When your Brother printer stops scanning over WiFi, it can be frustrating, especially if you rely on wireless scanning for home or office tasks. Unlike printing, scanning over WiFi requires two-way communication between your computer or mobile device and the printer. If any part of this connection is disrupted, scanning may fail.
There are several signs that indicate WiFi scanning issues. You might see error messages in the Brother software, the scanner may not appear in your devices list, or the scan may start but never complete. Sometimes, scanning works when connected via USB but fails over WiFi, which usually points to network or software issues rather than hardware problems.
Scanning over WiFi depends on several elements: your wireless network, the Brother printer’s settings, the scanning software on your device, and sometimes firewall or antivirus configurations. If any of these are misconfigured or blocked, the scan will fail.
Common causes include misconfigured WiFi settings, outdated drivers or software, conflicts with firewall settings, or network interruptions. By understanding these factors, you can troubleshoot logically and efficiently instead of guessing or repeatedly restarting devices. The next section explains the common causes in detail so you know what to check first.
Common Causes of Brother Printer Not Scanning Over WiFi
Several factors commonly prevent a Brother printer from scanning over WiFi:
- Incorrect Network Connection – The printer and computer must be on the same WiFi network. Different networks, including separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, can prevent scanning.
- Firewall or Security Software Blocking Connection – Antivirus or firewall settings may block the scan communication.
- Outdated Drivers or Software – The Brother ControlCenter or scanner driver may need updates. Without the latest version, WiFi scanning may fail.
- Incorrect Printer Configuration – The printer may not be properly set up for network scanning. Certain settings may be disabled by default.
- IP Address Changes – If the printer’s IP changes frequently, your computer may lose connection. Assigning a static IP can help.
- Network Interference – Unstable WiFi signals or router issues can interrupt scanning communication.
- Software Conflicts – Other installed printer drivers or network utilities may interfere with the scanning process.
- Operating System Updates – System updates can sometimes reset drivers or software, causing scanning issues.
- Mobile App Misconfiguration – When scanning from mobile devices, the Brother iPrint&Scan app settings may be incorrect.
Understanding which of these causes applies to your situation will help you focus on the right solution. The following section provides step-by-step fixes to restore wireless scanning.
Step by Step Solutions to Fix Brother Printer WiFi Scanning Issues
Here’s a structured approach to resolving WiFi scanning problems with Brother printers. Follow these steps carefully:
- Check Network Connection – Ensure both your Brother printer and device are connected to the same WiFi network. Avoid guest networks or networks with restricted access.
- Restart Devices – Turn off your printer, computer, and router. Wait 30 seconds, then turn them back on. This clears temporary glitches and refreshes the network.
- Update Drivers and Software – Install the latest Brother scanner driver and ControlCenter software from the Brother website. This ensures compatibility and resolves bugs.
- Check Firewall and Security Settings – Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus and attempt a scan. If it works, add exceptions for the Brother software and scanner ports to prevent future blocks.
- Verify Printer Configuration – On the printer menu, ensure network scanning is enabled. Check IP addresses, sharing options, and scan-to-computer settings.
- Assign a Static IP – Assign a fixed IP address to your printer to prevent connection loss due to dynamic IP changes. This makes WiFi scanning more stable.
- Test With Another Device – Try scanning from a different computer or mobile device. This helps determine if the problem is device-specific.
- Reinstall the Printer and Scanner – Remove the printer from your computer or mobile device, then reinstall it using the Brother software. This refreshes the connection.
- Check Mobile App Settings – If scanning from a phone or tablet, ensure the Brother iPrint&Scan app is updated and configured to detect your printer on the same WiFi network.
Here’s a quick reference table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Purpose | When to Use |
| Check Network Connection | Ensures devices are on same WiFi | Always first step |
| Restart Devices | Clears temporary glitches | When scanner not detected |
| Update Drivers & Software | Resolves compatibility issues | After updates or software errors |
| Check Firewall / Security | Prevents blocked communication | When scanning fails despite connection |
| Verify Printer Configuration | Confirms network scanning enabled | If printer settings were changed |
| Assign Static IP | Prevents connection loss | When IP changes frequently |
| Test With Another Device | Identifies device-specific issues | When issue persists |
| Reinstall Printer / Scanner | Refreshes connection | When previous steps fail |
| Check Mobile App Settings | Ensures correct app configuration | When scanning from mobile |
Following these steps methodically resolves most Brother WiFi scanning issues without professional help.
Preventing Brother Printer WiFi Scanning Problems and Final Thoughts
Once WiFi scanning is working, it is important to prevent future problems. A few good habits and preventive measures can ensure smooth scanning:
- Keep Drivers and Software Updated – Regularly update Brother drivers, ControlCenter software, and mobile apps. Updates fix known bugs and maintain compatibility.
- Maintain Stable WiFi – Keep your printer and devices on a reliable WiFi network. Avoid frequent network changes or using networks with heavy interference.
- Configure Firewall Exceptions – Ensure your firewall or antivirus allows communication for Brother scanning software.
- Assign Static IP to Printer – A fixed IP prevents scanning issues caused by dynamic IP changes.
- Restart Devices Occasionally – Restart the printer, computer, and router periodically to maintain smooth connections.
- Verify Printer Settings Before Scanning – Check that network scanning and relevant options are enabled before starting scans.
- Test From Multiple Devices – Occasionally test scanning from another computer or mobile device to ensure broad compatibility.
By following these practices, you minimize the chances of encountering WiFi scanning problems. Most issues are software, network, or configuration related rather than hardware faults.
In conclusion, Brother printer not scanning on WiFi is a common issue but manageable. Understanding the root causes, methodically troubleshooting, and implementing preventive measures restores wireless scanning functionality. With proper maintenance and careful configuration, you can ensure reliable scanning from computers, phones, and tablets without unnecessary frustration.