If your Brother printer is not showing up on the network, it’s likely caused by Wi-Fi connectivity issues, IP conflicts, incorrect network settings, firewall interference, or outdated drivers. Follow these steps to identify and fix the problem.
Verify Printer’s Network Connection
Check Wi-Fi or Ethernet Status
- On the printer’s control panel, go to Network > WLAN or Wired LAN > Status.
- Confirm the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi SSID or Ethernet network.
- If not connected, run the Setup Wizard and reconnect to the network.
Print Network Configuration Page
- From the printer menu, select Print Reports > Network Config.
- Check the IP address, subnet mask, and connection status.
Restart Printer, Router, and Computer
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from power.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router.
- Restart the computer.
- Power on the printer and allow it to reconnect to the network.
Make Sure Printer and PC Are on the Same Network
- Confirm both your computer and Brother printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Dual-band routers may have separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz SSIDs; use the same one for both devices.
Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily
- Some firewalls or antivirus software may block network discovery.
- Temporarily disable the firewall and see if the printer becomes visible.
- If it does, add your printer software to the firewall’s allowed list.
Assign a Static IP Address to the Printer
- Access printer settings and navigate to Network > TCP/IP > IP Address.
- Choose Static and enter an IP address in the same subnet as your PC.
- Use this IP to manually add the printer on your computer.
Reinstall or Add Printer Manually
On Windows
- Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a Printer.
- Select The printer that I want isn’t listed.
- Choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address.
- Enter the static IP address from the printer.
On Mac
- Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
- Click the + sign and go to the IP tab.
- Enter the printer’s IP address and click Add.
Update Brother Printer Driver
- Go to the Brother Support Website.
- Download and install the Full Driver & Software Package for your printer model.
- Restart your PC and try to reconnect the printer.
Reset Network Settings on Printer
- On the printer, go to Initial Setup > Reset > Network Reset.
- Confirm the reset.
- Reconnect the printer to the network using the setup wizard.
Use Brother’s Network Connection Repair Tool (Windows)
- Download and run the Brother Network Connection Repair Tool.
- The tool will detect and correct common configuration issues.
- Follow the on-screen steps to complete the fix.
If the Brother printer still does not show up on the network, try connecting via USB to test functionality, or contact Brother Support for hardware or network diagnostics.