What To Know
- Connect one end of a USB cable to the USB port on your Brother printer and the other end to your phone’s USB port.
- Once paired, you can select your Brother printer as the printing destination in the app you want to print from.
- If you have a mobile hotspot enabled on your phone, you can use it to connect your Brother printer to your phone.
Printing from your phone is incredibly convenient, but what if you don’t have a WiFi network available? Don’t worry! You can still connect your Brother printer to your phone without WiFi using a few different methods. This guide will walk you through the steps for each method, ensuring you can print wirelessly even without a WiFi connection.
Direct Connection via USB Cable
The most straightforward method to connect your Brother printer to your phone without WiFi is using a USB cable. While this method might seem outdated, it’s a reliable option if you’re in a pinch. Here’s how to do it:
1. Connect the USB cable: Connect one end of a USB cable to the USB port on your Brother printer and the other end to your phone’s USB port.
2. Enable USB printing: On your phone, go to the settings and search for “USB printing.” Enable the option to allow USB printing.
3. Select your printer: When you want to print from an app, select your Brother printer as the printing destination.
Important Note: This method might not be available for all phone models, and it might require specific apps or drivers.
Using a Bluetooth Connection
If your Brother printer supports Bluetooth, you can connect it to your phone wirelessly without needing WiFi. This method offers a more flexible printing experience. Here’s how to connect via Bluetooth:
1. Enable Bluetooth on your phone: Open your phone’s settings and enable Bluetooth.
2. Put your printer in pairing mode: Consult your Brother printer‘s manual for instructions on how to put it in pairing mode. This usually involves pressing a specific button on the printer.
3. Pair your phone and printer: On your phone, search for available Bluetooth devices and select your Brother printer from the list. You might need to enter a PIN code, which can be found in the printer’s manual.
4. Select your printer: Once paired, you can select your Brother printer as the printing destination in the app you want to print from.
Important Note: Bluetooth range is limited, so make sure your phone is within close proximity to the printer.
Connecting via Brother iPrint&Scan App
Brother offers a dedicated mobile app called iPrint&Scan, which allows you to connect your printer to your phone without WiFi. This app provides a variety of features, including printing documents, photos, and web pages. Here’s how to use the iPrint&Scan app:
1. Download and install the app: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Connect your phone to the printer: Follow the on-screen instructions within the app to connect your phone to the printer. This might involve using a direct USB connection or a wireless connection.
3. Select your printer: Choose your Brother printer from the list of available devices within the app.
4. Print or scan: Use the app to print documents, photos, and web pages from your phone.
Important Note: This app offers the most convenient and feature-rich way to connect your Brother printer to your phone without WiFi.
Connecting via NFC (Near Field Communication)
Some newer Brother printers and phones support NFC technology. NFC allows for quick and easy pairing between devices by simply tapping them together. Here’s how to use NFC to connect your printer:
1. Enable NFC on your phone: Open your phone’s settings and enable NFC.
2. Enable NFC on the printer: Check your printer’s manual for instructions on how to enable NFC.
3. Tap your phone to the printer: Tap the NFC area on your phone to the NFC area on the printer. This should initiate the pairing process.
4. Select your printer: Once paired, you can select your Brother printer as the printing destination in the app you want to print from.
Important Note: NFC range is very short, so you need to hold your phone very close to the printer for the connection to be established.
Connecting via a Mobile Hotspot
If you have a mobile hotspot enabled on your phone, you can use it to connect your Brother printer to your phone. This method allows you to print wirelessly even without a dedicated WiFi network. Here’s how to connect using a mobile hotspot:
1. Enable mobile hotspot on your phone: Open your phone’s settings and enable the mobile hotspot feature. This will create a WiFi network using your phone’s cellular data.
2. Connect your printer to the hotspot: On your Brother printer, find the WiFi settings and connect to the mobile hotspot created by your phone. You might need to enter the hotspot’s password, which you can find in your phone’s settings.
3. Print from your phone: Once connected to the hotspot, you can select your Brother printer as the printing destination in the app you want to print from.
Important Note: Using a mobile hotspot will consume your phone’s data plan, so be mindful of your data usage.
Printing From Your Phone Without WiFi: A Summary
Connecting your Brother printer to your phone without WiFi offers flexibility and convenience. Whether you choose to use a USB cable, Bluetooth, the Brother iPrint&Scan app, NFC, or a mobile hotspot, you can enjoy printing wirelessly without relying on a traditional WiFi network.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I print from any app using these methods?
A: Most apps that support printing should work with these connection methods. However, some apps might require specific settings or configurations.
Q: How do I know if my Brother printer supports Bluetooth or NFC?
A: Check your printer’s manual or the Brother website for information about the supported features.
Q: What if I’m having trouble connecting my printer to my phone?
A: Consult your Brother printer‘s manual or the Brother website for troubleshooting tips. You can also contact Brother customer support for assistance.
Q: Is printing via a mobile hotspot more expensive than using a WiFi network?
A: Yes, printing via a mobile hotspot will consume your phone’s data plan, which can be more expensive than using a WiFi network. However, it can be a convenient option if you don’t have access to a WiFi network.
Q: Which method is the most reliable?
A: The most reliable method depends on your specific needs and the capabilities of your printer and phone. Using a USB cable is usually the most reliable option, while using the Brother iPrint&Scan app offers the most convenience and features.
