Modern office and home tasks require maximum mobility and the absence of unnecessary wires, so integrating printing equipment into a local network is becoming a priority. Wireless connection Allows multiple users connected to the same network to share a single printer, whether they're in the next room or on a different floor of the building. This is especially useful for those who use laptops, tablets, and smartphones to print documents.
Company devices Brother While network protocols are renowned for their reliability and sophisticated software, initial network configuration can be challenging for inexperienced users. Owners often encounter problems with the computer not detecting the device, or with the driver installation process being interrupted midway due to temporary connection issues. Understanding the basic principles of network protocols will help avoid most common errors.
In this detailed guide, we'll cover all current connection methods, from automatic installation to manual IP address configuration, ensuring the stable operation of your equipment over the long term. We'll cover operating the printer's control panel, using a USB cable for initial configuration, and implementing technology. WPS for quick pairing. Prepared for various scenarios, you can complete setup successfully even in challenging network conditions.
⚠️ Attention: Printer display menus may vary slightly depending on the model (HL, MFC, or DCP series) and firmware version installed. If you don't find an exact match for a menu item, look for similar names in the "Network" or "Network" sections.
Preparatory stage and equipment compatibility check
Before you begin the active setup phase, you need to ensure that your equipment is technically ready for wireless operation. First, check the specifications of your model to see if it has a built-in module. Wi-Fi, as some budget versions of printers Brother Some devices are equipped with only a wired Ethernet port or operate exclusively via USB. The presence of an antenna or a corresponding icon on the device's body usually indicates wireless network support.
The second important step is to obtain the access details for your home or office network. You will need to know the exact network name (SSID) and its password. Please note that most printers only support the 2.4 GHz band and may not see 5 GHz networks unless they are combined by a router into a single access point with the same name.
- 📶 Make sure your router is turned on and sending a signal, and the computer you'll be using to configure it is connected to the same network.
- 🔌 Check for up-to-date drivers on the manufacturer's official website or on the included disc.
- 📱 Place the printer in a strong signal reception area, close to the router during setup.
It's also a good idea to prepare a USB cable in advance, as it's often needed for the initial transfer of network settings from the computer to the printer, even if it won't be used later. This method is considered the most secure, as it eliminates the risk of manual password entry errors using the device's small keyboard.
Using WPS technology for quick pairing
The easiest and fastest way to connect a printer Brother to the network is the use of technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), if your router supports it. This method transfers the password automatically, eliminating the need to enter it manually, significantly reducing the risk of error. The process takes literally a minute and doesn't require a computer.
First, find the button WPS on your router's body and press it. Within two minutes, go to the printer and press the button Menu (or Settings), then go to the section Network and select WLANIn the menu that opens, find the item WPS and activate it, after which the device will start searching for available routers with pairing mode activated.
⚠️ Attention: WPS mode is only active on the router for a short time (usually 2 minutes). If you miss the printer button, you'll have to repeat the WPS activation process on the router.
After a successful connection, the wireless indicator on the printer's control panel should stop blinking and turn solid, indicating the IP address has been successfully acquired. A connection report may appear on the device's screen; it is recommended to print it to save your network settings.
Setup via USB cable using installation software
The most stable and manufacturer-recommended method is using an installation disc or a driver package downloaded from the website. This method is preferable because the installation program automatically detects the device, checks compatibility, and correctly configures all necessary network protocols. You don't need to manually enter complex settings; simply follow the installation wizard's prompts.
Run the setup file (usually StartHere.exe or similar) and accept the license agreement. When the installation wizard asks for the connection type, select the option Wireless or Wireless networkThe program will ask you to temporarily connect the printer to your computer via a USB cable to transfer Wi-Fi settings.
Sequence of actions in the installation wizard:1. Select "Wireless Network Connection".
2. Confirm the USB cable connection.
3. Wait for the device to be detected.
4. Select your network from the list of available ones.
5. Enter your Wi-Fi password (if required).
6. Disconnect the USB cable when finished.
During setup, the program may prompt you to update your device's firmware, but it's best not to decline this offer. New firmware versions often contain fixes for security vulnerabilities and improve connection stability with modern routers.
☑️ Installation Checklist
After the program reports successful setup, it will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. At this point, the printer becomes a fully autonomous network device, accessible to all computers on the network.
Manual network setup via the printer control panel
If using a computer for setup isn't possible, all operations can be performed directly through the device's menu. This method requires careful attention, as password entry is performed using navigation buttons or the touchscreen, which can be difficult for complex character combinations.
Click the button Menu on the control panel, then use the arrow keys to navigate to the item Network (Network) and press OK. Next, select WLAN and go to Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard). The printer will begin searching for available wireless networks, and you'll need to select your router's name from the list.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | The name of your Wi-Fi network | On the bottom of the router or in the phone settings |
| Security | Encryption type | Automatic (usually WPA2-PSK) |
| IP Address | The device's network address | Menu Network -> WLAN -> TCP/IP |
| Subnet Mask | Subnet mask | There, usually 255.255.255.0 |
When entering the password, use the arrow keys or the numeric keypad to switch between letters, numbers, and special characters. Be especially careful with the case, as Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive. After entering the password, confirm the information, and the printer will attempt to connect.
What should I do if my printer says "Not connected"?
Check that MAC address filtering isn't enabled on your router. Also, make sure there's no limit on the number of devices that can be connected. Sometimes, temporarily disabling your computer's antivirus software during setup can help.
Adding a device to the Windows operating system
Once the printer is connected to the router, the operating system may automatically detect the new device and install basic drivers. However, for full functionality, including network scanning and ink level monitoring, it is recommended to manually add the printer via the control panel or use the proprietary software. Brother iPrint&Scan.
Open Settings in Windows, go to Devices, and select Printers & Scanners. Click the button Add a printer or scannerThe system will start searching, and if automatic detection does not work, click on the link The printer you need is not listed..
In the window that opens, select the option to add by IP address. You'll need to enter the address you previously found from the printer menu or by printing a network report. Select the protocol. Standard TCP/IP Port and enter the IP address in the appropriate field, after which the system will try to connect to the device.
⚠️ Attention: If the printer's IP address is dynamic and changes after a router reboot, the connection to the computer will be lost. For office printing, it is strongly recommended to configure a static IP address in the printer's menu or reserve an address in the router's DHCP server.
Troubleshooting and Static IP Addressing
When a printer periodically disappears from the network or becomes unavailable, the root cause is most often a changing IP address. The router may assign the device a new address each time it connects, while the computer continues to search for it using the old path. The solution to this problem is to assign a permanent address to the printer's MAC address.
To set up a static IP, enter the printer menu: Menu -> Network -> WLAN -> TCP/IP. Find the item Boot Method and change it from Auto (or DHCP) on StaticAfter this, you will need to manually enter the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway (router address) that correspond to your network.
- 🌐 The IP address must be in the same subnet as the router (for example, if the router is 192.168.1.1, then the printer can be given 192.168.1.50).
- 🔒 Make sure the selected address is not occupied by another device to avoid IP conflict.
- 📝 Write down the settings you've set in a notepad for quick recovery in case of a factory reset.
After changing the settings, be sure to reboot the printer for the changes to take effect. If printing fails after rebooting, try removing the old printer from the system and re-adding it using the new static address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My Brother printer can't see my Wi-Fi network, even though the router is working. What's wrong?
Most likely, your router broadcasts a 5 GHz network, but the printer only supports 2.4 GHz. Go to your router settings and ensure the 2.4 GHz network is enabled and has a different SSID than the 5 GHz network, or combine them. Also, check if the network name (SSID Broadcast) is hidden.
How can I find out the IP address of my printer if I can't print a report?
You can find the address through the Windows command line. Enter cmd in search, launch command prompt and enter the command arp -aIn the list, find the device with the manufacturer Brother or by the MAC address, which can be found on the sticker on the back of the printer.
Can I connect my Brother printer to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, this is possible, but only through the printer's menu. Select "Manual" in the list of networks and enter the network name (SSID) and security type exactly as configured on the router. The automatic search does not reveal hidden networks.
Why did the printer stop printing after replacing the router?
When you replaced your router, the network name and password changed. You'll need to reconfigure the printer's connection to the new network using one of the methods described above (WPS, USB cable, or the device menu), as the old settings are no longer relevant.