We’ve all been there—you’re in a rush, click “print,” and your Brother printer just stares back at you. No noise, no action, nothing. Then comes the dreaded message: “Printer not connected to WiFi.” Great. Just what you needed before an important meeting or your kid’s school project.
Now, before you assume your printer has suddenly developed a grudge against you, take a breath. This issue is surprisingly common. And luckily, the fixes are usually simpler than they sound. Let’s walk through the most likely reasons—and how to deal with them.
Start With the Obvious: WiFi Details
First things first, check the basics. I know, this might sound like a “duh” moment, but you’d be shocked how often the issue is just a wrong password or an outdated WiFi name.
Double-check:
- Is your printer connecting to the right WiFi network?
- Did your router name or password change recently?
- Are you on a 5GHz band instead of 2.4GHz? Most Brother printers don’t play nice with 5GHz.
Fixing these alone could save you a ton of time.
Signal Strength: Yeah, It Matters
Distance makes the heart grow fonder—but it makes WiFi signals weaker. If your Brother printer is far from your router (or tucked away behind a bookshelf or next to a microwave), the signal could be getting messed up.
Try moving the printer a bit closer just to test things. If the connection kicks in, it’s a signal issue. Maybe think about getting a WiFi extender.
Firmware Might Be the Silent Culprit
Ever hear of printer firmware? It’s like the brain of the device, and when it’s outdated, all sorts of random issues start showing up—including connection failures.
Head over to Brother’s support site, punch in your model number, and look for the latest firmware update. Honestly, this one step alone has saved me more than once. Don’t skip it.
Recent Changes to Your WiFi?
Let’s say you switched internet providers, or maybe just renamed your WiFi. Your printer has no idea that anything changed, so it’s stuck trying to connect to the old setup.
Go to the settings on your printer and run the network setup wizard again. It’s easy, takes a minute or two, and it works. If you want a quick guide, here are some WiFi setup tips for Brother printers.
Sneaky Interference From Other Devices
Not many people realize this, but other gadgets can totally mess with your printer’s signal. I’m talking about things like cordless phones, baby monitors, or even Bluetooth speakers.
If your Brother printer is chilling right next to your TV or soundbar, you might want to move it. Or change your router’s channel settings. Yeah, it sounds techy—but it’s not as bad as it sounds.
Try Resetting the Network Settings
Still no luck? Alright, it might be time to reset the printer’s network settings. This doesn’t delete your documents or anything—it just clears the WiFi configurations.
Once it’s reset, set it up again like it’s brand new. Go through the wizard, pick your WiFi network, enter the password carefully (double-check it), and give it another shot.
If you’re still scratching your head, here’s a helpful guide to common WiFi connection issues with Brother printers. It’s super clear, and yeah, it helped me once when I was completely stuck.
Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
Let’s say the printer is connected to WiFi, but your computer still shows it as offline. That might be a driver issue.
You can go to Brother’s website, download the right drivers for your model and operating system, and install them fresh. I know it sounds annoying, but trust me—this often fixes weird problems where everything seems fine but still doesn’t work.
FAQs
What should I check first if my Brother printer won’t connect to WiFi?
Start with your network name and password. Make sure your printer is on a 2.4GHz band and within range. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a typo in the WiFi key.
Does outdated firmware prevent Brother printers from connecting to WiFi?
Yep, it can. An older firmware version might not play well with newer routers or security settings. Always a good idea to check and update it.
Can interference from other devices block my Brother printer’s WiFi signal?
Totally. Devices like microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors can all interfere. Try moving your printer to a less crowded space.
How do I reconnect a Brother printer after a network name or password change?
You’ll need to go into the printer’s settings, run the network setup wizard, and enter the new details. It’s a fresh setup—think of it as reintroducing the printer to your network.
Will resetting network settings help fix Brother printer WiFi issues?
In a lot of cases, yes. It wipes out old, possibly incorrect data and lets you start fresh. Definitely worth trying before assuming the printer is broken.
Why does my Brother printer say “offline” even when connected to WiFi?
That’s usually a driver issue, or your printer may have obtained a new IP address. Try reinstalling the drivers or removing and re-adding the printer on your computer.
Wrapping It Up
Brother printers are reliable most of the time, but even they can hit a snag when WiFi is involved. The good news? These fixes aren’t rocket science.
Start with the easy stuff—passwords, signal range, firmware. Work your way up to resets and driver updates if needed. More often than not, you’ll find the solution long before needing to call for help.
And hey, maybe write your WiFi password on a sticky note somewhere safe. You know, just in case you forget it again like the rest of us.
