Brother printers are widely used for home, office, and business printing because of their reliability, speed, and high-quality output. Many modern Brother printers support wireless (WiFi) printing, allowing users to print from laptops, smartphones, tablets, and computers without using cables. However, a common problem that many users face is that their Brother printer won’t connect to WiFi. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you need to print important documents urgently.
When a Brother printer won’t connect to WiFi, it does not always mean that the printer is damaged. In most cases, the problem is related to network settings, router issues, incorrect configuration, or software problems. Understanding the possible causes and solutions can help you fix the issue quickly and efficiently.
Common Reasons Why Brother Printer Won’t Connect to WiFi
One of the main reasons for this problem is an incorrect WiFi password.
Another common cause is that the printer is too far from the WiFi router. If the signal is weak, the printer may fail to detect or maintain a stable connection. Walls, metal objects, or electronic interference can also block WiFi signals.
Sometimes, the printer may be trying to connect to a different network than your device. For example, if you have both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi bands, the printer may not support 5 GHz and therefore cannot connect properly.
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can also prevent WiFi connection. If your computer does not have the correct software installed, it may not be able to communicate with the printer wirelessly.
Additionally, router settings such as MAC filtering, firewall restrictions, or disabled WPS mode can block the printer from connecting to the network.
How to Fix Brother Printer WiFi Connection Issue
The first and simplest step is to restart your printer and WiFi router. Turn off both devices, wait for one minute, and turn them back on. This rejuvenates the network and frequently fixes momentary issues.
Next, make sure your Brother printer is within a good range of the router. If possible, place the printer closer to the WiFi source during setup.
Check that you are entering the correct WiFi password. Double-check uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. If you are unsure, reconnect another device to confirm the password.
If your router has both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, try connecting the printer to the 2.4 GHz network, as many Brother models do not support 5 GHz.
Reconnecting Brother Printer to WiFi
Most Brother printers have a control panel or screen where you can access wireless settings. Go to the network or WiFi menu, select your network name, and enter the correct password again.
If your printer supports WPS, you can press the WPS button on your router and then activate WPS on the printer to connect automatically without typing a password.
Alternatively, you can use a computer or mobile app to set up WiFi on your Brother printer by following the guided wireless setup process.
Checking Printer and Device Connection
Ensure that your computer, phone, or tablet is connected to the same WiFi network as your printer. If they are on different networks, the printer will not appear available for printing.
Updating Printer Drivers
Go to your printer manufacturer’s support website and download the latest driver for your Brother printer model. Installing the updated driver can fix many connectivity and compatibility issues.
After installation, restart your computer and try connecting to the printer again.
Router and Network Settings
If your printer still won’t connect, check your router settings. Disable MAC filtering temporarily to allow new devices to join the network.
Make sure your firewall or security software is not blocking the printer connection. You can test this by temporarily turning off security settings and trying again.
Also, ensure that your router firmware is updated, as outdated software can cause connectivity problems.
Mobile Printing Issues
If you are trying to print from a smartphone, make sure you have installed the official Brother mobile printing app and that both your phone and printer are on the same WiFi network.
Restart the app or reinstall it if necessary.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have tried all troubleshooting steps and your Brother printer still won’t connect to WiFi, there may be a deeper technical issue with the printer’s wireless module or your network configuration.
Preventing Future WiFi Problems
To avoid WiFi connection issues in the future:
- Keep your printer drivers updated.
- Maintain a strong and stable WiFi signal.
- Avoid frequently changing your WiFi name or password.
- Place your printer in a location with minimal signal interference.
- Restart your router occasionally to refresh the network.
Conclusion
A Brother printer not connecting to WiFi is a common issue, but it is usually easy to fix with basic troubleshooting steps. Most problems are related to incorrect passwords, weak signals, outdated drivers, or router settings.
By following the solutions mentioned above, you can restore your printer’s wireless connection and enjoy smooth, cable-free printing. Regular maintenance and proper network setup can help keep your Brother printer connected and working efficiently for years to come.
