How to Change Default Password on Brother Printer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Name: HOW TO CHANGE PRINTER'S DEFAULT PASSWORD USING BROTHER UTILITIES SOFTWARE #BROTHER DCP-T420W
Uploaded: 2026-01-22
Duration: 2 min 27 s
Description: Learn how to change the default password on a Brother printer with a practical, model-aware guide. This step-by-step instructions cover web interface and control-panel methods, ensure password strength, and prevent lockouts while improving overall device security.

Learn how to change the default password on a Brother printer with a practical, model-aware guide. This step-by-step instructions cover web interface and control-panel methods, ensure password strength, and prevent lockouts while improving overall device security.

Default Password Team

January 22, 2026·7 min read

Default Credentials Password Change Default Password Admin Password Credential Recovery

Secure Brother Printer - Default Password — Photo by HarinathRvia Pixabay

Quick AnswerSteps

Goal: Change the default password on a Brother printer to secure your device. You’ll need access to the printer’s web interface or control panel, a strong new password, and the admin credentials if prompted. This guide covers models and firmware variations, plus safety tips to avoid lockouts. By the end, you will have a secure, unique password in place for your Brother printer.

Why Changing the Default Password Matters for Brother Printers

According to Default Password, leaving a device on factory credentials is a common entry point for attackers. Brother printers, like many networked devices, expose administrative interfaces that, if left with predictable credentials, can be discovered and abused. A strong, unique password reduces the risk of unauthorized access, protects print queues, and helps maintain broader network security. This section also explains how default passwords contribute to risk in small offices and home networks, and why timely updates matter for continued protection.

In practice, changing the default password is part of a layered security approach. It complements firmware updates, disabling unused services, and enabling encryption. The goal is not only to stop casual probes but to create a robust defense that impedes automated attacks. For most businesses, this is a quick win with long-term payoff.

If you’re evaluating risk, consider how a compromised Brother printer could impact sensitive documents, network access, and printer-based data leakage. The act of changing the password sends a clear signal to potential intruders that security is a priority.

Identify Your Brother Printer Model and Firmware Variations

Brother printers span many models, each with slightly different admin paths. Some models offer a direct password change in the control panel, while others require logging into the web-based management interface. Firmware versions can alter menu labels, navigation steps, and even the location of security settings. When planning to change the default password, first confirm your model number and current firmware version. This helps you locate precise steps in the manual or Brother support pages and reduces the chance of misconfiguring critical settings.

To identify your model and firmware quickly:

Check the printer label or the printed network configuration page.
Log into the printer’s web UI and look for System Information or Administrator settings.
Visit Brother’s official support site and search by model number for model-specific instructions.

Adapting the guidance to your exact model helps avoid unnecessary changes and potential lockouts during the process.

Prerequisites You Should Gather Before You Start

Before you begin, assemble everything you need to safely change the default password on a Brother printer. Having the right prerequisites reduces the risk of interruptions and failed changes. Gather these items:

A strong, unique password: at least 12-16 characters, mixing upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
Access to the printer’s admin interface: either via a web browser on your computer or the printer’s control panel.
Current admin credentials (if already configured): some devices require you to login before making changes.
A secure place to store the new password: consider a password manager to avoid reuse and to maintain auditability.
A current firmware note: knowing whether you’re on the latest firmware helps determine where to find password settings.

Tip: If you do not have current admin credentials, you may need to perform a factory reset as a last resort, which will erase settings. This is model-dependent and should be used cautiously.

Access Methods: Web Interface vs Control Panel

Most Brother printers allow password changes via two primary routes: the web-based management interface and the physical control panel on the device. The web UI tends to offer a more robust, clear navigation path, especially for complex security settings. The control panel route is faster for simple changes, but some models may route you to the web UI for confirmation.

Web Interface:

Ensure the printer is on the same network as your computer.
Enter the printer’s IP address into a browser (e.g., http://192.168.1.100).
Log in as Administrator, then navigate to the Security or Administrator settings.
Locate the password fields and update with a strong password.

Control Panel:

Use the Menu button to reach Settings, then Network or Security.
Follow prompts to change the Administrator password.
Confirm changes and print a configuration page to verify.

Step-by-Step Overview of the Password Change Process

This section provides a high-level overview of the process so you know what to expect before you start. Although model-specific steps vary, the core flow remains consistent: access credentials, locate security settings, enter a new password, save, and verify. If you encounter a step that your model doesn’t show, consult the model’s manual or Brother support.

Outline:

Prepare credentials and confirm admin access.
Access the interface (web or panel).
Navigate to security/administrator settings.
Enter a new, strong password and confirm.
Save changes and reboot if required by your model.
Test login with the new password on multiple devices.
Update stored credentials and document the change for your team.

Note: Always create a recovery plan in case you forget the new password, including access to the device’s physical console or a documented backup administrator.

Common Pitfalls: Lockouts, Wrong Passwords, and Firmware Issues

Even experienced admins run into common issues when changing a default password. A frequent problem is attempting to login with the old password after changes, which can temporarily lock out the account. Another pitfall is using a password that doesn’t meet complexity requirements, resulting in a rejected change. Firmware variations can also hide or rename security settings, so it’s important to cross-check model-specific guides.

Strategies to avoid problems:

Double-check the password format requirements before typing.
Save the new password securely immediately after changing it.
If you cannot log in after changes, use the printer’s recovery options or refer to the user manual for reset steps.
Document the change for auditability and future maintenance.

Best Practices for Strong Brother Printer Passwords

Strong passwords are the single most effective defense against unauthorized access. For Brother printers, implement these best practices:

Length: Aim for 12-16 characters.
Complexity: Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numerals, and symbols.
Unpredictability: Avoid dictionary words, common phrases, or incremental patterns.
Uniqueness: Do not reuse passwords across devices or services.
Rotation: Change passwords on a scheduled basis and after suspected compromise.
Storage: Use a password manager to store and auto-fill credentials securely.

These practices reduce risk and improve compliance with security standards in office networks.

Troubleshooting Models with Restricted Access or Limited UI

Some Brother printers, particularly older models, offer a limited interface for password changes. In such cases, updating via the web interface is often the only supported route, or you may need to perform a factory reset if credentials are completely unknown. If you cannot access the password settings, consult Brother’s model-specific guide or contact support for firmware-related guidance.

Troubleshooting tips:

Verify you are on the correct IP address and that the device is reachable.
Try again after a clean browser cache or from a different web browser.
Check for pending firmware updates that may unlock new security features.
If password changes fail consistently, prepare for a recovery procedure and ensure you have the necessary admin escape routes in place.

Security Beyond Passwords: Network Isolation and Firmware Updates

Password changes are important, but they are only one layer of defense. Consider supplementary protections like network segmentation, disabling unused services (HTTPS only, if supported), and enabling automatic firmware updates where appropriate. Regularly patching firmware mitigates vulnerabilities that could expose administrative interfaces. Maintain a security checklist that includes password hygiene, device configuration reviews, and access control auditing.

A proactive security posture for Brother printers means you treat printing devices as part of your broader security program, not an isolated endpoint.

Quick Recap: Concrete Steps You Can Take Today

To maximize security with minimal disruption, focus on a small set of core steps:

Create a strong, unique password for the printer admin account.
Access the correct interface (web UI or control panel) and apply the change.
Confirm access with the new password on multiple devices.
Store credentials securely and keep documentation up to date.
Schedule time to review printer security settings and firmware at regular intervals.

Tools & Materials

Web browser or printer control panel(Access to the printer's admin interface via browser or device UI)
Stable network connection(Ensure the printer and computer are on the same network segment)
Strong new password(Minimum 12-16 characters with mixed characters)
Current admin credentials(Needed if admin login is required before changes; some devices allow change without re-authentication)
Password manager(Optional but recommended to store the new password securely)

Steps

Estimated time: 30-45 minutes

1
Prepare credentials and access
Verify you have the current admin access and a strong new password ready. Prepare to log in from a computer on the same network as the printer. This minimizes the chance of being interrupted mid-change.
Tip: If you don’t know the current admin password, plan for a recovery option via the printer panel or manufacturer support.
2
Open the printer's admin interface
Access the interface either by entering the printer’s IP address in a web browser or by using the printer’s control panel to launch the web UI. Ensure you are directed to the admin login screen.
Tip: Use a wired connection if possible to avoid wireless interruptions during login.
3
Navigate to security or administrator settings
Find the section labeled Security, Administrator, or User Management. Menus vary by model and firmware, so you may need to explore a few related options to locate password fields.
Tip: If you cannot find the setting, search the model’s manual or Brother support page for ‘Admin password’ or ‘Security settings’.
4
Enter the new password
Type the new password into the Administrator password field and confirm it in the second field if required. Double-check for typos and ensure the password meets length and complexity requirements.
Tip: Copy-paste the password into a secure note after you confirm it to avoid mis-typing later.
5
Save changes and reboot if required
Save the changes. Some models require a reboot for the new credentials to take effect. If prompted, allow the device to reboot and complete the security state update.
Tip: Do not power off the printer during the reboot sequence to prevent partial writes.
6
Test login with the new password
Log out and log back in using the new password. Verify access from multiple devices if possible to ensure the change propagated correctly.
Tip: If you cannot log in, try the browser’s incognito mode or clear the cache, then retry.
7
Document and store the new credentials
Record the new password in a secure location and update any password vault entries or configuration notes. Notify affected team members if needed according to your organizational policy.
Tip: Avoid writing the password on sticky notes near the printer; prefer an encrypted storage method.

Pro Tip: Use a password manager to generate and store the new credentials securely.

Warning: Do not reuse passwords across devices or services to minimize risk if one password is compromised.

Note: Always back up configuration settings before making significant changes in case you need to revert.

Pro Tip: Keep a small, separate log of changes with dates for auditing purposes.

Your Questions Answered

Do I need to reset the printer to factory settings to change the password?

Not usually. Most Brother printers allow changing the admin password without a reset, though some legacy models might require one if credentials are forgotten. Always check model-specific guidance first.

What if I forget the new password after changing it?

If you forget the new password, use the printer’s recovery options or admin account recovery as documented by Brother. In extreme cases, you may need to perform a factory reset, which will erase settings.

Can I change the password for all Brother printers at once?

Password changes are typically model-specific. Centralized management is possible in managed environments, but home and small-office setups usually require individual device changes.

Will changing the password affect ongoing print jobs?

Changing the admin password does not affect print jobs, but it will require re-authentication to access the printer’s management interfaces.

Is it safe to use a password manager with the Brother printer?

Yes. A password manager helps generate and securely store the password, reducing reuse and credential theft risks.

Where can I find the default password or initial credentials for my Brother printer?

Default credentials are usually in the user manual or on the printer’s label. If you’ve replaced them, refer to the current admin password you set or backup documentation.