Getting your Brother printer to connect to WiFi shouldn’t feel like solving a Rubik’s cube, but let’s be honest — it often does. Whether you’ve just unboxed a new machine or you’re trying to reconnect after switching routers, you might be wondering: “Why is this so complicated?” We’ve been there. And that’s exactly why Explore Tech Hive put together this straightforward guide to help you connect any Brother printer to WiFi, no tech degree needed.
You’ll find clear steps, real advice, and no fluff. So, let’s get started.
First, Gather What You’ll Need
Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’re not missing anything:
- Your Brother printer turned on and ready
- Your WiFi network name and password (the same one your computer uses)
- A PC, Mac, or mobile device on that WiFi network
- A USB cable (optional, but helpful for non-touchscreen models)
Connecting a Brother Printer with a Touchscreen
If your Brother printer has a touchscreen, the setup is pretty simple.
Here’s what to do:
- Press Menu > Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard
- Let the printer scan and find your WiFi
- Select your WiFi name (SSID)
- Carefully enter your password
- Wait until you see “Connected” on the screen
Honestly, this part’s not too bad. But if your model doesn’t have a screen, hang tight — we’ve got you covered too.
No Screen? Here’s How to Connect Brother Printer to WiFi Without One
If your printer doesn’t have a display, no worries. You can still get it online. It just takes a slightly different approach.
Option 1: WPS Setup (Fastest Way)
If your router supports WPS, use this:
- Press the WPS button on your router
- Within two minutes, press and hold the WiFi/WLAN button on the printer
- Lights will blink, and within a minute, they should stop — that means it’s connected
This works great if both your printer and router support WPS. If not, move on to Option 2.
Option 2: USB Setup (For Non-Touchscreen Models)
This is one of the most reliable methods when your printer lacks a display.
- Plug a USB cable between your computer and printer
- Go to Brother’s official website and download the full driver/software package
- Run the installer and choose Wireless Setup
- Follow the steps to input your WiFi credentials
- Once connected, you can unplug the USB
And that’s it. You’ve just completed the wireless setup the easy way.
WiFi Connection Still Failing? Let’s Troubleshoot
Now, let’s be real — even when you do everything right, tech likes to throw curveballs. If your printer says it’s connected but won’t print, or just won’t show up on your device, try these:
- Make sure it’s connected to a 2.4GHz network. Most Brother printers can’t see 5GHz
- Reboot everything — router, printer, laptop — trust me, it helps
- Use a static IP. It avoids confusion when your network resets or changes
- Update your printer driver — especially if you’re on Windows 11 or a new Mac
- Print the Network Configuration page — it’ll give you valuable info like signal strength and IP address
If you’re still stuck, explore our Brother WiFi setup guide for deeper solutions.
What to Do After Changing Routers or Passwords
Changed your WiFi recently? Your printer’s still trying to connect to the old one.
Here’s how to fix that:
- Use the control panel (or Brother software) to run a Network Reset
- Once reset, go through the setup wizard again
- Connect it to your new WiFi using one of the methods above
We explain this in more detail in our step-by-step post on how to properly set up a Brother printer to WiFi. You might want to bookmark that one.
FAQs
What if my Brother printer won’t connect after changing routers?
Reset the network settings on the printer, then go through the setup process again using the new WiFi name and password.
Can I connect my Brother printer to WiFi without a screen?
Yes. Use either the WPS method or connect via USB using Brother’s software on your computer.
How do I check the WiFi signal strength on a Brother printer?
Print a Network Configuration page from the printer. It will list signal strength and connection details.
Does Brother support AirPrint or Google Cloud Print over WiFi?
Most Brother printers support AirPrint. Google Cloud Print has been discontinued, but you can use Brother iPrint&Scan as an alternative.
Why does my Brother printer say connection error during setup?
It usually means wrong WiFi credentials or a weak signal. Try again closer to the router and double-check your password.
How do I update the wireless settings after upgrading my router?
Reset the printer’s network settings and run the setup wizard again to connect it to the new router.
A Few Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, connecting a Brother printer to WiFi doesn’t have to be frustrating. It’s all about picking the method that fits your device — touchscreen, WPS, USB, or software — and walking through it one step at a time.
You don’t need to be a tech expert. You just need the right guide, and that’s what we’re here for at Explore Tech Hive. Let’s make your printer work smarter, not harder.
