Brother Printer Won't Connect to Wifi: Complete Guide

Mills Stanley Updated by Mills Stanley

Brother Printer Won't Connect to wifi

If your Brother printer won’t connect to WiFi, start by checking if the printer’s WiFi feature is enabled and ensure the network is working by connecting other devices. Verify the printer is within range of the router and confirm that the correct network name (SSID) and password are entered. Try reconfiguring the wireless setup via the printer’s menu, using either automatic or manual setup options. If issues persist, update the printer’s firmware and reinstall the drivers. Additionally, check router settings for any restrictions and consider resetting the printer’s network settings or performing a factory reset.

1. Initial Checks

Ensure WiFi is Enabled
  • Confirm that your Brother printer's WiFi feature is turned on. This is usually indicated by a wireless icon on the printer’s display.
Check WiFi Network
  • Verify that your WiFi network is working properly by connecting other devices to it. Ensure that your router is powered on and broadcasting the network.

2. Printer Configuration

Verify Network Settings
  • On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the network settings menu. Make sure it is set to connect via WiFi, not a wired connection.
Select Correct Network
  • Use the printer’s menu to select your network from the list of available networks. Ensure you’re choosing the correct SSID (network name) and not a similar one.
Enter Correct Password
  • If prompted, input the correct WiFi password. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive.

3. Wireless Setup Method

Brother printers typically offer several methods for wireless setup:

Automatic Wireless Setup
  1. Press the WiFi button on the printer (this varies by model).
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your network.
Manual Wireless Setup
  1. Access the printer’s settings menu from the control panel.
  2. Navigate to Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard.
  3. Select your network and enter the password when prompted.
WPS (WiFi Protected Setup)
  1. Press the WPS button on your router.
  2. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the printer or select WPS from the printer’s menu.

4. Software & Driver Issues

Update Printer Firmware
  • Check if your Brother printer has any firmware updates. Visit Brother’s official website, find your model, and download the latest firmware if available.
Reinstall Printer Drivers
  • Download and install the latest drivers from Brother’s website. Sometimes, outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent successful connections.

5. Router and Network Configuration

Check Router Settings
  • Ensure your router is not using MAC address filtering or blocking new devices. You may need to whitelist your printer’s MAC address.
Check IP Address Settings
  • Ensure that your printer is obtaining an IP address automatically (DHCP). Go to the network settings on the printer and confirm that it’s set to DHCP mode.
Check for Network Interference
  • Other devices or appliances can interfere with WiFi signals. Ensure that the printer is within range of your router and try to reduce interference from other devices.

6. Reset Network Setting

  • Reset Printer’s Network Settings
  1. Access the settings menu on the printer.
  2. Navigate to Network > Network Reset or a similar option.
  3. Confirm the reset and follow the steps to reconnect to your network.

7. Advanced Troubleshooting

Factory Reset
  • As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your printer. This will erase all settings and restore the printer to its original state. Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on performing a factory reset.
Consult the Printer’s Manual
  • Refer to the user manual for specific instructions related to your model. Each Brother printer might have slightly different setup procedures.

8. Contact Support

If you’ve tried all the above steps and the printer still won’t connect, it might be time to contact Brother’s customer support for assistance. They can provide further guidance or determine if there’s a hardware issue.

Conclusion

Setting up your Brother printer to connect to WiFi should be a straightforward process if you follow these steps carefully. Ensuring that your network settings are correct, updating software, and reducing potential sources of interference will help resolve most connectivity issues. If problems persist, seeking professional support might be the best solution.

1. Why is my Brother printer not connecting to WiFi?

  • Common reasons include incorrect WiFi settings, network issues, outdated firmware, or interference. Ensure the printer’s WiFi is enabled and that you’re entering the correct network details.

2. How can I check if my printer’s WiFi is enabled?

  • Look for a WiFi icon on the printer’s display panel. If it’s not lit or shows an error, the WiFi might be turned off or experiencing issues.

3. What should I do if the printer is not detecting my WiFi network?

  • Ensure the printer is within range of your router and that your network is functioning correctly. Refresh the network list on the printer and make sure you’re selecting the correct SSID.

4. How do I reset the network settings on my Brother printer?

  • Access the printer’s menu, navigate to Network > Network Reset or similar, and confirm the reset. This will erase current settings and allow you to reconfigure the connection.

5. What if my printer still won’t connect after resetting the network settings?

  • Try updating the printer’s firmware and reinstalling the printer drivers from Brother’s official website. Also, check your router settings for restrictions or interference.

6. Can I use WPS to connect my Brother printer to WiFi?

  • Yes, if your router and printer support WPS. Press the WPS button on the router, then select WPS on the printer within 2 minutes to establish a connection.

7. What if my WiFi password is not accepted by the printer?

  • Ensure the password is entered correctly, paying attention to case sensitivity and special characters. If needed, re-enter the password to verify accuracy.

8. How can I find the printer’s MAC address if my router uses MAC address filtering?

  • You can find the MAC address in the printer’s network settings menu. Add this address to your router’s whitelist to allow the printer to connect.

9. When should I contact Brother support for help?

  • If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and the printer still won’t connect, contact Brother’s customer support for further assistance or possible hardware issues.

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