Brother Printer WiFi Setup Without CD: Easy Steps for Beginners

Let’s face it—most of us lose or ignore those old installation CDs the minute we unpack a new printer. And with newer laptops ditching CD drives altogether, figuring out how to complete a Brother printer WiFi setup without CD can leave you scratching your head. If you’re in that boat, don’t worry. You’re definitely not alone, and the fix is easier than you might think.

At Explore Tech Hive, we’re all about keeping things simple. Whether you’re setting up a fresh-out-the-box Brother model or trying to reconnect an older one, this guide will walk you through the easiest ways to get your printer online—no CD or fancy tech skills needed.

Why You Don’t Need the Disc Anymore (Seriously)

Here’s the thing—those driver discs that come with your printer? They’re pretty much outdated before you even unwrap them. Brother (and honestly, most modern brands) keeps all the latest drivers and utilities online. That means skipping the CD is often smarter because you’ll get the most up-to-date version of everything.

And let’s be real: who still uses discs in 2025?

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before we dive in, make sure you have the following:

• Your Brother printer (powered on and reset, if needed)
• A WiFi network and password
• A computer (Windows or macOS) or smartphone
• A USB cable (optional, but helpful for older setups)
• A few minutes and a dash of patience

That’s it. Nothing fancy. Just the essentials to connect your printer wirelessly the easy way.

Step-by-Step WiFi Setup Without a CD

1. Download the Right Software

The first step is to head over to Brother’s official site—support.brother.com—and enter your printer’s model number.

Once you’ve selected the right model:

• Choose your operating system (Windows 11, macOS Ventura, etc.)
• Look for the Full Driver & Software Package
• Download it, then run the file

This installer is your all-in-one setup tool. No disc, no hassle.

2. Follow the On-Screen Setup Wizard

Once you’ve launched the installer:

• Accept the license agreement
• Select Wireless Network Connection (WiFi)
• Then choose how you’d like to connect

You’ll get two main choices here: via USB cable or WPS method. Both work, so pick the one that suits your situation.

A) USB Connection Setup (Highly Reliable)

Even though you’re skipping the CD, a USB cable can still come in handy.

• Plug the USB cable from your printer into your computer
• The setup tool will find your printer and walk you through entering WiFi details
• Once that’s done, disconnect the cable and test wireless printing

This is a super-stable option, especially for printers without touchscreens.

Want a detailed breakdown? Check out our setup guide for Brother printers without CD or touchscreen.

B) WPS Method (If You’ve Got a Compatible Router)

If your router has a WPS button (most do), and your printer supports it:

• Press the WPS button on the router
• Within two minutes, press and hold the WiFi or WLAN button on your printer
• The devices will connect automatically—no password required

Just wait until you see a solid WiFi indicator on your printer. Boom, you’re in.

C) Mobile Setup (Yes, It’s Possible)

If you’re using a phone or tablet, Brother’s iPrint&Scan app can detect and help connect certain models over WiFi. It’s not foolproof for every device, but worth trying if you don’t want to fuss with a PC.

What If My Printer Doesn’t Have a Display?

Totally fair question. Many budget-friendly Brother printers don’t come with screens. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck.

Using USB to transfer WiFi info is your best bet. You connect it once, send over your network name and password, and then remove the cable. From there, it’ll stay online.

We cover this in more detail in our setup guide for Brother printers without CD or touchscreen.

Testing Your Setup

After the software finishes installing, do a quick test:

• Print a configuration or test page
• Check if the WiFi light is solid (not blinking)
• Make sure the printer shows up under “Printers & Scanners” on your computer

Everything look good? Great—you’re all set.

What If Something Isn’t Working?

WiFi setups can go sideways. Here are a few quick fixes to keep in your back pocket:

• Wrong WiFi band: Most Brother printers only work on 2.4GHz
• Typos in password: Happens more often than we admit
• Firewall issues: Temporarily disable security software during install
• Printer too far from router: Keep it nearby until setup is complete

For a more in-depth look at connection issues, check out our full WiFi setup instructions for Brother printers.

FAQs: Brother Printer WiFi Setup Without CD

1. How do I download Brother printer software without the installation CD?
   Go to support.brother.com, enter your printer model, and download the full driver and software package that matches your OS.
2. Can I install my Brother printer wirelessly using a mobile device?
   Yes. Use the Brother iPrint&Scan app, available on iOS and Android. It walks you through the wireless setup, depending on your printer model.
3. Is there a Brother setup utility for WiFi configuration without a disc?
   Definitely. The installer you download from Brother’s site includes a Wireless Setup Wizard—no CD or disc needed.
4. What is the official Brother website to get drivers for WiFi setup?
   Always use https://support.brother.com to avoid fake or outdated drivers.
5. Do I need admin rights on my computer to install a Brother printer without a CD?
   Yes, especially on Windows systems. You’ll need those rights to install drivers and make printer changes.
6. Can I connect a Brother printer to WiFi during driver installation without USB?
   Yes, if your printer and router support WPS, you can skip the cable. Otherwise, USB is the most reliable fallback.

Wrapping It Up

Setting up a Brother printer on WiFi without the CD doesn’t have to be frustrating. Between the downloadable software, WPS options, and mobile apps, there’s a method for everyone. Just follow the steps, stay calm when tech gets weird (it happens), and know that there’s always a solution.

If you ever hit a wall, bookmark our full WiFi setup instructions for Brother printers. We’re always here to help make the process as smooth as possible.