Brother Printer Won't Connect to WiFi? Fix it Now with These Simple Steps!
Brother printers are popular for their ease of use, reliability, and wireless capabilities. Connecting your printer to a Wi-Fi network allows you to print from anywhere in your home or office—without cables. But sometimes, your Brother printer might not connect to Wi-Fi, preventing you from printing wirelessly.
This guide will help you understand why your Brother printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi and walk you through the steps to fix it. Whether you're setting up the printer for the first time or reconnecting after a network change, the following steps will help you get back online.
Why Won’t My Brother Printer Connect to Wi-Fi?
Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand the common causes:
Wrong Wi-Fi network or password
Printer too far from the router
Network settings changed (e.g., new router)
Router issues or Wi-Fi interference
Outdated firmware or drivers
Printer not in Wi-Fi setup mode
WPS method failed or not supported
Knowing what might be wrong helps you fix it faster.
Step 1: Restart Everything
Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve connection issues.
Turn off your Brother printer.
Restart your Wi-Fi router (wait at least 30 seconds before turning it back on).
Restart your computer or mobile device.
Turn the printer back on and try connecting again.
This refreshes all devices and may clear temporary network problems.
Step 2: Confirm Your Wi-Fi Details
Make sure you are using the correct:
Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
Wi-Fi password (network key)
Both are case-sensitive. If you've changed routers recently, the new network might have a different name or password than before.
Step 3: Place the Printer Near the Router
Weak signals can prevent your printer from connecting to Wi-Fi.
Move the printer closer to your Wi-Fi router.
Avoid placing the printer near microwaves, cordless phones, or thick walls that can interfere with the signal.
Once connected, you can move the printer to another location if needed—just keep it within range.
Step 4: Use the Wireless Setup Wizard on the Printer
Most Brother models have a built-in setup wizard to guide you through connecting to Wi-Fi.
To Use the Wireless Setup Wizard:
Turn on the printer.
- On the control panel, go to:Menu > Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard
The printer will search for available networks.
Select your Wi-Fi network (SSID) from the list.
Enter your Wi-Fi password using the control panel.
Wait for a message confirming “Connected” or “Connection OK”.
If the connection fails, double-check the password and try again.
Step 5: Try the WPS Method (If Available)
If your router supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you can use it for a quick connection—no password needed.
To Connect Using WPS:
- On the printer, go to:Menu > Network > WLAN > WPS or WPS/AOSS
Select WPS, then press the WPS button on your router for a few seconds.
The printer and router will try to connect automatically.
Note: WPS must be enabled on your router. This method won’t work if your router doesn’t support WPS.
Step 6: Check the Network Configuration Report
After attempting to connect, print a Network Configuration Report to diagnose the issue.
To Print the Report:
Go to Menu > Print Reports > Network Config on the printer.
Check the following on the report:
Connection Status: Should be “Connected”
SSID: Should match your Wi-Fi network name
IP Address: Should display a valid number (e.g., 192.168.x.x)
If any of these are missing or incorrect, the printer is not properly connected.
Step 7: Assign a Static IP Address (Optional but Helpful)
If your printer keeps dropping the Wi-Fi connection, assigning it a static IP address may help.
- On the printer, go to:Menu > Network > WLAN > TCP/IP > Boot Method > Static
Manually enter a valid IP address, subnet mask, and gateway (based on your network).
Save and try reconnecting.
You can find your router’s IP settings from your computer or router admin page.
Step 8: Reinstall Brother Software on Your Computer
If the printer connects to Wi-Fi but still won’t show up on your computer, reinstall the drivers.
Steps:
Go to Site
Enter your printer model.
Download the Full Driver & Software Package.
Uninstall old drivers from your computer.
Install the new package and follow the setup wizard.
During installation, make sure to select “Wireless Network Connection”.
Step 9: Check Firewall or Antivirus Settings
Security software can block communication between your printer and computer.
Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus and try connecting again.
If it works, add an exception for Brother software or IP address.
Don’t forget to re-enable your security software afterward.
Step 10: Reset the Printer’s Network Settings
If all else fails, reset the printer’s network settings and start fresh.
To Reset Network Settings:
- On the printer, go to:Menu > Network > Network Reset
Confirm and restart the printer.
Reconnect using the Wireless Setup Wizard.
This removes any previous connection data and clears any misconfiguration.
When to Contact Brother Support
If none of the above steps work, there could be a deeper software or hardware issue. Contact Brother’s customer support for:
Firmware update assistance
Advanced wireless configuration
In-warranty repairs or replacements
Conclusion
A Brother printer not connecting to Wi-Fi can be frustrating, especially when you rely on wireless printing for daily tasks. However, most issues are caused by incorrect passwords, network misconfigurations, or outdated software—and are usually fixable at home.
By following this guide—restarting devices, checking network details, using the setup wizard, and updating software—you can usually restore the Wi-Fi connection quickly. Once connected, you’ll be able to print from multiple devices without worrying about cables or location.