How to Connect a Brother Printer to WiFi?

In today’s wireless world, the ability to print from anywhere in your home or office is more important than ever. Whether you’re working remotely, sharing a printer with multiple devices, or just tired of dealing with cables, connecting your Brother printer to WiFi is a smart move. It not only makes printing more convenient but also opens the door to features like mobile printing, cloud access, and remote management.

Fortunately, most Brother printers are designed with user-friendly wireless setup options that take just a few minutes to complete. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process—from checking compatibility and connecting via the control panel to using alternative methods and troubleshooting common issues.

How to Connect a Brother Printer to WiFi?

Check Compatibility and Requirements

Before connecting your Brother printer to WiFi, it’s essential to make sure that both your printer and network meet the necessary requirements. Taking a few minutes to verify these details can save time and avoid connection issues later in the setup process.

1. Confirm Wireless Capability

Not all Brother printers come with built-in wireless functionality. To verify if yours does, check the printer’s model number and look for “W” or “DW” at the end (e.g., HL-L2350DW). These typically indicate wireless or duplex wireless support. You can also refer to your printer’s user manual or the official Brother website for full specifications.

If your model doesn’t support wireless networking, you may need to connect it via USB or look into purchasing a model that includes WiFi capabilities.

2. Identify Your WiFi Network

To connect the printer, you’ll need access to your WiFi network. Make sure you know the SSID (the name of your wireless network) and the WiFi password. You can usually find these details on a label on your router or by logging into your router’s admin panel.

Keep in mind that Brother printers only connect to 2.4 GHz WiFi networks, not 5 GHz. If your router uses dual-band technology, make sure you connect to the correct network name associated with the 2.4 GHz band.

3. Position Your Printer Properly

Wireless performance can be affected by distance and physical obstacles. Place your printer within a reasonable range of your router—ideally in the same room or one room away. Avoid placing it behind thick walls, metal objects, or electronic devices that might interfere with the signal, such as microwaves or cordless phones.

A strong, stable signal will make the setup process faster and help prevent disconnections during regular use.

4. Turn On and Prepare the Printer

Before starting the wireless setup, plug in your printer and power it on. If it’s a new printer or if you’ve changed routers recently, consider resetting its network settings to avoid conflicts. This can usually be done from the printer’s control panel by navigating to Settings > Network > Reset Network.

Doing this ensures that the printer starts fresh, without trying to connect to any previous network configurations that could cause issues.

Connect Using the Control Panel (for Most Models)

For many Brother printers with built-in wireless capabilities, the easiest way to connect to your WiFi network is through the printer’s control panel. This method is straightforward and usually takes just a few minutes to complete.

1. Power On and Access the Menu

Start by turning on your Brother printer. Wait until it has fully booted up and is in the ready state. On the control panel, press the Menu or Settings button, depending on your model. Use the arrow keys to navigate through the options on the display screen.

Look for a category labeled Network, WLAN, or Wireless Setup. The exact names may vary slightly, but they all point to the same wireless configuration settings.

2. Launch the Wireless Setup Wizard

Once you are in the network settings menu, select WLAN and then choose Setup Wizard. The printer will search for available wireless networks in your area. It may take a few seconds to populate the list.

When the list appears, use the navigation buttons to scroll through and find your home or office WiFi network (SSID). Select it and press OK or Enter to proceed.

3. Enter the WiFi Password

After selecting your network, the printer will prompt you to enter the network key or password. Use the keypad or touch screen to type in the password carefully. Pay close attention to uppercase and lowercase letters, as WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.

Some Brother printers feature an on-screen keyboard or numeric keypad; others may use navigation buttons to select each character. Once the password is entered, confirm it and proceed.

4. Wait for the Connection to Complete

The printer will now attempt to connect to the selected WiFi network. This process may take up to a minute. If successful, you’ll see a message confirming the connection, such as “Connected” or “Connection OK.”

At this point, the wireless indicator light on your printer should become steady, and your printer is now part of your wireless network.

5. Print a Network Configuration Report (Optional)

To verify the connection details, you can print a network configuration report from the control panel. This document will show the IP address, SSID, and signal status, which can be useful later when installing printer drivers on your computer or troubleshooting connection issues.

Alternative Connection Methods

If your Brother printer isn’t responding well to the control panel setup—or if you’re looking for a quicker or more mobile-friendly way to connect—it’s worth trying one of the alternative connection methods. These options are especially helpful for users who prefer app-based control or have routers with WPS functionality.

1. Connect Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

WPS allows you to connect devices to your WiFi network without manually entering a password. It’s one of the fastest methods available, but it does require that both your printer and router support WPS.

To use this method, start by locating the WPS button on your wireless router. It’s usually labeled “WPS” and may have a small icon resembling two arrows or a padlock.
Next, power on your Brother printer and press the WiFi or WPS button on the printer (check your model’s user manual if you’re unsure where it is). Then, within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.

The printer and router will now attempt to connect automatically. You’ll typically see a message like “Connecting…” on the printer’s screen. After a successful connection, the printer will display a confirmation message, and the WiFi light should remain steadily lit. This process avoids entering passwords and can complete in under a minute.

2. Use the Brother iPrint&Scan App (Mobile Setup)

If you’re setting up your printer using a smartphone or tablet, the Brother iPrint&Scan app is a highly convenient option. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices and offers a simple setup process through a mobile interface.

First, download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, open the app and ensure your mobile device is connected to the same WiFi network you want the printer to use. From the app’s home screen, tap Printer Setup or Add Printer and follow the on-screen instructions.

The app will scan for nearby Brother printers. Once it detects your printer, it will guide you through connecting it to the wireless network, often without needing to manually enter the SSID or password. This method is especially useful for those who are more comfortable managing devices via smartphones or who want to print directly from mobile apps in the future.

3. Temporary USB Setup for Wireless Configuration

Some Brother printers allow you to set up a wireless connection using a USB cable. This can be particularly helpful if the printer doesn’t have a display screen or if you encounter trouble with wireless detection.

To do this, connect the printer to your computer using a standard USB cable. Then, download and run the Brother Printer Driver Installation Tool from the official Brother website. During the installation process, select the option for Wireless Network Connection and follow the instructions to transfer your WiFi credentials from your computer to the printer.

Once the printer is successfully connected to WiFi, you can disconnect the USB cable and continue using the printer wirelessly.

Install Printer Drivers and Software

After successfully connecting your Brother printer to WiFi, the next crucial step is installing the appropriate drivers and software on your computer or device. This ensures your system can communicate properly with the printer and unlocks additional features like scanning, ink monitoring, and firmware updates.

1. Download the Latest Drivers

Begin by visiting the official Brother Support Website at support.brother.com. Enter your printer’s model number in the search bar and select your region and operating system. This ensures you receive the correct software package for your specific configuration.

Once on the downloads page for your model, look for a full driver and software package—usually titled something like “Full Driver & Software Package” or “Printer Driver + Scanner Driver”. Download the file to your computer and prepare to run the installer.

2. Run the Installation Wizard

Locate the downloaded file and double-click it to start the setup. On Windows, this will typically launch a step-by-step installation wizard. On macOS, it may prompt you to drag the application into your Applications folder or follow a guided installer.

During setup, you’ll be asked to choose the connection type. Select “Wireless Network Connection” or “WiFi Connection”, depending on the wording. The installer will scan your network for available printers. If the wireless setup was successful earlier, your printer should appear in the list.

Select your printer, confirm the settings, and allow the software to install all necessary drivers and utilities. This may include a scanning utility, firmware updater, and Brother’s ControlCenter software.

3. Install Mobile or Cloud Apps (Optional)

For users who frequently print from mobile devices or cloud platforms, Brother offers additional tools like Brother iPrint&Scan for smartphones and Brother Cloud Apps for select models. These tools allow direct printing and scanning from mobile devices, cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox), and even editing or converting documents directly from the printer interface.

Installing these companion apps is optional but highly recommended for enhancing productivity, especially in home office or shared network environments.

4. Confirm Successful Installation

Once the drivers and software are installed, it’s a good idea to restart your computer. After rebooting, try sending a test print from any application (like Word or your browser). If the print is successful, your printer is fully set up and ready to use.

You can also open your printer’s status monitor (from the Brother utilities or your system tray) to check ink levels, network status, and other functions.

Test the Connection

After connecting your Brother printer to WiFi and installing the necessary drivers and software, it’s important to test the connection to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Verifying the connection now can prevent future printing delays or confusion when you need to print something quickly.

1. Print a Test Page

One of the simplest ways to confirm that your printer is properly connected to the network is by printing a test page. You can do this directly from your computer:

On Windows:
Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click on your Brother printer, and select Printer Properties. Under the General tab, click Print Test Page.
On macOS:
Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select your Brother printer, and click Options & Supplies, then choose Utility and click Print Test Page.

If the test page prints successfully, your computer and printer are communicating over the wireless network as expected.

2. Use the Printer’s Network Report

Many Brother printers have a built-in function to print a Network Configuration Report. This report provides useful information such as the current IP address, connection status, signal strength, and network name (SSID).

To print this report:

On the printer’s control panel, go to Settings > Print Reports > Network Configuration.
Press OK or Start to print the report.

Check the report to make sure:

The Connection status says “OK” or “Active”.
The SSID matches your home or office WiFi network.
The printer has a valid IP address (not blank or “0.0.0.0”).

This report can also be a valuable tool for troubleshooting if something isn’t working as expected.

3. Try Wireless Printing From a Mobile Device

If you plan to print from your smartphone or tablet, now is a good time to test that as well. Open a document or photo on your mobile device and try printing it via the Brother iPrint&Scan app or your device’s native print function (AirPrint for iOS, Mopria or Google Print for Android).

Confirm that the printer appears in the list of available devices and that the job prints without delay. If it works from both your computer and mobile device, your wireless setup is complete and functioning correctly.

4. Verify in Printer Status Software

On your computer, you can also open the Brother Status Monitor or ControlCenter software. These tools provide real-time updates on printer availability, ink or toner levels, and wireless connectivity. The software should show that the printer is “Ready” or “Online.”

Troubleshooting Tips

Even with a straightforward setup process, issues can occasionally arise when connecting a Brother printer to WiFi. If your printer isn’t connecting or isn’t showing up on your network, don’t worry—most problems have simple solutions. Below are some of the most common issues and tips to resolve them quickly.

1. Printer Can’t Find the WiFi Network

If your Brother printer doesn’t detect your wireless network during setup, start by checking your WiFi router. Make sure it’s powered on and broadcasting. Also confirm that the network is using a 2.4 GHz band, as many Brother printers do not support 5 GHz networks.

Try moving the printer closer to the router to improve signal strength. If your WiFi network is hidden (not broadcasting its SSID), you’ll need to manually enter the network name during setup. Make sure to type the SSID exactly as it appears, including any capitalization.

2. Incorrect Password or Authentication Failure

Double-check that the password entered on the printer matches your WiFi password exactly. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so a single incorrect character will prevent the connection. If your router was recently updated or reset, make sure the password hasn’t changed.

If you’re unsure of the current password, you can log into your router’s admin panel to confirm or reset it.

3. Printer Shows Connected but Doesn’t Print

If your printer says it’s connected to the network but isn’t responding to print commands, the problem may lie with your computer or driver settings. Open your computer’s printer settings and verify that the correct printer is selected as the default printer.

Check the printer queue for any stalled jobs. You may need to cancel and resend them. Restarting both your computer and printer can also resolve lingering communication issues.

Additionally, ensure that your firewall or antivirus software isn’t blocking the printer’s network traffic. Temporarily disabling these programs can help you determine if they’re interfering.

4. IP Address Conflicts

Sometimes, network printers encounter IP address conflicts that prevent stable communication. To fix this, try assigning a static IP address to your printer through the printer’s control panel or your router’s settings. This gives the printer a permanent address on the network and avoids overlap with other devices.

You can also reset the printer’s network settings and run the setup again to automatically obtain a new IP address from the router.

5. Reset the Network Settings

If all else fails, resetting the printer’s network configuration can resolve persistent problems. On most models, go to Settings > Network > Network Reset, and confirm the reset. This clears all saved WiFi data and allows you to start fresh.

After resetting, go through the WiFi setup steps again, either via the control panel or an alternative connection method.

6. Update Firmware and Software

Outdated printer firmware or drivers can cause performance or connection issues. Visit the Brother Support Website and check for updates for your specific printer model. Installing the latest firmware can often resolve bugs and improve network compatibility.

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