Modern office solutions require mobility, and wired connections often become an unnecessary obstacle in organizing a workspace. Connecting a multifunctional device Brother Connecting to a wireless network allows printing and scanning from any device within the router's range. This eliminates the need to run cables across the room and allows you to place your devices where it's most convenient for the user, rather than where the Ethernet port is.
The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, but the menu interface of most models is standardized and clear. Wireless connection Provides stable data transfer for large volumes of documents and high-resolution photos. In this article, we'll cover various Wi-Fi activation methods in detail, from automatic methods to manual IP address configuration.
It's worth noting that the procedure may differ slightly depending on whether the device has a display. Models with a display allow you to control network settings directly from the panel, while budget versions require a computer or mobile app. Brother iPrint&ScanWe'll look at both options so you can choose the one that best suits your situation.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure your device is technically ready to work in a wireless environment. Most modern models Brother They are equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module, but some budget series may not have this marking in their names. Check the specifications on the box or the sticker on the back panel for the presence of a Wi-Fi logo or designation. Wireless is a mandatory requirement.
You'll also need access to your router's configuration. To successfully connect, you'll need to know your network name (SSID) and password. If you're using a complex corporate network with MAC address filtering, find the printer's physical address in advance, which is usually printed on a label near the ports.
It's important to place the MFP within a strong signal range. Walls, metal cabinets, and strong sources of electromagnetic radiation can significantly reduce data transfer speeds. If the device is too far from the access point, connection drops may occur when printing large files.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your router broadcasts in the 2.4 GHz band, as many printer models do not support the 5 GHz frequency. If you have a dual-band router, temporarily separate the networks into different names or enable compatibility mode.
To run diagnostics, make sure the cartridges are installed and there is paper in the tray. The device will not enter network setup mode if it is in an error state or requires consumable replacement.
Automatic configuration via WPS
The fastest way to establish a connection between a router and a printer is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer security settings automatically, eliminating the need to manually enter a long password. It's only suitable if your router supports this feature and has a dedicated physical button.
On the MFP control panel, find the button with the wireless network symbol or enter the menu via the key MenuSelect "Network," then go to the "WLAN" section and enable "WPS" mode. A message will appear on the screen indicating that you are waiting for a connection.
Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. This is usually located on the back panel and may require holding for a few seconds. The lights on the router and printer will begin flashing, indicating the pairing process. Once the connection is successfully established, the IP address will appear on the MFP display, and the Wi-Fi indicator will remain solid.
☑️ Pre-WPS Check
If automatic connection doesn't occur, try repeating the procedure, ensuring you're connecting within the two-minute time limit. Some routers require WPS to be activated first through the administrator's web interface.
Manual setup via the device menu
If there is no WPS button or you prefer data entry, use the printer's built-in menu. This method is the most universal and works for all models with a display. First, press the button Menu On the Control Panel, use the navigation arrows to select the Network section.
In the list that opens, find "WLAN" and select "Setup Wizard." The device will begin searching for available wireless networks. When the list appears on the screen, select your router's name (SSID) from the list.
After selecting a network, you'll be prompted to enter a password. Use the up/down arrow keys or the numeric keypad to enter the password. WPA/WPA2 key. Be careful when entering it: it's case-sensitive. After entering the password, click "OK" or "Apply."
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | The name of your Wi-Fi network | On the router or in the phone settings |
| Security Type | Encryption type | Typically WPA2-PSK (AES) |
| Password | Security key | On the router sticker or in the contract |
| IP Address | The device's network address | Printed on the network report |
After confirming the settings, the printer will attempt to connect. A successful connection is confirmed by a printed report or a "Connected" message on the screen. You can now install the drivers on your computer, selecting the "Wireless" connection type during installation.
What to do if the network is not found?
If your network is hidden (Hidden SSID), it won't appear in the general list. In this case, select the "Manual" option in the setup wizard and enter the network name (SSID) letter by letter, taking care to ensure proper case. Also, make sure your router doesn't have MAC address filtering enabled, which could block new devices.
Setup via USB cable (Temporary Cable method)
Models without a display or with limited menu functionality are often configured via a temporary USB connection. To do this, you'll need an installation disc or a full driver for your operating system downloaded from the official website. Connect the MFP to your computer using a USB cable and power it on.
Run the setup program and follow the on-screen instructions. When it comes to selecting the connection type, select "Wireless Network." The installer will prompt you to connect the cable if it isn't already connected, and will automatically transfer the Wi-Fi settings from your computer to the printer.
This method is convenient because drivers Network configurations are set up simultaneously. The program automatically reads your current Wi-Fi network settings and copies them to the device's memory. Once setup is complete, the program will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable.
It's important that the computer and printer are on the same subnet during setup. If you have multiple network profiles on your PC, make sure the one you want to connect the device to is active.
Using the Brother iPrint&Scan mobile app
For smartphone and tablet users, the company Brother developed a special application that significantly simplifies initial setup. Download Brother iPrint&Scan from Google Play or the App Store and launch it. The app will request permission to use geolocation, which is necessary for searching for Wi-Fi networks.
In the main menu, select "Set up a new machine." The app will prompt you to select your MFP model from a list or detect it automatically. Then, follow the on-screen prompts: you'll need to select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
The application will transfer the settings to the printer using technology Wi-Fi Direct Or a temporary direct connection. During the setup process, your phone may temporarily switch to the printer's network and then return to your router. Don't interrupt the process until a success message appears.
⚠️ Note: When using Android 10 or higher, the app may request additional location permissions. Without these permissions, the system will not allow the app to scan available Wi-Fi networks to share their names with the printer.
After successful setup, you can immediately print photos and documents from your phone through the app, as well as scan documents directly to your smartphone's gallery. This eliminates the need to install cumbersome software on your computer for basic operations.
Diagnosing and resolving connection problems
Even with proper setup, wireless network issues may still occur. If your printer stops responding or the status changes to "Disconnected," first print a Network Report. To do this, press the Menu → “Print reports” → “Network”.
In the report, look at the "Link Status" field. If it says "Disconnected," check to see if the Wi-Fi password or network name has changed. Also, make sure the router hasn't been reset. If the router settings have changed, you'll need to repeat the printer setup process.
A common issue is an IP address conflict or DHCP range violation. If the router assigns addresses in the 192.168.1.x range, but the printer is stuck on the old 192.168.0.x address, there will be no connection. In this case, resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults may help.
To reset, press Menu → "Network" → "Network Reset." Confirm the action ("Yes" or "1"). The device will reboot, and you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi settings. This often resolves issues with a frozen network module.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I connect my Brother printer to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, this is possible, but automatic network scanning won't work. You'll need to select the manual SSID entry option in the printer menu or app. The exact network name (case-sensitive) and encryption type must be entered manually.
Why doesn't the printer see the 5 GHz network?
Most Brother MFP models only support the 802.11 b/g/n standard in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only operates in 5 GHz mode or combines networks under a single name (Smart Connect), the printer may not connect. Separate the networks in your router settings.
How to find out the printer's IP address after connection?
Press the "Menu" button on the device, go to "Network" → "WLAN" → "TCP/IP." The current IP address will be displayed there. You can also find the address in the network report or through the Brother Utilities utility on your computer.
Do I need to turn off the firewall to configure it?
Usually no, but in rare cases, antivirus software or Windows Firewall may block the device's network search. If the driver installation is interrupted during the search phase, try temporarily disabling your security software or adding an exception for the Brother installer.