WiFi Setup for Brother Printers Without Touchscreen: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

So, you’ve got a Brother printer with no touchscreen and no clue how to connect it to WiFi. Been there. It feels like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces—but it doesn’t have to be that way.

At Explore Tech Hive, we’ve walked through this setup dozens of times. Whether you’re doing it for yourself, your parents, or a small home office, this tutorial lays out a simple path. No fluff. No overly technical lingo. Just what you need to know.

Let’s dive into it.

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

First things first—gather your tools. You won’t need much, but missing even one thing can turn this from a 10-minute task into an hour-long headache.

Here’s what to have on hand:

• Your Brother printer (plugged in and ready)
• WiFi name (aka SSID) and password
• A computer or laptop (for USB setup)
• USB cable (the kind you used with old printers)
• A router with a WPS button (if you want the easy route)

Now that you’re geared up, let’s get your printer talking to your network.

Method 1: Use the WPS Button (If Available)

This is hands down the easiest way to connect if your router and printer both support WPS. It’s kind of like Bluetooth for WiFi—press and go.

Steps:

1. Press and hold the WiFi/WLAN button on your printer until the WiFi light starts blinking.
2. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
3. Wait. When the WiFi light on the printer goes solid (usually green), you’re good.

Heads up: Not all routers have a WPS button these days. And some Brother models don’t support it either. If that’s you, skip to the next method.

Method 2: USB Setup with Brother’s Software

If WPS isn’t an option, USB is your best friend. It’s a bit old school, but it works—especially if you’ve got no screen to guide you.

Here’s what to do:

1. On your computer, go to Brother’s Support Page.
2. Search for your printer model and download the full driver and software package (not just the basic driver).
3. Plug your printer into your computer using the USB cable.
4. Open the installer and select Wireless Setup when prompted.
5. Follow the instructions to connect the printer to your WiFi network.
6. Once it’s connected, unplug the USB cable. Done and dusted.

Still unsure? We’ve covered this approach in detail in our Brother WiFi setup without touchscreen steps article.

Method 3: Brother Mobile App (If Supported)

Some of Brother’s newer printers let you set up WiFi through your phone using their iPrint&Scan app. It’s surprisingly handy, but not every model supports it.

Steps:

1. Install the Brother iPrint&Scan app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect your phone to the WiFi network you want to use.
3. Open the app and follow the prompts to detect and connect your printer.

I’ll be honest—it’s not always smooth. If it fails, fall back to USB setup.

How to Tell If It Worked (Without a Screen)

This part can be a little awkward with no display, but there are ways to confirm that your setup worked.

• WiFi LED: A solid green or blue light usually means you’re good. Blinking? It’s still trying. No light at all? You’ve got work to do.
• Print a Network Report: On many Brother models, holding down the WiFi or Go button for 10 seconds prints a network config page.
• Check Your Router: Log into your router and see if the printer shows up in the device list.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

We’ve all been there. Setup seems perfect—but the printer won’t cooperate. Before you toss it out the window, check these:

• Wrong WiFi Band: Most Brother printers only support 2.4GHz, not 5GHz.
• Incorrect Password: Triple check your network password. A small typo is all it takes.
• Distance from Router: Too far from your router? Bring the printer closer while setting up.
• Firewall or Antivirus: Some software may block communication. Temporarily disable it to see if that’s the issue.

When nothing works, your best bet is our WiFi setup support for all Brother models page.

FAQ: WiFi Setup for Brother Printers Without Touchscreen

1. How do I know if my Brother printer supports wireless setup without a display?
   Check for a WiFi or WLAN button on the unit. If it’s there, you can usually set it up wirelessly.
2. Can I use my router’s app to help connect a Brother printer without a screen?
   Sort of. Some apps let you monitor connected devices, but they don’t walk you through printer setup. They’re more helpful for troubleshooting after the fact.
3. Do Brother printers without a screen support temporary USB WiFi configuration?
   Yes. That’s actually one of the main methods Brother recommends. It’s safe, reliable, and doesn’t take much time.
4. How do I confirm successful WiFi connection without a display panel?
   Look for a solid WiFi LED. Or better yet, print a network report. Your printer’s manual should explain how.
5. Are all Brother printers with WPS buttons able to connect without screens?
   Generally, yes. If your model has a WPS button and your router supports it, you’re good to go.
6. Is there a light pattern that indicates a successful WiFi setup on Brother printers?
   A solid green or blue WiFi light is what you want. Flashing usually means it’s still trying. Red or amber? Something went wrong.

Wrapping Up

Setting up a Brother printer without a touchscreen isn’t rocket science—but yeah, it can feel like it if you’ve never done it before.

Take your time. Pick the method that makes sense for you. And if one approach fails, don’t stress—there’s almost always another way around it.

Need help? Bookmark this guide. Or better yet, shoot us a message at Explore Tech Hive. We’re here to make setup one less thing to worry about.