Is your Brother MFC-6490CW printer sitting idle because it won’t connect to Wi-Fi? You’re not alone. Many users hit a wall during wireless setup, especially when dealing with case-sensitive passwords or dual-band routers that broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals. The good news: once configured correctly, your printer delivers reliable wireless printing from any device on your network.
This guide walks you through two proven methods to connect your Brother MFC-6490CW to Wi-Fi using WPS for speed or the Setup Wizard for full manual control. You’ll also find troubleshooting tips, verification steps, and driver installation instructions to get everything working smoothly.
Gather Network Details Before You Start
Before touching the printer, collect two critical pieces of information: your Network Name (SSID) and your Network Key (password). You can find these by checking the label on the base or side of your wireless router, or by reviewing the documentation that came with it.
If you cannot locate these details, contact your internet service provider or router manufacturer directly. The printer cannot connect without this information, so write it down accurately and keep it handy throughout setup.
Identify Your Wi-Fi Frequency
The Brother MFC-6490CW only supports 2.4 GHz networks and cannot connect to 5 GHz. If your router broadcasts both bands, look for a network labeled “2.4G” or “2.4GHz” in the available list. Some routers use the same name for both bands, which creates confusion. When in doubt, check your router’s admin settings or manual to confirm the 2.4 GHz network is active and visible.
Use WPS for the Fastest WiFi Setup
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is the quickest way to connect your printer to Wi-Fi with no password entry required. If your router has a WPS button, this method takes less than 30 seconds from start to finish.
Activate WPS from the Printer
- Confirm the printer is powered on and plugged into a working outlet
- Press Menu on the control panel
- Navigate to Network → WLAN → WPS/AOSS
- Press OK
- When the screen displays “Start WPS/AOSS on your wireless access point/router,” press OK
The machine now waits for your router to respond, so move quickly to the next step.
Press the Router’s WPS Button
Locate the WPS button on your router, usually found on the back or side panel. Press and hold it for 2 to 3 seconds until the WPS or power LED begins blinking.
Note: On mesh systems like Netgear Orbi, use the Sync button instead of a WPS button.
The printer will automatically detect and connect to your router. Wait 20 to 30 seconds while the screen displays “Connecting WPS” and finally “Connected.” Upon success, the printer automatically prints a WLAN Report confirming the connection.
Set Up WiFi Manually Using the Setup Wizard
Use the Setup Wizard when WPS isn’t available or fails. This method requires entering your network name and password directly on the printer’s control panel.
Reset Network Settings First
If the printer was previously connected to Wi-Fi, reset the network settings before starting fresh:
- Press Menu → Network → Network Reset
- Confirm the reset when prompted
This clears old configurations and prevents conflicts that can block successful connection.
Enable WLAN and Scan for Networks
- Press Menu
- Select Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard → OK
- When prompted with “WLAN Enable?” press the Up arrow to select Yes, then press OK
The printer begins scanning for available networks. Wait 10 to 15 seconds for the list of SSIDs to populate on the screen.
Select Your 2.4 GHz Network
Use the arrow keys to scroll through the list of detected networks. Highlight your network’s SSID and press OK.
Critical: Choose only the 2.4 GHz network. Avoid guest networks because they typically prevent device-to-device communication and will block your printer from connecting.
After selecting your network, press OK to continue.
Choose Infrastructure Mode
Ensure Infrastructure is selected rather than Ad-hoc. Infrastructure mode is the standard for home and office networks. Press OK to confirm.
Match Your Router’s Security Settings
The printer detects your network’s authentication and encryption type. Select the option that matches your router’s configuration.
For WPA/WPA2-PSK (most common):
- Select WPA/WPA2-PSK → OK
- Choose AES (recommended) or TKIP → OK
- Enter your Wi-Fi password using the keypad
For WEP (older routers):
- Select Open System → OK
- Select WEP → OK
- Use only the first WEP key if your router has multiple
- Enter the key exactly as configured in your router
For open networks with no password:
- Select Open System → OK
- Select None for encryption → OK
- Confirm with Yes
After entering your credentials, select Apply Settings and press OK.
Password Entry Tips
Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive. Every uppercase letter, lowercase letter, number, and symbol must match exactly. If you make a mistake, press Clear to delete the last character. Take your time and double-check each character before pressing OK to move to the next one.
Verify Your WiFi Connection
Never assume the connection succeeded. Print a verification report to confirm everything is working properly.
Print the Network Configuration Report
- Press Menu → Print Reports → Network Config → OK
The printer outputs a detailed report showing your network settings. Look for these key indicators:
- IP Address: A valid address (such as 192.168.1.20) confirms network connectivity
- Wireless Status: Should display “Connected” or “Wired/Wireless”
- SSID: Your correct network name should appear
Review the Automatic WLAN Report
The WLAN Report prints automatically after both WPS and manual setup. It includes signal strength, authentication method, and MAC address. Keep this report for future troubleshooting.
Install Printer Drivers and Software
Without proper drivers installed on your computer, your devices won’t recognize the printer even when it’s online.
Install the Full Driver Package
- Visit solutions.brother.com
- Search for MFC-6490CW
- Download the appropriate package:
– Windows: Full Driver & Software Package
– Mac: Full Software Package - Follow the on-screen installation prompts
The setup wizard will detect your printer over Wi-Fi automatically during installation.
Handle Missing Driver Packages
If the full package isn’t available for your model, download and install the latest Printer Driver only. You can use a temporary USB connection during installation to help the software detect the printer before moving to network-based printing.
Set Up Mobile Printing
Print directly from your smartphone or tablet using Brother’s free mobile app.
Install Brother iPrint&Scan
- Open the App Store on iOS or Google Play on Android
- Search for Brother iPrint&Scan
- Install the app on your device
Connect and Print Wirelessly
- Open the iPrint&Scan app
- Tap Printer and select your MFC-6490CW from the list
- Choose Print, Scan, or Copy based on your task
You can now print photos, documents, and emails from anywhere on your Wi-Fi network.
Fix Common WiFi Connection Problems
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Even with correct setup, occasional issues can prevent successful connection. Here are solutions to the most frequent problems.
Printer Won’t Connect to WiFi**
Try these proven fixes:
- Use only 2.4 GHz networks because 5 GHz is not supported
- Restart both the printer and router to refresh the connection
- Move the printer within 10 to 15 feet of the router for stronger signal
- Recheck your Wi-Fi password for typos and case errors
- Disable AP isolation in your router settings because this feature blocks device communication
Setup Wizard Fails to Connect
If the wizard displays “Connection Fail” or “Connection Error”:
- Confirm the access point is powered on
- Verify all network settings match your router configuration
- Move the printer closer to the router temporarily
- Restart the Setup Wizard from the beginning
WPS Connection Not Working
WPS fails on some routers, especially those with custom firmware:
- Check your router manual for specific WPS activation instructions
- Use the Setup Wizard method instead
- Press the router’s WPS button within 2 minutes of starting WPS on the printer
Mesh systems like Orbi require the Sync button rather than a traditional WPS button.
Password Entry Errors
If your password keeps failing:
- Double-check for case sensitivity, since uppercase and lowercase letters matter
- Verify all numbers and special characters are correct
- Use Clear to fix individual character mistakes during entry
- Restart the entire setup process if needed
Prevent Future Connection Problems
Keep your printer online reliably with these preventive measures.
Optimize Printer Placement
Signal strength drops significantly with distance and physical obstacles. Place your printer within 15 feet of the router and away from metal objects, microwaves, and cordless phones that can cause interference. For large homes, consider a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi extender to boost coverage.
Update Firmware Regularly
Outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues and reduce Wi-Fi stability. Check Brother’s website periodically for firmware updates and install them via USB or network connection to keep your printer running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecting Brother MFC-6490CW to WiFi
Why won’t my Brother MFC-6490CW find my Wi-Fi network?
The printer only supports 2.4 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz on the same name, your printer may be looking at the wrong band. Check your router settings to ensure the 2.4 GHz network is enabled and visible. Also confirm your router is within range and not set to block new device connections.
What do I do if my Wi-Fi password is rejected?
Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, so every letter, number, and symbol must match exactly. Use the Clear button to delete mistakes and re-enter each character carefully. If problems persist, temporarily change your Wi-Fi password to something simpler, connect the printer, then change it back if needed.
Can I connect without WPS or the Setup Wizard?
No. These are the two official methods Brother supports for wireless setup. If both fail, the issue typically involves router compatibility, signal strength, or incorrect network credentials. Contact your router manufacturer to verify WPS compatibility or check for firmware updates that might resolve connection issues.
How do I find my router’s SSID and password?
Check the label on the bottom or back of your router, which usually displays the default network name and password. If you’ve changed these credentials, access your router’s admin panel through a web browser or check your router documentation. Your internet service provider can also help if you’ve forgotten custom credentials.
Why does my printer keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
Frequent disconnections usually stem from weak signal strength, router restarts assigning new IPs, or interference from other devices. Move the printer closer to the router, eliminate physical obstacles, and consider assigning a static IP address through your router settings to prevent address changes that break connections.
Do I need to install software on my computer?
Yes. Without Brother’s driver package installed, your computer cannot communicate with the printer over Wi-Fi. Download the Full Driver & Software Package from solutions.brother.com for Windows or the Full Software Package for Mac, then follow the installation prompts to complete setup.
Final Steps for Successful Brother MFC-6490CW WiFi Setup
Your Brother MFC-6490CW is now wirelessly connected and ready to print from any device on your network. Whether you used WPS for speed or the Setup Wizard for full control, you’ve unlocked convenient wireless printing, scanning, and copying.
Keep your WLAN Report in a safe place for future troubleshooting, and remember that this printer works only on 2.4 GHz networks. If connection issues arise, reset the network settings and try again, since most problems stem from password errors or signal interference. Now you’re ready to print, scan, and share wirelessly from your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
