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Where to Find WPS PIN on Brother Printer?
Want to know where to find WPS PIN on your Brother printer? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Unlike other brands, Brother doesn’t print the WPS PIN code on the label, leaving many users rummaging through confusing menus. This guide will explain how to find and use the WPS PIN code on any Brother printer model, along with some security tips.
What Is a WPS PIN for a Brother Printer?
A WPS PIN for your Brother printer is a temporary 8-digit numeric password. Its sole purpose is to authenticate the printer with the Wi-Fi router during setup, eliminating the need to enter a complex Wi-Fi master password.
You can think of it this way: your Wi-Fi password is the master key to your network. However, the WPS PIN is a one-time security pass you provide to the printer. The router verifies this pass and then automatically transmits the actual network credentials to the printer.
WPS PIN vs WPS: What’s the Difference?
Many users easily confuse “WPS PIN” with “WPS,” but they represent a whole and its components.
WPS is a complete Wi-Fi Protected Setup system, primarily offering two connection methods:
- The WPS PIN Method: Authentication via an 8-digit code. This blog focuses on this method, but it has lower security.
- The WPS Push Button Method: Pairing by simultaneously pressing the physical WPS button on both the device (e.g., a printer) and the router. This method is faster and more secure.
In short, WPS is the framework, and the PIN code is just one tool within it. When the PIN code connection fails or there are security risks, you can choose the more reliable button connection method or the traditional Wi-Fi password setting to ensure a successful connection.
Where to Find WPS PIN on Brother Printer?
Brother printers typically do not print a fixed WPS PIN code on the label; it is generated on demand. You can find the WPS PIN in three ways.
Method 1: Generate the PIN On-Screen
This method applies to models equipped with a display screen or touchscreen, such as the Brother HL‑L2350DW, DCP-L2550DW, MFC-L2710DW, MFC-L2750DW, DCP-L3550CDW, MFC-J995DW, and most newer Brother multifunction printers.
- Turn on your printer and select “Menu” (usually indicated by an icon or the word “Menu”).
- Follow this path: Network > Wireless > WPS. Or like this: Network > WLAN > WPS. Sometimes it might also be: Settings > Network Settings > Wireless > WPS.
- Choose the PIN code method: You’ll see two main options: “PBC (Push Button Configuration)” and “PIN Code.” Select “PIN Code”.
- Your printer screen will display an 8-digit number, which is your WPS PIN code.The printer is now in “listening mode” and will wait approximately 120 seconds for you to enter this code into your router.
Method 2: Print a Network Configuration Report
This method works for all Brother printers with network capabilities, including older models, which typically have a screen. It’s especially effective if you get lost in the menus or your printer display is simple. It’s also the best way to permanently save your network settings. E.g., Brother HL-L8260CDW, HL-L8360CDW, etc.
- Locate the “Menu” button on your control panel.
- Navigate to the “Reports” or “Print Report” menu. Press “OK”. Sometimes you need to go to “Settings” > “All Settings” > “Print Reports” to find it.
- Select “Network Config.” (Network Configuration) or “WLAN Report.” Press OK or “Start” to print.
- Look at the printed page and focus on the “Wireless” section. Next to “WLAN WPS PIN:” or “PIN Code:” is your 8-digit PIN code (e.g., 23456789).
Method 3: For “Go Button” Models
Some Brother laser printers feature a minimalist LED panel, such as the Brother HL-L2300D and HL-L2320D, without complex menus. For these models, try this method:
try this method: Quickly press the “Go” button three times in quick succession.
Your Brother printer will immediately start and print a network configuration report. Your WPS PIN code will be displayed on these pages.
How to Connect Brother Printer to Wi-Fi Using WPS PIN?
When you’re looking for a WPS PIN, you’re usually connecting a printer and computer wirelessly. Let’s see how to connect them.
Get the PIN from Your Brother Printer
First, you need to obtain the PIN code from the printer itself.
Following the steps provided in the previous section, find the WPS PIN code on your printer screen or in your network configuration report. You can take a picture of this PIN code with your phone to prevent incorrect entry.
Enter the PIN into Your Router’s Settings
Now, you need to add this new device to your router on your computer. On a computer or mobile phone already connected to your home Wi-Fi, open a web browser. Enter the router’s IP address in the address bar (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, usually found on the router label), and press “Enter.”
In the router’s settings, find the “WPS” or “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” option. It is usually located under “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi Settings”. Look for a field or button labeled “Enter Device PIN”, “Add a Client”, or something similar.
Enter the PIN code and click “Apply”, “Connect”, or “Start”. The router will now begin searching for your printer.
Complete and Verify the Connection
Within about a minute, your printer should change from displaying the PIN to showing “Connected” or “Registered”. Press the “Stop/Exit” button on the printer panel to exit.
Finally, print a network configuration report to confirm that your Wi-Fi status is “Active”.
Important Security Warning and Better Alternatives
WPS PIN connection is fundamentally insecure. Due to the vulnerability of PIN codes to brute-force attacks, it has been largely abandoned. Most routers disable WPS PIN code connection by default for security reasons.
Therefore, we provide the following two wireless connection methods for Brother printers:
1. WPS Push Button Method
This method is faster and more secure because it requires physical contact with the router. No PIN code is needed, and there is no need to log in to the router.
On your Brother printer, select “Network,” “WPS,” “Push Button Mode,” and then “OK.” Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the router. Wait until the wireless light on your printer stops flashing to indicate a successful connection.
2. Standard Wi-Fi Setup
You can also use WiFi to connect wirelessly to the printer, completely avoiding the use of WPS.
On your printer, navigate to “Network,” “Wireless,” and then “Wizard.” “Then, select your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) from the list. Enter your Wi-Fi password. The printer is now wirelessly connected. If you want to use the printer wirelessly with your computer or mobile phone, simply open the driver or software on your device, select the wireless connection method, and enter the same Wi-Fi name and password. Refer to the blog How to Connect Epson Printer to WiFi.
WPS PIN Brother Printer Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the WPS PIN printed on a sticker on my Brother printer?
Generally, the answer is no. Unlike some HP or Netgear devices, Brother printers rarely have a default WPS PIN code printed on the label. You will typically need to generate the WPS PIN code dynamically using the printer panel or by printing a network configuration report.
2. I entered the PIN, but my Brother printer still won’t connect.
You must enter the PIN code within 2 minutes of its generation. If it times out, please try again. Also, please ensure you have enabled the WPS PIN code function in your router’s management settings. If it still fails, restart the printer and router and reconnect. Alternatively, you can use another method to wirelessly connect to your printer.
3. What’s the difference between WPS PIN and WPS Push Button?
Both methods allow you to connect to the printer without entering a Wi-Fi password, but the latter is more secure.
- WPS PIN: You need to enter the code in the router’s web interface. This is less secure because it is vulnerable to remote brute-force attacks.
- WPS Push Button:You need to press the buttons on both the printer and the router. This is more secure because it requires direct physical contact with your devices and is only effective for a short period.
4. Can I just use the standard Wi-Fi setup instead?
Of course, we often recommend this method. Using the standard Wi-Fi setup wizard (choosing a network name and entering the Wi-Fi password) is the most reliable and secure way to connect. It bypasses all potential security vulnerabilities of WPS and generally provides a more stable connection.
5. Should I leave WPS enabled on my router?
For maximum security, it’s best to disable the WPS entirely in your router settings after printing. You can retain the WPS function if you need it for easy device addition in the future, but be aware of the associated risks.
Wrap It Up
Finding the WPS PIN on your Brother printer is straightforward, as long as you know where to look. However, its security is limited. We recommend choosing a more secure wireless connection method such as the WPS Push Button or standard Wi-Fi settings. Only use the WPS PIN if other methods fail, and disable it on your router immediately afterward.
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