printer model, as older devices may not see 5 GHz networks.
Preparatory stage and compatibility check
The success of the entire operation depends 90% on proper equipment preparation. Many users try to immediately launch the driver installer, forgetting to check basic network settings. First, make sure your laptop is connected to the Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to. If you have a dual-band router and an older printer model, switch your laptop to the 2.4 GHz network, as budget models Brother often do not support the 802.11ac standard.
You need to know your device's model, which is usually indicated on the front panel or on a sticker on the back of the case. This is necessary to download the latest software from the manufacturer's official website. Avoid using the included discs, as the software versions on them may be outdated and lack security patches for modern operating systems.
Check your laptop's battery level or connect it to a power source. Driver installation and network discovery can take 5 to 15 minutes, and a sudden power outage will interrupt the writing of system files. It's also recommended to temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall if they aggressively block unknown network connections, although modern versions of Windows usually prompt for permission.
⚠️ Important: If your router uses MAC address filtering, before starting the setup, find the printer's MAC address (on a sticker or in the menu) and add it to the whitelist of allowed devices, otherwise the connection will not be possible.
Resetting the printer's network settings
If the device was previously used on a different network or setup was unsuccessful, you should reset the network settings to factory defaults. This will clear old Wi-Fi profiles and resolve addressing conflicts. On most models Brother This is done through the menu: press the button Menu (or Settings), select Network, then Network Reset and confirm the action by selecting Yes.
After the reset, the device will reboot, which takes about two minutes. The panel lights may flash during this time, which is normal. Do not power off the device until it has completely returned to standby mode. This procedure ensures you are starting with a clean slate and the old IP address will not interfere with discovery.
There is an alternative way to perform a full reset using a key combination if the menu is unavailable. Press and hold the buttons simultaneously. Go And Cancel (or others, depending on the model) for a few seconds until the message appears Reset AllAfter this, the initialization process will start again. Make sure you know the exact combination for your model to avoid resetting your fax or phone book settings if you need them.
Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)
The easiest way to set up wireless connection — Use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method automatically transmits the network password, eliminating the need to manually enter it on the printer's small screen. Make sure your router supports this feature and that it's enabled (usually a dedicated button on the router or an option in the web interface).
The procedure is as follows: on the printer control panel, press the button Menu, go to the section Network and select WLAN. Find the item WPS and select a method Push ButtonAfter this, you have about two minutes to approach the router and press the WPS button. The Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will begin blinking rapidly, indicating the pairing process.
☑️ WPS connection algorithm
If your router doesn't have a physical button, you can use a PIN. Select the printer's menu WPS with PIN Code, the device will generate an eight-digit code. This code will need to be entered into the router settings via a browser. However, the button method is significantly faster and more reliable, as it eliminates input errors.
⚠️ Note: Some providers and router models (such as those from Rostelecom or older TP-Link models) may have WPS disabled by default for security reasons. Check the wireless settings in your router's account.
Driver installation wizard from a laptop
Once the printer is connected to Wi-Fi (the indicator light is solid), move on to the laptop. You'll need to download the full package of drivers and utilities from the official website. Brother Solutions CenterDon't rely on automatic installation via Windows Update, as it often only installs a basic print driver, ignoring the scanner and ink level monitoring.
Run the downloaded file Start.exe or Install_Win.exeAccept the license agreement. When the installer prompts you for a connection type, select Wireless Network connection (Wireless network connection). The program will begin searching for the device on the network. If the printer is found, its IP address will be displayed on the screen, and you can complete the installation.
Path to network settings in Windows:
Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a printer → The printer I want isn't listed → Add via TCP/IP
During the installation process, you may be prompted to install additional components, such as Brother iPrint&Scan or cloud printing utilities. We recommend opting in, as they expand functionality and simplify maintenance. After installation, try printing a test page to ensure proper data transfer.
What should I do if the installer doesn't see the printer?
If the setup program doesn't find the device even though both devices are on the same network, check whether Windows Firewall is blocking the private network. Also, try temporarily assigning a static IP address to the printer through the router's web interface, assigning it to the device's MAC address.
Manual setup via control panel
If the automatic search fails, you can set up a connection manually using the printer's screen. This method requires careful attention, as you must enter the network name (SSID) and password accurately. In the menu, select Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup WizardTurn on wireless if it is off.
The device will begin searching for available networks. Select your SSID from the list. If the network is hidden, select the option to enter the name manually. When prompted for a password, use the on-screen keyboard. Be careful with case sensitivity and special characters. After entering the information, confirm the information, and the printer will attempt to establish a connection.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | The name of your Wi-Fi network | On the bottom of the router or in the phone settings |
| Security Type | Encryption type | Typically WPA2-PSK (AES) |
| IP Address | Local network address | Menu Network → TCP/IP → IP Address |
| Subnet Mask | Subnet mask | Usually 255.255.255.0 |
After a successful connection, a message may appear on the screen. Connected or Link OKPrint a Network Configuration report to verify the assigned IP address. You will need this address later to configure the print port or access the device's web interface.
Problem with Cyrillic in network name
If your network name contains Russian letters, older printer models may display them as question marks or not recognize the network at all. In this case, we recommend renaming the router's SSID to Latin characters through its web interface.
Diagnostics and solution
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where a laptop "loses" the printer or documents get stuck in the queue. The first cause is the router changing the printer's IP address after a reboot. To avoid this, reserve a static IP address for the printer's MAC address in the router settings. This ensures the address is always the same.
The second common issue is a security type mismatch. If the router is configured for mixed mode (WPA/WPA2), and the printer strictly requires WPA2, the connection will fail. Go to the router's wireless settings and force it. WPA2-PSK (AES)This is the most compatible and safe standard for home appliances.
If printing is slow or intermittent, check the signal strength. Printers are often located in niches or behind metal objects, which can block the signal. Try moving the printer closer to the router or using a Wi-Fi repeater. Also, make sure there's no strong interference from neighboring networks on the Wi-Fi channel. If necessary, change the channel in the router settings to 1, 6, or 11.
⚠️ Note: Router and printer interfaces may vary. If you don't find an exact match for a menu item, look for sections with similar names (Wireless, WLAN, Network Setup), as manufacturers use the same logic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to find the IP address of a Brother printer if there is no screen?
If your model doesn't have a display, print a network configuration report. This usually involves quickly pressing the power button five times or holding down the button. Go for a few seconds until all the indicators light up. In the report, find the line IP Address.
Why can't my laptop see my printer on the same Wi-Fi network?
Most often, the issue is with the Windows network type. Make sure your network is marked as "Private" and not "Public." On a public network, Windows blocks other devices from being discovered. Also, check that Network Discovery is enabled in Control Panel.
Can a Brother printer be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Most modern models support both bands, but older or budget versions only operate on 2.4 GHz. If a laptop is connected to 5 GHz and a printer to 2.4 GHz, they may not be able to see each other in some router configurations (client isolation). It's best to temporarily switch the laptop to 2.4 GHz for configuration purposes.
What should I do if I forgot my Wi-Fi password during setup?
You can view your Wi-Fi password on any connected device. On Windows: Network and Sharing Center → Wireless Network Properties → Security tab → check "Show characters." On Android: QR code in Wi-Fi settings or saved passwords.