If your Brother AirPrint is not working, you're not alone. Many users experience issues when trying to print from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac using AirPrint. Whether your device can’t find the printer or the print job doesn’t go through, there are common reasons—and reliable solutions.
In this guide, we’ll explore why Brother AirPrint might stop working and walk you through step-by-step troubleshooting fixes to get your printer back online.
🔍 What Is AirPrint and How Does It Work?
AirPrint is Apple’s wireless printing technology that allows users to print from iOS and macOS devices without installing additional drivers. As long as your Brother printer supports AirPrint and is connected to the same network as your Apple device, printing should be seamless.
However, when network, firmware, or compatibility issues occur, AirPrint might not detect the printer or allow printing.
🚫 Common Reasons Why Brother AirPrint Is Not Working
Several factors can cause Brother AirPrint issues:
1. Printer and iPhone/iPad Are on Different Networks
AirPrint requires both your Apple device and printer to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. AirPrint Is Disabled on the Printer
Some Brother models allow enabling/disabling AirPrint from settings or web-based interfaces.
3. Outdated Firmware or iOS/macOS
Old firmware or OS versions may not support the latest AirPrint features.
4. Firewall or Router Settings
Firewalls or AP isolation settings on your router can block AirPrint communication.
5. Printer Is Not Connected Properly
If your Brother printer is in sleep mode, offline, or not connected to Wi-Fi, AirPrint won’t work.
6. Wrong Printer Selection
If your Apple device tries to connect to an old or unresponsive printer profile, printing may fail.
🛠️ How to Fix Brother AirPrint Not Working (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to fix AirPrint issues with your Brother printer:
✅ 1. Check Network Connection
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Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled on your Brother printer.
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Connect both your iPhone/iPad/Mac and printer to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz or 5GHz).
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Avoid using mobile hotspots or guest networks.
✅ 2. Restart Devices and Router
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Power off your Brother printer and Apple device.
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Restart your Wi-Fi router.
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After a few minutes, turn everything back on and try printing again.
✅ 3. Update Printer Firmware
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Visit the Brother Support Website and check for the latest firmware update for your printer model.
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Use Brother’s iPrint&Scan app or Web-Based Management to apply the update.
✅ 4. Ensure AirPrint Is Enabled
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Access your printer's IP address from a browser.
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Navigate to Network Settings > Protocol > AirPrint.
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Make sure AirPrint is enabled.
✅ 5. Disable AP Isolation on Router
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Log in to your router’s admin panel.
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Find and disable AP Isolation or Client Isolation (often under wireless or advanced settings).
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This setting can block devices on the same network from communicating.
✅ 6. Use the Correct Printer Profile
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On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers and remove any old or duplicate Brother printers.
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Try re-adding the printer via AirPrint.
✅ 7. Reset Network Settings (if needed)
If issues persist:
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On the Brother printer, perform a network reset.
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On iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset Network Settings.
⚠️ Caution: Resetting network settings will erase saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords.
🔄 Alternative Printing Method: Brother iPrint&Scan
If AirPrint is still unreliable, consider downloading the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store. It’s an official Brother app that allows wireless printing and scanning without using AirPrint.
🧪 Compatible Brother Printers with AirPrint
Not all Brother printers support AirPrint. Common compatible models include:
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Brother HL-L2350DW
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Brother MFC-J1010DW
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Brother DCP-L2550DW
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Brother HL-L2395DW
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Brother MFC-L2750DW
✅ Check your printer’s manual or the Brother AirPrint support list for compatibility.
📞 Contact Brother Support
If none of the above steps work, you may need expert help. Reach out to:
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Use live chat, email, or phone support for specific troubleshooting on your model.
✅ Conclusion
Brother AirPrint not working is a common but fixable issue. By ensuring your network is properly configured, your firmware is updated, and your devices are compatible, you can quickly restore wireless printing functionality.