How To Add A Brother Printer To A Wireless Network

To add a Brother printer to a wireless network, use the printer's control panel to run the built-in Setup Wizard, which scans for nearby networks and guides you through entering your Wi-Fi password. This method works on most Brother models and requires only your network name (SSID) and password to get started.

Before you add a Brother printer to a wireless network

Before beginning, confirm that your Brother printer supports wireless networking, most models operate on the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band. Ensure your wireless router is set to 2.4 GHz or a mixed 2.4 GHz/5 GHz mode, as 5 GHz-only networks may not be supported. Place the printer within range of your router for a strong signal, and remember that Brother machines can be used on either a wired or a wireless network, but only one connection method can be active at a time. If a USB cable is currently connected, disconnect it before starting the wireless setup.

Method 1: Connect using the printer's Setup Wizard

This is the most direct method and works on nearly all Brother printers with a display screen. It does not require a computer or router access.

1. On the printer's control panel, press the Menu button.
2. Use the navigation arrows to select Network, then press OK.
3. Select WLAN (or Wireless LAN), then press OK.
4. Choose Setup Wizard and press OK.
5. When prompted, select Yes to enable the wireless network.
6. The printer will scan for available networks. From the displayed list of SSIDs (network names), select your Wi-Fi network.
7. Enter your Network Key (Wi-Fi password) using the printer's keypad or on-screen keyboard. Be careful to enter it exactly, including uppercase and lowercase letters.
8. Press OK to confirm. The printer will attempt to connect to your network.
9. Once connected, print a network configuration page to verify: press Menu, select Network, then choose Print Network Configuration or similar.

Method 2: Connect using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

If your router has a WPS button, this is the fastest method and requires no password entry. Look for a WPS symbol on your router.

1. Ensure your printer is turned on and within range of the router.
2. Press the WPS button on your wireless router. You have a two-minute window to complete the next step.
3. On your Brother printer, press and hold the Wi-Fi button for about five seconds. On models with an LCD screen, navigate to Menu → Network → WLAN → WPS instead.
4. The printer and router will automatically negotiate the connection. Wait for the printer to display a success message.

Method 3: Connect using a USB cable and Brother software

Use this method if your printer lacks a display screen or you prefer a computer-guided setup. You will need a USB cable temporarily.

1. Download the Full Driver & Software Package from the official Brother website for your specific printer model.
2. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Run the downloaded installer. When prompted, select Wireless Network Connection (Wi-Fi).
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The software will guide you through selecting your network and entering the password. During the software installation, select 'Wireless Network Connection (Wi-Fi)' and follow the on-screen instructions to configure the printer to your network.
5. Once the wireless configuration is complete, the installer will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. Your printer is now on the network.

Method 4: Connect using the Brother iPrint&Scan mobile app

This method is ideal if you have a smartphone or tablet and want to avoid using a computer. The app handles the entire wireless printer setup and mobile printing process.

1. Install the Brother iPrint&Scan app from your device's app store.
2. Open the app and follow the prompts to connect to the printer's Wi-Fi Direct network first. This is a temporary direct link between your phone and the printer.
3. Once connected, the app will guide you through configuring the printer to join your home Wi-Fi network. You will select your network and enter its password. The Brother iPrint&Scan mobile app can also guide you through the setup process by connecting to the printer's Wi-Fi Direct network first, then configuring it to your home Wi-Fi.
4. After the printer joins your home network, your mobile device can disconnect from Wi-Fi Direct and reconnect to your home Wi-Fi. You can now print wirelessly from the app.

Troubleshooting when your Brother printer won't connect to Wi-Fi

If the printer fails to connect, try these specific fixes in order:

• Restart both devices: Temporarily restarting both your Brother printer and your Wi-Fi router can often resolve minor connectivity glitches.
• Check for 5 GHz-only network incompatibility: Ensure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network or is set to a mixed mode. Brother printers do not support 5 GHz-only networks.
• Manually enter hidden SSIDs: If your network name is hidden, it will not appear in the Setup Wizard list. You must manually enter the SSID and password during the setup process.
• Update outdated firmware: Outdated printer firmware can cause compatibility issues with modern routers. Visit Brother's support site to download and install the latest firmware for your model.
• Verify password accuracy: A single incorrect character in the Network Key will prevent connection. Re-enter the password carefully, checking for case sensitivity.
• Check wireless signal strength: If the printer is too far from the router, the signal may be weak or unstable. Move the printer closer or use a Wi-Fi range extender. You can check wireless signal strength from the printer's Network menu on most models.

If you need to change to wired connection from wireless, disconnect the printer from Wi-Fi via the Network menu, then connect an Ethernet cable. Remember, only one connection method can be active at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my Wi-Fi network's SSID and password?

Your SSID and password are usually printed on a sticker on your wireless router.

Can I connect my Brother printer to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes. Use the printer's Setup Wizard from the control panel (Method 1) or the WPS method (Method 2) if your router supports it. Both require only the printer itself.

Can multiple devices print to the same Brother printer on the wireless network?

Yes. Once the printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network, any computer, phone, or tablet on the same network can send print jobs to it without additional setup.

What should I do if my Brother printer still won't connect after trying all methods?

Reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults through the Menu → Network → Network Reset option. Then attempt the Setup Wizard again. If the issue persists, contact Brother support with your printer's model number.

Do I need to install drivers on every device that wants to print?

For Windows and Mac computers, yes, install the Brother driver on each computer. For mobile devices, the Brother iPrint&Scan app handles printing without separate drivers.