What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easy for you to connect your printer to your network.
- If you prefer a desktop interface, the Brother ControlCenter software allows you to configure the wireless connection.
- You’ll need to reset your wireless password on your router and then reconnect your printer to the network.
Connecting your Brother MFC-6490CW multifunction printer to your wireless network is a crucial step to unlock its full potential. Whether you’re printing documents, scanning images, or copying files, a stable wireless connection ensures smooth and efficient operation. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easy for you to connect your printer to your network.
Preparing for the Connection
Before you begin the connection process, ensure you have the following:
- Your Brother MFC-6490CW printer: Make sure it’s powered on and ready to connect.
- Your wireless network name (SSID) and password: You’ll need this information to connect the printer to your network.
- A compatible computer or mobile device: You’ll use this device to configure the connection.
- A working internet connection: This is necessary for the printer to access online features.
Connecting via the Control Panel
The MFC-6490CW’s control panel offers a straightforward way to connect to your wireless network:
1. Press the “Home” button on the printer’s control panel.
2. Navigate to the “Network” menu using the arrow keys.
3. Select “Wireless LAN Setup” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Choose your wireless network from the list of available networks.
5. Enter your wireless password when prompted.
6. Confirm the connection and wait for the printer to complete the setup.
Connecting Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App
The Brother iPrint&Scan app provides a user-friendly interface for connecting your printer to your network:
1. Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Launch the app on your mobile device.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device to the printer’s wireless network.
4. Select your wireless network from the list of available networks.
5. Enter your wireless password when prompted.
6. Confirm the connection and wait for the printer to complete the setup.
Connecting Using the Brother ControlCenter Software
If you prefer a desktop interface, the Brother ControlCenter software allows you to configure the wireless connection:
1. Download and install the Brother ControlCenter software from the Brother website.
2. Launch the software and select “Add a Device.”
3. Select “Wireless” as the connection type.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your printer to the network.
5. Enter your wireless network name and password when prompted.
6. Confirm the connection and wait for the printer to complete the setup.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you encounter any problems connecting your MFC-6490CW to your wireless network, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Check your wireless network signal strength: Ensure your printer is within range of your router.
- Verify your network name and password: Double-check that you’ve entered the correct information.
- Restart your router and printer: This can sometimes resolve connection issues.
- Update your printer’s firmware: Check for any available updates on the Brother website.
- Contact Brother support: If you’re still unable to connect, reach out to Brother customer service for assistance.
Exploring Your Printer’s Capabilities
Once your MFC-6490CW is successfully connected to your wireless network, you can enjoy its full range of features:
- Print wirelessly: Send documents and photos directly from your computer, mobile device, or cloud storage.
- Scan to your computer or network: Easily scan documents and images and save them directly to your computer or a shared network folder.
- Copy documents and photos: Use the printer’s built-in copier to quickly and easily duplicate documents.
- Fax wirelessly: Send and receive faxes directly from your computer or mobile device.
- Access online services: Print from popular cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote.
Final Thoughts: Setting Sail on a Wireless Journey
Connecting your Brother MFC-6490CW to your wireless network opens up a world of possibilities. With a stable connection, you can seamlessly print, scan, copy, and fax documents, all while enjoying the convenience of wireless connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I connect my printer to multiple wireless networks?
A: No, the MFC-6490CW can only be connected to one wireless network at a time.
Q: What if I forget my wireless password?
A: You’ll need to reset your wireless password on your router and then reconnect your printer to the network.
Q: Can I use my printer’s wireless connection to access the internet?
A: No, the MFC-6490CW’s wireless connection is for printing and scanning purposes only. It does not provide internet access.
Q: My printer is connected to the network, but I can’t print. What should I do?
A: Make sure your printer is selected as the default printer in your computer’s settings. You can also try restarting your computer and printer.
Q: How do I update my printer’s firmware?
A: You can download the latest firmware update from the Brother website. Follow the instructions provided to install the update.
