What To Know
- A dedicated print server can connect your Brother printer to your network, making it accessible to all devices on your network, including Apple devices.
- While AirPrint offers a convenient way to print from your Apple devices, Brother also offers a range of mobile printing features that enhance your printing experience.
- As discussed earlier, this app offers a comprehensive printing solution for Brother printers, allowing you to print documents, photos, and web pages from your iOS and Android devices.
Printing wirelessly from your Apple devices is a breeze with AirPrint, but what if your Brother printer doesn’t natively support it? Don’t fret! This guide will walk you through the steps to make your Brother printer AirPrint compatible, transforming your printing experience.
Understanding AirPrint and Brother Printers
AirPrint is a revolutionary technology from Apple that allows seamless wireless printing from iOS and macOS devices. It eliminates the need for complex driver installations, making printing as simple as selecting “Print” from your device. While many modern Brother printers come with built-in AirPrint support, older models might require a little extra work to enable this convenient feature.
Method 1: Brother iPrint&Scan App
The Brother iPrint&Scan app is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between your Brother printer and AirPrint. This free app, available on the App Store, acts as a virtual AirPrint driver, enabling your iOS and macOS devices to communicate with your printer.
Here’s how to use the Brother iPrint&Scan app:
1. Download and install the Brother iPrint&Scan app: Find the app on the App Store and install it on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network: Ensure your Brother printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple device.
3. Launch the app and select your printer: Open the Brother iPrint&Scan app and choose your Brother printer from the list of available devices.
4. Print your documents: Now you can print documents, photos, and web pages directly from your Apple device using the app’s intuitive interface.
Method 2: Brother’s Website and Driver Downloads
For certain Brother printer models, you might need to download and install a specific driver to activate AirPrint compatibility. This method typically involves downloading a software package from Brother’s website.
Follow these steps to enable AirPrint through driver installation:
1. Visit Brother’s website: Navigate to Brother’s official website and find the support section for your printer model.
2. Download the appropriate driver: Look for a driver specifically designed for AirPrint compatibility. The driver might be labeled as “AirPrint Driver” or “iOS/macOS Driver.”
3. Install the driver: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver on your computer.
4. Restart your computer: After the driver installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
5. Test your AirPrint connection: Try printing a document or photo from your Apple device to confirm that AirPrint is working.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party AirPrint Solution
If the previous methods don’t work for your Brother printer, you can explore third-party AirPrint solutions. These solutions typically involve a small hardware device or software that acts as a bridge between your printer and your Apple devices.
Popular third-party AirPrint solutions include:
- Print Server: A dedicated print server can connect your Brother printer to your network, making it accessible to all devices on your network, including Apple devices.
- AirPrint-enabled USB adapter: Some USB adapters are specifically designed to enable AirPrint compatibility for printers that lack native support.
Troubleshooting Tips for AirPrint Issues
Sometimes, even after following the steps above, you might encounter AirPrint issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve common problems:
- Check your network connection: Ensure both your printer and Apple device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that the signal is strong.
- Restart your devices: Restarting your printer, Apple device, and router can often resolve connectivity problems.
- Update your software: Ensure your printer firmware and your Apple device’s operating system are up to date.
- Check your firewall settings: Ensure your firewall isn’t blocking communication between your printer and your Apple device.
- Disable other printing services: If you have other printing services running, try disabling them temporarily to see if they are interfering with AirPrint.
Beyond AirPrint: Utilizing Brother’s Mobile Printing Features
While AirPrint offers a convenient way to print from your Apple devices, Brother also offers a range of mobile printing features that enhance your printing experience.
Here are some notable features:
- Brother iPrint&Scan App: As discussed earlier, this app offers a comprehensive printing solution for Brother printers, allowing you to print documents, photos, and web pages from your iOS and Android devices.
- Cloud Printing: Connect your Brother printer to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox for easy access and printing from any device.
- Scan to Mobile: Scan documents and photos directly to your smartphone or tablet using the Brother iPrint&Scan app or other compatible apps.
Embrace the Freedom of Wireless Printing
By following these steps and utilizing Brother‘s mobile printing features, you can unlock the convenience of wireless printing with your Brother printer. Whether you’re printing documents, photos, or web pages, AirPrint and Brother’s mobile printing solutions provide seamless connectivity and a streamlined printing experience.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I use AirPrint with all Brother printer models?
A: While many modern Brother printers come with built-in AirPrint support, older models might require additional steps to enable AirPrint compatibility.
Q: How do I know if my Brother printer supports AirPrint?
A: Check the printer’s specifications or user manual to see if it lists AirPrint compatibility. You can also download the Brother iPrint&Scan app and see if your printer appears in the list of available devices.
Q: Can I print from multiple Apple devices to the same Brother printer using AirPrint?
A: Yes, multiple Apple devices can connect and print to the same Brother printer using AirPrint as long as they are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Q: What are the benefits of using AirPrint with my Brother printer?
A: AirPrint offers several benefits, including:
- Simplified printing: No need for driver installations or complex setup procedures.
- Wireless convenience: Print from your Apple devices without needing to be directly connected to your printer.
- Seamless integration: AirPrint seamlessly integrates with your Apple devices, making printing as easy as selecting “Print.”
Q: What if I’m having trouble getting AirPrint to work with my Brother printer?
A: If you encounter issues, try the troubleshooting tips mentioned in the blog post. If the problem persists, consult Brother’s support website or contact their customer service for assistance.
