Unlock the Secret: How to Scan from Brother Printer to Email Address

In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to share important documents with others. One of the most convenient ways to do this is by scanning documents directly from your Brother printer to an email address. This eliminates the need for physical copies and allows you to send documents quickly and efficiently. But how do you actually do it? This guide will walk you through the simple steps of scanning from your Brother printer to an email address, regardless of whether you’re using a Windows, Mac, or mobile device.

Understanding the Basics: Why Scan to Email?

Scanning documents directly to email offers several advantages:

• Convenience: No need to save the scan to your computer first, then attach it to an email. It’s all done in one step.
• Efficiency: Saves time by automating the process of scanning and sending documents.
• Accessibility: Allows you to share documents with anyone who has an email address, regardless of their location.
• Organization: Keeps all your scanned documents easily accessible in your email inbox.

Step-by-Step Guide: Scanning from Your Brother Printer to Email

1. Preparation: Connecting Your Printer and Device

Before you begin, ensure your Brother printer is connected to your network (either wirelessly or via Ethernet). The printer also needs to be connected to the same network as your computer or mobile device.

2. Printer Setup: Enabling the Scan to Email Feature

• Access the Printer’s Control Panel: Locate the “Menu” or “Settings” button on your printer’s control panel.
• Navigate to Network Settings: Look for options related to “Network,” “Wireless,” or “Ethernet.”
• Enable Scan to Email: Find the “Scan to Email” or “Email Scan” feature and enable it.
• Set Up Email Address: You’ll likely need to enter your email address and password. Some printers may require you to configure an SMTP server and port settings.

3. Scanning from Your Brother Printer

• Place Document on Scanner: Open the scanner lid and place the document you want to scan face down on the glass.
• Select Scan to Email: On your printer’s control panel, choose the “Scan to Email” option.
• Enter Recipient Email Address: Type the email address of the recipient(s) you want to send the document to.
• Choose Scan Settings: Select the desired scan resolution, color mode (black and white or color), and file format (PDF or JPEG).
• Start Scanning: Initiate the scan process by pressing the “Start” or “Scan” button.

Scanning from Windows Computer

• Open Brother Control Center: Access the Brother Control Center software on your Windows computer.
• Select Scan to Email: Choose the “Scan to Email” option from the available functions.
• Configure Email Settings: Enter the recipient’s email address, select the scan settings, and specify the file format.
• Start Scanning: Click the “Scan” button to initiate the scanning process.

Scanning from Mac Computer

• Use Brother iPrint&Scan: Download and install the Brother iPrint&Scan app for Mac.
• Open the App: Launch the Brother iPrint&Scan app and select your Brother printer.
• Choose Scan to Email: Select the “Scan to Email” option within the app.
• Enter Email Details: Provide the recipient’s email address, scan settings, and file format.
• Initiate Scanning: Click the “Scan” button to start the scanning process.

Scanning from Mobile Devices (Android & iOS)

• Download Brother iPrint&Scan App: Install the Brother iPrint&Scan app from Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
• Connect to Your Printer: Connect your mobile device to your Brother printer’s network.
• Open the App: Launch the Brother iPrint&Scan app and select your printer.
• Choose Scan to Email: Select the “Scan to Email” option within the app.
• Enter Email Address: Enter the recipient’s email address and specify the scan settings.
• Start Scanning: Begin the scanning process by tapping the “Scan” button.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Network Connectivity: Ensure your printer and device are connected to the same network.
• Email Settings: Verify that you have entered the correct email address and password. Double-check SMTP server and port settings if required.
• Printer Driver Issues: Make sure you have the latest printer driver installed.
• File Size Limits: Some email providers have limits on the size of attachments. If your scan is too large, try reducing the resolution or using a different file format.
• Firewall Settings: Check your firewall settings to ensure that the Brother printer is allowed to connect to the internet.

Beyond the Basics: Enhancing Your Scanning Experience

• Multiple Recipients: Many Brother printers allow you to send scanned documents to multiple email addresses simultaneously.
• Subject Line and Message: Some models allow you to add a subject line and a short message to your email.
• Scanned Document Storage: Consider storing your scanned documents in a cloud-based service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for easy access and sharing.

A Final Word: Mastering the Art of Scanning to Email

Learning how to scan from your Brother printer to an email address is a valuable skill that can streamline your workflow and simplify document sharing. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and easily send important documents to anyone, anywhere, with just a few clicks.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I scan multiple pages at once?
A: Yes, most Brother printers support multi-page scanning. Follow the instructions in your printer’s manual to scan multiple pages at once.
Q: What file formats can I scan to?
A: Common file formats include PDF and JPEG. Some printers may offer additional options.
Q: What if my printer doesn‘t have the “Scan to Email” feature?
A: You can still scan documents from your printer and send them via email by saving the scan to your computer and then attaching it to an email.
Q: Can I schedule scans to be sent at a specific time?
A: Some Brother printer models allow you to schedule scans to be sent at a specific time. Check your printer’s manual for details.