Connecting your Brother printer to a wireless network enables convenient, cable-free printing from anywhere in your home or office. This setup allows multiple devices to access the printer without the need for direct connections. Whether you’ve just purchased a new Brother printer or are looking to change the network it connects to, this guide will help you get your printer online and connected to Wi-Fi in no time.

Requirements Before You Begin

Before connecting your Brother printer to your wireless network, ensure you have the following:

Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID): The name of the wireless network you want your printer to connect to.

Wi-Fi Password (Network Key): The password for your Wi-Fi network.

Brother Printer: Ensure the printer is powered on and in range of your Wi-Fi network.

Device for Configuration: A computer or mobile device to configure the printer.

Detailed Guide on Configuring WiFi for Your Brother Printer

Step 1: Power On the Printer

Plug in your Brother printer and turn it on by pressing the power button.

Wait for the printer to initialize fully before proceeding. Make sure the printer is in range of your Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Access the Printer’s Menu

For Printers with a Display Screen:

Press the Menu button on your Brother printer's control panel.

Press OK after using the arrow keys to select the Network option.

Navigate to WLAN and press OK again.

For Printers without a Display Screen:

Check your printer’s manual for specific instructions on entering Wi-Fi setup mode. This typically involves pressing and holding a combination of buttons, such as the Wi-Fi button.

Step 3: Select Wireless Setup Wizard

After accessing the WLAN option, choose Setup Wizard or Wi-Fi Setup Wizard from the menu.

Your printer will start looking for wireless networks that are available.

Step 4: Choose Your Wireless Network

Once the list of networks appears, use the arrow keys to select your Wi-Fi network (SSID).

Press OK to confirm your selection.

Step 5: Enter Your Wi-Fi Password

After selecting your network, you’ll be prompted to enter the Wi-Fi password (Network Key).

Use the keypad on the printer’s control panel to input the password. Refer to your printer’s manual if you’re unsure how to enter characters.

Once the password is entered, press OK.

Step 6: Confirm and Apply Settings

After entering the password, your printer will attempt to connect to the network.

Once the connection is successful, you’ll see a confirmation message on the printer’s screen.

If the connection fails, double-check the network name and password, then try again.

Step 7: Print a Test Page (Optional)

To ensure everything is working correctly, you can print a test page:

Go back to the printer’s menu, select Print Reports, and then choose Network Configuration.

A report will print, showing your network details and confirming that the printer is connected to Wi-Fi.

Alternate Method: Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

If your router supports WPS, you can use this method to connect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi:

Enable WPS on the Router: Press the WPS button on your router. This initiates a brief period during which devices can connect without entering a password.

Enable WPS on the Printer: On your Brother printer, access the WLAN menu and select the WPS option. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Automatic Connection: The printer will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network without needing a password.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues while connecting your Brother printer to the wireless network, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Double-Check Credentials: Ensure that you’ve entered the correct Wi-Fi network name and password.

Restart Devices: To reestablish the connection, restart your computer, router, and printer.

Check Signal Strength: Make sure your printer is within range of the Wi-Fi network. Try relocating the printer closer to the router if the signal is weak.

Update Printer Firmware: Outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues. Visit Brother’s official website to check for firmware updates for your model.

Reset Network Settings: If all else fails, reset your printer’s network settings and try the setup process again. This can be done through the printer’s menu.

FAQs

Can I connect my Brother printer to a mobile hotspot?

Yes, you can connect your Brother printer to a mobile hotspot by following the same steps as connecting to a regular Wi-Fi network. However, be mindful of data usage, as printing can consume significant data.

How do I find my Brother printer’s IP address?

You can find your Brother printer’s IP address by printing a network configuration report from the printer’s menu.

Why is my Brother printer not connecting to Wi-Fi?

If your Brother printer is not connecting to Wi-Fi, ensure that the network name and password are correct, the printer is within range, and your router’s settings are compatible with the printer.

Do I need a computer to connect my Brother printer to Wi-Fi?

No, you can connect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi directly through the printer’s control panel without using a computer.

Can I use my Brother printer with multiple devices once connected to Wi-Fi?

Yes, once your Brother printer is connected to Wi-Fi, any device on the same network can print to it, provided the necessary drivers or software are installed.

Conclusion

Connecting your Brother printer to a wireless network is a straightforward process that allows you to enjoy the convenience of wireless printing. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can get your printer online and ready to use with all your devices. The troubleshooting advice offered should assist you in resolving any problems that may arise. Once connected, you can print, scan, and manage your documents with ease from anywhere in your home or office.