Bs your Brother printer connected to WiFi but won’t print? Learn how to connect to a wireless network, fix iPhone connection issues, and troubleshoot common printing errors in 10 minutes. Step-by-step guide to connecting your Brother printer to WiFi and troubleshooting why it won’t print from your iPhone. Clear carriage jams, update firmware, and fix connection glitches fast.
How To Connect Brother Printer To Wifi?
Before connecting your Brother printer to WiFi, you must know the WiFi network name and password. Then, search for that network through the printer’s control panel. Select the network and enter its password to connect the two together. Once the connection is established, test the connection by printing a document from a computer or other device.
Connecting a Brother printer to your home or office WiFi network is very straightforward. You’ll only need about 10 minutes to connect the printer for immediate use.
One thing to remember is that precise steps might differ only slightly between printer models. Still, connecting your Brother printer to your WiFi will involve these 6 steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your WiFi Network
The first step in this process is preparing your WiFi network and gathering crucial information about it.
Firstly, check that your WiFi router is turned on and working correctly. Also, be mindful of the location of the WiFi router relative to where you want to put your Brother printer.
The printer must be within the router’s signal range without any obstacles in between that might interrupt the connection.
Lastly, be sure to confirm two pieces of information:
- The WiFi network’s name sometimes referred to as the SSID (Service Set Identifier)
- The WiFi network’s password, if it has one.
You’ll need to know those two things later when modifying the settings on your Brother printer.
Step 2: Prepare Your Brother Printer
The next step is to prepare your Brother printer. Start by plugging the printer into a wall socket and turning it on.
Remember: you must ensure that your Brother printer is within your router’s signal range. A typical router has a range of 150 feet indoors, though that can differ between router brands and models.
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Then, use the printer’s control panel to browse its settings. You’ll need to scroll through the menus to find the WLAN settings for your printer so you can enable it.
The WLAN feature on your Brother printer refers to Wireless Local Area Network. So that’s how the printer will find and connect to your WiFi router later. Once you’ve successfully enabled the WLAN feature on your Brother printer, you’ll be ready to connect it to your WiFi network.
Step 3: Select The Correct WiFi Network
After you enable the WLAN feature on your Brother printer, the device will start to detect all WiFi networks within its range. Those networks will appear on the printer’s control panel for you to scroll through.
You’ll likely only have one WiFi network in a typical household. However, the printer might also detect several different WiFi networks nearby.
That’s why you must search for the correct WiFi network based on the information you collected in Step 1.
When you find the correct network and select it, your Brother printer will begin connecting to that router.
Step 4: Enter Network Key Or Password
Most WiFi networks will have passwords to prevent people from connecting to them without permission. You’ll often see that the password is often referred to as a ‘network key’.
When your Brother printer connects to your WiFi network, it’ll ask you to key in that password.
Network keys are typically alphanumeric (a combination of alphabets, numbers, and symbols). On top of that, they’re also case-sensitive, which means you have to be sure to enter the password exactly as it is.
Step 5: Allow Printer To Connect
After you key in the WiFi network password through your Brother printer, the device will begin connecting to the network. This part of the process usually takes only a few seconds, though it could take up to a minute in some cases.
Once you enter the correct password and the printer connects to your WiFi network, you’ll never have to enter the password again.
Step 6: Test Printer
You can begin using your Brother printer as soon as you connect it to your WiFi network. At this point, it’s an excellent idea to test the printer to ensure it can print successfully, so you don’t get into trouble later.
The quickest way to test your printer is to print a sample document. The process is complete when you find that the document prints over WiFi without any problems!
What To Check If Brother Printer Won’t Connect To WiFi?
It’s normal to sometimes encounter issues when connecting your Brother printer to a WiFi network.
Here’s a quick list of items to troubleshoot if your printer fails to establish a connection:
- SSID and password: First and foremost, please ensure that you’re connecting your Brother printer to the correct router and with a valid password. Default router names and passwords can be similar and even identical, so it’s unfortunately very easy to get them mixed up.
- Distance from the router: Next, check that your Brother printer isn’t too far away from the WiFi router. Never forget that a router has a limited signal range that can prevent your printer from connecting to them. So, the closer those two devices are during the setup process, the better.
- Obstacles and interference: Check for anything interfering with your WiFi signal. Hard obstacles like heavy furniture and walls between the printer and the router can weaken the signal. Besides that, other wireless devices nearby can also interfere with the router’s signal.
- Other errors or glitches: Lastly, consider that the printer, WiFi router, or both devices are experiencing glitches or other short-term errors. The quickest way to clear an error like that is to reset the affected device. You can do that by disconnecting it from its power supply for 1 minute and rebooting the device.
Why Is My Brother Wireless Printer Connected But Not Printing?
Getting your Brother wireless printer to work isn’t as challenging as it might seem. If your documents are not being printed, here are a few likely causes you’ll want to troubleshoot:
No Power Supply
What it is: Your Brother printer operates wirelessly but still needs a continuous power supply cable to function correctly. Look closer at the device, and you’ll find that it has a power supply unit and plug that fits into a standard wall socket.
How it fails: When you troubleshoot your Brother wireless printer, it’s always best to start with the most basic issues that might affect it. In this case, the first likely reason your device isn’t printing is that it has no power supply.
More specifically, there could be an issue at:
- The wall socket: The wall socket you’re using for the printer might not be working.
- The power adapter: The power adapter might be torn, ripped or otherwise damaged.
- The printer power connector: The power connector is likely not fully inserted into the printer
How to fix it: To solve this problem, you must ensure the printer receives the power it needs.
Start by checking that the wall socket is functioning. Then, ensure that the printer’s power adapter is free from damage. Lastly, ensure that the power connector is inserted fully into the printer’s power inlet.
Active Printing Errors
How it fails: The next reason your Brother wireless printer isn’t printing is that it has one or more printing errors.
Some common printing errors include:
- A paper jam
- A lack of printing ink
- A software glitch or other error
- Other types of hardware failure
These printing errors will prevent your Brother device from printing, even if it has a power supply and has a wireless connection to your computer.
In other words, your device will not print anything until you resolve these printing errors.
How to fix it: The solution here will depend on the specific error you’re facing.
For example, you’ll have to remove any paper jams and replace the ink cartridges if those are the issues affecting your printer.
Besides that, reinstalling your printer software will usually resolve software problems. However, other kinds of hardware problems might require the attention of a qualified repair technician.
Printer Paused Or Has Other Print Jobs
What it is: Your Brother wireless printer offers plenty of options to manage the documents you want to print. For example, you can queue several print jobs back to back.
Besides that, you can pause individual print jobs that you don’t want the device to print just yet.
How it fails: Your device isn’t printing the document you want because the print queue is paused. Alternatively, there could be one or more previous print jobs on that queue that have yet to be completed.
As a result, the document you want to print will not come out until the print queue has been unpaused and the other documents ahead of it have been printed.
You can confirm if that’s the case by checking the print queue. Typically, that means going to your computer’s Control Panel (in Windows) or System Preferences (in macOS) and accessing the printer’s settings.
From there, you can see if the printer is paused and if it has any other jobs waiting in the print queue.
How to fix it: You can solve this problem by unpausing the print queue. But if there are other documents in the queue, you can delete or move them to the bottom of the queue.
That way, the document you want to print will come out first.
Wireless Router Issues
What it is: Never forget that your computer and your Brother wireless printer aren’t the only devices involved in this process. Besides those two, you also have a wireless router that provides device connectivity.
In simple terms, your wireless router is where your computer and your printer connect to the same network.
How it fails: Once you rule out the issues listed above, you should switch your attention to your wireless router. Even if your Brother wireless printer is connected to the network, a glitch or short-term error within the wireless router could prevent you from successfully printing a document.
How to fix it: One way to resolve this problem is to power-cycle the router and the printer. Doing so will allow both devices to reestablish their connection anew. As a result, any short-term errors should be cleared, and you can resume your printing tasks.
Computer Connection To Wireless Network
What it is: Never forget that there are two sides to using a Brother wireless printer. Firstly, the printer must have a stable connection to your home wireless network. Secondly, the computer that you’re using must also be connected to that same network.
You can print documents easily when both devices are on the same network.
How it fails: Unfortunately, your computer (or other devices) might have lost its connection to your home network. When that happens, you can’t use it to send documents to your Brother printer for printing.
A common reason for that problem is the computer being out of the wireless network’s range. Alternatively, obstacles could be blocking the signal or signal interference from other devices.
Whatever the case, that lack of connection will prevent you from printing even if your Brother wireless printer is connected to the network.
How to fix it: Your focus must be on the computer and its connection to the wireless network. Start by rebooting the computer to renew its connection to the network.
If necessary, move the computer within your wireless network’s range and remove any obstacles or devices that might interfere with the signal.
Why Won’t My Brother Printer Connect To My iPhone?
hen your Brother printer fails to establish a connection with your iPhone, there are three things you must troubleshoot. Those three things are:
- Your iPhone
- Your Brother printer
- The network you’re using to connect both
Errors or faults at each of the above can prevent your iPhone from connecting to your Brother printer and functioning correctly.
The Secret Weapon for iPhone Printing
If your iPhone says “No AirPrint Printers Found,” the most reliable fix is using the Brother iPrint&Scan app.
- Direct Communication: The app often finds the printer even when the native iOS print menu fails because it searches specifically for Brother hardware IDs.
- Status Check: It provides real-time data on your ink/toner levels and error codes directly on your phone screen, which the standard iPhone print menu won’t show.
- Remote Setup: You can actually use the app to finish the WiFi setup if you find the tiny screen on the printer too difficult to navigate.
Don’t Forget the Firmware
If you haven’t updated your Brother printer in a year or two, it may be running an old version of AirPrint that is no longer compatible with the latest iOS updates.
- How to Fix: Download the Brother Firmware Update Tool on your computer.
- The Result: This often resolves “Connected but Not Printing” errors by updating the security protocols the printer uses to talk to your router and phone.
iPhone Issues: Airplane Mode On Or Wifi Feature Off
What it is: All iPhone models have several connectivity features that offer plenty of conveniences. There are two such features that you’ll need to know about when using your phone to print with a Brother printer.
The first is the WiFi feature. When enabled, the phone will detect nearby WiFi networks and WiFi-enabled devices. It’ll also provide you with the option of connecting to them.
The second feature is Airplane Mode.When you turn that on, your iPhone will disable all incoming and outgoing radio signals.
Likely issues: When you can’t connect your iPhone to your Brother printer, the first troubleshooting step is to check your iPhone’s connectivity features.
Firstly, it’s likely that your iPhone has it’s Airplane Mode enabled. Besides that, the WiFi feature could also be disabled, preventing it from connecting to the same network as your printer.
How to resolve them: Thankfully, these two issues are quick to solve. Firstly, disable your Airplane Mode if it’s one. Then, give the phone 30 seconds to reestablish its wireless connections.
Secondly, check that your WiFi feature is enabled. When you turn it on, you’ll also have to wait a few moments for it to reconnect to your WiFi network. If that doesn’t happen, you’ll have to connect to the network manually by choosing it on your iPhone.
Brother Printer Issues: Outdated Firmware And Software
What it is: Brother printers rely on several different types of software to function correctly.
Overall, that software serves two purposes:
Firstly, it allows the printer to send and receive print data when it connects to your iPhone. That software is referred to as a printer driver.
The second kind of software is installed permanently into your Brother printer and is called the firmware. Its job is to control the printer’s functions and ensure it works correctly.
Likely issues: Drivers and firmware are two types of software involved in operating your Brother printer. Like any other kind of software, they must be updated from time to time. Those updates fix known glitches and provide improvements to the printer’s performance.
Another possibility to consider when your Brother printer can’t connect to your iPhone is the firmware or driver being outdated and faulty. The fault could affect the printer’s connectivity, preventing your iPhone from connecting to it.
How to resolve them: You can fix this problem by downloading and installing the latest software updates for your Brother printer. The first way to do that is through the Firmware Update Tool that Brother includes with some printer models.
Alternatively, you can go to Brother’s download page and search for software updates that apply to your printer model. Then, download and install the necessary updates to your computer.
Network Issue #1: Different Networks
What it is: The connection between your iPhone and Brother printer happens over a wireless network. Connecting the printer to the network allows you to share it with multiple devices that want to print documents, including your iPhone.
Likely issues: Remember: your Brother printer and your iPhone must be on the same network to connect. So, if you fail to connect or even detect the two devices, it’s likely that they’re on different networks.
For example, your iPhone might have detected and connected to a different WiFi network with a similar name. That network could be in the same area (e.g. multiple networks in the same office), or it could be a neighbor’s WiFi network instead.
How to resolve them: First, identify your router’s unique name or Service Set Identifier (SSID) and the wireless network. Then, double-check that your Brother printer and iPhone are connected to the same network.
Once both devices are on the same network, they can then connect seamlessly.
Network Issues #2: Router And Signal Problems
What it is: Once you connect the Brother printer and iPhone to the same network, you must check that connection’s quality.
Firstly, the router must be in excellent working condition, free from errors. The printer and iPhone must also be within that router’s signal range.
When those two conditions are met, the printer and iPhone will have no problems connecting.
Likely issues: If your iPhone can detect the network and the Brother printer yet fails to connect, it’s likely because of a router or wireless signal issue.
As mentioned above, the printer or router is likely too far away from the router. Besides that, the router itself might be facing a glitch that affects the network as a whole.
How to resolve them: Firstly, start by rebooting your router. Disconnect its power for 60 seconds and reconnect it. Then, give the router a few moments to reboot normally.
Rebooting the router allows it to start over fresh, free from any minor errors that might have been affecting it.
Next, ensure that your Brother printer and iPhone are within your wireless network’s signal range. WiFi routers typically have a signal range of 150 feet indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few more quick questions and answers to help you troubleshoot your Brother wireless printer:
Does A Wireless Printer Have To Be Plugged Into The Router?
Not necessarily. Depending on the Brother wireless printer model you have, you might be able to connect to the router wirelessly. Then, any device on the same network can access that printer.
How Far Can A Wireless Printer Be From The Router?
Your printer should be within 150 feet of the router (on a 2.4Ghz connection) or within 50 feet (on a 5Ghz connection)
How Do I Get My Brother Printer To Print On Wi-Fi?
Firstly, you must connect your Brother printer to that wi-fi network. Then, any device on the same network can print using that printer.
Can I Connect More Than One Computer To A Wireless Printer?
Yes, you can connect more than one computer or device to a wireless printer. However, the precise number will depend on the printer model. Please refer to the user manual to know how many connections your printer can handle.
How Many Ways Can You Connect A Printer To A Computer?
Depending on the printer model, you can connect a printer to a computer directly with a cable or Bluetooth connection. Besides that, you can connect both through a shared wi-fi network.
How Do I Connect My iPhone To My Brother Printer?
One way you can connect your iPhone to your Brother printer is through your WiFi network. Connecting both devices to a shared network allows you to send print jobs directly to the printer from your iPhone.
What Is AirPrint, And How Does It Work?
AirPrint is a feature that allows you to print directly from your iOS device without installing a printer driver. However, that’s only possible for Brother printer models with AirPrint compatibility.
What’s The Difference Between Software And Firmware?
Firmware is semi-permanent software installed directly into devices like your Brother printer. That software will stay on the printer despite repeatedly turning it on and off. Software is the application you use on your device to send printing instructions to the printer.
What’s The Purpose Of Airplane Mode On An iPhone?
The Airplane Mode on an iPhone turns off all incoming and outgoing wireless signals from the device while still allowing you to use the phone’s functions. Its primary purpose is to prevent phone signals from disrupting airplane equipment during flights.
Can I Print From My iPhone Without Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can print from your iPhone without WiFi if you can connect your iPhone to your computer with a cable. Depending on your iPhone model, that could mean something like a Lightning to USB cable that connects both devices.
What Is The Difference Between Wi-Fi And Wireless Printer?
A Brother printer with WiFi capabilities can connect to your house or office WiFi network. Then, computers or devices on the same network can wirelessly send documents to the printer. However, some printers have wireless capabilities that allow them to connect directly to your computer instead of going through a WiFi network.
Can I Use A WiFi Printer Without The Internet?
Yes, you can use a Brother WiFi printer without an internet connection. That’s because the printer communicates with your computer through the WiFi network without going through the internet.
How Do I Get My Printer On Wi-Fi?
Firstly, turn on your Brother printer and scroll through the menu on its control panel. You’ll find an option to enable the WLAN feature to search for all nearby WiFi networks. Select the network that’s yours, input your password, and the printer will connect to that Wifi network.
