What To Know
- For a direct connection, you can use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your Brother printer.
- On your iPhone, navigate to the document you want to print and select the “Print” option.
- Printing from an iPhone to a Brother printer doesn’t have to be a complex process.
Printing from your iPhone to a Brother printer doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. While AirPrint is a convenient option, it’s not always available, especially for older Brother models. But fear not! There are several alternative methods you can use to print effortlessly from your iPhone to your Brother printer. This guide will walk you through the most effective ways to achieve this, ensuring a seamless printing experience.
Understanding the Limitations of AirPrint
Before diving into the alternative methods, let’s briefly understand why you might encounter issues with AirPrint. AirPrint is a technology developed by Apple that allows compatible devices to print directly from iOS devices without the need for drivers. However, not all printers, especially older models, support AirPrint. If your Brother printer lacks AirPrint functionality, you’ll need to explore other solutions.
Method 1: Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App
One of the most straightforward methods is using the official Brother iPrint&Scan app. This free app is available for both iPhone and iPad and offers a wide range of features for printing and scanning. Here’s how to use it:
1. Download and Install: Begin by downloading the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store.
2. Connect to Your Network: Ensure your iPhone and Brother printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the App: Open the Brother iPrint&Scan app and select your printer from the list of available devices.
4. Select Print Options: Choose the document you want to print, adjust print settings like paper size and number of copies, and tap “Print.”
Method 2: Printing via Email
Another simple method involves sending your document as an email attachment to your printer’s email address. Most Brother printers have a unique email address configured for this purpose. Follow these steps:
1. Find Your Printer’s Email Address: Refer to your printer’s manual or website to locate its email address.
2. Compose an Email: Open your iPhone’s email app and create a new email.
3. Attach the Document: Attach the document you want to print to the email.
4. Send the Email: Send the email to your printer’s email address.
Method 3: Utilizing a Third-Party Printing App
If the previous methods aren’t working for you, consider using a third-party printing app. Numerous apps available on the App Store offer printing functionality for various printers, including Brother models. Some popular choices include:
- HP Smart: While primarily associated with HP printers, this app also supports several Brother models.
- PrintDirect: This app provides a simple and intuitive interface for printing from your iPhone.
- Printer Pro: This app offers advanced features like custom paper sizes and duplex printing.
Method 4: Connecting via USB
For a direct connection, you can use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your Brother printer. However, this method requires a special adapter and might not be as convenient as wireless printing.
1. USB Adapter: Purchase a Lightning to USB adapter for your iPhone.
2. Connect to Printer: Connect the adapter to your iPhone and the USB cable to your printer.
3. Select Print Options: On your iPhone, navigate to the document you want to print and select the “Print” option.
4. Choose Printer: Select your Brother printer as the printing destination.
Method 5: Using a Cloud Printing Service
Cloud printing services like Google Cloud Print provide an alternative solution for printing from your iPhone. These services act as intermediaries, allowing you to print documents remotely.
1. Set Up Cloud Print: Configure your Brother printer to support Google Cloud Print or a similar service.
2. Add Printer to Account: Add your printer to your Google Cloud Print account.
3. Print from iPhone: Open the document you want to print, select “Print,” and choose your printer from the cloud printing service.
Final Thoughts: Printing Made Easy
Printing from an iPhone to a Brother printer doesn’t have to be a complex process. By exploring these alternative methods, you can easily overcome the limitations of AirPrint and enjoy a seamless printing experience. Whether you prefer using a dedicated app, email, or cloud printing, there’s a solution to suit your needs.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I print photos from my iPhone to my Brother printer?
A: Yes, you can print photos from your iPhone to your Brother printer using any of the methods described above. Simply select the photo you want to print and follow the instructions for the chosen method.
Q: Do I need an internet connection to print from my iPhone to my Brother printer?
A: For methods that involve cloud printing or email, you’ll need an internet connection. However, if you’re using the Brother iPrint&Scan app or a USB connection, you don’t require an internet connection.
Q: Can I print from multiple iPhones to the same Brother printer?
A: Yes, you can print from multiple iPhones to the same Brother printer as long as they are all connected to the same Wi-Fi network or using the same cloud printing service.
Q: What if my Brother printer is not listed in the app or cloud printing service?
A: If your Brother printer is not listed, it might not be compatible with the chosen method. Try using a different app, cloud service, or connect via USB to see if it resolves the issue.
Q: Is there a way to print directly from Safari on my iPhone to my Brother printer?
A: While Safari doesn‘t have a built-in print function for Brother printers, you can use the “Share” option in Safari to send the webpage to the Brother iPrint&Scan app or a third-party printing app that supports your printer.
