Modern office and home tasks require high mobility, and being tied to a single workstation with cables is becoming a thing of the past. Connecting a printer to a local network allows access to scanning and printing from any device, be it a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. This is especially true for models Brother, which are renowned for their reliability and ease of integration into network infrastructure.
The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, but with the right approach, it only takes a few minutes. You don't need to be a system administrator to handle this task, as manufacturers have simplified their management interfaces as much as possible. The key is to follow the steps consistently and understand how devices interact with each other on the network.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all existing wireless connection methods, from automatic setup to manual parameter entry. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if your computer doesn't detect your device. We'll also cover the nuances of working with different operating systems and router types.
Preparatory stage: checking equipment and network
Before moving on to the software, you need to ensure the hardware is physically ready. Make sure your router is turned on, working properly, and providing internet access, and that your Brother printer is within range of a strong signal. If the device is new, remove any shipping tape or protective materials that could interfere with its operation.
Knowing your Wi-Fi network settings is crucial. You'll need the exact network name (SSID) and password. Pay attention to case-insensitive letters and special characters, as even a single error will prevent you from connecting. If you have a dual-band router, it's a good idea to know which frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) your network is on, although most models Brother automatically select the available range.
⚠️ Note: Some older printer models only support the 802.11 b/g/n standard at 2.4 GHz. If your router is configured exclusively for 5 GHz or uses "802.11ax Only" mode, the device may not detect the network.
It's also a good idea to prepare the computer or laptop you'll use for initial setup in advance. It must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to. This is a prerequisite for the automatic installation utilities to work.
- 📶 Make sure your Wi-Fi router is turned on and the activity indicators are lit.
- 🔌 Connect the printer to the power supply and wait until the startup procedure is complete.
- 📝 Write down the SSID and password of your wireless network on a piece of paper.
- 💻 Connect your computer or laptop to the target Wi-Fi network.
Method 1: Automatic configuration via WPS
The fastest and easiest way to install a Brother printer on a computer via Wi-Fi without entering passwords is with WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This standard allows devices to exchange encryption keys automatically through physical confirmation. To use this method, your router must support WPS, which is required for the vast majority of modern models.
Find the button marked on the router body WPS or a two-arrow icon. Your Brother printer's control panel should also have a corresponding button, or it may be hidden in a menu. Often, to activate search mode, you need to press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer for 2-3 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing.
What to do if there is no WPS button on the router?
If there's no physical button, access the router's web interface through a browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Find the "Wireless" or "Security" section and enable WPS software. In some firmware versions, this feature may be called "QSS."
Once the mode is activated on both devices, they will begin searching for each other. This process takes about two minutes. A successful connection is confirmed by the Wi-Fi indicator on the Brother printer turning solid, and the computer will automatically detect the new network device and prompt you to install drivers.
Method 2: Setting up via the device menu (Infrastructure Mode)
If WPS isn't supported or you prefer manual control, use the printer's built-in menu. This method, known as Infrastructure Mode, requires careful data entry but guarantees results even in complex network configurations. The menu interface may vary depending on the model, but the logic remains consistent across the entire line. Brother.
First, enter the device menu by pressing the button Menu or SettingsUse the navigation arrows to find the section Network or "Network". Within this section, select WLAN, and then go to Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard). The system will prompt you to enable the wireless interface; if it is disabled, confirm the action by selecting On or "On".
The printer will begin scanning for available networks. Find your router's SSID in the list that appears. If the network is hidden, select the option to enter the name manually. After selecting the network, the device will prompt you for a password. Use the on-screen keyboard or the navigation buttons to enter characters. Be especially careful with capitalization.
⚠️ Note: When entering a password through the printer menu, characters may not appear on the screen in real time or may be hidden by asterisks. Pay close attention to the cursor to avoid typos.
After entering the password, click OKThe printer will attempt to connect to the router. If successful, the display will show "Connected" and may also show the device's IP address. Write down this address; you'll need it for further PC setup.
Installing drivers and software on a PC
Once the printer is connected to the Wi-Fi router, you need to introduce it to your computer. Windows or macOS can automatically find the device on the network, but for full functionality, including scanning and ink monitoring, you need to install the full package of drivers and utilities.
We recommend not using the included disc, as the software versions may be outdated. Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's official website. Enter your device model in the search bar, select your operating system, and download the full driver and software package.
☑️ Software Installation Checklist
Run the downloaded setup file. During the installation, the setup wizard will ask you about your connection type. Select "Wireless Network." The program will search for your Brother printer on your local network. If the device is found, its name will appear in the list. Select it and continue the installation.
In some cases, antivirus software or Windows Firewall may block a network connection attempt. If the installation freezes while searching for a device, temporarily disable protection or allow the application to access the network. After installation is complete, remember to restore your security settings to their default values.
- 📥 Run the installation file and accept the license agreement.
- 🌐 Select the connection type "Via wireless network".
- 🖨️ Wait for the program to detect your printer's IP address.
- ✅ Confirm the installation of recommended maintenance utilities.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, your computer may not see your Brother printer via Wi-Fi. One of the most common causes is that the router and printer are using different frequency bands, especially if the router has the "Smart Connect" feature enabled, which combines 2.4 and 5 GHz into a single network with the same name. In this case, the printer may become stuck on one frequency, while the computer operates on another, preventing them from seeing each other on the local network.
Another common issue is an incorrectly set date and time on the printer itself. Some models require the correct time to establish a secure connection to update servers or for network security protocols to function correctly. If the device displays an error or the date is incorrect, synchronize the time using the menu or utility. Brother iPrint&Scan.
It's also worth checking your firewall settings. Sometimes Windows classifies your home network as "Public," which limits the visibility of devices. Switch the network profile to "Private" in the Wi-Fi settings. This will allow discovery of the printer and other devices on the local network.
If all else fails, try resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults. This is usually done through the menu: Network → Network Reset → YesAfter rebooting, the device will clear old configurations, and you can start the setup again, eliminating conflicting settings.
Comparison of connection methods and their features
The choice of connection method depends on your specific situation, router model, and security requirements. Understanding the differences between technologies will help you choose the best option for your office or home. Below is a comparison table of the main methods.
| Method | Complexity | Security | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPS (Push Button) | Low | Average | Requires router support |
| Menu (Infrastructure) | Average | High | Universal method |
| USB cable (for setup) | Low | High | Requires a temporary cable |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Low | Average | Printing without a router |
Method Wi-Fi Direct This feature deserves special attention. It allows you to connect a computer or phone directly to the printer without a router. This is ideal for printing documents from your phone when visiting someone or when there's no home network. However, in this case, the printer will not have internet access for cloud-based features.
Using a USB cable for initial setup is a classic method that's often overlooked, but in vain. Drivers can automatically transfer Wi-Fi settings from your computer to the printer via the cable, eliminating the need for manual password entry on the device's small keyboard. After setup, the cable can be removed.
Setting up printing from mobile devices
After successfully installing your Brother printer on your computer via Wi-Fi, the next logical step is setting up printing from smartphones and tablets. Modern iOS and Android operating systems have built-in printing mechanisms, but for advanced functionality, it's best to use the proprietary app. Brother iPrint&Scan.
The app not only allows you to print documents and photos but also scan documents directly to cloud storage or your device. To get started, make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The app will automatically detect the printer on your local network.
It is important to note that printing via the Internet (from anywhere in the world) will require additional service configuration. Brother Cloud or integration with Google Cloud Print (If supported by the model). This requires registering the device and linking it to an account, which goes beyond basic local setup but significantly expands its usability.
What should I do if my Brother printer loses Wi-Fi connection after rebooting the router?
If your printer constantly loses connection, check your router's DHCP settings. The device may be assigned a new IP address each time it's turned on, causing the computer to lose access to it. We recommend assigning a static IP address to the printer in your router settings, binding it to the printer's MAC address.
Is it possible to connect a Brother printer to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires manual configuration through the device menu. You'll need to select "Other" or "Enter Manually" when searching for networks and enter the SSID (network name) accurately, taking into account case. Automatic search will not work in this case.
How to find the IP address of a Brother printer?
The fastest way is to print a network configuration report. On the printer control panel, press Menu → Print Reports → Network ConfigThe printed sheet will show the device's current IP address in the TCP/IP section.
Do I need to reinstall drivers when I change my Wi-Fi password?
Yes, if you change the password on your router, the printer will lose its connection. You'll need to re-enter the new password in the printer's menu (Network -> WLAN -> Setup Wizard). You don't need to reinstall the drivers on your computer; the device will reappear on the network with the same IP address or be found again.