Connecting a Brother Printer to Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Photos and Tips

Connecting a printer Brother Connecting to a wireless network is a challenge faced by both novice and experienced users. Even if you've already set up other devices, printers of this brand often require a special approach due to their unique interface and variety of models. In this article, we'll cover all possible connection methods—from standard WPS to manually entering network parameters—and also examine common errors and their solutions.

It is important to understand that the process may vary depending on the printer model (DCP-T720DW, MFC-L2710DW, HL-L2350DW and your router type. We've compiled universal instructions that will work for most devices. Brother, released after 2015. If your printer is older, check the specifications or user manual for Wi-Fi compatibility.

Before you begin, make sure you have the following on hand:

• 📄 Name (SSID) And password your Wi-Fi network (if the network is hidden, you will need to enter it manually).
• 🖨️ Brother printer with Wi-Fi support (check for a wireless network icon on the case).
• 📱 A smartphone, tablet, or computer for setup (when using the mobile app).
• ⚡ Power source - the printer must be plugged into a power outlet throughout the setup process.

1. Preparing the printer for connection

Before setting up Wi-Fi, you need to get the printer up and running. This includes not only physically connecting to the network but also resetting the printer to its previous settings (if the printer has already been used).

At first turn on the printer and wait until it loads completely. On most models Brother The ready indicator lights up green or blue. If the display shows an error (e.g. Wi-Fi: Off or No Network), this means that the wireless module is disabled.

To activate Wi-Fi:

1. Click the button Menu (or Settings) on the control panel.
2. Go to the section Network (or Net).
3. Select WLAN → Enable (or On).
4. Confirm the action by clicking OK or Yes.

If the printer was previously connected to a different network, it is recommended to perform reset network settingsTo do this:

• 🔄 Log in Network → WLAN → Reset Network.
• 📛 On some models (for example, MFC-J6930DW) reset is performed by holding the button Wi-Fi within 5 seconds.

2. Methods for connecting a Brother printer to Wi-Fi

There are several methods for setting up a wireless connection. The choice depends on the capabilities of your router and printer model. Let's look at each in detail.

2.1. Connecting via WPS (the fastest way)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your device to the network without entering a password. This method works if your router supports WPS and the feature is enabled.

Instructions:

1. Make sure the WPS indicator on your router is lit (usually indicated by a 🔄 or WPS).
2. On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fi (or WPS) for 2 seconds until the wireless indicator flashes.
3. For 2 minutes Press the WPS button on your router (or enter your PIN if required).
4. Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer turns solid – this indicates a successful connection.

If connection failed:

• ❌ Check if your router supports WPS (some new models refuse this technology due to vulnerabilities).
• ⏱️ Make sure the printer and router are no more than 5 meters apart.
• 🔒 Your router may have a feature that blocks new devices. Check the settings in the web interface.

What should I do if the WPS button on my router doesn't work?

If the physical WPS button on your router isn't responding, try activating it through the web interface. Go to the router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find the WPS section, and enable PIN or PBC (Push Button Configuration) mode.

2.2. Manual connection via the printer control panel

If WPS is unavailable or doesn't work, you can enter your network settings manually. This method is universal and works on all models. Brother with display.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On the printer, go to Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard.
2. Select your network from the list (if it is not there, click Refresh or Search Again).
3. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the arrows and button OKTo switch the register, use the button Shift or ABC.
4. Confirm your input and wait for the connection to complete. A message will appear on the screen. Connected or Success.

Difficulties may arise when entering complex passwords with symbols !@#$%In this case:

• 🔠 Use the button Symbol or 123 to switch to special characters.
• 📝 Write down your password on paper to avoid mistakes when entering it.
• 🔄 If the printer does not connect, try temporarily simplifying the network password (for example, on 12345678) for the test.

2.3. Connection via a mobile application Brother iPrint&Scan

For smartphone users, the official app is most convenient. It automatically detects the printer and helps you set up a connection.

How to connect:

1. Download the app Brother iPrint&Scan from App Store or Google Play.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and launch the application.
3. Select Add Printer → Wireless Setup.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will automatically find the printer and prompt you to select a Wi-Fi network.
5. Enter your network password and the printer will connect automatically.

The advantages of this method:

• 📱 No need to enter a password on the printer's small display.
• 🔍 The app checks the signal strength and suggests optimal settings.
• 📊 After connecting, you can immediately test printing.

3. Checking a successful connection

After setup, you need to make sure the printer is actually connected to the network. This can be done in several ways.

Method 1: Print a network settings report

1. On the printer, press Menu → Network → WLAN → Print Report.
2. The printer will print a sheet with connection parameters, where there should be a line Connection: Active And SSID: [your network name].

Method 2: Checking via the printer's web interface

1. Find the printer's IP address in the report (e.g. 192.168.0.105).
2. Enter this address into the address bar of your browser on your computer or phone.
3. The printer's web interface will open, where in the section Network there will be a connection status.

Method 3: Test printing from the device

• 🖥️ On your computer: add your printer via Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a Printer.
• 📱 On your phone: Send the document to print via the app Brother iPrint&Scan.

If the printer does not print, but is connected to Wi-Fi:

• 🔌 Check if the drivers are installed on your computer (you can download them from Brother's official website).
• 📡 Make sure the printer and device are on the same network (for example, if your computer is connected to 5 GHz and the printer is connected to 2.4 GHz, they won't see each other).
• 🔄 Restart your printer and router.

4. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with proper setup, problems sometimes arise. We've compiled a list of the most common errors and how to fix them.

If none of the methods helped, try update printer firmwareOutdated software can cause compatibility issues with modern routers. Updates are performed through the printer's web interface or a utility. Brother Firmware Update Tool.

5. Connection features for different Brother models

Although most printers Brother They are configured using a similar scheme, but some models have unique nuances. Let's look at the most popular series.

5.1. MFP series DCP (For example, DCP-T520W, DCP-T720DW)

These devices are often used at home and support both inkjet and laser printing. Features:

• 🖨️ They have a touch screen, which makes it easier to enter a password.
• 📡 Supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), but for stable operation it is better to use 2.4 GHz.
• 🔌 You can connect to the network via USB and then transfer the settings to Wi-Fi (function Wireless Direct).

5.2. Laser printers series HL (For example, HL-L2350DW, HL-L8360CDW)

Laser models are typically used in offices and require a more stable connection. Important points:

• 🔒 Supports secure protocols (WPA2-Enterprise), which is relevant for corporate networks.
• 📊 Have advanced network settings, including configuration VLAN And IPv6.
• 🖱️ Configuration often requires a computer with installed software Brother BRAdmin.

5.3. Mobile printers series PocketJet (For example, PJ-773)

Compact printers for travel or field work. Their configurations vary:

• 📱 Connect only via Bluetooth or a hotspot on your phone.
• 🔋 Requires pre-charging of the battery.
• 📎 Use a special app Brother Pocket Print.

How to connect Brother PocketJet to Wi-Fi?

These printers don't support connecting to regular Wi-Fi networks. Instead, they create their own hotspot, which your phone or tablet connects to. Use the app to print. Brother Pocket Print or send documents via Bluetooth.

6. Setting up a printer for printing from different devices

Once connected to Wi-Fi, the printer needs to be configured on each device you plan to print from. Let's look at the main platforms.

6.1. Setting up on Windows 10/11

To print from a computer, you need to install drivers and add the printer to the system.

Instructions:

1. Download the driver for your model from Brother website.
2. Install the driver by following the installation wizard instructions.
3. Go to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a Printer.
4. Select your printer from the list or click The printer you need is not in the list and enter the IP address manually.

If the printer is not detected:

• 🔌 Check that the computer and printer are on the same network.
• 🔄 Disable your firewall or antivirus (for example, Kaspersky may block network printers).
• 📡 Make sure the protocol is not disabled in your router settings Multicast (needed to detect the printer).

6.2. Setup on macOS

On a Mac, a printer Brother It is added automatically, but sometimes manual configuration is required.

How to add a printer:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click + and select your printer from the list.
3. If there is no printer, click Add a printer or scanner manually and enter the IP address.
4. Select the driver (if it is not in the list, download it from the website) Brother).

For stable operation on macOS:

• 🍎 Update your operating system to the latest version.
• 🖨️ In the printer settings, disable the option AirPrint, if printing errors occur.

6.3. Setup on Android and iOS

On mobile devices, the easiest way to use the app is Brother iPrint&Scan.

Alternative methods:

• 🤖 On Android: add printer via Settings → Connected devices → Printing.
• 🍎 On iOS: use the function AirPrint (most models Brother they support her).

7. Optimize Wi-Fi for stable printing

If your printer keeps disconnecting or printing is interrupted, there may be a problem with your network settings. Here's how to improve your connection stability.

1. Selecting the right Wi-Fi channel

Congested channels can cause interference. Use utilities like Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (macOS/Windows) to find the freest channel and change it in the router settings.

2. Separation of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks

Some printers Brother (Especially older models) do not support 5 GHz. If your router broadcasts both networks under the same name, the printer may be attempting to connect to the wrong frequency. Solution:

• 📡 Separate the networks in the router settings by assigning them different names (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).
• 🖨️ Connect the printer to a 2.4 GHz network.

3. Setting up a static IP for the printer

If your printer periodically "disappears" from the network, assign it a permanent IP address. This can be done in two ways:

• 📌 Via router: Find the printer in the list of connected devices (by MAC address) and assign an IP address to it in the section DHCP Reservation.
• 🖨️ Via printer: In the printer's web interface (Network → WLAN → TCP/IP) set static IP manually.

4. Updating the router firmware

Outdated router firmware may cause compatibility issues. Check for updates in the router's web interface (section Firmware Update or Software update).

8. Wireless connection security

A printer connected to Wi-Fi can become a weak point in your network. Follow these recommendations to protect it from unauthorized access.

1. Change the default printer administrator password

Many users do not know that the printer has its own control panel with a login and password (usually admin/access (or an empty password). To protect your settings:

1. Go to the printer's web interface (using its IP address).
2. Go to Administrator Settings or Security.
3. Change your password to a complex one (for example, Br0th3r_2026!P).

2. Disable unnecessary protocols

Your printer settings may include outdated or insecure protocols:

• 🔌 Turn it off FTP, Telnet And SNMP, if they are not used.
• 🔒 Enable encryption WPA3, if your printer supports it.

3. Configure MAC address filtering

This method isn't foolproof, but it will add an extra layer of security. In your router settings, add the printer's MAC address to the list of allowed devices.

4. Update your printer firmware regularly

Manufacturers periodically release updates that patch vulnerabilities. Check for them every 3-6 months through the printer's web interface or utility. Brother Firmware Update Tool.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting Brother to Wi-Fi

🔹 Why can't my Brother printer find my Wi-Fi network?

Possible reasons:

• 📡 The network operates in 5 GHz mode, but the printer only supports 2.4 GHz.
• 🔒 Network is hidden (SSID broadcast is disabled).
• 📵 The printer is too far from the router.

Solution: Check your router settings, temporarily make the network visible, or move the printer closer.

🔹 Can I connect a Brother printer to Wi-Fi without a display?

Yes, for this use:

• 📱 Mobile app Brother iPrint&Scan.
• 🖥️ Utility Brother BRAdmin on the computer.
• 🔄 WPS button (if the router supports this function).

🔹 How do I reset Wi-Fi settings on a Brother printer?

Reset methods:

• 🔄 Via the menu: Menu → Network → WLAN → Reset Network.
• 📛 Hardware: Hold down the button Wi-Fi 10-15 seconds (until the indicators start flashing).
• 🖨️ Full reset: Menu → Initial Setup → Reset All (Deletes all settings, including network settings).

🔹 Why does my printer connect to Wi-Fi but not print?

Check the following:

• 🖥️ Drivers are installed on the computer.
• 📡 The printer and device are on the same network (e.g. not on a guest network).
• 🔌 There are no errors on the printer (check the toner/paper indicators).
• 🔒 Firewall or antivirus does not block printing.

🔹 Can I connect a Brother printer to multiple networks?

Most models Brother They only remember one network. However, there are workarounds:

• 📡 Use Wi-Fi Direct to temporarily connect to another device.
• 🔄 Switch networks manually through the printer menu.
• 🖥️ Configure your router to automatically connect to a backup network (if the main network is unavailable).