Complete List of Default Brother Printer Admin Passwords

In real-world IT environments, Brother printers are everywhere—home offices, SMBs, healthcare clinics, warehouses, and schools. Despite their popularity, admin access issues remain one of the most common causes of deployment delays and support tickets.

Unlike some manufacturers that rely on a single global default, Brother has changed its admin password strategy multiple times across model generations. As a result, outdated blog posts and forum answers often provide incomplete or incorrect information.

This guide is written from a hands-on systems administration perspective, reflecting how Brother printers actually behave in production environments today. It covers:

• The complete list of default Brother admin passwords
• Differences between older and newer models
• Where the Init Password really comes from
• How Brother’s security model has evolved
• Practical advice to secure Brother printers properly

If you manage printers in any professional setting, this article will save you time—and help you avoid serious security mistakes.

Understanding Brother Printer Admin Accounts

Brother printers typically support two admin access methods:

1. Web-Based Management (Web Admin / EWS)
   Accessed via browser using the printer’s IP address
2. Printer Control Panel (Local Admin Mode)
   Used for resets, network configuration, and security changes

On most models, both use the same credentials, but not always—especially on older hardware.

Complete Table: Default Brother Printer Admin Passwords

⚠️ Important: Brother no longer uses a single universal default password across all models.

Default Brother Admin Credentials Reference

The “Init Password” Explained (What Most Articles Miss)

One of the biggest misconceptions online is that “initpass” is the default password.

That is incorrect.

What the Init Password Actually Is

On modern Brother printers (roughly 2019 onward):

• The password is unique per device
• It is derived from the printer’s serial number
• It is printed physically on a label attached to the printer

You will usually see:

• “Init Password”
• “PWD”
• Or “Default Login Password”

Where to Find the Label

From real-world experience, common locations include:

• Back panel near Ethernet port
• Underside of the printer chassis
• Inside toner access door (some compact models)
• Original shipping box (often overlooked)

💡 Pro Tip: In enterprise rollouts, installers frequently remove this sticker. Always document it before deployment.

How to Log in to a Brother Printer as Admin

Accessing the Web Interface (EWS)

1. Print a network configuration page or check the display for the IP address
2. Open a browser and enter: http://<printer-ip-address>
3. Click Administrator Login
4. Enter:
   • Username: admin
   • Password: access or the Init Password

If login fails, assume the password has already been changed.

Why Default Brother Admin Passwords Are a Security Risk

In penetration tests and internal audits, printers are often the weakest link.

If admin credentials are left unchanged, attackers can:

• Redirect scanned documents to external email addresses
• Enable FTP or SMB exfiltration
• Capture address books containing personal data
• Pivot into internal networks using printer firmware exploits

Brother printers do not automatically force password changes, which means unsecured devices can remain exposed for years.

Brother Printer Security: What IT Pros Should Actually Do

Based on field experience managing Brother fleets:

1. Change the Admin Password Immediately

Use a minimum 12-character password with mixed character types.

2. Disable Legacy Protocols

Turn off:

• FTP
• Telnet
• Older SNMP versions (use SNMPv3 only)

3. Restrict Web Access

If possible:

• Limit EWS access to management VLANs
• Disable HTTP and force HTTPS only

4. Export Configuration Backups

Brother allows configuration exports—do this after securing the device.

Resetting a Brother Printer Admin Password (Last Resort)

If credentials are lost, factory reset is usually required.

General Reset Process (Varies by Model)

1. Access printer control panel
2. Navigate to:
   Initial Setup → Reset → All Settings
3. Confirm reset
4. Device reboots with factory defaults

⚠️ Warning:
This will erase:

• Network settings
• Scan destinations
• Address books
• Security policies

In managed environments, this often requires re-enrollment in print servers or MDM systems.

Real-World Advice: Brother vs Other Printer Brands

Compared to HP and Xerox:

• Brother is more transparent with physical password labeling
• But less aggressive about enforcing security changes
• Firmware updates rarely reset credentials (good and bad)

From an admin standpoint, Brother printers are reliable—but only when secured manually.

Common Admin Login Issues (And Why They Happen)

“Access” Doesn’t Work

• Device is newer than expected
• Init Password label was removed

Login Works Locally but Not via Web

• Web admin disabled
• HTTPS forced without browser support

Password Changed but Not Documented

• Extremely common during MSP deployments
• Always store credentials in a secure vault

Best Practices for Documenting Brother Admin Credentials

• Store passwords in an enterprise password manager
• Attach a non-password asset label referencing credential location
• Never leave admin credentials with end users

Final Thoughts: Treat Printers Like Servers, Not Appliances

Brother printers are no longer “dumb peripherals.” They are network-connected systems with storage, authentication, and communication capabilities.

Understanding default admin passwords is only step one. Real security comes from:

• Proper credential management
• Firmware maintenance
• Network segmentation
• Regular configuration audits

If you manage Brother printers in any professional capacity, changing the default admin password should be treated as mandatory—not optional.

Daniel Lutton

From my early days on the helpdesk through roles as a service desk manager, systems administrator, and network engineer, I’ve spent more than 25 years in the IT world. As I transition into cyber security, my goal is to make tech a little less confusing by sharing what I’ve learned and helping others wherever I can.