How to Change Wi-Fi Password on Brother Printer [Easy Steps]

To change the Wi-Fi password on your Brother printer, you need to update the wireless network credentials stored on the printer itself using its control panel, not your router settings. The primary method is to run the Setup Wizard from the printer's menu, which lets you select your new network name (SSID) and enter the updated password directly.

Why you need to change the Wi-Fi password on your Brother printer

You need to update the printer's Wi-Fi settings whenever you change your home network password, replace your wireless router, or change your network's name (SSID) for security reasons. Without this update, the printer will remain connected to the old network and will appear offline to your devices, preventing you from printing or scanning wirelessly. Keeping your printer's connection current is a key part of managing wireless passwords effectively.

Before you begin: what you'll need

Make sure your Brother printer is powered on and ready. You must know the exact name (SSID) and the new password of the Wi-Fi network you want it to join. If you recently changed your router's password, ensure the new password is active on the router before starting.

Steps to change the Wi-Fi password using the printer's control panel

On the printer's control panel, press the Menu button.
Use the arrow keys to navigate to Network and press OK.
Select WLAN (Wireless LAN) and press OK. Note that this step may not appear on all Brother models.
Choose Setup Wizard and press OK.
If the prompt "WLAN Enable?" appears, select Yes to enable the wireless network.
The printer will search for available networks. From the list, select your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and press OK.
Using the printer's keypad or touchscreen, enter the new Wi-Fi password (also called Network Key, Security Key, or Encryption Key). Press OK to apply the settings.

What to do if the printer doesn't connect

If the printer fails to connect after entering the new password, try restarting both the printer and your wireless router. Ensure the printer is positioned close to the router to receive a strong signal. If connectivity issues persist, updating the printer's firmware can help resolve them. After the printer successfully reconnects, you might need to remove and then re-add the Brother printer in your computer's printer settings if it still shows as offline.

Alternative methods for changing your printer's Wi-Fi

While the control panel's Setup Wizard is the most common direct method, you can also use the Brother iPrint&Scan app, the Printer Setting Tool (which may require an initial USB connection), or Web Based Management. To use Web Based Management, you need the printer's IP address, which you can find by printing a Network Configuration Report from the printer's menu. The default password for accessing Web Based Management is often "initpass" or is located on a sticker on the back or bottom of the machine, marked "Pwd". It is strongly recommended to change the default login password for Web Based Management to protect your machine from unauthorized access.

When to reset your Brother printer's network settings

Resetting the network settings to factory default is a last resort. Use this option only if you cannot regain access to the printer's network settings or if you have forgotten an administrator password. A factory reset will erase all current Wi-Fi information, requiring you to reconnect the printer to your wireless network from scratch using the Setup Wizard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see my Wi-Fi network in the Setup Wizard list?

Your printer may be too far from the router to detect the signal, or the router's broadcast of the SSID may be disabled. Move the printer closer to the router or temporarily enable SSID broadcasting in your router settings.

Will changing the Wi-Fi password on my printer affect other devices?

No, this change only affects the printer's connection. All other devices connected to your Wi-Fi network will continue to use the router's password as normal.

How do I find the IP address of my Brother printer for Web Based Management?

You can print a Network Configuration Report directly from the printer's menu. This report lists the printer's IP address, along with other network details.

Do I need to reconnect my computer to the printer after changing the password?

If your computer still lists the printer as offline after the printer reconnects, you should remove the printer from your computer's device settings and then re-add it using the standard add printer function.