Brother Printer WiFi Setup — Connect in 5 Minutes
By Ryan Green · Updated July 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
Switching routers or moving to a new network shouldn't mean your Brother printer stops working. Many users panic when their printer can't find the new WiFi, but this is one of the most straightforward fixes in printer maintenance—usually resolved in under 10 minutes without any special tools.
The key is understanding that your printer has memorized your old network settings and needs to be told about the new one explicitly. We'll walk you through the exact menu paths and buttons on your Brother device, plus the backup methods if your first attempt doesn't connect.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle the printer and router. Turn off your Brother printer completely and wait 30 seconds. Power off your new router, wait 60 seconds, then power it back on. Wait for the router's WiFi light to stabilize (usually 2-3 minutes). This clears temporary connection conflicts and gives the printer a fresh start to discover networks.
- Access the Network settings menu on your printer. On your Brother printer's touchscreen display, tap Menu or Settings (exact wording varies by model). Navigate to Network or WiFi Settings. You should see options for WiFi Setup or Network Configuration. If your model has physical buttons instead of a touch screen, use the navigation arrow buttons to reach Settings, then Network.
- Select 'Scan for Networks' or 'Search'. Choose the option to scan for available WiFi networks (called 'WiFi Setup' on many Brother models). The printer will display a list of networks within range. This scan takes 10-20 seconds. Locate your new network's name (SSID) in the list and tap it.
- Enter your WiFi password carefully. When prompted, use the printer's keypad or touchscreen keyboard to enter your WiFi password exactly as it appears—passwords are case-sensitive and spaces matter. Take your time; a single wrong character will prevent connection. If your keyboard is difficult to navigate, write down the password first so you can enter it without looking at your device.
- Confirm the connection and test. After entering the password, select Connect or OK. The printer will display a connection status message. Wait 30 seconds for the WiFi icon on the printer's display to show a stable connection symbol. Print a network configuration page from the Settings menu to verify the printer has obtained an IP address on your new network.
- Reconnect the printer in Windows 11 or macOS. On your computer, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners (Windows 11) and click 'Add a device,' or System Settings > Printers & Scanners (macOS) and click the '+' button. Select your Brother printer from the list and complete the driver installation if prompted. This registers the printer with your new network on your computer.
- Use WPS button method if scanning doesn't work. If your Brother printer has a WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button and your router supports WPS, press and hold the WPS button on your printer for 3 seconds, then immediately press the WPS button on your router. The printer will auto-connect within 2 minutes without requiring password entry. This is often faster and more reliable than manual entry.
- Reset network and try USB setup as last resort. If WiFi connection still fails after two attempts, reset the printer's network settings completely: go to Menu > Settings > Network > Reset Network Settings > Yes. Connect the printer to your computer via USB cable temporarily. Install or update the Brother printer driver from the official Brother support site. Once the printer is recognized via USB, retry the WiFi setup from step 2.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does my Brother printer say 'Cannot connect to network' after I enter the password?
This usually means the password was entered incorrectly (passwords are case-sensitive), the printer is out of range of the new router, or the router's WiFi band doesn't match the printer's capability. Check that your router's 2.4GHz band is enabled—many Brother printers don't support 5GHz-only networks. Try re-entering the password more slowly, and move the printer within 10 feet of the router temporarily to rule out signal issues.
Can I connect my Brother printer to WiFi without using the touchscreen menu?
Yes. Use the WPS button method if your router supports it (most modern routers do), or temporarily connect via USB cable and use Brother's free software utility called 'Brother Utilities' or 'Brother iPrint&Scan' to configure WiFi settings from your computer. The USB method is especially helpful if the printer's touchscreen is unresponsive.
My printer was working on the old network but shows no WiFi networks now—what's wrong?
The printer may be too far from the new router or the router isn't broadcasting its SSID. Move the printer closer to the router and ensure the WiFi is actually turned on (not in airplane mode). If your new router is much older or uses 802.11b-only standards, your Brother printer may not see it—check your router's specs or contact your Internet Service Provider. Restarting both devices usually resolves temporary scanning issues.
Do I need to uninstall drivers before connecting to the new network?
No. Your existing drivers will work on the new network as long as the printer connects successfully. Windows 11 and macOS will simply discover the printer at its new IP address. You only need to add the printer again in Printers & Scanners if it doesn't auto-detect, which typically happens automatically within 2-3 minutes of the printer successfully joining the new WiFi network.