Modern multifunctional devices Brother Eliminate tangled wires and provide convenient printing from any device in the home. Wireless connectivity allows you to scan and print documents without having to physically touch a cable. This is especially important for offices where the printer is located in a separate room, or for apartments where the outlet is shared with the router.
The setup process may seem complicated to a beginner, but in reality, it consists of sequential steps that are within anyone's grasp. The key is to prepare your network data in advance and ensure the equipment is in good working order. In this article, we'll cover all the details, from choosing a connection method to troubleshooting common errors that may arise along the way.
The success of the operation depends largely on proper preparation. Make sure your router is turned on and providing internet access, and the MFP itself is in a strong signal area. You will also need to know the exact network name (SSID) and the password for it, since the security system WPA2 requires their entry to authorize a new device.
Preparatory stage and equipment testing
Before proceeding with software setup, a few physical steps must be completed. Ensure the MFP is powered on and in standby mode. If the device is newly unpacked, remove all shipping tape and insert the toner cartridges according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure paper is present in the tray for a successful test page print.
It's important to consider how far away the printer will be from the router. Walls, mirrors, and household appliances can significantly weaken the signal. For reliable operation, it's recommended to have no more than two solid walls between the router and the MFP. If the signal is weak, the device may periodically lose connection with the computer, which can be annoying when printing large volumes of documents.
⚠️ Note: Some models Brother have an "Eco Mode" feature that can turn off the Wi-Fi module to save power. Before setting this up, make sure the device isn't in deep sleep and press the wake-up button on the control panel if necessary.
Check your router's compatibility. Older devices that only operate in the 2.4 GHz band may not recognize newer printers that support 5 GHz, and vice versa, although most modern models do. Brother Support both bands or have a dual-radio module. If you have a dual-band router, try temporarily separating the networks or connecting the device to the 2.4 GHz network, as it has better penetration.
☑️ Check before connection
WPS method: quick connection without entering a password
The easiest way to connect MFPs Brother with a router - using technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer security settings automatically, without manually entering a complex password. It's ideal if you don't want to search for the router manual or are worried about entering characters incorrectly.
First, find the button WPS on your router's body. It may be a physical button or a virtual one in the device's web interface. On the MFP's control panel, press the menu button or the dedicated Wi-Fi button, then select "Network Setup" or "Wireless." Select the method from the list that appears. WPS and confirm the action.
After selecting the method, a message will appear on the printer display indicating that the device is waiting for a signal. Press the button within two minutes. WPS on the router. The indicators on both devices should start flashing, indicating the pairing process. When the connection is established, the MFP screen will display "Connected," and the wireless network indicator will turn solid.
- 📡 Find the WPS button on your router (often marked with two arrows).
- 🖨️ Run the Wi-Fi setup wizard on your Brother MFP.
- 🔗 Press the pairing button on the printer within 2 minutes of startup.
- ✅ Wait for the "Connected" confirmation on the device display.
It's worth noting that the WPS method won't work if your network is hidden or uses an encryption type that doesn't support it. In such cases, you'll have to enter the data manually. This method may also be disabled in the security settings of some providers.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
If the lights blinked for a long time but the connection failed, the router may have timed out or the WPS function may be blocked by an antivirus program. Try rebooting the router and repeating the process. If the problem persists more than three times, proceed to manually entering the SSID through the printer menu or installing drivers from a disc or website, where the password is entered using the computer keyboard.
Setting up via the printer control panel
If automatic pairing isn't possible, you'll need to manually select your network from the list of available connections. This method is universal and works with almost all models. Brother, equipped with a display. Menu navigation may vary depending on the device series, but the logic remains the same.
Click the button Menu or Settings On the control panel. Use the arrow keys to find the "Network" section. Inside, select "WLAN" or "Wireless LAN." Then, select "Setup Wizard." The printer will begin searching for available networks within range.
When the list of networks appears on the screen, select the name of your router (SSIDIf your network isn't listed, make sure your router isn't hiding the network name (SSID Broadcast must be enabled). After selecting the network, the device will ask for a password. Use the arrow keys or the numeric keypad to enter the security key. Be careful with case, as the password is sensitive!
Entering a password may take some time, especially if it is long. On some models Brother you can use the function Copy to speed up entering repetitive characters. After entering the password, click "OK" or "Submit." The device will attempt to obtain an IP address from the router. If successful, the IP address will appear on the screen, for example, 192.168.1.50.
| Menu item | Function Description | Typical value |
|---|---|---|
| WLAN | Turning the wireless module on/off | On / Active |
| Setup Wizard | Searching for and selecting a Wi-Fi network | Starting a search |
| Infrastructure | Operating mode via a router (main) | Selected by default |
| Ad-hoc | Direct connection to PC (rarely used) | Not selected |
Installing drivers and software
Once the MFP is connected to Wi-Fi, the computer must "see" it for it to function properly. Simply having a connection isn't enough—installation is required. drivers and management utilities. Without them, the operating system will not be able to correctly interpret print or scan commands.
Modern operating systems such as Windows 10/11 or macOS, often automatically find the printer on the network and offer basic drivers. However, for MFPs Brother It is highly recommended to download the full software package from the official website. This will provide access to all features, including scanning to PDF, ink management, and diagnostics.
Go to the support site Brother, enter your device model, and download the "Drivers and Drivers" package for your operating system. Run the installer. During installation, select the "Wireless Network" connection type. The program will scan the network and find your MFP by IP address.
- 💻 Download the full driver package from the official Brother website.
- 🔍 Select the "Wireless" connection type in the setup wizard.
- 🖨️ Wait until the program detects the device on the local network.
- 🛠️ Install additional utilities for scanning and monitoring.
If the automatic search fails, the program will prompt you to enter the IP address manually. You saw this address on the printer screen when setting up Wi-Fi. Enter it in the appropriate field, and the installation will continue. After the process is complete, it is recommended to restart your computer for all registry changes to take effect.
Connecting via USB cable for initial setup
Sometimes it happens that wireless setup from the printer's control panel is impossible or inconvenient (for example, a small screen or complex navigation). In this case, many models Brother Allows you to use a temporary USB connection to transfer Wi-Fi settings. This is a reliable method that often saves you in difficult situations.
Connect the MFP to your computer using a USB cable (usually Type-B, included). Run the installation disc or the previously downloaded setup file. When prompted for the connection type, select "Wireless Network," but then specify that you want to set up the network using a cable.
The program will transfer the Wi-Fi settings (SSID and password) from your computer to the printer via a USB cable. After the data transfer is successful, the installer will prompt you to disconnect the cable. At this point, the device will switch to wireless mode and be accessible to all computers on the network. This method is advantageous because it eliminates the risk of errors when manually entering the password on the printer's keyboard.
⚠️ Important: Make sure the USB cable is working properly and supports data transfer, not just charging. Cheap mobile phone cables may not be suitable for printers, as they have a simplified pinout.
This method is especially useful for office printers that require precise static IP address configuration or connection to a corporate network with complex security protocols that are difficult to enter through the device's menu.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you follow the instructions carefully, difficulties may arise. One of the most common issues is that the computer doesn't detect the printer, even though both devices are connected to the same router. This is often due to Windows Firewall or antivirus settings that block detection of network devices.
Make sure your computer's network settings are set to "Private" and not "Public." For security reasons, the public profile hides your device from other network members. Also, make sure the "Private" feature is enabled on both devices. UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) in the router settings.
Another common error is an IP address conflict. If the router assigns the printer an address that is already taken by another device, there will be no connection. In this case, rebooting the router, which will update the DHCP lease table, or manually assigning a static IP address to the MFP outside the automatic range will help.
- 🛡️ Check your firewall and antivirus settings on your PC.
- 🔄 Restart your router and printer to update the IP addresses.
- 📶 Make sure both devices are on the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.1.x).
- 🔌 Disable the VPN on your computer during setup.
If the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer is blinking, it means a connection or data transfer is in progress. If it is solid, the connection is established. If the indicator is off or red, the Wi-Fi module is disabled or has encountered a critical error.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a Brother MFP to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, this is possible, but you won't see your network through the "Setup Wizard" menu on the printer screen. You'll have to select "Enter SSID manually" and accurately enter the network name and password. Automatic network discovery won't work in this case.
What should I do if my printer stops responding via Wi-Fi after updating my router?
Most likely, your Wi-Fi password or router security settings have changed. You'll need to reset the network settings on the MFP itself (usually via the Network -> Reset menu) and reconnect with the new settings.
Does my Brother support printing from my phone?
Most modern models Brother support technology AirPrint (for iOS) and Mopria (for Android). To do this, the printer and phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network. You can also use the proprietary app. Brother iPrint&Scan.
How to find out the IP address of a printer if there is no display?
Models without a display often have a key combination for printing a network configuration report. Typically, this involves holding down the Wi-Fi button or pressing the "Menu" + "Start" key for a few seconds. The report will include the current IP address.
Does distance from the router affect print speed?
Yes, a weak signal can cause delays in the transfer of large files or photos. This is less noticeable for text documents. If your printer is located far away, consider using a Wi-Fi repeater to boost the signal in that area.