A Brother printer is a reliable companion for home and office printing needs, especially when it's connected to Wi-Fi and ready to print wirelessly. But like all technology, there are times when it unexpectedly disconnects from the network or refuses to connect again. If your Brother printer is no longer connected to Wi-Fi, you may feel stuck or frustrated—especially when you need to print something urgently.
This blog will guide you step-by-step on how to get your Brother printer back on Wi-Fi, including the reasons it may have disconnected and how to fix it without confusion.
Before diving into solutions, it's helpful to understand what might have caused the issue. There are several common reasons a Brother printer may drop from a Wi-Fi network:
Router changes: If you recently updated your router or changed your Wi-Fi password or network name, the printer will no longer recognize the connection.
Power outages or interruptions: A power cut or system restart can sometimes reset network settings or disrupt saved connections.
Weak signal: If your printer is located too far from the Wi-Fi router or surrounded by barriers like walls or metal objects, the signal might be too weak to maintain a connection.
Firmware glitches: Like any other electronic device, your printer may occasionally face software hiccups that interfere with connectivity.
Incorrect settings: If someone changed printer or router settings unintentionally, the wireless connection may break.
Now that you know what could be wrong, let’s look at how to reconnect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi.
Begin by restarting both your Brother printer and your Wi-Fi router. This refreshes the network and clears temporary glitches. After both devices reboot, wait a moment and see if the printer reconnects automatically.
Make sure your printer is set to the correct network. You can usually access network settings from the printer’s control panel. Look for a “Network” or “Wi-Fi” option, then select “Setup Wizard” or a similar option to re-scan and select your network.
Follow the on-screen prompts to re-enter the Wi-Fi password. Ensure the details are entered accurately—network passwords are case-sensitive.
If the printer is not reconnecting on its own, it may need to be manually reconfigured. On many Brother printer models, this can be done through the printer’s onboard menu:
Go to the Menu or Settings on the printer’s display.
Navigate to Network, then WLAN, and then Setup Wizard.
The printer will search for nearby wireless networks. Select your network from the list.
Enter your Wi-Fi password using the keypad and confirm.
Once completed, the printer should display a message saying it is connected.
If your router supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you can connect your Brother printer without typing in the Wi-Fi password.
On your printer, go to the WPS or WLAN option and select WPS Push Button setup.
Press the WPS button on your router within the time window (usually a couple of minutes).
The devices will automatically link without needing a password.
This method is quick and avoids typing errors, but not all routers support WPS.
Sometimes, connection issues stem from outdated software on your computer or printer. Make sure the Brother printer drivers and wireless setup tools are installed and up to date.
You can usually find these on the manufacturer’s support page based on your printer model. Once installed, run the setup again and follow the instructions to reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi.
If nothing else works, consider resetting the printer’s network settings to factory defaults. This clears any old or incorrect configurations and allows you to set up the connection from scratch.
To reset:
Navigate to the Network or Reset Settings option on your printer’s control panel.
Choose Network Reset or Reset WLAN Settings.
Confirm the reset and allow the printer to restart.
Then, follow the wireless setup instructions again as outlined above.
Once your Brother printer is back on Wi-Fi, here are some tips to prevent future issues:
Place the printer close to the router to ensure a strong and stable signal.
Avoid placing it near walls, metal objects, or electronic devices that can interfere with signals.
Keep your printer’s firmware and drivers updated by regularly checking the support site.
Avoid changing the Wi-Fi name or password unnecessarily, as it requires reconfiguration each time.
What should I do if my Brother printer keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
Frequent disconnections could be due to a weak signal, interference, or outdated firmware. Try moving the printer closer to the router and checking for updates.
Can I reconnect my printer without a display screen?
Yes, printers without a display screen can still connect to Wi-Fi using the WPS method or a USB cable setup through your computer.
How do I know if my Brother printer is connected to Wi-Fi?
You can usually print a Network Configuration page from the printer’s settings. This report shows the connection status and network details.
Is it better to use WPS or manual setup?
WPS is faster and avoids password errors, but manual setup is more flexible and works with all routers. Choose whichever method suits your device.
Do I need to reinstall the printer on my computer after reconnecting Wi-Fi?
If the IP address changes after reconnecting, your computer might lose the connection. In such cases, remove the printer and re-add it using the new network settings.
Getting your Brother printer back on Wi-Fi may seem like a challenge at first, but with a bit of patience and the right steps, it's usually an easy fix. Whether the problem is a forgotten password, a new router, or a glitch in the system, following the right method—restarting, reconfiguring, or resetting—can get your printer online again.
Once it’s connected, remember to keep your printer updated, ensure strong Wi-Fi coverage, and handle network changes carefully. A stable connection ensures that your printer is always ready when you need it—without cables, delays, or stress.