Connecting modern office equipment to a wireless network opens up the possibility of printing from any device in the house, be it a laptop or smartphone. Model Brother HL-1223WR is a popular solution for small offices and home offices due to its compact size and support for the standard 802.11b/g/nHowever, initial setup often presents difficulties for users accustomed to a cable connection.
The configuration process requires careful attention, as the device must be correctly recognized by the router. Before beginning, make sure you know your network password and are in a strong signal area. In this article, we'll walk you through all the connection steps in detail, using standard methods and specialized manufacturer utilities.
Successfully integrating your printer into your network will allow you to forget about wires and make your workplace more ergonomic. Wireless interface Provides stable data transfer if the basic hardware requirements are met. Let's move on to preparing the hardware and software.
Preparatory stage and network requirements
Before starting the setup process, make sure your network equipment is ready. Your router must be turned on, configured, and have an active internet connection. Your printer must be connected. Brother HL-1223WR must be unpacked, filled with toner and connected to the power supply.
It's critical to know the security type of your wireless network. Encryption standards are recommended for proper device operation. WPA2-PSK or WPA3Older protocols may not be supported or may be unstable, resulting in constant connection breaks.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your router is broadcasting at a 2.4 GHz frequency. This printer model does not support modern 5 GHz networks, and if your router combines them under a single name, you may have difficulty finding the device.
Also, prepare the computer or laptop you'll be using for setup. It should be on the same network you plan to connect the printer to. If you're using MAC filtering on your router, find the printer's MAC address in advance, which is located on the sticker on the back of the printer.
- 📶 Find out the exact name of your WiFi network (SSID) and password.
- 🔌 Make sure the printer is plugged in and the lights are on.
- 💻 Prepare your PC with administrator rights to install drivers.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone if you plan to configure it via a mobile app.
Checking these parameters only takes a couple of minutes, but saves you hours of troubleshooting down the road. Ignoring the frequency range is the most common error that prevents the printer from simply "seeing" the network.
Resetting network settings on a printer
If your printer was previously used or purchased used, it may have retained old network configurations. For a clean installation, we recommend resetting the network settings to factory defaults. This does not affect the page counter or general device settings.
To perform a reset, press the button on the control panel Menu (or the gear button, depending on the interface version). Using the navigation arrows, find the item Net or NetworkIn the menu that opens, select the option Network reset (Network Reset).
The system will ask you to confirm the action. Click OK or YesAfter this, the printer will reboot the network module, and the WiFi indicator will begin flashing, indicating it is ready for a new setup. The device's screen may temporarily go blank or display a reboot message.
This procedure ensures that old IP address conflicts don't interfere with your new connection. This is especially important if you recently changed your ISP or router.
Connection method via WPS (fastest)
The easiest way to connect Brother HL-1223WR to WiFi - using technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer the network password automatically, without having to manually enter it on the printer's small screen.
Click the button WPS on your router. It may be a physical button on the router's case or a software button in the router's interface. After pressing it, you have about two minutes to activate the mode on the printer. On the MFP panel, look for a button with a WiFi icon or a menu. Net → WPS.
Start the network search using the WPS menu on the printer. The wireless indicator will begin blinking rapidly, indicating the search and pairing process. When the connection is established, the WiFi indicator will turn solid, and a success message will appear on the screen.
⚠️ Important: The WPS function must be enabled in your router settings. On some router models, this function is disabled by default for security reasons and must be manually enabled through the web interface.
If the indicator continues to flash or goes out after two minutes, the connection has failed. This could be due to a weak signal or protocol incompatibility. In this case, you should try the manual setup method.
- 🔘 Find the WPS button on your router and press it.
- 🖨️ On the printer, go to the Network → WPS menu.
- ⏳ Please wait about 30-60 seconds for the connection to be established.
- ✅ Check the indicator: it should be on constantly.
Using WPS saves time and eliminates errors when entering a complex password. However, if your router doesn't support this feature or it's blocked, proceed to the next section.
Manual setup via the Installation Wizard
The manual method is universal and works with any router. To implement it, you'll need a computer connected to the same WiFi network where you want to add the printer. You'll need an installation disc or a driver downloaded from the official website. Brother HL-1223WR.
Run the setup file (usually Setup.exe or Start.exe). In the main menu, select Installing drivers and utilitiesThe program will prompt you to select the connection type: specify Wireless network (Wireless Network). Next, the wizard will prompt you to select a setup method: Yes, I want to set up the printer....
The program will search for available networks. Select your network from the list and enter the password. If the network is hidden, you will need to enter the SSID manually. After confirming the information, the program will transfer the settings to the printer via a temporary USB connection or directly over the network if the printer is already visible to the router.
☑️ Pre-installation check
During the installation process, you may need to briefly connect the printer to your computer via USB cable to transfer the initial network settings. Follow the on-screen instructions, and once the program reports success, you can disconnect the cable.
| Parameter | Meaning / Action | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| SSID (Network Name) | Your WiFi name | On the router sticker |
| Security | WPA2-PSK (AES) | In the router settings |
| Password | Access key | On the router sticker |
| Channel | 1-11 (for 2.4 GHz) | In the router interface |
Once the driver installation is complete, your computer will be able to print documents wirelessly. Make sure the new printer appears in the device list with the "Ready" status.
Setting up printing from a smartphone (Android and iOS)
Mobile printing is one of the main advantages of wireless connectivity. For devices based on Android And iOS Brother has developed a free app Brother iPrint&ScanIt allows you to print documents, photos, and scan images directly from your phone's screen.
First, make sure your smartphone is connected to the same WiFi network as the printer. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store. Launch the app and click "Add Printer" or the "+" icon. The app will automatically find your printer. Brother HL-1223WR in the local network.
If the device isn't found automatically, select the option to manually enter the IP address. The printer's address can be found by printing a network configuration report (usually via a button combination or menu). Print quality settings and tray selection are also available in the app.
What to do if the phone doesn’t see the printer?
Make sure your smartphone's mobile data (4G/5G) is disabled while searching for a printer. iOS sometimes prioritizes mobile data and ignores local WiFi searches. Also, check if AP Isolation is enabled on your router.
The technology is also available for iPhone users. AirPrintIf the printer is already set up on the network, simply open a document or photo, click the "Share" button, and select "Print." The system will automatically detect a compatible device without installing additional drivers.
- 📲 Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app.
- 🔗 Connect your phone to the same WiFi network.
- 🖨️ Click "Add Printer" in the app.
- 📄 Select a file to print or scan.
Mobile setup is convenient because it doesn't require a computer. You can print your ticket or document immediately after receiving it by email.
Diagnostics and solution of typical problems
Even with proper setup, network issues may still occur. If your printer stops responding or its status changes to "Offline," first check the WiFi indicator on the device. If it's blinking, the connection has been lost; if it's lit, there may be a problem with the driver or print queue.
A common problem is when the router changes the printer's IP address. To avoid this, it's recommended to assign the printer's MAC address (static IP) to the IP address in the router settings. This will ensure a stable connection even after rebooting the equipment.
⚠️ Note: Antivirus programs and Windows firewalls sometimes block network printer detection. If the installation is interrupted while searching for a device, try temporarily disabling the firewall.
It's also worth checking your printer's firmware version. Outdated software may not work correctly with new routers. You can update the firmware using the utility. Firmware Update on the manufacturer's website, by connecting the printer via USB or network.
If all else fails, perform a full network reset as described in the second section and try setting up your device again, changing the broadcast channel on your router (for example, to 1, 6, or 11) to avoid interference from neighboring networks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the Brother 1223 WR be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, this model only supports the standard 802.11b/g/n, which operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router is dual-band, make sure the 2.4 GHz network is enabled.
What is the maximum WiFi range for this printer?
In open spaces, the range reaches 30-40 meters. In an apartment with concrete walls, the effective range decreases to 10-15 meters. The printer must be located within a strong signal range of the router.
Do I need to reinstall drivers when changing my router?
Yes, if the new router has a different network name (SSID) or password, you will need to re-run the driver installation wizard and enter the new network settings for the printer to reconnect.
Does the printer support WiFi Direct?
Model HL-1223WR Supports connection to an infrastructure network via a router. WiFi Direct (direct connection without a router) may not be available in this model, or it may require checking the specific device revision in the manual.