Wireless connection of a multifunctional device (MFP) Brother Connecting a laptop via Wi-Fi saves time and eliminates tangled cables. However, many users encounter problems: the printer isn't detected on the network, drivers aren't installed, or printing stops for no apparent reason. In this article, we'll look into these issues. all connection methods — from standard WPS to manual configuration via IP address, and we'll also explain how to diagnose and troubleshoot common errors.
We will pay special attention to the nuances that the manufacturer often keeps silent about: for example, why Brother DCP-T720DW It may not detect the 5 GHz network, or how to bypass the connection blocking by the antivirus. The instructions are relevant for the following models: Brother MFC-J6945DW, HL-L2350DW, DCP-L2550DW and others with Wi-Fi support, regardless of the laptop's operating system (Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux).
1. Preparation: What to check before connecting
Before setting up the connection, make sure your MFP and laptop are ready for wireless operation. Skipping this step is the main reason for 70% of connection failures.
- 🔌 Power supply for MFPs: the device must be connected to the network without using extension cords (They may cause interference.) The power indicator should be green or blue.
- 📶 Wi-Fi router: check that it is turned on and broadcasting the network in range
2.4 GHz(most MFPs Brother (Does not support 5 GHz). The network name (SSID) must not contain Cyrillic or special characters. - 🖥️ Laptop: Disable your VPN and temporarily disable your firewall/antivirus software - they may be blocking the printer from being detected on your local network.
- 📄 Documentation: Find the model of your MFP on the box or in the manual - it determines the supported protocols (for example, Brother MFC-L2710DW (works only with WPA2-PSK).
Critical detail: if your router uses "5 GHz Only" mode or mixed mode (2.4 + 5 GHz with a shared SSID), the MFP will not be able to connect. Separate the networks in your router settings or temporarily disable 5 GHz.
⚠️ Note: Your router's firmware may reset Wi-Fi settings after an update. If the MFP was previously connected but is now unavailable, check to see if your network settings (channel, bandwidth, and security type) have changed.
2. Connection methods: which one to choose
Exists 4 main methods connecting MFPs Brother to a laptop via Wi-Fi. The choice depends on the device model, firmware version, and router capabilities. Let's look at each option and its pros and cons.
| Way | Suitable for models | Complexity | Necessary conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) | All models with a WPS button (eg. HL-L2370DN) | ⭐ (simple) | Router with active WPS function, 2.4 GHz network |
| Manual setup via the MFP panel | All models with display (MFC-J6545DW, DCP-T820DW) | ⭐⭐ (average) | Knowing the Wi-Fi SSID and password |
| Through the utility Brother iPrint&Scan | All modern models (2018 and newer) | ⭐⭐ (average) | Installed software, laptop on the same network |
| By IP address (for experienced users) | Any models with Wi-Fi support | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | Static IP for MFP, access to router |
Optimal for most users The WPS method takes less than 2 minutes and doesn't require a password. However, if your router doesn't support WPS (or the feature is disabled for security reasons), use manual configuration through the MFP control panel.
3. Connecting via WPS: Step-by-step instructions
The WPS method is the fastest, but it only works if your router supports it. Make sure there's a button labeled "WPS" on the back of your router. WPS or the 🔄 icon.
Make sure your router is turned on and broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network|
Place the MFP no further than 2 meters from the router|
Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the MFP until the indicator flashes|
Prepare to press WPS on the router within 2 minutes|
-->
Press and hold the button
Wi-Fion the MFP panel Brother (usually 3-5 seconds) until the wireless indicator starts blinking quickly in blue.For 2 minutes press the button
WPSon the router. The indicator on the MFP should light up. green (successful connection) or orange (error).If the indicator is green, print
Network report(Network Configuration) through the MFP menu to ensure that the device has received an IP address.
If the indicator flashes orange or red, repeat the procedure. If the error persists:
- 🔄 Reboot your router and MFP.
- 📡 Check that the network is working in mode
802.11b/g/n(and not only802.11n). - 🔒 Make sure your router is turned on
WPA2-PSK(not WPA3 or open network).
⚠️ Note: Some models Brother (For example, MFC-J4335DW) require a firmware update to work with WPS. If the WPS button on the router doesn't work, check the printer's firmware version via the web interface (http://[IP-address-of-MFP]).
4. Manual Wi-Fi setup via the MFP panel
If WPS isn't available or doesn't work, set up a connection manually. This method is universal, but requires entering the SSID and network password.
Instructions for models with a display (for example, Brother MFC-J6945DW):
On the MFP panel, go to
Menu → Network → WLAN → WLAN Setup.Select
Manual setupand enter your Wi-Fi network name (SSID). Be careful: case is important!Please specify the security type (
WPA2-PSKfor most home networks) and a password.Save the settings and wait for the message
Connected.
For models without a screen (eg. Brother HL-L2350DW):
Press and hold the button
Wi-Fifor 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.On your computer, connect to the printer's temporary network (the name will be something like
DIRECT-xx-BROTHER).Open your browser and go to the address
http://192.168.1.1(orhttp://192.168.0.1) to access the MFP web interface.In the section
NetworkSelect your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
What should I do if the MFP doesn't see the 2.4 GHz network?
If your router only broadcasts 5GHz or uses a common SSID for both bands, try:
1. Temporarily disable 5 GHz in the router settings.
2. Separate the networks by assigning a unique name to 2.4 GHz (for example, "MyWiFi_2G").
3. Set the 2.4 GHz channel manually (1, 6 or 11 are recommended - they are less susceptible to interference).
5. Installing drivers and setting up printing on a laptop
Even after successfully connecting the MFP to Wi-Fi, the laptop will not be able to print without drivers. The manufacturer offers two installation options: via the official installer or manually.
Method 1: Automatic installation (recommended)
Download the driver from official website Brother, choosing your laptop model and OS.
Run the installation file and follow the instructions. When selecting the connection type, specify
Wireless network connection.Wait for the program to detect the MFP on the network. If the printer isn't found, enter its IP address manually (you can find it in the network report).
Method 2: Manual installation (for Windows)
Open
Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a printer.Select
Add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer.If the MFP is not displayed in the list, click
The printer you need is not in the listand enter the IP address in the formattcp://192.168.x.x.
For macOS:
Go to
System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.Click
+, select the tabIPand enter the address of the MFP, specifying the protocolLine Printer Daemon - LPD.
⚠️ Note: If printing is slow or artifact-filled after installing the drivers, check the quality settings in the printer properties. For draft printing, select the print quality mode.EconomicalorFast, and for photographs -High quality (1200 dpi).
6. Solving typical problems
Even with proper setup, errors may occur. Below are list of the most common problems and ways to eliminate them.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The MFP is not detected on the network | Wi-Fi band mismatch (2.4 vs. 5 GHz) | Configure your router to broadcast 2.4 GHz or separate networks |
| Printing is very slow. | Slow connection speed or a busy Wi-Fi channel | Change the 2.4 GHz channel to 1, 6, or 11 in the router settings. |
| Error: "Unable to connect to printer" | Blocked by firewall or antivirus | Add exception for ports 9100, 54925 (for Brother) |
| The document is sent to print, but is not printed. | The print queue is stuck or the driver is incompatible. | Clear the queue, reinstall the driver from the website Brother |
If the MFP connects, but printing is interrupted or a blank page appears:
- 🖨️ Check the ink/toner levels (on models Brother DCP-T720DW The indicator flashes red when the level is low).
- 📃 Make sure the paper in the tray is the correct size (A4, not wrinkled).
- 🔧 Launch
Print head calibrationthrough the service menu.
To diagnose network problems:
Print it out
Network report(Network Configuration) with the MFP and check the lineStatus- there should beConnected.From your laptop, run the command in the terminal (Windows:
cmd, macOS/Linux:Terminal):ping [IP-address-MFP]If the ping works (no packet loss), the problem is with the drivers. If not, check your router settings.
7. Optimize your connection for stable operation
To avoid future problems, configure your network and MFP for maximum reliability:
- 📡 Reserve an IP address For MFPs, enable DHCP Reservation in the router settings. This will prevent the address from changing after a reboot.
- 🔒 Update the firmware MFP via web interface (
http://[IP address]) or utility Brother Firmware Update Tool. - 📊 Configure QoS on your routerto prioritize printer traffic (ports
9100,54925). - 🔄 Turn off power saving for USB/Wi-Fi laptop adapter (in
Device Manager).
For office networks with multiple MFPs:
- 🖥️ Use it static IP addresses for each device.
- 📂 Set up shared folders for scanning over the network (in the utility Brother ControlCenter).
- 🔐 Protect access to the MFP web interface with a password (section
Admin → Password).
8. Alternative connection methods
If a Wi-Fi connection is not possible (for example, there is no router or the MFP does not support a wireless network), consider alternatives:
- 🔌 USB cableSuitable for one-time printing, but limited mobility. Use the original cable. Brother (Not all USB cables support data transfer).
- 🌐 Cloud printing: through services Google Cloud Print (for older models) or Brother Web ConnectRequires account registration and internet connection of the MFP.
- 📱 Mobile hotspotIf you don't have a router, share Wi-Fi from your phone and connect both your laptop and MFP to it. The downside is that it drains your smartphone's battery quickly.
- 🖧 Ethernet: some models (Brother MFC-L2750DW) support a wired connection to the router. This is more stable than Wi-Fi, but requires cable installation.
For mobile offices or business trips are convenient to use portable MFPs Brother with Wi-Fi Direct support (eg Brother PocketJet). They create their own network, which can be connected directly from a laptop without a router.
⚠️ Please note: When using Wi-Fi Direct, printing speed may be slower than via a router due to protocol limitations. For large documents (50+ pages), it is better to use a standard Wi-Fi connection.
FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
The MFP connects to Wi-Fi, but my laptop doesn't see it. What should I do?
1. Check that the laptop and the MFP are on the same network (print Network report from the printer and compare IP addresses).
2. Disable VPN and firewall on your laptop (for example, Kaspersky or Windows Defender may block detection).
3. Install the driver manually by specifying the IP address of the MFP in the format tcp://192.168.x.x.
How to connect an MFP Brother to Wi-Fi without a display (for example, HL-L2300D)?
1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
2. Connect from your laptop to the temporary printer network (type name DIRECT-xx-BROTHER).
3. Open in your browser http://192.168.1.1 and enter your Wi-Fi network details.
Is it possible to connect an MFP to two networks simultaneously (for example, an office and a home network)?
No, most models Brother support connection to only one Wi-Fi network. However, you can:
- Use Wi-Fi Direct to temporarily connect to another device.
- Switch networks manually through the MFP menu (
Network → WLAN → Select network).
Why does a document come out with stripes or gaps when printing via Wi-Fi?
It's not a connection issue, but clogged print head or low ink level. Perform:
- Cleaning the head through the MFP menu (
Maintenance → Head Cleaning). - Checking the ink level (on models with a central CISS, for example Brother DCP-T820DW, add paint).
- Head positioning calibration (if available on your model).
How to update the firmware of an MFP Brother without connecting to a computer?
1. Download the firmware from official website to a USB drive (Fat32).
2. Insert the flash drive into the MFP and go to Menu → Software Update → From USB.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. Do not turn off your device during the update!