WiFi vs USB: What’s the Best Way to Setup Your Brother Printer?

So, you’ve just unboxed your Brother printer. Now comes the big question: should you set it up using WiFi or plug it in via USB? At first glance, both seem fine. But once you start thinking about printing from your phone, sharing it with others, or working across devices, the choice matters a lot more than you’d think.

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each setup method, walk you through what’s easiest for beginners, and help you decide what really works best in your case. Whether you’re a tech novice or you’ve connected dozens of printers before, you’ll find helpful tips here.

What’s the Difference Between WiFi and USB Setup?

The biggest difference comes down to flexibility and how your printer talks to your devices.

• WiFi Setup: Your printer connects to your wireless router. This means any device on the same network—laptop, desktop, phone, tablet—can send print jobs wirelessly.
• USB Setup: Your printer is connected directly to your computer using a USB cable. This is a one-to-one connection, meaning only the connected device can print unless you share it over a network manually.

Both options work well, but your daily use case makes one better than the other.

When to Choose WiFi Setup

WiFi is perfect for most modern households or office spaces. Here’s why:

• Multiple device access: Everyone in the house can print—no cable passing required.
• Printing from phones or tablets: Brother’s iPrint&Scan app or Apple’s AirPrint works only via wireless.
• Fewer cables: No physical clutter around your workspace.

If this sounds like what you need, check out our recommended WiFi setup steps for Brother models. It’s beginner-friendly and works with most Brother models released in the last few years.

But here’s the thing… WiFi setup can sometimes get a bit finicky if your router is outdated or the signal is weak. So let’s compare it side-by-side with USB.

When USB Might Be the Better Option

If you’re working on a desktop and only you need to print, USB is straightforward.

• Simple plug-and-play: Most systems auto-detect the printer.
• Stable connection: No WiFi dropouts or interference.
• Ideal for offline use: Perfect if you don’t always have internet access.

The only major downside? You’re tethered to one machine—no sharing unless you manually configure sharing options or keep that computer turned on 24/7.

If you’re unsure, our full guide on setting up a Brother printer wirelessly vs USB can help you test which suits your setup.

Setup Speed: WiFi vs USB

Let’s talk about speed—not just print speed, but setup speed.

• USB setup often takes just 5–10 minutes. Plug in the cable, follow your OS prompts, and boom—you’re ready.
• WiFi setup might take 10–20 minutes, depending on your network. You’ll need your router password, and maybe a bit of patience if your printer doesn’t connect on the first go.

So, if you’re in a rush or don’t want to deal with network settings, USB is your shortcut. But if you’re going for long-term flexibility, WiFi is worth the few extra steps.

How Reliable Is Each Connection?

This part really matters for office or home business users.

• USB: Rock solid. Unless the cable breaks or the port dies, it just works.
• WiFi: Can be great—but also vulnerable to router resets, interference, or IP conflicts. If your printer randomly disappears from the network, it’s usually a WiFi issue.

That said, once configured properly, most people find WiFi stable enough for regular home and office use.

Can I Switch Between USB and WiFi Later?

Yep. If you start with USB and want to move to WiFi later—or vice versa—you can.

Just uninstall the current driver and reinstall using your preferred connection method. Brother also provides a universal installer that lets you pick WiFi or USB during setup.

Still not sure which method works best? Try both. Set up via USB, print a few test pages, then explore wireless once you’re ready.

FAQs: WiFi vs USB Setup for Brother Printers

1. Is WiFi setup slower than USB connection for Brother printers?
   Not always. WiFi can take slightly longer to set up the first time due to entering network credentials, but once done, it’s seamless. USB is faster if you need a quick one-device connection.
2. Can I switch from USB to WiFi later on a Brother printer?
   Yes, easily. Just uninstall your USB printer driver and run the WiFi setup again using Brother’s installer or the control panel on the printer.
3. Do I need to install different drivers for WiFi and USB setups?
   In most cases, the driver is the same. During setup, you simply choose whether you’re connecting via USB or WiFi.
4. Which setup is more reliable for multi-device printing: WiFi or USB?
   WiFi. USB only supports the connected device unless shared manually. For households or teams, WiFi is way more convenient.
5. Does USB setup offer faster print speeds than WiFi on Brother printers?
   There might be a very small difference, but in real-world usage, it’s barely noticeable. Unless you’re printing huge files, both are equally efficient.
6. Is there a risk of connection loss with WiFi setup compared to USB?
   Yes, WiFi setups can sometimes drop due to router resets or signal interference. USB is generally more stable but less convenient for multiple users.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re someone who moves around a lot, prints from phones, or has multiple people using the printer—WiFi is your best friend.

If you’re working alone on a fixed desktop setup, and want something quick, stable, and cable-connected, USB will serve you just fine.

Here’s what we usually tell people: start with USB if you’re new, then switch to WiFi once you’re comfortable with the basics. Happy printing!