How to Connect a Brother Printer to Wi-Fi: 3 Proven Methods + Troubleshooting

Wireless printing saves time and eliminates cable clutter, but setting up Wi-Fi on printers Brother often raises questions. Even modern models like Brother DCP-T425W or HL-L2350DW may refuse to connect to the network due to an incorrectly entered password, IP address conflict, or outdated router firmware. This article will discuss three official connection methods (via WPS, printer control panel, and mobile app), and we'll also explain how to diagnose common errors—from a blinking Wi-Fi indicator to an inability to find a network.

Important: The procedure may vary slightly depending on the printer model and firmware version. For example, Brother MFC-J6945DW The network settings menu is hidden in the section Network → WLAN, and for compact models like HL-L2300D There may not be a Wi-Fi module at all. If your printer doesn't support wireless connectivity, check for the presence of a port. Wi-Fi Direct or the possibility of connection via a USB adapter.

Before you begin, make sure that:

• 📶 The router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi (check the connection on your phone or laptop).
• 🔋 The printer is connected to the network and there are no errors (the indicators are green or blue).
• 📄 Have your Wi-Fi password handy (if you forgot it, look on the router sticker or in your provider's personal account).
• 🔄 The printer and router are no more than 5 meters away (walls and furniture may block the signal).

1. Connecting via WPS: the fastest way (if your router supports it)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Allows you to connect your printer to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This method works on most modern models. Brother (For example, DCP-T720DW or MFC-L2710DW) and takes less than a minute.

⚠️ Attention: Not all routers support WPS. If your device doesn't have a physical WPS button or a corresponding section in the web interface, use other connection methods. Also, keep in mind that WPS is considered less secure than manually entering a password. Disable this feature on your router after setup.

Instructions:

1. Make sure the WPS light on your router is on (usually blinking blue or green).
2. On the printer, go to the menu Settings → Network → WLAN → WPS (path may differ).
3. Select an option Push Button Mode (button mode).
4. Press the WPS button on the router within 2 minutes - the printer will automatically connect to the network.
5. Wait for the message Connected on the printer screen or the Wi-Fi indicators will stop blinking.

Enable WPS on your router (button or web interface)

Check that the printer is in standby mode (no errors)

Start the WPS process on the printer within 120 seconds

Wait for connection confirmation (Wi-Fi indicator)

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If the printer does not connect:

• 🔄 Restart your router and printer, then try again.
• 📡 Check that the router is working in the mode 802.11n or 802.11ac (old standards like 802.11b may not be supported).
• 🔒 Make sure the MAC address filter is not enabled on your router (it blocks new devices).

2. Manual connection via the printer control panel

If WPS isn't working or your router doesn't support it, configure the network manually. This method is universal and works for all models. Brother with display, including MFC-J4335DW And HL-L8360CDW. You will need to enter the network name (SSID) and password.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Press the button on the printer Menu (or Settings).
2. Go to the section Network → WLAN → Wireless Network Setup.
3. Select Manual setup (Manual Setup).
4. In the list of networks, find your Wi-Fi (if there is no network, select Another network and enter the SSID manually).
5. Enter your Wi-Fi password. Use the arrow keys to select characters (case-sensitive!).
6. Confirm the settings and wait for the connection to complete. The printer's IP address will appear on the screen (write it down).

⚠️ Attention: If your printer doesn't find your network, check:

• 📵 Is the router in the "Security Mode" mode? 2.4 GHz (many printers Brother do not support 5 GHz).
• 🔍 Is the network hidden? (If so, enter the SSID manually).
• 🔄 Is your router using a non-standard channel (for example, 12–14)? Some printer models only work with channels 1–11.

What should I do if the printer asks for "AES" or "TKIP" during setup?

These terms refer to the type of Wi-Fi encryption. Select AES — is a modern and secure standard. If the router only supports TKIP, update its firmware or change the security settings to WPA2-PSK (AES) in the web interface (usually at the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

After successful connection, print network settings report (in the printer menu, select Print Report → WLAN). It will contain:

• Printer IP address (needed for setup on PC).
• MAC address (may be required to bind to a router).
• Connection status (if written Connected, Everything is fine).

3. Connection via a mobile app Brother iPrint&Scan

Official app Brother iPrint&Scan (available for Android And iOS) simplifies Wi-Fi setup, especially if the printer doesn't have a screen or keyboard. The app automatically detects nearby printers and prompts you to connect them to the network.

How to use:

1. Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and make sure the printer is turned on.
3. Launch the application and select Printer Setup → Wireless Network.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will automatically find the printer and prompt you to select a Wi-Fi network.
5. Enter your Wi-Fi password and wait for confirmation.

✅ Advantages of this method:

• 📱 No need to enter a password on the printer's small screen.
• 🔍 The app checks the signal strength and suggests optimal settings.
• 📡 You can connect the printer to a hidden network (SSID).

⚠️ Attention: If the app doesn't find the printer, make sure:

• 📱 Bluetooth on your phone is turned on (needed for the initial connection).
• 🔋 The printer is not in sleep mode (press any button to wake it up).
• 📵 The printer and phone are connected to the same network (if the printer was already connected to another Wi-Fi network).

4. Setting up the printer on your computer (Windows/macOS)

Once your printer is connected to Wi-Fi, you need to add it to your system to print from your PC. The procedure is different for Windows And macOS, but in both cases you will need the printer's IP address (it can be found in the network report or in the router's web interface).

For Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
3. If the printer is not found automatically, select The printer you need is not in the list.
4. Enter the printer's IP address and select the driver from the list (or download it from Brother website).

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click + and select the tab IP.
3. Enter the printer's IP address and select the protocol. AirPrint or Brother.
4. Install the driver if the system prompts.

If the printer is not detected:

• 🖥️ Make sure that the PC and printer are on the same network (for example, both are connected to a router) TP-Link_1234).
• 🔌 Restart the printer and computer.
• 📥 Update your printer driver via official website.

5. Typical mistakes and their solutions

Even after proper setup, the printer may not work due to network conflicts or outdated settings. Below - table of the most common mistakes and ways to eliminate them.

If none of the above methods help, reset the network settings on the printer:

1. Go to Settings → Network → Reset network settings.
2. Confirm reset (the printer will reboot).
3. Repeat the Wi-Fi setup from scratch.

Critical Information: Brother Series Printers HL-2xxx And DCP-Txxx may conflict with routers that have the mode enabled 802.11r (Fast Roaming). Disable this feature in your router settings if your printer constantly disconnects from the network.

6. Optimize Wi-Fi for stable printing

To ensure your printer stays connected and prints quickly, configure your router:

• 📶 Select a channel 2.4 GHz with minimal interference (use apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer for analysis).
• 🔒 Set up encryption WPA2-PSK (AES) - it is compatible with all models Brother.
• 🔄 Turn off the feature Band Stirring (Band Steering), if the router automatically switches devices between 2.4 and 5 GHz.
• 📡 Place the router and printer at a distance of no more than 10 meters, avoiding obstacles (walls, metal cabinets).

For offices with multiple printers:

• Assign to each printer static IP address in the router settings (DHCP reservation).
• Use VLAN to separate traffic (if the router supports it).
• Update your router firmware—new versions often fix printer connection issues.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connection

Is it possible to connect a Brother printer to Wi-Fi without a screen?

Yes, if the printer has a button WPS or support Wi-Fi DirectFor models without a display (e.g. HL-L2300D) use:

• Mobile application Brother iPrint&Scan (via Bluetooth).
• Connecting via USB to a PC and then setting up Wi-Fi via Brother ControlCenter.

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it won't print from my phone. What should I do?

Check:

• The phone and printer are connected to one network (not to the guest).
• In the appendix iPrint&Scan The correct printer model has been selected.
• The router does not block traffic between devices (disable it) AP Isolation).

If this doesn't help, reinstall the application and repeat the setup.

How do I reset Wi-Fi settings on a Brother printer?

Reset methods:

1. Via the menu: Settings → Network → Reset network settings.
2. Hardware: Hold down the button Wi-Fi (or Go) 10 seconds until the indicators flash.
3. Via the web interface: enter the printer IP in the browser, go to Network → Reset.

After resetting, the printer will return to factory Wi-Fi settings.

Which Brother models do not support Wi-Fi?

Budget models without a Wi-Fi module:

• Brother HL-L2300D (USB only).
• Brother DCP-L2500D (requires external adapter).
• Brother MFC-L2700DW (there is Wi-Fi, but no display - setup only via WPS or PC).

Please check availability before purchasing. Wi-Fi or Wireless in the model name.

Is it possible to connect a printer to two networks at the same time?

No, printers Brother support connection to only one Wi-Fi network. However, some models (for example, MFC-J6945DW) allow you to quickly switch between networks via the menu or use Wi-Fi Direct for direct connection to devices.