How To Connect Brother Printer To Wifi

This guide explains how to approach how to connect brother printer to wifi, including the preparation, practical steps, common mistakes, and final checks that help you finish with confidence.

10–15 Minutes Time needed

Beginner Difficulty

Incorrect Password Watch out for

Before You Start

Check first: Make sure you know your exact Wi-Fi network name and password. Both are usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your internet router provided by your broadband company (e.g., BT, Sky, Virgin Media). Passwords are case-sensitive.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Quick Reference

Common Problems When You Connect Brother Printer To Wifi

Even with a straightforward process, you can run into hitches. Here are solutions to the most common issues people face when trying to get their Brother printer online.

Problem: "Incorrect Password" or "Authentication Failed"

This is by far the most frequent problem. The password, or Network Key, is case-sensitive. Carefully re-enter it, paying close attention to uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Check the sticker on your router again to be certain. Some routers have different passwords for the admin panel and the Wi-Fi itself; make sure you are using the Wi-Fi password.

Problem: The Printer Cannot Find Any Wi-Fi Networks

If the Setup Wizard scan comes back empty, first check that the wireless radio on your printer is actually turned on. There is usually a setting in the Network menu to enable or disable WLAN. Secondly, your printer may be too far from your router. Try moving the printer closer to the router, at least for the initial setup. Finally, try restarting everything: turn off your printer and your router, wait 30 seconds, then turn the router back on first. Wait for its lights to stabilise, then turn the printer on and try again.

Problem: The Printer is Connected, but My Computer Can't Find It

This issue often comes down to your devices being on different networks. Many modern routers create multiple networks, such as a 2.4GHz network, a 5GHz network, and a "Guest" network. For your computer to see the printer, both must be connected to the exact same network name (SSID). Guest networks are specifically designed to block communication between connected devices for security, so never connect a printer to one. Another culprit can be your computer's firewall software, which might be blocking the discovery process. Temporarily disabling the firewall can help diagnose if this is the cause.

Advanced Tips for Connecting Your Brother Printer

For a more robust and trouble-free connection, consider these extra steps once you have the basics working.

Assign a Static IP Address

By default, your router assigns a temporary (dynamic) IP address to your printer. This address can occasionally change, causing your computer to lose track of where the printer is on the network. By assigning a static IP address, you give the printer a permanent, unchanging address. You can usually do this in two ways: either through the printer's 'Network > TCP/IP' settings, or by logging into your router's administration panel and reserving an IP address for the printer's MAC address (found on the network configuration report). This makes the connection much more reliable, especially in busy households with many connected devices.

Check for Firmware Updates

Printer manufacturers like Brother occasionally release firmware updates for their devices. These updates can contain important security patches, bug fixes, and improvements to wireless connectivity. You can usually check for and install updates directly from the printer's control panel, typically in a 'Maintenance' or 'Device Info' menu. Keeping your firmware up to date is a good habit for ensuring smooth operation.

Utilise the Brother Mobile Connect App

For modern Brother printers, the companion mobile app is a powerful tool. Not only does it allow you to print documents and photos directly from your phone, but it can also simplify the initial Wi-Fi setup. The app can walk you through the process, allowing you to share your phone's Wi-Fi credentials with the printer, bypassing the need to use the small printer screen for data entry.