Dial 1-888-966-6097 AirPrint is Apple’s native printing technology that allows users to print directly from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac without installing any drivers. Brother printers are AirPrint-compatible, but sometimes you might encounter a frustrating issue: Brother AirPrint not working.
If your iPhone or iPad can’t find the printer, or the print job fails unexpectedly, don’t worry. This guide covers the most common Wi-Fi and network issues causing Brother AirPrint to fail, and how to fix them.
🔍 What Is Brother AirPrint?
AirPrint lets you print wirelessly from iOS or macOS devices to a compatible printer on the same network. With Brother printers, AirPrint requires:
A supported Brother model (check the model list on Brother’s website)
A Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection (not USB)
The iOS/macOS device and printer must be on the same local network
⚠️ Common Brother AirPrint Issues
Here are the most reported AirPrint problems with Brother printers:
iPhone or iPad can’t find the Brother printer
The printer shows offline or not responding
Print jobs fail midway or stay in the queue
The Brother printer is connected via USB only, not networked
✅ Fixes for Brother AirPrint Not Working
Here are 10 tested solutions to fix Brother AirPrint issues:
1. ✅ Make Sure the Brother Printer Supports AirPrint
Not all Brother printers support AirPrint.
Visit Brother’s AirPrint compatibility list and search for your model.
If your printer isn’t AirPrint-compatible, you’ll need to use Brother’s iPrint&Scan app instead.
2. ✅ Connect Printer to the Same Wi-Fi Network
Your iPhone/iPad must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Brother printer. If they’re on different networks or bands (e.g., 2.4GHz vs 5GHz), they won’t see each other.
On the printer, print a Network Configuration Page to confirm its IP and SSID.
On your iOS device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure it's connected to the same SSID.
Tip: Avoid using mobile hotspots or guest networks that block local communication.
3. ✅ Restart Printer, Router, and iOS Device
Temporary connection glitches can cause AirPrint failures.
Steps:
Power off the Brother printer and unplug it.
Restart your router and wait 1–2 minutes for full boot-up.
Restart your iPhone or iPad.
Power on the printer and try again.
4. ✅ Update Brother Printer Firmware
Older firmware versions may have compatibility issues with AirPrint.
To update firmware:
Visit Brother’s support site
Enter your printer model
Download and run the Firmware Update Tool
Follow the on-screen instructions (requires USB or network connection)
5. ✅ Check for iOS or macOS Updates
An outdated iOS version can cause AirPrint bugs.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone/iPad
Install the latest version if available
On Mac: Go to System Settings > General > Software Update
6. ✅ Ensure Bonjour (mDNS) Is Enabled on Your Network
AirPrint uses Bonjour (multicast DNS) to discover printers.
If you're using a mesh Wi-Fi system or have guest network isolation, Bonjour may be blocked.
Fix:
Log into your router settings (usually at 192.168.1.1 or similar)
Look for Multicast, Bonjour, or mDNS and make sure it’s enabled
Disable AP isolation or Client isolation if active
7. ✅ Disable VPNs and Firewalls
VPNs on your iPhone or router can block AirPrint.
Turn off VPN on your iPhone/iPad
Disable or adjust firewall settings on your router if necessary
Also check that no network security apps or parental controls are restricting local communication.
8. ✅ Use Static IP for Your Printer
Assigning a static IP address can help maintain a stable connection.
To do this:
On your router, reserve a static IP for the printer’s MAC address.
On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Network > IP Settings and enter the reserved IP.
This prevents the IP from changing, which often breaks AirPrint.
9. ✅ Remove and Re-add the Printer (Mac Users)
If AirPrint isn’t working on your Mac:
Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
Select the Brother printer and click the “-” to remove it
Click “+” to re-add it. Choose the version that says “AirPrint” under “Use”
10. ✅ Reset Network Settings on the Printer
If nothing else works, reset the Brother printer’s network settings:
Steps:
On the printer, go to Menu > Network > Network Reset
Reconnect to your Wi-Fi using WLAN Setup Wizard
Try printing again from your iPhone or Mac
🧪 Test If AirPrint Works
After applying the above fixes:
Open an image or document on your iPhone or iPad
Tap the Share icon > Print
Select your Brother printer from the list
If the printer appears and starts printing, AirPrint is working correctly.
🛠️ Still Not Working? Use Brother iPrint&Scan App
If AirPrint continues to fail, try using the Brother iPrint&Scan app:
Download from the App Store
Ensure both devices are on the same network
Use the app to print, scan, or check printer status
✅ Conclusion
AirPrint makes printing from Apple devices fast and seamless—but only if everything is correctly set up. By following the above Wi-Fi and network fixes, you can resolve most Brother AirPrint problems in minutes.