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

Disabling wireless network on printers Brother This can be necessary in a variety of situations, from basic security setup to troubleshooting conflicts with other devices on a local network. Despite the apparent simplicity of the task, the process varies depending on the device model, firmware version, and even the current connection status. Some users experience the wireless network option simply becoming "stuck" in an active state, and standard menu-based disabling methods fail.

In this article, we'll explore all the current methods for disabling Wi-Fi, from simple button manipulations on the device to hidden web interface functions and proprietary software. BrotherWe'll pay special attention to common mistakes users make when trying to disconnect from the network, and explain why a printer may stubbornly reconnect after a reboot. If you work in an office with multiple devices or simply want to temporarily isolate a printer from the network, you'll find practical solutions here that won't require a service call.

1. When to disable Wi-Fi on a Brother printer

Wireless connectivity is convenient, but it's not always secure or necessary. Here are the most common scenarios where users seek a way to disable Wi-Fi:

• 🔒 Improving security If the printer is connected to a public network (for example, in a coworking space or hotel), the risk of unauthorized access to its functions increases. Disabling Wi-Fi reduces this risk to zero.
• 📡 Online conflicts - when there are several devices Brother with the same names (SSID) create interference that prevents stable printing.
• 🔌 Switching to a wired connection — If you decide to use Ethernet or USB for more stable operation, it is better to disable the wireless module to avoid automatic reconnection.
• ⚡ Energy saving — in some models, the Wi-Fi adapter consumes a noticeable amount of energy even in standby mode.
• 🛠️ Troubleshooting — When a printer malfunctions, experts often recommend temporarily disabling all network interfaces to identify the cause.

It's important to understand that simply "forgetting" the network on your computer or router isn't the same as disabling Wi-Fi on the printer itself. The device will continue broadcasting and attempting to connect until the module is disabled in its firmware.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Brother DCP And MFC Touch panels can become glitchy when frequently switching between wired and wireless modes. If your printer stops responding to touch after disabling Wi-Fi, perform a factory reset. Menu → All Settings → Initialize → All.

2. Method 1: Disabling Wi-Fi via the printer control panel

The most universal method that works on most models Brother (including HL-L2350DW, MFC-L2710DW, DCP-T720DW and others). This manual is suitable for printers with a display and push-button control:

1. Turn on the printer and wait until it is fully loaded (the indicators should be on steadily, without blinking).

2. Click the button Menu (or Settings on touch models).

3. Go to the section Network (or Net in Russified firmware) using arrows or touches.

4. Select WLAN or Wi-Fi.

5. Find the option Wireless Direct or Infrastructure and set the value Off.

6. Confirm the changes with the button OK and wait for the module to reboot (may take up to 30 seconds).

On models with a monochrome screen (for example, Brother HL-L2300D) the path may look like this: Menu → Network → WLAN → Enable/Disable → OffIf there is no item in the menu WLAN, then your printer is not equipped with a wireless module (check the technical specifications of the model).

The printer is turned on and ready to work.

The instructions for the model are at hand (in case of a non-standard menu)

It has been verified that the printer is not in firmware update mode.

Remembers your current network settings (in case you switch back to Wi-Fi)

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After completing these steps, the wireless network indicator (usually blue or green) should turn off. If the indicator remains on, try force reboot printer by disconnecting it from the network for 10 seconds.

3. Method 2: Using the printer's web interface

All modern network printers Brother have a built-in web server that allows you to manage settings remotely. This method is convenient if physical access to the device is limited or the control panel is faulty. To access the web interface:

1. Find out your printer's IP address. You can find it:

   • On the network report printout (press and hold the button Go or Wireless within 5 seconds).
   • In the router settings in the list of connected devices.
   • Through the program Brother iPrint&Scan (section "Printer Information").

Enter the IP address in the address bar of your browser (supported Chrome, Edge, Firefox).

Log in (default login: admin, password: access or an empty field; for some models - initpass).

Go to the section Network → WLAN → Wireless Settings.

Find the switch Wireless Radio or Wi-Fi Enable and set it to position Off.

Save the settings with the button Submit or Apply.

If the printer does not respond after saving the changes, try clearing the browser cache or using a different one (for example, Firefox instead of Chrome). On some firmware versions, the web interface may freeze when multiple users access it simultaneously.

What should I do if I can't log in to the web interface?

If the printer does not respond by IP address, check:

1. Network activity: Make sure the printer is connected to the same router as your computer.

2. Firewall: Temporarily disable the firewall on your PC or add the printer's IP address to the exceptions.

3. Protocol: some models Brother require the use of HTTP (not HTTPS). Try entering the address as http://[IP], and not https://[IP].

4. Network reset: press and hold the button Wireless 10 seconds to reset network settings (re-configuration required).

⚠️ Attention: After disabling Wi-Fi via the web interface, the printer may still be accessible via Ethernet (if the cable is connected). To completely isolate the device from the network, physically disconnect the network cable or disable the port in the router settings.

4. Method 3: Disabling via Brother software

Proprietary utilities Brother — iPrint&Scan, ControlCenter or BRAdmin — allow you to manage printer settings from your computer. This method is suitable if you have the manufacturer's drivers and software installed. Let's look at an example. BRAdmin Professional 4:

1. Download and install BRAdmin Professional With Brother's official website (select your printer model in the "Downloads" section).

2. Run the program and wait for it to detect your printer on the network.

3. Select the device from the list and press Configure (or "Configure").

4. Go to the tab Network → Wireless.

5. Uncheck the box Enable Wireless or select Disable in the drop-down menu.

6. Apply the settings and restart the printer when prompted by the program.

For users MacOS the utility will do Brother iPrint&Scan:

1. Open the program and select your printer.
2. Go to Printer Settings → Network.
3. Find the section Wireless LAN and turn it off.

The advantage of this method is that the software Brother Often offers a more intuitive interface than the web version and automatically checks for compatibility of settings. However, the utilities require the printer to be at least temporarily connected to the network (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

5. Method 4: Hardware disabling of Wi-Fi (for advanced users)

If software methods fail (for example, due to a firmware failure), you can physically disconnect the wireless module. This method is only suitable for users willing to disassemble the printer and void the warranty. We do not recommend using it unless absolutely necessary., but we will describe the process for reference purposes.

In most models Brother The Wi-Fi module is a separate board connected to the main one via a connector. CN1 or J1To disable it:

1. Unplug the printer and wait until it cools down completely (10–15 minutes).

2. Remove the back cover by unscrewing 2-4 screws (usually Phillips-head screwdrivers).

3. Locate the Wi-Fi module - it looks like a small board with an antenna (markings may include WLAN, BCM or AR9).

4. Carefully disconnect the cable or remove the board from the connector (do not use force!).

5. Reassemble the printer in reverse order.

On models Brother HL-L8360CDW And MFC-L3770CDW The Wi-Fi module is integrated into the main board and cannot be removed. In this case, only firmware with wireless network support disabled will help.

⚠️ Attention: After physically disconnecting the module, the printer may display an error "WLAN Error" or "No Wireless Module" when turned on. This is normal behavior—the error does not affect basic USB/Ethernet printing functions.

Yes, I repaired the printer/scanner myself.

Yes, but only according to the instructions.

No, I'm afraid to break it.

No, I always contact the service

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6. Method 5: Disabling Wi-Fi by resetting the settings

If your printer has forgotten the Wi-Fi disconnect command or is behaving erratically, a full reset may help. Please note that this method will remove All User settings, including page counters and address book (if available). Instructions for most models:

1. Turn on the printer and wait until it is ready.

2. Press and hold the button Go (or Secure (on new models) for 10-15 seconds until all indicators flash.

3. The reset menu will appear on the display. Select All Settings (or Network Only, if you need to save other settings).

4. Confirm the reset with the button OK.

5. After rebooting, the printer will be in factory state - Wi-Fi is disabled by default.

On models without a display (for example, Brother HL-L2300D) reset is performed by holding the button Go 20 seconds until the indicator flashes ReadyAfter this, the printer will automatically print a sheet with factory settings.

If after resetting the printer, Wi-Fi is enabled again, check your router settings - the function may be enabled there. WPS or Auto-Connect, which automatically connects devices Brother to the network.

7. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems. Here are the most common issues and how to resolve them:

• 🔄 Wi-Fi turns off but turns back on after reboot:

  Reason: Enabled in router settings DHCP Reservation for a printer that automatically assigns an IP address and activates the network. Solution: Go to the router control panel and remove the printer from the list of reserved devices.

• 🖥️ The printer's web interface does not open.:

  Cause: IP address conflict or ports blocked by a firewall. Solution: Manually assign a static IP to the printer (using its menu) and temporarily disable the firewall on your PC.

• 📶 The Wi-Fi indicator is on, but the network is not detected.:

  Reason: The module is operating in the mode Ad-Hoc (direct connection). Solution: In the printer menu, find Wireless Mode and select Infrastructure (or turn it off Direct Connection).

• 🔧 Printer buttons don't respond when I try to turn off Wi-Fi.:

  Cause: Control panel freeze. Solution: Perform a cold reset—unplug the printer for 1 minute, then plug it back in.

If none of the methods worked, check if your antivirus software (for example, Kaspersky or ESET) access to printer settings. Sometimes, adding the device's IP address to the program's exceptions is sufficient.

8. Alternative options: if Wi-Fi cannot be turned off

In some cases, disabling Wi-Fi is impractical or technically impossible (for example, on printers with firmware that locks the option). In these cases, a compromise can be reached:

• 🔐 Change the Wi-Fi password on your printer:

  Generate a complex password (eg. k7#pL9!mQ2$v) via the web interface. This will make connecting to the printer virtually impossible for outsiders, while maintaining functionality.

• 🌐 Disconnect the printer from the router at the MAC filtering level:

  In your router settings, add the printer's MAC address to the blacklist. This will prevent it from connecting to the network even if its Wi-Fi module is active.

• 📵 Use airplane mode:

  Some models (eg Brother MFC-J6945DW) support the regime Airplane Mode, which disables all wireless interfaces while keeping wired connections.

For office networks with multiple printers Brother can be customized VLAN — allocate devices a separate virtual network segment, inaccessible to most users. This will require configuration at the router or managed switch level.

How to find the printer's MAC address Brother?

There are three ways:

1. Printing the report: Press and hold the button Wireless 5 seconds - the printer will print a sheet with network data, including MAC.

2. Web interface: In the section Network → WLAN → Current Status.

3. Via a router: In the list of connected devices (DHCP Client List), find the printer by name (usually starts with BRNxxxxxx or BROTHER).

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

Is it possible to turn off Wi-Fi on a Brother printer without a display?
Yes, but the methods are limited:
• Use web interface (if the printer is connected to the network).
• Do it reset settings by holding the button Go 20 seconds.
• Turn off Wi-Fi physically (by disassembling the printer) or through BRAdmin.

On models without a screen (for example, HL-L2300D) the Wi-Fi option may be absent altogether - check the device specifications.

After disconnecting Wi-Fi, my printer stopped printing via USB. What should I do?

This is a typical problem with models. Brother DCP-T520W And MFC-J5330DW, where USB and Wi-Fi share the same controller resources. Solutions:

1. Restart the printer (unplug it for 30 seconds).
2. Update your PC driver via official website.
3. Turn Wi-Fi back on and turn it off only Infrastructure Mode, leaving Direct Connection turned off.

If the problem persists, try a different USB cable (preferably the original one from Brother).

How to disable Wi-Fi Direct but keep regular Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi Direct — This is a separate operating mode that allows you to connect to the printer directly (without a router). To disable only this mode:

1. Go to the printer menu: Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Settings.
2. Select Off for option Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Save the settings.

Regular Wi-Fi (Infrastructure Mode) will remain active. On some models (MFC-J6545DW) these settings are divided into different tabs.

My Brother printer is connecting to my neighbor's Wi-Fi. How can I fix this?

If your printer automatically connects to another network, follow these steps:

1. Reset network settings: Menu → Network → WLAN → Reset Settings.
2. Turn on MAC filtering on your router by adding the printer's MAC address to the whitelist.
3. Disable the function on your router WPS - It can allow devices to connect without a password.
4. Update your printer firmware via BRAdmin — Older versions had a vulnerability that allowed connecting to the first available networks.

After this, manually connect the printer to your network by entering the correct password.

Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi on a Brother printer remotely?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• If the printer is already connected to your network, use web interface or BRAdmin from another computer.
• Through cloud services (for example, Brother Web Connect) You can't turn off Wi-Fi - they require an active connection.
• For corporate networks: administration is possible through Brother BRAdmin Professional with superuser rights.

Remote shutdown will only work until the next printer reboot unless it is saved in its non-volatile memory.