When you replace or upgrade your router, your Brother printer may lose its connection to the network. This is because the printer is configured to the previous router’s network settings, including SSID, password, and IP address. Without updating these settings, the printer cannot communicate with computers or mobile devices on the new network.
Setting up your Brother printer on a new router is essential for both wired and wireless connections. Wireless setup is more common and allows multiple devices to access the printer without cables, but it requires careful configuration to ensure stable connectivity.
Common issues when setting up a printer on a new router include:
- Printer unable to detect the new WiFi network
- Wrong SSID or password entered
- IP address conflicts or dynamic IP assignment issues
- Firewall or security software blocking access
- Outdated printer firmware or drivers
Symptoms of a failed setup include:
- Printer appears offline or not detected
- Print jobs remain in the queue
- Error messages such as “Cannot connect to network” or “Printer not found”
- Printer loses connection shortly after setup
Understanding these potential challenges helps you follow the correct steps to successfully set up your Brother printer on a new router.
Step by Step Guide to Set Up Brother Printer on a New Router
Step 1: Gather Network Information
Before starting, have your new router’s SSID (network name) and password ready. Also, confirm whether your network uses a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, as some Brother printers only support 2.4 GHz.
Step 2: Power On the Printer
Ensure the printer is turned on and ready. For wireless printers, verify that it is not connected to an old network. You may need to reset the printer’s network settings if it was previously connected.
Step 3: Reset Network Settings on the Printer
- Navigate to Menu > Network > Network Reset (or similar depending on model)
- Confirm the reset
- The printer will clear old WiFi settings and be ready for a new connection
Step 4: Connect to the New WiFi Network
- Use the Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer display:
- Select the new SSID from the list of available networks
- Enter the network password carefully
- Confirm connection and check the status on the printer display
Step 5: Assign a Static IP Address (Optional but Recommended)
Assigning a static IP ensures that the printer remains reachable even if the router assigns dynamic addresses differently in the future.
- Navigate to Network settings > TCP/IP > Manual or Static IP
- Enter a consistent IP address compatible with your network
Step 6: Install or Update Printer Drivers on Computers
After connecting the printer to the new network, update the drivers on all devices that will use it:
- Download the latest drivers from the Brother website
- Install drivers on Windows, Mac, or mobile devices
- During installation, select the network printer option and ensure it detects the new IP address
Step 7: Test the Connection
Print a network configuration page from the printer to verify the IP address and network status. Then, print a test page from a computer or mobile device to confirm proper setup.
Common Issues and Solutions During Brother Printer Setup on a New Router
| Issue | Symptom | Solution |
| Printer not detecting WiFi | Printer cannot find SSID | Reset network settings and retry Wireless Setup Wizard |
| Wrong password entered | Connection fails | Re-enter correct network password carefully |
| IP conflicts | Printer appears intermittently | Assign static IP address |
| Firewall/antivirus blocking | Printer not detected by computer | Temporarily disable firewall or add printer exception |
| Incompatible network band | Printer cannot connect | Ensure printer connects to supported 2.4 GHz band |
| Outdated drivers | Printer not recognized | Install or update latest drivers on all devices |
These solutions cover the most common obstacles encountered when connecting a Brother printer to a new router.
Preventing Future Network Setup Issues
To ensure smooth operation on any future network changes:
- Keep a record of printer IP addresses and network settings
- Update firmware regularly to maintain compatibility with new routers
- Assign static IPs to prevent disconnections after router changes
- Maintain updated drivers on all devices using the printer
- Document SSID and passwords for easy reconnection in case of router replacement
For offices or homes with multiple users, sharing this information ensures everyone can access the printer without issues after a network upgrade.
By carefully following these steps and preventive measures, your Brother printer will integrate seamlessly with your new router, providing reliable network printing and scanning for all connected devices. Proper configuration and driver updates are key to avoiding future connectivity problems.