What to know
- Disconnecting your printer can help isolate network problems and determine if the issue lies with your printer or the overall network.
- If you’re using a shared printer, disconnecting it from Wi-Fi allows you to connect it directly to a specific computer for exclusive use.
- Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds, typically 10 to 20 seconds, until the printer powers off and back on.
Are you tired of your Brother printer constantly hogging your Wi-Fi signal? Maybe you’re switching to a wired connection, or perhaps you just want to take a break from the wireless world. Whatever the reason, disconnecting your Brother printer from Wi-Fi is a straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods, ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your printer.
Why Disconnect Your Brother Printer from Wi-Fi?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore some common reasons why you might want to disconnect your Brother printer from Wi-Fi:
- Switching to a Wired Connection: Wired connections offer a more stable and faster printing experience, especially for large files or high-volume printing.
- Troubleshooting Network Issues: Disconnecting your printer can help isolate network problems and determine if the issue lies with your printer or the overall network.
- Sharing a Printer: If you’re using a shared printer, disconnecting it from Wi-Fi allows you to connect it directly to a specific computer for exclusive use.
- Security Concerns: In some cases, disconnecting your printer from Wi-Fi can enhance security by reducing potential vulnerabilities.
- Limited Wi-Fi Bandwidth: If you have a limited Wi-Fi bandwidth, disconnecting your printer can free up bandwidth for other devices.
Method 1: Disconnecting via the Printer Control Panel
This method is the most direct and straightforward way to disconnect your Brother printer from Wi-Fi. Here’s how:
1. Power On Your Printer: Ensure your Brother printer is powered on and ready.
2. Access the Menu: Locate the “Menu” button on your printer’s control panel, usually represented by a gear or settings icon.
3. Navigate to Network Settings: Scroll through the menu options until you find “Network” or “Wireless Settings.”
4. Select “Disconnect” or “Delete Network“: Depending on your printer model, you might see options like “Disconnect,” “Delete Network,” or “Forget Network.” Choose the appropriate option.
5. Confirm the Action: The printer might prompt you to confirm the disconnection. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
Method 2: Disconnecting via the Brother iPrint&Scan App
The Brother iPrint&Scan app provides a convenient way to manage your printer settings, including disconnecting from Wi-Fi. Follow these steps:
1. Download and Install: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store onto your smartphone or tablet.
2. Connect Your Device: Ensure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer.
3. Open the App: Launch the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your device.
4. Select Your Printer: Choose your Brother printer from the list of available devices.
5. Access Settings: Look for a “Settings” or “Configuration” option within the app.
6. Disconnect from Wi-Fi: Navigate to the “Network” or “Wireless” settings and find the option to “Disconnect” or “Forget Network.”
7. Confirm Disconnection: Confirm the disconnection action, and your printer will be removed from the Wi-Fi network.
Method 3: Disconnecting via the Brother Website
For a more comprehensive approach, you can manage your printer settings directly through the Brother website:
1. Visit the Brother Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the Brother website.
2. Find the Support Section: Look for a “Support” or “Downloads” section on the website.
3. Access Printer Settings: You might need to register your printer or provide its model number to access its settings.
4. Disconnect from Wi-Fi: Within the printer settings, you’ll find options to disconnect from the current Wi-Fi network.
5. Confirm Disconnection: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the disconnection.
Method 4: Resetting Your Brother Printer
If you’re facing difficulties disconnecting your printer, a reset might be necessary. Resetting your Brother printer restores its factory settings, including network information. Here’s how:
1. Locate the Reset Button: Check your printer’s control panel or user manual to locate the reset button. It’s usually a small, inconspicuous button.
2. Press and Hold: Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds, typically 10 to 20 seconds, until the printer powers off and back on.
3. Confirm Reset: The printer might prompt you to confirm the reset. Follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Reconnect to Wi-Fi (Optional): After the reset, you can reconnect your printer to your Wi-Fi network if desired.
Connecting Your Brother Printer to a Wired Network
If you’re switching to a wired connection, here’s how to connect your Brother printer to your network using an Ethernet cable:
1. Connect the Ethernet Cable: Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on your Brother printer and the other end into an available Ethernet port on your router.
2. Power On Your Printer: Ensure your Brother printer is powered on.
3. Check the Connection: Verify that the Ethernet cable is securely connected at both ends.
4. Test the Connection: Try printing a test page to confirm that your printer is successfully connected to the wired network.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any problems during the disconnection process, here are some tips:
- Check Your Network Connection: Ensure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer.
- Restart Your Devices: Restart your printer, router, and the device you’re using to manage the printer settings.
- Check the Printer’s Status: Look for any error messages or indicators on the printer’s control panel.
- Consult the User Manual: Refer to your Brother printer’s user manual for detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.
- Contact Brother Support: If you’re still experiencing problems, contact Brother customer support for assistance.
Beyond Disconnection: Exploring Other Options
While disconnecting your Brother printer from Wi-Fi might be the right solution in certain situations, other options are available:
- Change the Wi-Fi Network: You can connect your printer to a different Wi-Fi network if you need a more stable or secure connection.
- Disable Wireless Printing: If you rarely use wireless printing, you can disable it in your printer settings to conserve energy and prevent potential security risks.
- Update the Printer Firmware: Updating your printer’s firmware can resolve connectivity issues and enhance its overall performance.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Connectivity Choices
Disconnecting your Brother printer from Wi-Fi is a simple yet effective way to manage your printing environment. Whether you’re seeking a more reliable connection, troubleshooting network issues, or simply taking a break from the wireless world, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to confidently disconnect your printer. Remember to explore the various methods and troubleshoot any challenges you encounter. Your printer, and your printing experience, will thank you for it.
What You Need to Learn
Q: What if my Brother printer is not listed in the Brother iPrint&Scan app?
A: Ensure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer. If the printer is still not listed, try restarting both your printer and device.
Q: Can I disconnect my Brother printer from Wi-Fi without using the control panel?
A: Yes, you can disconnect your printer using the Brother iPrint&Scan app, the Brother website, or by resetting the printer.
Q: Will disconnecting my Brother printer from Wi-Fi affect its functionality?
A: Disconnecting your printer from Wi-Fi will only affect its wireless printing capabilities. You can still use it for wired printing or manual printing.
Q: Can I reconnect my Brother printer to Wi-Fi after disconnecting it?
A: Yes, you can reconnect your printer to Wi-Fi by following the same steps you used to connect it initially.