Modern office solutions have long ceased to be bulky devices that require a mandatory cable connection to operate. Wireless printing Wireless networking has become a standard, allowing equipment to be placed anywhere in a room with network coverage. Users often wonder how to establish a connection between a laptop and a multifunctional device to eliminate unnecessary cables and enable printing from any device in the home.
Devices from a Japanese company Brother While they're renowned for their reliability and relatively simple initial setup process, they do have their own set of challenges. Choosing the wrong connection type can result in your computer simply not recognizing your printer. In this article, we'll detail a step-by-step guide guaranteed to connect your MFP and laptop wirelessly.
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure that the router is turned on and distributing the Internet, and that the laptop is already connected to the desired Wi-Fi network. It is critical that you perform the setup from a laptop that is on the same network to which you plan to connect the printer. If you are using a guest network or a network with Client Isolation, the device may not be visible in the list of available devices.
Preparatory stage and compatibility check
The first step is to physically prepare the equipment. Make sure the MFP Brother Plugged into a power outlet and within range of a strong signal. The distance to the router should not exceed reasonable limits, especially if there are load-bearing walls between them. The Wi-Fi indicator on the device's control panel should be lit, even if it's blinking, indicating a connection attempt or a lack of configuration.
You'll need to know the exact model of your device, as drivers and utilities may vary for different series. The model name is usually located on the front panel or on a sticker on the back. Also, check if your router supports the standard. WPS, which will greatly simplify the process, or you will have to enter the password manually through the printer menu.
For correct operation in the operating system Windows or macOS It's a good idea to temporarily disable third-party antivirus programs and firewalls, which may be blocking network device detection. This is a common cause: even if everything is done correctly, the laptop still doesn't see the printer on the local network.
- 📡 Make sure that the laptop and MFP are connected to the same router (same SSID network name).
- 🔌 Check that the cartridges are installed and the MFP covers are closed until they click into place.
- 📱 Download the full driver package from the official website in advance if you don't have a disc.
- 🔋 Make sure that Airplane mode is not enabled on your laptop and that Wi-Fi is active.
⚠️ Attention: If your router is running dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with the same network name, older Brother MFP models may not connect. Temporarily separate the networks in your router settings or connect your laptop to the 2.4 GHz network for setup.
Quick setup method via WPS
The easiest way that is often overlooked by users is the use of technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to connect your MFP to the network without entering a password, simply by pressing a button on the router. However, this option only works if your router supports this feature and it's enabled.
Find the button with the inscription on the router body WPS or the two arrows icon. Press and hold it for 2-3 seconds until the WPS indicator on the router starts blinking. Immediately after that, approach the MFP. Brother.
On the printer control panel, find the button Wi-Fi or go to the network settings menu. You need to select the option WPS or AOSS (for some models). After activating this feature on the printer, it will begin searching for a signal. Within two minutes, the devices must "shake hands" and exchange encryption keys.
If the connection is successful, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will stop blinking and remain solid. A notification may appear on your laptop screen indicating a new device has been detected. This method is ideal if you don't want to mess around with entering complex passwords through the printer's cumbersome menu.
Standard installation via the device menu
If the automatic method doesn't work, you'll have to use the classic data entry method via the control panel. On the MFP display, press the button Menu (Menu) Use the navigation arrows to find the section Net (Network) or Wireless network (Wireless).
Inside the menu, select the item Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard). The device will begin searching for available Wi-Fi networks. In the list that appears, find the name of your home network (SSID). If the network is hidden, select the option to enter the name manually.
After selecting the network, a password entry screen will appear. It's important to be careful here: use capitalization (upper and lowercase letters matter). Entering special characters may require switching keys on the screen, often using the # or +.
After entering the password, click OK or ConnectThe printer will attempt to obtain an IP address from the router. If the credentials are correct, the screen will display the message "Connected" or "Connection established," and the device's IP address will also be displayed, e.g. 192.168.1.45.
☑️ Preparing to set up Wi-Fi
Installing drivers and software
Once the hardware has been paired with the router, you need to teach the laptop how to use it. Don't rely on Windows' automatic driver installation, as it often installs a basic driver without full scanner functionality.
Go to the official support website BrotherEnter your MFP model in the search field. Select your operating system (Windows 10/11 or macOS). You're looking for the "Drivers" or "Downloads" section.
Download the "Driver and Utilities" or "Full Driver Package." Run the downloaded file. During installation, the program will ask for the connection type. Select Wireless network connection (Wireless Network connection).
The installer will begin searching for the device on the network. Since we already connected the printer to Wi-Fi in the previous steps, the program should find it by IP address. Follow the on-screen instructions, agreeing to the license agreement. After installation is complete, it is recommended to restart the laptop.
| Connection type | Installation speed | Stability | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB cable | High | Maximum | For initial firmware |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Average | Low (no internet) | For printing from a phone without a router |
| Wi-Fi Network | Average | High | The basic method for office and home |
| Ethernet (LAN) | High | Maximum | For stationary workstations |
Setup via USB for initial configuration
Some MFP models Brother Allows you to set up a Wi-Fi network using a temporary USB cable connection. This is convenient if entering a password using the printer's buttons seems too complicated. Connect the device to your laptop using a USB cable.
Run the installation disc or downloaded setup program. When prompted to select a connection type, select "Wireless." The system will then ask you to connect a USB cable to transfer network settings.
In the window that opens, select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password. The program will automatically transfer these settings to the printer via the USB port. Once the data transfer is successful, the program will notify you that you can disconnect the cable.