How to Connect Brother Printer to WiFi: Easy Setup Guide

Setting up a wireless printer should make life easier, not more confusing. Once your Brother printer is connected to WiFi, you can print from your laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone without needing to plug in a cable every time.

If you want to connect Brother printer to WiFi, this guide explains the simplest methods. Whether you are using the Brother printer control panel, WPS button setup, the Brother iPrint & Scan app, a computer setup tool or a manual wireless connection, the steps are easy once you know where to start.

This guide also covers common problems, including Brother printer not connecting to WiFi, Brother printer not connecting to WLAN, printer offline errors and what to check if your printer is not detected on the network.

Why Connect a Brother Printer to WiFi?

Connecting your Brother printer to WiFi lets you print wirelessly from different devices around your home or office. This is useful if several people use the same printer, or if your printer is not placed next to your computer.

With Brother printer WiFi printing, you can:

• Print from a laptop without using a USB cable

• Print from a smartphone or tablet

• Place the printer in a more convenient location

• Share one printer across multiple users

• Keep your desk cleaner with fewer cables

• Use mobile printing features such as Brother iPrint & Scan, Apple AirPrint or Mopria Print Service

For home offices, study spaces and small businesses, a wireless printer connection can make daily printing faster and more flexible.

If you are upgrading your setup, you can Browse all printers at Box or Explore the full Brother printer range.

Before You Start: What You Need

Before starting your Brother printer wireless setup, make sure you have everything ready. This can help avoid connection errors during the setup process.

What You Need	Why It Matters
WiFi network name	This is your printer SSID, which tells the printer which wireless network to join.
WiFi password	This is also called the network key or wireless network credentials.
Brother printer switched on	The printer must be powered on and ready before setup.
Printer close to router	A stronger signal makes the first connection easier.
Computer or smartphone	Some setup methods use a laptop, desktop, or mobile app.
Brother software or app	The Brother iPrint & Scan app or printer driver may be needed.
2.4GHz WiFi network	Many Brother printers connect best to 2.4GHz WiFi rather than 5GHz.

A simple tip is to keep the printer near your router during setup. Once the connection works, you can move it to its normal location as long as the WiFi signal remains strong.

How to Connect Brother Printer to WiFi Using the Control Panel

The easiest way to set up WiFi on Brother printer models with a screen is through the printer’s own control panel. This method is useful because you do not always need a USB cable or computer to begin.

Note: The wording may vary slightly depending on your Brother model, but the process is usually similar.

Step-by-Step Wireless Setup

1. Turn on your Brother printer.
2. Press Menu or Settings on the printer control panel.
3. Go to Network.
4. Choose WLAN or WiFi.
5. Select Setup Wizard or Wireless Setup Wizard.
6. The printer will search for available wireless networks.
7. Choose your WiFi network name.
8. Enter your WiFi password or network key.
9. Confirm the settings.
10. Wait for the printer to connect.
11. If the screen shows Connected, the setup is complete.

This is one of the most common ways to configure Brother printer WiFi settings. After the printer connects, you may still need to install the Brother printer driver on your computer before you can print.

Best For

This method is best if:

• Your Brother printer has a display screen

• You know your WiFi password

• You want a cable-free setup

• You are setting up the printer for the first time

• You need to change the printer to a new WiFi network

How to Connect Brother Printer to WiFi with WPS

WPS stands for WiFi Protected Setup. It allows you to connect some Brother printers to a router without typing the WiFi password manually.

This is a simple option if your router has a WPS button, and your Brother printer supports WPS button printer setup.

Step-by-Step WPS Setup

1. Place the Brother printer close to your router.
2. Turn on the printer.
3. Open the printer’s Network or WLAN settings.
4. Choose WPS or Push Button Setup.
5. Press the WPS button on your router.
6. Confirm the setup on your Brother printer.
7. Wait while the printer connects to the wireless network.
8. When the printer shows a connected message, the setup is complete.

WPS is useful because you do not need to enter the printer SSID and network key manually.

Best For

This method is best if:

• Your router has a WPS button

• You do not want to type a long WiFi password

• Your printer supports WPS

• You want a quick wireless printer connection

If your router does not have WPS, use the manual control panel method or app setup instead.

How to Connect Brother Printer to WiFi with Phone

You can also complete Brother printer WiFi setup using a smartphone. This is helpful if you do not have a computer nearby or want to print directly from your mobile device.

Many Brother printers work with the Brother iPrint & Scan app, which helps with mobile printing Brother printer setup, scanning and wireless printing.

Step-by-Step Phone Setup

1. Connect your phone to the same WiFi network you want the printer to use.
2. Download the Brother iPrint & Scan app.
3. Turn on your Brother printer.
4. Open the app on your phone.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to find or add your Brother printer.
6. Enter WiFi details if requested.
7. Wait for the app to detect the printer.
8. Try printing a test page or document.

Once connected, you may also be able to use Apple AirPrint Brother printing on iPhone or iPad, or Mopria Print Service on Android, depending on your printer model and device.

Best For

This method is best if:

• You mainly print from a smartphone or tablet

• You want to print wirelessly to Brother printer from mobile apps

• You do not want to use a USB cable

• You want quick access to scan and print features

For more help with mobile printing, read our guide on How to print wirelessly from your smartphone.

How to Connect Brother Printer to WiFi Without Cable

Many users want to know how to connect Brother printer to WiFi without cable. The good news is that most modern Brother wireless printers can be connected without USB, if you have the WiFi name and password.

The simplest cable-free methods are:

Method	What You Need
Control panel setup	Printer screen, WiFi name and password
WPS setup	WPS router and WPS-supported printer
Mobile app setup	Smartphone and Brother iPrint & Scan app
WiFi Direct printing	A compatible printer and device

If your printer has a display screen, use the control panel setup. If your router supports WPS, use WPS. If you are printing from a phone, use the Brother app.

How to Connect Brother Printer to WiFi with Cable

Some Brother printers can be set up wirelessly with temporary help from a USB cable. This does not mean the printer must stay connected by cable. The cable is only used during setup.

Step-by-Step Cable-Assisted Setup

1. Download the correct Brother printer driver or setup software.
2. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable when prompted.
3. Follow the setup instructions on the screen.
4. Choose wireless network setup.
5. Select your WiFi network.
6. Enter your WiFi password.
7. Wait for the setup tool to send the WiFi settings to the printer.
8. Disconnect the USB cable when instructed.
9. Print a test page wirelessly.

This method is useful when the printer is not showing your WiFi network from the control panel, or when manual setup feels difficult.

How to Connect Brother Printer to WiFi Without WPS

You do not need WPS to connect a Brother printer to WiFi. If your router does not have a WPS button, you can still use the manual setup.

To complete Brother WLAN setup without WPS:

1. Open the printer’s settings menu.
2. Go to the Network.
3. Choose WLAN.
4. Select Setup Wizard.
5. Choose your WiFi network.
6. Enter the WiFi password.
7. Confirm and wait for the printer to connect.

This is often the best method for modern routers, shared offices and home networks where WPS is disabled.

How to Add Brother WiFi Printer to Your Computer

After connecting Brother printer to WiFi, you may still need to add the printer to your computer.

On Windows

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth & Devices.
3. Select Printers & scanners.
4. Choose Add device.
5. Select your Brother printer.
6. Follow the setup prompts.
7. Install the Brother driver if needed.

On Mac

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to Printers & Scanners.
3. Click Add Printer.
4. Select your Brother printer from the list.
5. Choose the correct driver or AirPrint option.
6. Click Add.

If the printer does not appear, make sure your computer and printer are connected to the same WiFi network.

Brother Printer WiFi Settings Explained

When setting WLAN Brother printer options, you may see several network terms. Here is what they mean in simple language.

Setting	Simple Meaning
SSID	Your WiFi network name.
Network key	Your WiFi password.
WLAN	Wireless local area network, which means WiFi.
WiFi Direct	A direct connection between your printer and device without using a router.
TCP/IP	Network settings that help your printer communicate with other devices.
IP address	The printer’s address on your network.
Firmware update	Software update for the printer that may improve performance or fix issues.

Most users only need the SSID and network key during setup. Advanced settings such as TCP/IP printer configuration are usually only needed in business networks or when fixing connection problems.

Brother Printer Not Connecting to WiFi: Common Fixes

If your Brother printer is not connecting to WiFi, do not worry. Most issues are caused by simple network problems, wrong passwords, or signal issues.

Quick Fix Checklist

Problem	What to Try
Wrong WiFi password	Re-enter the network key carefully.
Printer too far from router	Move the printer closer during setup.
5GHz network issue	Try connecting to the 2.4GHz WiFi network.
Printer not detected on network	Make sure the printer and computer are on the same WiFi.
Old printer driver	Install or update the Brother printer driver.
Router issue	Restart your router and printer.
WiFi settings changed	Reset network settings and reconnect.
Printer offline	Remove and re-add the printer on your computer.
Firmware issue	Check for a Brother firmware update.

Check 2.4GHz vs 5GHz Compatibility

Many printers work best on 2.4GHz WiFi. Some Brother printers may not connect to a 5GHz-only network. If your router has separate WiFi names, choose the 2.4GHz network for printer setup.

A 2.4GHz network usually has better range, which is helpful if the printer is in another room.

Restart Everything

A simple restart can fix many wireless printer connection problems.

Turn off the printer, router, and computer. Wait for around 30 seconds, then turn the router back on first. Once the router is fully ready, turn the printer and computer back on.

Reinstall the Driver

If the printer connects to WiFi but your computer cannot print, the issue may be the driver rather than the WiFi connection.

Download and install the latest Brother printer driver for your model, then add the printer again through your computer settings.

How to Reset Brother Printer Network Settings

If your printer was connected to an old WiFi network, you may need to reset the network settings before connecting it to a new router.

This is useful if:

• You changed broadband provider

• You replaced your router

• You changed your WiFi name or password

• The printer keeps trying to connect to an old network

• The Brother printer is not connecting to WLAN

The exact steps depend on the printer model, but the process is usually found under: Menu > Network > Network Reset or Settings > All Settings > Network > Network Reset

After the reset, the printer forgets old wireless network credentials. You can then run the Brother printer wireless setup again and connect it to the correct WiFi network.

Recommended Brother Printers: Our Top Picks!

If you're looking for a reliable wireless printer that is easy to connect to WiFi, these Brother models are excellent choices for home users, students, remote workers and small businesses.

Brother HL-L2865DW Wireless Mono Laser Printer

The Brother HL-L2865DW wireless laser printer is a compact mono laser printer designed for fast, efficient document printing. With wireless connectivity and automatic duplex printing, it's ideal for home offices and users who regularly print reports, invoices and everyday documents.

Brother MFC-L2827DWXL Wireless Multifunction Mono Laser Printer

If you need more than just printing, the compact Brother multifunction laser printer combines printing, scanning and copying in one device. Its wireless connectivity makes it easy to share across multiple users, while the multifunction design helps save space.

Brother DCP-L8410CDW Wireless Colour Laser Printer

For businesses and users who need professional-looking colour documents, the wireless Brother colour office printer offers high-quality colour printing alongside scanning and copying features. Wireless connectivity allows teams to print from multiple devices without needing dedicated cables.

You can also Shop multifunction AIO wireless printers, browse Affordable laser printers for home and office, compare Best colour inkjet printers for everyday use, or explore Brother printers, scanners & accessories.

Best Setup Method for Different Users

Not every user needs the same setup method. Here is a simple guide.

User Type	Best Setup Method
Home user	Control panel setup or app setup
Student	Mobile app setup or AirPrint
Small office	Control panel setup with driver installation
Shared printer setup	Manual WiFi setup and computer driver installation
No WiFi password available	WPS setup, if supported
New router installed	Network reset, then reconnect
Printer not detected	Check same network, restart devices and reinstall driver

For most people, the control panel setup is the best first option. It is simple, cable-free, and works well if you know your WiFi password.

Benefits of Wireless Brother Printer Setup

A wireless Brother printer can make everyday printing easier. Instead of keeping the printer next to one computer, you can place it where it suits your space.

The main benefits include:

• Cleaner desk setup

• Easier printing from multiple devices

• More flexible printer placement

• Better support for home offices

• Simple mobile printing

• Less cable clutter

• Easier shared printing for families or teams

For home office users, this can make a big difference. You can print invoices, labels, contracts, study notes, reports and everyday documents without moving files between devices.

If you are planning a better workspace, read our guide to the Best printers for your home office setup. For lower running costs and greener printing choices, see Best energy-efficient printers.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to connect Brother printer to WiFi makes printing much easier. Once connected, you can print wirelessly from your computer, phone or tablet without relying on a USB cable.

The best method depends on your printer and router. If your printer has a screen, use the control panel setup. If your router supports WPS, use the WPS button method. If you mainly print from your phone, use the Brother iPrint & Scan app, Apple AirPrint or Mopria Print Service. If the printer will not connect, check the WiFi password, restart your devices, use the 2.4GHz network and reset the printer network settings if needed.

To upgrade your printing setup, Browse all printers at Box, Explore the full Brother printer range, or shop Brother printers, scanners & accessories for home, office and wireless printing needs.

FAQs

How do I connect my Brother printer to my wireless network?

Open the printer’s network or WLAN settings, choose the wireless setup wizard, select your WiFi network and enter the password. Once the printer shows that it is connected, add it to your computer or mobile device.

How do I reset my Brother printer to a new WiFi?

Go to the printer’s network settings and choose network reset. After the reset, run the wireless setup again and connect the printer to the new WiFi name using the correct password.

Why is my Brother printer suddenly not connecting to WiFi?

This can happen if the router was changed, the WiFi password was updated, the printer is too far from the router, the printer is trying to use the wrong network or the driver needs updating. Restart the printer and router first, then check the WiFi settings.

How do I manually connect my printer to WiFi?

Use the printer control panel. Go to Network, choose WLAN, open the setup wizard, select your WiFi network and enter the network key manually.

How do I get my Brother printer online again?

Make sure the printer is switched on, connected to the same WiFi network as your computer and not showing an error message. Restart the printer and router, then remove and re-add the printer on your computer if needed.

Does a Brother printer have a reset button?

Many Brother printers do not have one simple reset button for everything. Network reset is usually done through the printer menu. Some compact models may use button combinations, so the exact method depends on the model.

How to connect Brother printer to WiFi with phone

Download the Brother iPrint & Scan app, connect your phone to WiFi, turn on the printer and follow the app instructions to find and add the printer. Once connected, you can print from your phone wirelessly.

How to connect Brother printer to WiFi without cable

Use the printer wireless setup wizard, WPS setup or the Brother iPrint & Scan app. These methods allow you to connect the Brother printer to WiFi without using a USB cable.

How to connect Brother printer to WiFi with cable

Install the Brother setup software on your computer and connect the printer using a USB cable when prompted. The setup tool can send the WiFi details to the printer. After setup, you can disconnect the cable and print wirelessly.

How to connect Brother printer to WiFi without WPS

Use manual wireless setup through the printer control panel. Select your WiFi network from the WLAN setup wizard, enter the password, and confirm the settings. This does not require WPS.