Why Is My Brother Printer Not Connecting to Mobile Device?

The convenience of modern printing has taken a huge leap forward with the ability to print directly from smartphones and tablets. Brother, as one of the world’s most trusted printer manufacturers, provides excellent compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. Whether through Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, Mopria, Google Cloud Print, or Brother’s iPrint&Scan app, users can enjoy fast and seamless mobile printing.

But sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Many users face the frustrating issue of “Why is my Brother printer not connecting to mobile device?” This problem can occur due to wireless network issues, misconfigured settings, outdated apps, or even device compatibility.

Common Reasons Why Brother Printer Is Not Connecting to Mobile Device

There are several possible causes for this issue. Understanding them helps in effective troubleshooting:

1. Wi-Fi or Network Issues

If your mobile device and printer are not connected to the same Wi-Fi network, printing will fail.
Weak Wi-Fi signals or router issues can also cause connection drops.

2. Compatibility Limitations

Not all Brother printers support AirPrint (iOS) or Mopria (Android).
Older printer models may not support direct mobile printing.

3. Disabled Wireless Features on Printer

Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, or Mopria may be disabled in printer settings.

4. Outdated Firmware or Mobile App

Old printer firmware may not recognize mobile devices.
Outdated Brother iPrint&Scan app may lead to connection issues.

5. Firewall or Security Restrictions

Some routers block peer-to-peer connections like Wi-Fi Direct.
Security apps on mobile devices may interfere with printer discovery.

6. Incorrect App or Method

Printing from mobile requires specific apps or built-in services.
Using unsupported apps may result in failed connections.

7. Bluetooth Confusion

Some users mistakenly try to connect via Bluetooth, but most Brother printers support Wi-Fi-based mobile printing, not Bluetooth.

How to Fix Brother Printer Not Connecting to Mobile Device

Let’s go step by step through the most effective solutions.

Step 1: Confirm Compatibility

Check if your Brother printer supports mobile printing features like AirPrint, Mopria, or iPrint&Scan.
Visit the official Brother Support site → Enter your printer model → Check specifications.

Step 2: Verify Network Connection

Ensure both printer and mobile device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Avoid switching between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands if your router broadcasts both.
Restart router, printer, and phone.

Step 3: Enable Wireless Features on Printer

Access the printer’s control panel.
Go to Menu > Network > WLAN > Wi-Fi Direct / AirPrint / Mopria.
Enable the required service.

Step 4: Use the Correct App or Service

For iPhone/iPad Users (iOS/macOS):

Use AirPrint (built into iOS).
Open document/photo → Tap Share > Print → Select Brother Printer.

For Android Users:

Use Mopria Print Service (built into Android 8.0 and above).
Or install the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Google Play Store.

For Both iOS & Android:

The Brother iPrint&Scan app works universally for scanning and printing.

Step 5: Update Printer Firmware and Apps

Download Brother Firmware Update Tool from Brother’s website.
Update the printer firmware using USB/Wi-Fi.
Update iPrint&Scan app from App Store/Google Play.

Step 6: Reset Network Settings

On iPhone/iPad:

Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Reconnect to Wi-Fi and try again.

On Android:

Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > Reset Network Settings.

Step 7: Try Wi-Fi Direct Printing

If you don’t have a Wi-Fi network available:

Enable Wi-Fi Direct on the printer.
On your phone, go to Wi-Fi settings.
Select the Brother printer’s SSID.
Enter the password (usually displayed on the printer screen).
Open your file and print directly.

Step 8: Disable Firewall/Antivirus (If Applicable)

If your router has a strict firewall, temporarily disable it.
On mobile, ensure no VPN is active when trying to connect.

Step 9: Reinstall the Printer App

Uninstall Brother iPrint&Scan app.
Reinstall it and reconnect your printer.

Step 10: Factory Reset Printer Network Settings

On the printer, go to Menu > Network > Network Reset.
Reconfigure Wi-Fi and AirPrint/Mopria settings from scratch.

Special Cases

Brother Printer Not Connecting to iPhone/iPad (AirPrint Issue)

Ensure the printer supports AirPrint.
Enable AirPrint in printer’s Network > Protocol menu.
Make sure Bonjour (mDNS) is enabled in the router.

Brother Printer Not Connecting to Android Device

Install Mopria Print Service from Google Play if missing.
Enable Wi-Fi Direct for direct printing.

Brother Printer Not Found in Brother iPrint&Scan App

Ensure both devices are on the same network.
Manually add the printer by IP address.

Brother Printer Keeps Disconnecting

Assign a static IP address in your router for stable connectivity.
Avoid connecting too many devices to the same Wi-Fi.

Preventive Measures

Keep Firmware Updated – Always install the latest firmware.
Update Mobile Apps – Regularly update iPrint&Scan or Mopria Print Service.
Use Reliable Wi-Fi – Stable internet reduces connection drops.
Assign Static IP – Prevents printer disappearing from network.
Restart Devices Weekly – Refresh network connections.

Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering, “Why is my Brother printer not connecting to mobile device?”, the problem usually comes down to network issues, incorrect settings, outdated software, or compatibility limits. By ensuring both devices are on the same Wi-Fi, enabling AirPrint/Mopria/Wi-Fi Direct, updating firmware, and using the correct apps, you can restore smooth mobile printing.

Brother printers are designed to work effortlessly with smartphones and tablets, but sometimes, small configuration errors or outdated settings can disrupt the process. With the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to connect your Brother printer to your mobile device with ease.