Brother printers are reliable workhorses, but their WiFi setup process can be frustrating. Whether you're setting up a new printer or reconnecting after a router change, this guide covers every method and common failure point.
Before You Start
- Know your WiFi network name (SSID) and password — write them down exactly
- Confirm you have a 2.4 GHz network — most Brother printers don't support 5 GHz
- Place the printer within 6 feet of the router during initial setup (you can move it after)
- Disconnect any USB or Ethernet cables — they can interfere with WiFi setup
Method 1: Setup Wizard (Most Reliable)
- On the printer: Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard
- Select Yes to enable WLAN
- The printer scans for networks — this takes 10-30 seconds
- Select your 2.4 GHz network from the list
- Enter your WiFi password carefully — passwords are case-sensitive
- Press OK and wait for "Connected"
- Print a WLAN Report: Menu → Network → WLAN → WLAN Report
Method 2: WPS Push Button
- On the printer: Menu → Network → WLAN → WPS
- When the printer says "Press WPS on router" — you have 2 minutes
- Go to your router and press the WPS button (usually on the back/side)
- Wait — the printer's WiFi LED should stop flashing and become solid
WPS troubleshooting: If it fails, check that WPS is enabled in your router settings. Some ISP routers (Xfinity, AT&T) have WPS disabled by default. If WPS isn't available, use the Setup Wizard method instead.
Method 3: USB-First Setup
The most reliable method when wireless setup keeps failing:
- Connect printer to computer via USB cable
- Go to brother.com/support → download the Full Driver & Software Package
- Run the installer → when asked for connection type, choose USB
- Complete installation and verify printing works
- Open Brother Utilities (installed with the driver)
- Select your model → click "Wireless Device Setup Wizard"
- Follow prompts to transfer WiFi settings to the printer
- Disconnect the USB cable when prompted
Fix 4: Reset and Retry
- Reset network settings: Menu → Network → Network Reset → Yes
- Power off the printer for 30 seconds
- Power on and wait for full initialization
- Retry the Setup Wizard method
Fix 5: Check Router Configuration
- Band: Broadcast a separate 2.4 GHz SSID if using a dual-band router
- Security: Use WPA2-Personal (AES) — Brother printers may not support WPA3 or TKIP
- MAC filtering: Disable or add the printer's MAC address (found on the WLAN report)
- AP isolation: Must be OFF — otherwise devices can't communicate
- DHCP: Must be enabled — the printer needs an IP assigned automatically
- Channel: If using a crowded channel, try switching to channel 1, 6, or 11
Fix 6: Enter WiFi Settings Manually
If the Setup Wizard doesn't find your network (hidden SSID or weak signal):
- Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard → scroll to bottom → <New SSID>
- Manually type your network name
- Select security type (WPA2-PSK)
- Enter your password
- Confirm and connect
Fix 7: Install Driver on Computer
Once the printer is on WiFi, your computer needs the driver to find it:
- Download driver from brother.com/support → your model
- During installation, select Wireless Network Connection
- The installer should find the printer automatically
- If not found: enter the printer's IP address from the WLAN report
- Complete installation and print a test page
Understanding the WLAN Report
Print this report (Menu → Network → WLAN → WLAN Report) to diagnose issues. Key error codes:
| Code | Meaning | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| TS-01 | WLAN not enabled | Enable WLAN in network settings |
| TS-02 | Cannot find router | Check 2.4 GHz, move closer |
| TS-04 | Authentication failed | Check WiFi password and security type |
| TS-07 | No IP from DHCP | Enable DHCP on router |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Brother printer WiFi setup keep failing?
Common causes: (1) Router is broadcasting on 5 GHz only — Brother printers need 2.4 GHz, (2) Incorrect WiFi password (passwords are case-sensitive), (3) WPS timeout — you didn't press the router WPS button fast enough, (4) Firewall blocking Brother setup wizard, (5) Too far from router during setup, (6) Router has MAC filtering or AP isolation enabled.
How do I put my Brother printer in WiFi setup mode?
On most Brother models: Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard. For newer touchscreen models: Settings → All Settings → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard. The printer will scan for available networks. On models without a screen, hold the WiFi button for 2 seconds — the WiFi LED will start flashing, indicating it's ready for WPS or wireless setup.
Can I setup Brother printer via USB first, then switch to WiFi?
Yes, this is actually the most reliable method. Connect via USB → install Brother drivers from brother.com → once printing works, open Brother Utilities → select your model → click 'Wireless Device Setup Wizard' → follow prompts to switch to WiFi. Then disconnect the USB cable.
Brother printer connected to WiFi but computer can't find it
Check: (1) Both on the same network — print a Network Configuration Report from the printer menu to verify, (2) Disable AP isolation on router, (3) Windows Firewall may be blocking — temporarily disable to test, (4) Use Brother's 'ControlCenter' software to detect the printer by IP address, (5) Try adding printer manually: Settings → Printers → Add Printer → add by IP address.
How do I reset Brother printer network settings?
Menu → Network → Network Reset → confirm. On touchscreen: Settings → All Settings → Network → Network Reset. This clears all WiFi and network settings, returning the printer to factory network defaults. You'll need to set up WiFi again from scratch.
Brother WiFi Still Failing?
Our technicians can configure your Brother printer WiFi remotely.