Brother printers are known for their reliability and versatility, allowing users to print, scan, and copy with ease. One of the most common ways to connect a Brother printer to a wireless network is through the Wireless Protected Setup (WPS) method. This allows users to connect their printer to their Wi-Fi network without needing to input complex network details. If you’ve chosen the WPS PIN method for connecting your Brother printer to Wi-Fi, the next important step is to locate the WPS PIN, which is required to complete the connection.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of finding the wps pin printer brother, explain why you need it, and provide troubleshooting tips in case you run into any issues. Whether you are setting up your Brother printer for the first time or troubleshooting a network issue, understanding how to locate the PIN is crucial to ensure a successful setup.
What is a PIN on a Brother Printer?
Before diving into how to find the PIN on your Brother printer, it’s important to understand what this PIN is and why it’s necessary. The PIN (Personal Identification Number) is an 8-digit code generated by your printer when using the WPS (Wireless Protected Setup) PIN method to connect to a wireless network.
The Role of the WPS PIN Method
WPS is a standard designed to simplify the process of connecting devices (like printers, routers, and smartphones) to a Wi-Fi network. The WPS PIN method specifically allows devices to connect to a wireless router securely without manually entering the Wi-Fi password. By using this method, the process of connecting a Brother printer to your wireless network becomes faster and more secure.
Here’s how the process works:
- The Brother printer generates a unique 8-digit PIN.
- You enter this PIN into your router’s web interface.
- The router verifies the PIN and connects the printer to the network.
Unlike the WPS Push Button method, which only requires pressing a button on your printer and router, the PIN method provides an additional level of security by requiring you to manually enter the PIN into your router’s settings.
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Why Do You Need the WPS PIN?
The WPS PIN serves as an added security feature, ensuring that only authorized devices are allowed to connect to the wireless network. The process is faster and more secure than manually typing in a Wi-Fi password. Here are some of the reasons why the WPS PIN method is preferred by many users:
- Security: Since you need to manually enter the PIN into the router’s configuration, it prevents unauthorized connections from happening.
- Convenience: The PIN method eliminates the need to remember long and complex Wi-Fi passwords, making it easier to connect devices to the network.
- Compatibility: Some routers may not have a physical WPS button, which makes the PIN method a reliable alternative.
If your Brother printer is connected to the network via this method, you’ll need to locate the PIN to complete the setup.
How to Find the WPS Pin Printer Brother
Locating the PIN on your Brother printer is relatively straightforward, as it is displayed on the printer’s screen once you initiate the WPS PIN method. Here are the steps you can follow to find the PIN on your Brother printer:
Step 1: Power On Your Printer
First, ensure that your Brother printer is powered on and properly connected to a power source. Check that the printer’s display screen is active.
Step 2: Access the Printer’s Network Settings
You need to navigate to the network settings in order to access the WPS PIN option. Depending on your Brother printer model, this may look slightly different, but the steps are generally similar:
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Touchscreen Printers: If your Brother printer has a touchscreen, follow these steps:
- Tap on the Settings icon on the home screen.
- From the settings menu, select Network or Wi-Fi options.
- Look for the WPS (PIN Method) option and select it.
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Button-Based Printers: For models without a touchscreen, you’ll need to use the physical buttons to navigate:
- Press the Menu button on your printer.
- Using the arrow keys, navigate to the Network or Wireless section.
- Select WPS (PIN Method) from the available options.
Step 3: Select WPS (PIN Method)
Once you’ve located the WPS settings, select WPS (PIN Method). The printer will automatically generate an 8-digit PIN, which will appear on the screen. This PIN is required to complete the connection to your wireless network.
Step 4: Write Down or Remember the PIN
The PIN displayed on the screen will typically be an 8-digit number. It is important to write down this PIN or remember it, as you will need to input it into your router’s web interface within a few minutes. The PIN is time-sensitive and will expire if not used within a certain period.
Step 5: Input the PIN into Your Router
Now that you have the PIN, the next step is to input it into your router’s settings to establish the connection between your printer and the network. Follow these steps:
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Log in to Your Router’s Web Interface:
- Open a web browser on a device connected to the router.
- Type the router’s IP address in the browser’s address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router’s manual if these addresses don’t work.
- Enter the router’s administrator username and password. (If you don’t know this, it’s often printed on a sticker on the router.)
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Locate the WPS Section:
- After logging into the router’s settings, find the WPS section. This is typically located under the Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi Settings menu.
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Enter the WPS PIN:
- Select the WPS PIN Method.
- You will be prompted to enter the 8-digit PIN that was displayed on your Brother printer.
- After entering the PIN, confirm the settings, and the router will authenticate the printer.
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Confirm the Connection:
- Once the PIN has been entered, the printer and router should automatically establish a connection.
- On your Brother printer, you will receive a confirmation message indicating that it is connected to the Wi-Fi network.
Step 6: Test the Connection
After completing the setup, print a test page from the printer to ensure that the connection is successful. You can also try printing from your computer or mobile device to confirm the wireless connection is working.
What to Do If You Can’t Find the PIN
In some rare cases, you might run into issues where the PIN is not being displayed on your Brother printer’s screen. Here are some possible reasons and troubleshooting steps you can take:
1. Check Printer’s Screen
The PIN should appear on the printer’s screen once you select the WPS PIN method. If nothing is displayed, double-check the menu and ensure that you selected the correct option. If there’s an error message, refer to your printer’s manual or consult the Brother support website for more details.
2. Timeout Error
If you’ve waited too long to input the PIN into your router’s settings, it may have expired. WPS PINs are only valid for a few minutes. In this case, simply go back to the printer’s network settings and regenerate a new PIN by selecting the WPS (PIN Method) again.
3. Printer Firmware Update
Outdated firmware could sometimes cause issues with generating or displaying the WPS PIN. Make sure that your printer’s firmware is up to date. You can check for firmware updates through the printer’s control panel or the Brother support website.
4. Router Settings
If your router does not support WPS or if the feature has been disabled, you won’t be able to use the WPS PIN method. In this case, try using a different connection method, such as connecting manually through the printer’s Wi-Fi setup wizard or using the WPS Push Button method if your router supports it.
5. Reboot the Printer
If the PIN still isn’t showing up, try restarting your printer. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary software glitches.
Alternatives to WPS PIN Method
If you’re still having trouble finding the PIN or if your router doesn’t support WPS, you can connect your Brother printer to your network using alternative methods:
1. WPS Push Button Method
If your router has a physical WPS button, you can use the WPS Push Button method, which is simpler than the PIN method. Simply press the WPS button on your router and then press the WPS button on your printer to establish the connection.
2. Manual Wi-Fi Setup
If WPS is not an option, you can manually enter your Wi-Fi network’s name (SSID) and password through the printer’s Wi-Fi setup wizard. This can be done through the printer’s control panel and is usually located under Network or Wi-Fi Setup.
3. USB Cable Connection
As a last resort, you can connect your Brother printer to a computer using a USB cable and set up the printer over the network through your computer’s settings. This may be necessary if your printer has no wireless capabilities or if the network setup fails.
Conclusion
Finding the WPS PIN on your Brother printer is an essential step in setting up a secure and fast connection to your Wi-Fi network. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily find the PIN, input it into your router’s settings, and complete the wireless setup. If you encounter any issues, the troubleshooting tips should help resolve most common problems, ensuring that your printer is connected and ready to go.
Whether you’re setting up your Brother printer for the first time or troubleshooting an existing connection, knowing how to find and use the WPS PIN is an important part of ensuring seamless and efficient printing from any device on your network.