The Brother DCP-T420W is an efficient all-in-one ink tank printer designed for home and small office use. One of its standout features is wireless connectivity, allowing you to print from laptops, smartphones, or tablets without using cables. Whether you’re setting it up for the first time or reconnecting to a new network, this guide will walk you through every step to connect your Brother DCP-T420W to Wi-Fi effortlessly.

Pre-Requisites Before You Begin

Before starting the Wi-Fi setup process, ensure you have the following:

  • A Wi-Fi-enabled router with an active internet connection.

  • Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.

  • A smartphone, laptop, or PC connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

  • The Brother DCP-T420W printer, turned on and ready.

Wireless Setup Methods for Brother DCP-T420W

You can connect the Brother DCP-T420W to Wi-Fi using any of the following methods:

  1. Wi-Fi Direct

  2. Control Panel Setup (Manual Wi-Fi Setup)

  3. Brother iPrint&Scan Mobile App

  4. Via PC Using Brother Printer Installer

Let’s go through each method.

Method 1: Using the Control Panel – Manual Wi-Fi Setup

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Turn on the Printer

    • Make sure your Brother DCP-T420W is powered on and paper is loaded.

  2. Access Network Settings

    • Press the Menu button on the printer’s control panel.

    • Use the arrow keys to navigate to “Network”, then press OK.

  3. Select WLAN

    • Choose “WLAN” and press OK.

    • Select “Setup Wizard” and press OK again.

  4. Search for Wi-Fi Networks

    • The printer will search for nearby Wi-Fi networks. A list will appear.

    • Use the arrow keys to select your Wi-Fi network (SSID) and press OK.

  5. Enter Wi-Fi Password

    • Use the keypad to enter your Wi-Fi password.

    • Press OK to confirm.

  6. Connect and Confirm

    • The printer will attempt to connect to the Wi-Fi network.

    • If successful, you’ll see “Connected” on the screen.

    • A wireless icon will appear, confirming Wi-Fi connectivity.

Method 2: Wi-Fi Direct (No Router Needed)

Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect your printer directly to a device without a router.

Steps:

  1. Press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the printer.

  2. The printer will create its own Wi-Fi network.

  3. On your smartphone or PC, go to Wi-Fi settings and select the network starting with “DIRECT-…”

  4. Enter the password shown on the printer screen.

  5. Open the Brother iPrint&Scan app or print directly using supported apps.

⚠️ Note: Wi-Fi Direct is best for one-to-one temporary connections.

Method 3: Use Brother iPrint&Scan Mobile App

If you're setting up from your smartphone or tablet, this is the easiest method.

Steps:

  1. Download Brother iPrint&Scan from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

  2. Connect your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network you want the printer on.

  3. Open the app and tap "Printer Setup" or "Add a Printer".

  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and connect the printer.

  5. Once connected, you can start printing wirelessly from your phone.

Method 4: Setup Using PC with Brother Printer Installer

If you prefer setting it up via your computer, here’s how:

  1. Visit the Brother Support Website.

  2. Search for “DCP-T420W” and download the Full Driver & Software Package.

  3. Run the installer on your PC.

  4. Choose “Wireless Network Connection” during setup.

  5. The software will detect your printer and guide you through the wireless setup process.

💡 Make sure your PC is on the same Wi-Fi network.

Print Network Configuration Report (Optional but Useful)

To verify network details:

  1. Press Menu > Print Reports > Network Config.

  2. Press OK to print the report.

  3. It will show IP address, SSID, and connection status.

Troubleshooting Brother DCP-T420W Wi-Fi Setup

Issue Solution
Printer won’t find my Wi-Fi Ensure router is ON and within range. Reboot both router and printer.
Entered correct password but failed Re-enter password carefully. It is case-sensitive.
Printer says “Connection Failed” Check if MAC filtering is enabled on your router. Disable it or add printer’s MAC address.
Can’t find printer in app Ensure mobile device is on same Wi-Fi network. Try restarting the app and printer.

Tips to Maintain Stable Wireless Printing

  • Keep your printer and router within reasonable range.

  • Avoid placing the printer near microwave ovens or cordless phones.

  • Update your printer firmware regularly through the Brother website.

  • Set a static IP address for the printer to prevent future disconnections.

Conclusion

Setting up your Brother DCP-T420W to Wi-Fi doesn’t have to be technical or time-consuming. Whether you choose the control panel method, iPrint&Scan app, or PC installation, this guide ensures a smooth and fast setup.

Once connected, enjoy the convenience of wireless printing from anywhere in your home or office. If issues persist, Brother’s customer support and community forums are always helpful.