Brother printers are popular for their reliability and compatibility with Apple’s AirPrint feature, which allows users to print wirelessly from iPhones, iPads, and Macs without installing extra drivers. However, sometimes AirPrint stops working, preventing smooth wireless printing. If your Brother AirPrint is not working, don’t worry — this guide explains the common causes and step-by-step solutions to fix the problem efficiently.
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Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues:
AirPrint requires both the Brother printer and the Apple device to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If they are on different networks or if the Wi-Fi signal is weak, printing will fail.
Printer Offline or Sleep Mode:
If your Brother printer goes into sleep or offline mode, AirPrint won’t detect it until it becomes active again.
Outdated Firmware:
Using an outdated firmware version may cause compatibility issues between your Brother printer and Apple devices.
AirPrint Disabled in Printer Settings:
AirPrint may be disabled in your printer’s network settings, especially after a factory reset or firmware update.
Firewall or Security Software Blocking Connection:
Firewalls or router security settings might block the AirPrint communication path, preventing devices from connecting.
IP Address Conflict:
If your printer’s IP address changes frequently, your Apple device might not locate it on the network.
Step 1: Check Wi-Fi Connection
Ensure that both your Brother printer and Apple device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Avoid using guest networks or mobile hotspots, as these often block AirPrint traffic.
You can check the printer’s Wi-Fi status by printing a Network Configuration Page from the printer’s menu.
If the printer is not connected, reconnect it using the Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer’s control panel.
Step 2: Restart Devices
Simple restarts often fix temporary network glitches.
Power off your Brother printer, Wi-Fi router, and Apple device.
Wait for 30 seconds, then power on your router first, followed by your printer and Apple device.
Try printing again via AirPrint.
Step 3: Verify AirPrint Settings
On your Brother printer’s control panel or web interface, navigate to:
Network > Protocol > AirPrint.
Ensure AirPrint is enabled.
If it’s disabled, enable it and save the settings.
Step 4: Check Printer Status
Ensure your Brother printer is not in Sleep or Deep Sleep mode.
Press any button on the control panel to wake it up.
On your Apple device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, ensure it’s connected to the same network, and try printing again.
If the printer shows as Offline, go to your iPhone or iPad’s printer list and reselect the printer.
Step 5: Update Brother Printer Firmware
Firmware updates often fix bugs that cause AirPrint errors.
Visit support.brother.com and enter your printer model.
Download and install the latest firmware update for your printer.
After updating, restart the printer and test AirPrint again.
Step 6: Reset Network Settings
If the printer still doesn’t appear in the AirPrint list, resetting the network settings can help.
On your printer, go to Settings > Network > Network Reset.
Confirm the reset and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.
Once reconnected, check if your Apple device detects the printer.
Step 7: Disable Firewall or Router Restrictions
Some routers or security firewalls block AirPrint communication.
Log into your router’s admin panel and ensure that Bonjour (mDNS) service is enabled.
Temporarily disable any firewall or parental control settings.
After testing, re-enable them for safety.
If Bonjour is disabled, AirPrint will not discover the printer since it relies on this protocol for wireless communication.
Step 8: Assign a Static IP Address
An unstable or frequently changing IP address can cause AirPrint failures.
Go to the printer’s control panel → Network → TCP/IP → IP Address.
Change the setting to Static and assign a fixed IP address (within your router’s range).
Update your Apple device’s AirPrint configuration with the new IP if necessary.
Step 9: Test AirPrint Functionality
Once all settings are correct:
Open any app on your iPhone or iPad (like Safari, Photos, or Notes).
Tap the Share icon → Print.
Select your Brother printer.
Tap Print to test.
If the printer appears and prints successfully, the issue is resolved.
Avoid USB Connection: AirPrint only works over a wireless connection, not when the printer is connected via USB to a computer.
Check for iOS Updates: Ensure your Apple device runs the latest iOS or macOS version.
Use the Brother iPrint&Scan App: If AirPrint continues to fail, download Brother’s official app to print wirelessly.
If you’ve tried all steps and AirPrint still doesn’t work, the issue might be hardware-related or linked to your network router’s advanced settings. Contact Brother Support for professional assistance. Provide details such as your printer model, router brand, and firmware version for faster troubleshooting.
Brother AirPrint not working can be frustrating, but it usually results from simple network or configuration issues. By checking Wi-Fi connections, updating firmware, enabling AirPrint, and resetting network settings, you can quickly restore wireless printing functionality. Once fixed, AirPrint offers a seamless and efficient way to print directly from your Apple devices without any cables or extra software.