How to Completely Disable Wi-Fi on a Brother Printer: 5 Proven Methods

Disabling the wireless network on the printer Brother This can be useful in a variety of situations, from basic protection of confidential documents to resolving IP address conflicts on a local network. Despite the apparent simplicity of the task, many users encounter difficulties—especially when it comes to models with touchscreens or outdated software. In this article, we'll look at all possible methods of disabling Wi-Fi, including hidden settings and alternative approaches for devices where standard methods do not work.

It is important to understand that the procedure differs not only depending on the printer series (DCP, MFC, HL-L etc.), but also on the firmware version. For example, in models Brother MFC-J6945DW The 2021 release network settings menu is hidden deeper than in DCP-T720DW 2019. We've taken these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that cover 95% of the brand's current devices. If your printer belongs to a rare series, you'll find tips for finding a customized solution at the end of the article.

1. Disabling Wi-Fi via the printer control panel

The most direct way is to use the device's physical buttons or touchscreen. This method works on all models. Brother, except for the most budget ones (for example, HL-L2350DW), where network settings are kept to a minimum. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on the printer and wait until it is fully loaded (indicator Ready should be green).
2. Click the button Menu (or Settings on touch models).
3. Go to the section Network (Network) → WLAN (or Wi-Fi).
4. Select an option Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard) or WLAN Enable/Disable.
5. Set the parameter Disable (Disable) and confirm your choice.

On some models (eg, MFC-L2710DWAfter disconnecting Wi-Fi, the printer will automatically reboot. If this doesn't happen, do it manually by holding the power button for 3-5 seconds. After rebooting, the printer may temporarily remain in network search mode (Wi-Fi indicator flashing) for up to 2 minutes - this is normal and does not require any further action.

Print the current network settings (report) Network Config)

Unplug the printer from the power outlet for 10 seconds before starting

Prepare a USB cable for an alternative connection

Check for the latest firmware version-->

2. Using the printer's web interface (by IP address)

If your printer Brother If your device is connected to the network (even if you want to disconnect it), you can manage settings via the built-in web server. This method is especially convenient for models with a limited control panel, such as HL-L2370DN or DCP-L2550DWHere's how to do it:

1. Find out the printer's IP address:
   • 📄 Print the report Network Config (usually on the menu Reports or Print Reports).
   • 🖥️ Check the list of devices in the router (in the router's web interface).

Enter the IP address into the address bar of your browser (e.g. 192.168.1.10).

Log in (default login: admin, password: leave blank or enter access).

Go to the section Network → WLAN → Wireless Setup.

Find the option Wireless Radio or Wireless LAN and set the value Off.

Save the changes by clicking the button Submit or Apply.

After applying the settings, the printer may become unavailable on the network—this is expected. If you need to reconnect to it via Wi-Fi, use a USB cable or repeat the network setup through the control panel.

3. Disabling via Brother software (ControlCenter)

For Windows and macOS users by Brother proprietary software was developed ControlCenter, which allows you to manage printer settings from your computer. This method is suitable if the printer is already connected to the PC via USB or was previously configured on the local network. Instructions:

1. Download and install ControlCenter for your model (select section Drivers & Downloads (on the official website).
2. Connect the printer to your computer via USB (if it is not detected automatically).
3. Launch the program and select your device from the list.
4. Go to the section Network or Wireless Settings.
5. Find the option Disable Wireless or Turn Off Wi-Fi and activate it.
6. Confirm the changes and wait for the notification that the deactivation was successful.

Please note: in some versions of the software (for example, for Brother MFC-J4335DW) The Wi-Fi disable option may be hidden behind additional settings. If you don't see it right away, check the tab. Advanced or Admin Settings.

Through the printer control panel

Via web interface (IP address)

Through the ControlCenter program

Another way-->

4. Reset network settings to factory defaults (Hard Reset)

If standard methods don't work (for example, due to a firmware failure or a frozen network module), you can perform a full reset of the network settings. This method deletes all Wi-Fi settings, including saved networks and passwords, but does not affect other printer functions. Instructions:

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it for 30 seconds.
2. While holding the button Menu (or Go (on some models), turn on the printer.
3. Keep the button pressed until the lights come on. all indicators (usually 5-10 seconds).
4. Release the button and the printer will print a reset report.

After resetting the printer Brother will be unavailable via Wi-Fi, but will retain all other settings (such as print or fax options). To reconnect to the network, you'll need to go through the setup wizard again.

⚠️ Attention: On models Brother MFC-L8900CDW Resetting network settings and similar actions also resets the toner and drum counters. If you're using non-genuine cartridges, this may result in false "Toner Low" errors.

5. Disabling Wi-Fi via the command line (for advanced users)

For IT professionals or users familiar with network protocols, there is a way to disable Wi-Fi via Telnet or SNMPThis method requires knowing the printer's IP address and enabling the remote control protocol. Example for Telnet:

telnet 192.168.1.10
login: admin
password: (leave blank or enter access)
> set wlan disable
> save
> reboot

For SNMP you can use the utility snmpwalk or specialized software like iReasoning MIB BrowserThe commands will depend on the printer model, but OIDs are commonly used:

• 🔧 1.3.6.1.4.1.2435.2.3.9.4.2.1.6.1 — Wi-Fi status (1 = on, 2 = off).
• 🔧 1.3.6.1.4.1.2435.2.3.9.4.2.1.7.1 — a command to change the state.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use Telnet/SNMP This may block access to the printer. If you're unsure of the commands, use the standard methods from the previous sections.

6. Features of disabling Wi-Fi on popular Brother models

Despite the general principles, some printer series Brother have unique nuances. We've compiled them in the table:

If your model is not listed in the table, please check the user manual at official websitePrinters older than 2018 may require a firmware update—we'll cover this in the next section.

What should I do if my printer doesn't print after disconnecting Wi-Fi?

If your printer stops printing after deactivating Wi-Fi, check:

1. Is it connected to the computer via USB (should be selected as the default device in the print settings).

2. If the drivers are corrupted, reinstall them from the official website.

3. In some models (MFC-J4335DW) after disabling Wi-Fi, you need to reset the print queue in the menu Job Cancel.

7. Updating the firmware as a solution to Wi-Fi problems

If the printer Brother If Wi-Fi doesn't respond to Wi-Fi disconnect commands or behaves erratically (for example, it spontaneously reconnects after a reboot), the problem may be due to outdated firmware. A software update resolves most software issues. Here's how:

1. Download the latest firmware version for your model from Brother website (chapter Firmware).
2. Connect the printer to your computer via USB.
3. Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions of the update wizard.
4. Do not disconnect the printer from power or USB until the process is complete (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

After updating, check the firmware version by printing a report Printer SettingsIf the Wi-Fi problem persists, reset your network settings (Section 4) and try disconnecting again.

⚠️ Attention: On printers Brother Firmware older than 2020 may not support modern Wi-Fi security standards (e.g. WPA3). If your router only works in the mode WPA3, the printer will either not connect to the network or will constantly lose it.

8. Alternative solutions: if Wi-Fi won't turn off

In rare cases, software methods fail due to hardware issues (such as a damaged network card). Here's what you can do:

• 🛡️ Turn off the router or change the Wi-Fi password - the printer will not be able to connect automatically.
• 🔌 Use a USB hub with a switch to physically disable the Ethernet/Wi-Fi port (relevant for models with external adapters).
• 📡 Turn on Wi-Fi Direct mode - This will isolate the printer from your main network, but will still allow wireless printing from mobile devices.
• 🔧 Contact the service centerif you suspect a hardware problem (for example, the printer's Wi-Fi indicator keeps blinking even after a reset).

If the printer is used in an office environment and requires complete isolation from the network, consider connecting via wired Ethernet (if supported by the model) or switching to USB printing. For confidential documents, it is also recommended to disable this feature. Cloud Print in the printer settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disabling Wi-Fi on Brother

Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi on a Brother printer if I forgot the web interface password?

Yes, there are two ways:

1. Perform a network reset (section 4) - this will reset the web interface password to factory settings (access or an empty field).
2. Use the printer control panel (section 1) or the program ControlCenter (section 3) if the printer is connected via USB.

After disabling Wi-Fi, the printer won't print from my phone. How can I fix it?

If you have disabled Wi-Fi completely, to print from mobile devices:

• Connect your phone to the printer via Wi-Fi Direct (setting in the printer menu).
• Use USB-OTG adapter for direct connection (requires printer support).
• Install the application Brother iPrint&Scan and connect via USB or Bluetooth (if supported).

How can I check if Wi-Fi is really disabled on my printer?

There are several ways:

• Print the report Network Config — in the section Wireless should be Disabled.
• Check the list of devices in the router - the printer should not be displayed there.
• The Wi-Fi light on your printer should turn off or flash orange (depending on the model).

Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi for only certain devices (for example, to block access from other people's laptops)?

Yes, but not through the printer settings. You need to:

1. Set up MAC address filtering on your router (allow only your devices).
2. Create a separate guest network on the router and connect the printer to it.
3. Use the function Secure Function Lock in the printer settings (if supported) to restrict printing access.

The printer itself Brother It can't block individual devices—this is done at the router level.

What should I do if my printer starts printing slower after disabling Wi-Fi?

This is normal behavior for some models (eg. MFC-J4335DW), where the processor is occupied with processing network tasks even in the background. To restore the previous speed:

• Perform a full printer reset (Section 4).
• Update the firmware (section 7).
• Disable unnecessary features like AirPrint or Google Cloud Print in the settings.

If the problem persists, check your print quality settings (resetting them may have reset them to factory high resolution settings).