If your Brother printer is not found on the network error appears during setup or while trying to print, don’t worry—this is one of the most common networking issues for Brother printers. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or a mobile device, the problem is usually caused by Wi-Fi connectivity, incorrect network settings, outdated drivers, firewall restrictions, or printer discovery issues.

This comprehensive guide explains the most common causes and provides proven troubleshooting steps to help you reconnect your Brother printer to your network quickly.

What You’ll Learn

• Why your Brother printer is not found on the network
• Common causes of network detection issues
• How to reconnect your printer to Wi-Fi
• Windows and Mac troubleshooting steps
• Driver and software fixes
• Router and firewall settings to check
• How to reset your Brother printer’s network settings
• Tips to prevent future network connection problems

Why Is My Brother Printer Not Found on the Network?

When your computer cannot detect your Brother printer, it usually means the printer and computer are unable to communicate over the same network.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Printer is disconnected from Wi-Fi
• The computer and printer are on different networks
• Weak wireless signal
• Incorrect IP address
• Outdated Brother printer driver
• Firewall blocking printer communication
• Router configuration issues
• Printer network settings have been reset

Identifying the root cause helps you choose the correct solution instead of trying random fixes.

Check That the Brother Printer Is Connected to the Correct Wi-Fi Network

The first step is verifying that your printer is connected to the same wireless network as your computer.

How to Verify the Network

1. Open the printer’s Network or WLAN menu.
2. Print the Network Configuration Report if available.
3. Check the Wi-Fi network name (SSID).
4. Compare it with the network connected to your computer.

If the SSIDs are different, reconnect the printer to the correct Wi-Fi network and try discovering it again.

Restart the Printer, Computer, and router.

Temporary network glitches often prevent devices from communicating properly.

Follow these steps:

1. Turn off your Brother printer.
2. Shut down your computer.
3. Unplug your wireless router for about one minute.
4. Restart the router completely.
5. Turn on the printer.
6. Restart your computer.

Once everything reconnects to the network, check whether the printer is detected.

Ensure Your Computer and Printer Are on the Same Network

Many homes and offices have multiple Wi-Fi bands, such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, or separate guest networks.

Check that:

• Both devices are connected to the same router.
• Neither device is connected to a guest network.
• VPN software is temporarily disabled during setup.
• The network connection is stable.

A mismatch between networks is one of the leading causes of printer discovery failures.

Run Brother printer network troubleshooting.

Most operating systems include built-in tools that can identify network communication problems.

On Windows

• Open Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners.
• Select your Brother printer.
• Run the printer troubleshooter.
• Allow Windows to detect and repair network issues.

On macOS

• Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
• Remove the unavailable printer if necessary.
• Add the printer again using the “+” button.
• Select the printer from the network list.

Update the Brother Printer Driver and software.

Outdated drivers can prevent your computer from locating the printer correctly.

Updating the printer driver can resolve:

• Network discovery failures
• Printing errors
• Scanner communication problems
• Compatibility issues after operating system updates

If necessary, uninstall the existing driver before installing the latest version to eliminate corrupted software files.

Check Firewall and antivirus settings.

Security software can sometimes block network printer communication.

Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software and check whether the printer appears.

If the printer is detected after disabling security software:

• Allow Brother printer services through the firewall.
• Add the printer software to the exception list.
• Re-enable your security software after testing.

Never leave firewall protection permanently disabled.

Assign a Static IP Address to the Brother printer.

If your router frequently changes IP addresses using DHCP, your computer may lose communication with the printer.

Assigning a static IP address helps maintain a stable connection.

Benefits include:

• Faster printer discovery
• Fewer offline errors
• More reliable wireless printing
• Easier network management

Many businesses use static IP addresses for network printers to improve reliability.

Reset the Brother Printer Network Settings

If previous troubleshooting does not work, resetting the network configuration may solve the issue.

Steps

1. Open the printer’s menu.
2. Navigate to Network.
3. Select Network Reset or Reset Network.
4. Confirm the reset.
5. Restart the printer.
6. Reconnect it to your Wi-Fi network.

After reconnecting, install or rediscover the printer on your computer.

Reinstall the Brother printer.

Sometimes the installed printer profile becomes corrupted.

To reinstall:

1. Remove the existing printer from your computer.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Add the printer again using the network setup wizard.
4. Complete the installation.
5. Print a test page.

A fresh installation often resolves persistent communication problems.

Tips to Prevent Brother Printer Network Problems

Following a few best practices can reduce future connectivity issues.

• Keep printer firmware updated.
• Update printer drivers regularly.
• Place the printer close to the wireless router.
• Avoid frequent Wi-Fi password changes.
• Use a stable home or office network.
• Restart networking equipment occasionally.
• Avoid connecting the printer to guest networks.
• Assign a static IP address if the printer is used frequently.

Routine maintenance helps ensure reliable wireless printing.

Quick Answers

Why is my Brother printer not found on the network?

The printer may be connected to the wrong Wi-Fi network, have an outdated driver, have an incorrect IP address, or be blocked by firewall settings.

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

Use the printer’s network or WLAN menu to select your wireless network, enter the correct password, and reconnect the printer before adding it again on your computer.

Can restarting the router fix this issue?

Yes. Restarting the router refreshes network connections and often resolves temporary communication problems between your printer and computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t Windows find my Brother printer?

Windows may not detect the printer if it is offline, connected to a different network, using an outdated driver, or blocked by firewall settings.

Why does my Brother printer keep going offline?

Common reasons include unstable Wi-Fi, changing IP addresses, outdated drivers, or router connectivity issues.

Should I use a static IP address?

Yes. A static IP address improves network stability and reduces printer discovery issues.

Does reinstalling the printer help?

Yes. Reinstalling the printer removes corrupted settings and creates a fresh network connection.

Can antivirus software block my Brother printer?

Yes. Some antivirus and firewall programs may prevent printer communication unless proper exceptions are configured.

Conclusion

The Brother printer not found on the network issue is usually caused by wireless connectivity problems, outdated drivers, incorrect network settings, or firewall restrictions. By verifying the Wi-Fi connection, ensuring both devices are on the same network, updating drivers, restarting your networking equipment, and resetting the printer’s network settings when necessary, you can restore communication and get your Brother printer working again. Regular maintenance and stable network configuration can also help prevent this issue from returning.