If you’re seeing the Brother printer network connection failed error, you’re not alone. This common issue prevents your printer from connecting to your Wi-Fi network or communicating with your computer, making wireless printing impossible. Fortunately, most network connection problems can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

In this guide, you’ll learn the common causes of Brother printer network connection failures, how to reconnect your printer to Wi-Fi, fix network settings, update drivers, and prevent future connectivity issues.

What You’ll Learn

• Common causes of network connection failures
• How to reconnect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi
• Fixing incorrect network settings
• Updating printer drivers and firmware
• Troubleshooting Windows and Mac connection issues
• Resetting your printer’s network settings
• Preventing future wireless connection problems

Why Does the Brother Printer Network Connection Failed Error Occur?

A Brother printer may display a “network connection failed” message for several reasons. Identifying the root cause helps you apply the correct solution.

Common causes include:

• Incorrect Wi-Fi password
• Weak wireless signal
• Printer connected to the wrong network
• Router configuration changes
• Outdated printer firmware
• Corrupted printer drivers
• Incorrect IP address settings
• Firewall or antivirus blocking communication
• Network interruptions

Most of these issues can be fixed without professional assistance.

How to Fix Brother Printer Network Connection Failed Error

Follow these troubleshooting steps in order until the printer reconnects successfully.

Restart Your Devices

Temporary network glitches often disappear after restarting your equipment.

Steps:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Restart your Wi-Fi router.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Wait two minutes.
5. Turn the printer back on.

Check if the printer reconnects automatically.

Verify Your Wi-Fi Network

Ensure your printer is connected to the correct wireless network.

Check:

• Network name (SSID)
• Wi-Fi password
• Signal strength
• Router status

If your router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, verify that your Brother printer supports the selected band.

Reconnect Your Brother Printer to the Wireless Network

If the printer has lost its connection, reconnect it manually.

Steps:

1. Open the printer’s menu.
2. Select Network.
3. Choose WLAN.
4. Select Setup Wizard.
5. Choose your wireless network.
6. Enter the Wi-Fi password.
7. Wait for the confirmation message.

Print a network configuration report to verify the connection.

Check the Brother printer network settings.

Incorrect network settings can prevent communication.

Verify:

• IP Address
• Gateway
• Subnet Mask
• DNS Settings

Most home users should leave these settings on automatic (DHCP).

If your printer has an incorrect IP address, reconnect it to the network.

Update Brother printer drivers.

Outdated or corrupted drivers frequently cause communication errors.

To update your printer:

• Remove the existing printer driver.
• Install the latest driver for your operating system.
• Restart your computer.
• Add the printer again.

Updating drivers often restores stable wireless communication.

Update the printer firmware.

Firmware updates improve compatibility with modern routers and operating systems.

Benefits include:

• Improved wireless stability
• Bug fixes
• Better security
• Enhanced network performance

Always keep your Brother printer firmware up to date.

Check Windows or Mac printer settings.

Sometimes the computer is configured to communicate with an incorrect printer.

Verify:

• Brother printer is set as the default printer.
• Printer status is Online.
• No print jobs are stuck in the queue.
• Printer is using the correct network port.

Clear the print queue if necessary.

Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Security software may block communication between your computer and printer.

Temporarily disable:

• Windows Firewall
• Antivirus software
• VPN applications

If the printer reconnects, add the Brother printer as an allowed device before re-enabling your security software.

Reset Brother Printer Network Settings

If nothing else works, resetting the network configuration often resolves persistent issues.

General steps:

1. Open Menu.
2. Select Network.
3. Choose Network Reset.
4. Confirm the reset.
5. Restart the printer.
6. Reconnect it using the Setup Wizard.

This removes all saved wireless settings.

Fix Weak Wi-Fi Signal Problems

Poor wireless coverage can interrupt communication.

Improve signal strength by:

• Moving the printer closer to the router.
• Avoiding thick walls.
• Keeping the printer away from microwaves and cordless phones.
• Using a Wi-Fi extender if necessary.

A stronger signal provides more reliable printing.

Common Brother Printer Network Problems and Solutions

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Network Connection Failed	Wrong Wi-Fi password	Reconnect using Setup Wizard
Printer Offline	Lost network connection	Restart printer and router
Cannot Find Printer	Incorrect IP address	Reinstall the printer.
Printing Delays	Weak Wi-Fi signal	Improve wireless coverage
Driver Communication Error	Outdated driver	Update printer driver
Network Timeout	Router issue	Restart the router.

Tips to Prevent Brother Printer Network Connection Issues

Following these best practices can reduce future connectivity problems.

• Keep printer firmware updated.
• Install the latest printer drivers.
• Use a stable Wi-Fi connection.
• Avoid frequent router resets.
• Assign a reserved IP address if supported by your router.
• Keep the printer within wireless range.
• Restart the printer periodically.
• Remove unused printer installations from your computer.

Preventive maintenance helps maintain a reliable wireless connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Brother printer say network connection failed?

This usually occurs because of incorrect Wi-Fi credentials, router issues, outdated drivers, weak signal strength, or incorrect network settings.

How do I reconnect my Brother printer to Wi-Fi?

Open the printer’s Network menu, launch the Setup Wizard, select your wireless network, enter the Wi-Fi password, and complete the setup.

Can restarting the router fix the problem?

Yes. Restarting your router refreshes the network connection and often resolves temporary communication errors.

Why is my Brother printer connected to Wi-Fi but not printing?

The printer may be offline, using an outdated driver, assigned an incorrect IP address, or blocked by firewall software.

Should I reset my Brother printer?

Reset the network settings only after other troubleshooting steps fail, as this removes all saved wireless configurations.

Conclusion

The Brother printer network connection failed error is usually caused by Wi-Fi configuration issues, outdated drivers, network interruptions, or incorrect printer settings. By checking your wireless connection, updating software, verifying network settings, and resetting the printer when necessary, you can restore a stable connection and resume printing quickly. Regular firmware updates and proper network maintenance will also help prevent future connection failures.