Wireless Setup Is Requesting WPS PIN on Brother Printer

Setting up a wireless printer can seem daunting, especially if you’re encountering prompts like “Wireless setup is requesting a WPS PIN” on your Brother printer. Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a feature designed to simplify the connection between your printer and a wireless router, but understanding how it works and how to resolve common issues can sometimes be challenging. This article will guide you through the process of handling this message and successfully connecting your WPS PIN on Brother Printer to your wireless network.

What is WPS and How Does It Work?

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a network security standard that allows users to quickly and securely connect devices to a wireless network without manually entering the network name (SSID) or password. WPS is particularly helpful for connecting devices such as printers, cameras, and other peripherals to your home or office Wi-Fi network.

There are two primary methods for using WPS:

Push Button Method (PBC): Pressing a button on your router and then on the device you wish to connect.
PIN Method: The device generates an 8-digit PIN that you enter into the router’s settings.

Why Does Your Brother Printer Request a WPS PIN?

When you attempt to set up your Brother printer wirelessly, it may prompt you for a WPS PIN as part of the PIN method of WPS. This is the second method mentioned above. The printer generates a unique PIN, which must be entered into the router’s settings for a successful connection.

The WPS PIN method is considered secure because it only allows devices that have the correct PIN to join the network. However, if you are encountering a request for the WPS PIN during setup, it can create some confusion if you’re not familiar with the process.

Why Is Your Brother Printer Asking for a WPS PIN?

When you try to connect your Brother printer to a wireless network, your printer may display a message saying, “Wireless setup is requesting a WPS PIN.” This can happen for several reasons:

WPS PIN Method is Selected: If you have manually selected the PIN method in the printer’s wireless setup options, the printer will ask for the WPS PIN.
Router Settings: Your router might be set to use the PIN method for WPS, meaning the router expects you to input an 8-digit WPS PIN from the printer.
Network Configuration Issues: If the wireless network is not configured to accept a push-button method or the router’s WPS push-button is disabled, the PIN method may be automatically activated.
Outdated Printer Firmware: If your printer’s firmware is outdated, it might not work properly with your router’s WPS settings, leading to requests for a PIN.

How to Find the WPS PIN on Your Brother Printer

To proceed with the wireless setup and connect your Brother printer to your network, you will need to find the WPS PIN. Here are some steps you can take to locate it:

1. Use the Printer’s Control Panel

Brother printers with a built-in display or touchscreen make it easy to locate the WPS PIN directly from the printer’s control panel.

Step-by-Step Process:

Turn on your printer.
Press the “Menu” or “Settings” button.
Navigate to the “Network” or “Wireless” settings.
Select “WPS (PIN Code)” from the list of wireless setup options.
Your printer will display an 8-digit WPS PIN on the screen. This is the PIN you will need to input into your router’s settings.

Once you have the PIN, proceed to enter it into your router’s configuration page, as outlined below.

2. Check for a Label on the Printer

In some older Brother printer models, the WPS PIN may be printed on a label attached to the printer. This is typically found in one of the following places:

The back of the printer: Look for a sticker near the serial number or barcode.
Inside the printer: Open the front or top cover and check for a label with the WPS PIN.
The original packaging or user manual: Some printers come with documentation that lists the default WPS PIN.

If you find the PIN printed on the label, use it to input into your router’s WPS settings.

3. Print a Network Configuration Report

If you can’t find the WPS PIN on the control panel or label, you can print a Network Configuration Report that includes the PIN. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Process:

Turn on your printer.
Press the “Menu” button.
Navigate to “Print Reports” or “Network Settings.”
Select “Network Configuration” or “Print Network Settings.”
The printer will print a report that includes the WPS PIN under the wireless network section.

Once you have the WPS PIN, proceed to enter it into your router’s settings.

Entering the WPS PIN into Your Router

Now that you have the WPS PIN from your Brother printer, the next step is to enter it into your wireless router’s configuration page. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Access Your Router’s Settings

Find the router’s IP address (usually listed on the back of the router, commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
Enter the router’s IP address into your browser’s address bar.
Log in with the router’s admin credentials. (These are often found on the back of the router or in the manual. Default usernames and passwords are usually “admin” and “password” unless changed).

Step 2: Locate the WPS Settings

Once logged in, navigate to the router’s Wi-Fi settings or WPS settings. Here, you should find options related to Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).

Look for the WPS PIN method or a similar option.
Select PIN Method if it’s not already chosen.
Enter the 8-digit WPS PIN that you retrieved from your Brother printer.
Save the changes and wait for the router to apply the settings.

Step 3: Complete the Connection

Once the WPS PIN is entered into the router, your Brother printer should automatically connect to the wireless network. If the printer doesn’t connect immediately, check the status on the printer’s screen or consult the network configuration report for any errors.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While the WPS PIN method is designed to simplify wireless setup, there are a few common issues that may arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

1. WPS PIN Not Working

Solution: Ensure the PIN is correctly entered into the router’s settings. Check that the PIN is entered within the time frame specified by your router (typically 2 minutes).

2. Printer Is Not Connecting

Solution: Double-check that both the printer and the router support the WPS PIN method. If the router doesn’t support it, use the WPS push-button method instead.

3. Outdated Firmware

Solution: Check for firmware updates for both your Brother printer and your router. An outdated printer firmware might cause issues with WPS setup.

4. Incorrect Router Settings

Solution: Some routers may have WPS disabled by default. Ensure that WPS is enabled in the router settings before proceeding.

Conclusion

If your Brother printer is requesting a WPS PIN during the wireless setup, it’s simply asking for the 8-digit PIN that helps establish a secure wireless connection. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly find the WPS PIN and input it into your router to complete the setup process. Whether you retrieve the PIN from the printer’s display, a printed label, or a network configuration report, the process is straightforward and designed to make wireless setup as simple as possible.

With the WPS PIN entered correctly and a successful connection established, your Brother printer will be ready to print wirelessly, enhancing your productivity and convenience.