Step 1: Unbox and Prepare Your Brother Printer
Before You Start
- 1 Remove all packaging: Tape, foam, protective film, and cardboard inserts
- 2 Install ink/toner: Open the cartridge cover and install the included cartridges
- 3 Load paper: Adjust the paper guides and load letter-size paper
- 4 Connect power: Plug in the power cord and turn on the printer
- 5 Set language/date: Follow the initial setup prompts on the display
Important: Wait for the initial ink/toner charging process to complete. This can take 5-10 minutes on inkjet printers.
Brother Ink & Toner Cartridges
If your included cartridges are "starter" size, consider upgrading to high-yield for better value.
Step 2: Connect Brother Printer to WiFi
Method 1: Using the Setup Wizard (Recommended)
The easiest way to connect your Brother printer to WiFi.
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1
Open Network Settings
Press Menu or Settings on your Brother printer, then navigate to Network > WLAN
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2
Select Setup Wizard
Choose Setup Wizard. The printer will search for available networks.
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3
Select Your Network
Find and select your WiFi network name (SSID) from the list.
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4
Enter Password
Use the touchscreen or arrow buttons to enter your WiFi password. Pay attention to uppercase/lowercase.
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5
Confirm Connection
Wait for "Connected" message. The WiFi light should turn solid blue.
Method 2: WPS Push Button (Fastest)
If your router has a WPS button, this is the quickest method.
- 1. Locate the WPS button on your WiFi router
- 2. Press and hold the WPS button on the router for 2-3 seconds
- 3. Within 2 minutes, on your Brother printer go to Network > WLAN > WPS
- 4. Select "Push Button" and press OK
- 5. Wait for connection confirmation (WiFi light turns solid)
WiFi Requirements
- • Brother printers only work on 2.4GHz networks (not 5GHz)
- • Network name (SSID) should not contain special characters
- • Keep printer within 20 feet of router during setup
USB Connection Setup
Connect via USB Cable
USB provides the most reliable connection. Best for printers near your computer.
- 1. Do NOT connect the USB cable yet - wait until the driver installer prompts you
- 2. Download the driver from support.brother.com
- 3. Run the installer and select "USB Connection"
- 4. When prompted, connect the USB cable to printer and computer
- 5. Complete the installation wizard
USB Cable
Most Brother printers use a USB-B cable (square connector). Make sure you have the right one.
USB Printer Cable - $7.99Install Brother Driver on Windows
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1
Download the Driver
Go to support.brother.com, search for your printer model, and download the Full Driver & Software Package.
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2
Run the Installer
Double-click the downloaded file. If prompted by Windows Security, click "Run anyway".
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3
Select Connection Type
Choose Wireless Network Connection or USB depending on your setup.
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4
Select Your Printer
The installer will search for your printer. Select it from the list and click Next.
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5
Complete Installation
Follow remaining prompts. Choose to install additional software like Brother iPrint&Scan if desired.
Can't Find Your Printer?
If the installer can't find your printer on the network, click "Add Printer Manually" and enter the printer's IP address. Find the IP on the printer: Network > WLAN > TCP/IP > IP Address.
Install Brother Driver on Mac
AirPrint (No Driver Needed)
Many Brother printers support AirPrint. If your printer is connected to WiFi, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > click + and your printer may appear automatically.
Manual Driver Installation
- 1. Go to support.brother.com and search for your printer
- 2. Select macOS and download the driver package
- 3. Open the downloaded .dmg file and run the installer
- 4. Follow the installation prompts
- 5. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
- 6. Click + and select your Brother printer
- 7. Click Add to complete setup
Troubleshooting Setup Issues
Brother Printer Won't Connect to WiFi
- ✓ Check WiFi band: Must be 2.4GHz, not 5GHz
- ✓ Move closer: Keep printer within 20 feet of router
- ✓ Check password: WiFi passwords are case-sensitive
- ✓ Restart router: Unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in
- ✓ Reset network settings: Menu > Network > Network Reset
Printer Not Found During Driver Install
- ✓ Ensure printer is on and connected to WiFi first
- ✓ Computer and printer must be on the same network
- ✓ Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus during setup
- ✓ Try entering printer's IP address manually
Printer Prints Test Page but Not From Computer
- ✓ Reinstall the driver completely
- ✓ Set Brother printer as default printer
- ✓ Clear the print queue and restart Print Spooler
- ✓ Check that correct printer is selected in print dialog
Test Your Brother Printer
Verify your setup is complete with our test pages:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I connect my Brother printer to WiFi?
Press Menu > Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard. Select your WiFi network, enter the password, and wait for connection confirmation. Alternatively, use WPS: press WPS on router, then WiFi button on printer within 2 minutes.
Why won't my Brother printer connect to WiFi?
Brother printers only work on 2.4GHz networks (not 5GHz). Check your password, move closer to router, and ensure the network name doesn't have special characters. Try resetting network settings and reconnecting.
How do I install Brother printer drivers on Windows?
Go to support.brother.com, enter your model, download the Full Driver & Software Package. Run installer, select connection type, and follow prompts. The installer auto-detects your printer.
How do I set up my Brother printer on Mac?
Try AirPrint first: System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > click + and select printer. If not found, download driver from support.brother.com, install, then add printer through System Preferences.
How do I reset Brother printer network settings?
Press Menu > Network > Network Reset (or WLAN > Factory Reset). Confirm when prompted. This erases WiFi settings and lets you reconnect fresh using the Setup Wizard.