Brother Printer Wifi Can't Connect to Computer

Mills Stanley Updated by Mills Stanley

Brother Printer Wifi Can't Connect to Computer

If your Brother printer is having trouble connecting to your computer via Wi-Fi, it can be quite frustrating. Fortunately, there are several common troubleshooting steps and solutions that you can follow to resolve this issue. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get your Brother printer connected to your computer over a wireless network.

1. Check the Basics

1.1. Printer and Computer Connection

Ensure that both your Brother printer and your computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If either device is connected to a different network, they won’t be able to communicate with each other.

1.2. Printer Status

Verify that your printer is turned on and not showing any error messages on its display. If there’s a problem with the printer itself, it might not be able to connect to the network.

1.3. Wireless Router

Confirm that your wireless router is working correctly and is within range of your printer. Sometimes, the issue might be with the network rather than the printer or computer.

2. Reconfigure the Printer’s Network Settings

2.1. Access the Printer’s Menu

Most Brother printers have a control panel with a menu button. Navigate to the network settings or wireless settings menu.

2.2. Wireless Setup Wizard

Select the option to connect to a wireless network. This is often referred to as the Wireless Setup Wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your Wi-Fi network and enter your Wi-Fi password.

2.3. Confirm Connection

After completing the setup, print a network configuration page from the printer’s menu to confirm that it has successfully connected to your network. This page should display your network’s SSID and IP address.

3. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

3.1. Check for Driver Updates

Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can prevent your computer from recognizing the printer. Visit the Brother website and download the latest drivers for your specific printer model.

3.2. Reinstall Drivers

If updating doesn’t solve the problem, try reinstalling the drivers. Go to the Control Panel on your computer, find the printers section, and remove your Brother printer from the list. Then, install the latest drivers you downloaded.

4. Check Computer’s Network Settings

4.1. Network Connection

Ensure that your computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. You can check this in your computer’s network settings.

4.2. Firewall and Security Software

Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software can block communication between your printer and computer. Temporarily disable these programs to see if they are causing the issue.

5. Use the Printer’s IP Address

5.1. Find Printer’s IP Address

If your printer is connected to the network but not visible on your computer, try adding it manually using its IP address. You can find this on the network configuration page printed earlier.

5.2. Add Printer Using IP Address

On your computer, go to the printer settings and choose to add a new printer. When prompted, select the option to add a printer by IP address and enter the IP address of your Brother printer.

6. Reset Printer’s Network Settings

6.1. Restore Factory Settings

If all else fails, you can try resetting your printer’s network settings to default. This can usually be done from the printer’s menu by selecting the option to restore network settings or factory settings.

6.2. Reconfigure Network

After resetting, you’ll need to reconfigure the network settings as you did initially, ensuring you connect to the correct Wi-Fi network.

7. Verify Router Settings

7.1. Check Router Configuration

Ensure that your router’s settings are compatible with your printer. Some routers have settings that might block new devices from connecting.

7.2. DHCP Settings

Verify that the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) setting is enabled on your router. This allows your router to assign an IP address to your printer automatically.

8. Consult Brother Support

If you’ve tried all the above steps and your Brother printer still can’t connect to your computer, it might be time to contact Brother customer support. They can offer more specific troubleshooting steps based on your printer model and situation.

9. Consider External Factors

9.1. Interference

Wireless signals can be disrupted by physical obstacles or other electronic devices. Try moving the printer closer to the router or reducing interference from other devices.

9.2. Printer Firmware

Sometimes updating the printer’s firmware can resolve connectivity issues. Check the Brother website for any available firmware updates for your model.

Conclusion

Connecting your Brother printer to your computer via Wi-Fi involves a series of troubleshooting steps, from checking the basics to adjusting settings and potentially contacting support. By following this guide, you should be able to identify and resolve common issues that might be preventing your printer from connecting to your computer. If you continue to experience difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or consult the user manual for your specific Brother printer model.

How did we do?

Restore Printer to Online Status: Brother Printer

How to Connect Brother Printer to wifi - Complete Guide

Contact