Unlock the Power of Your Brother Printer: How to Set Up Brother Printer as Scanner

Are you tired of lugging your documents to a separate scanner? Did you know your Brother printer can double as a powerful scanner? This guide will walk you through the simple steps to set up your Brother printer as a scanner, freeing you from the hassle of separate devices.

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before diving into the setup process, make sure you have the following:

• Your Brother printer: Ensure it’s powered on and connected to your computer or network.
• Computer or mobile device: You’ll need a device to access and control the scanner features.
• USB cable (optional): If you’re connecting directly to your computer, a USB cable might be needed.
• Brother printer software: This is essential for accessing advanced features and managing scans. You can usually download it from the Brother website.

2. Connect Your Brother Printer

There are two primary methods to connect your Brother printer:
a) USB Connection:

• Connect one end of the USB cable to your printer and the other end to your computer.
• Your computer should automatically detect the printer and install the necessary drivers.

b) Wireless Connection:

• Network Setup: Follow the instructions in your printer’s manual to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. This usually involves entering your Wi-Fi password on the printer’s control panel.
• Software Installation: After connecting, download and install the Brother printer software on your computer.

3. Install Brother Printer Software

The Brother printer software is your gateway to controlling the scanner features. Here’s how to install it:

• Download: Visit the Brother website and search for your printer model. Download the latest software package.
• Installation: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software. This usually involves selecting your language, accepting terms and conditions, and choosing the installation options.
• Restart (Optional): The software might require you to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

4. Access the Scanner Features

Once the software is installed, you can access the scanner features in a few ways:

• Brother iPrint&Scan App: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your smartphone or tablet. This app allows you to scan documents wirelessly and send them to your desired location.
• Brother ControlCenter: This software interface provides a comprehensive set of scanning options, including:
• Scan to Computer: Save scans directly to your computer as various file formats (PDF, JPG, etc.).
• Scan to Email: Send scans directly to email addresses.
• Scan to Cloud: Upload scans to cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
• Scan from the Printer Panel: Some Brother printers have a dedicated scan button on their control panel. Pressing this button will initiate a scan and prompt you to select the output location.

5. Configure Scanning Settings

Before starting a scan, take a moment to adjust the settings for optimal results:

• Scan Type: Choose the type of document you’re scanning, such as photo, text document, or business card.
• Resolution: Higher resolution produces larger files but offers better detail. Choose a resolution suitable for your needs.
• Color Mode: Select color, grayscale, or black and white depending on the document’s content.
• Document Size: Adjust the scan area to match the size of your document.
• File Format: Select the desired file format for your scan, such as PDF, JPG, TIFF, or PNG.

6. Start Your First Scan

Now that everything is set up, you’re ready to scan your first document. Follow these steps:

• Place Document: Place the document on the scanner glass or in the automatic document feeder (ADF) if your printer has one.
• Start Scan: Use the Brother ControlCenter software, the iPrint&Scan app, or the printer’s scan button to initiate the scanning process.
• Save or Share: Based on your chosen settings, the scanned document will be saved to your computer, sent to an email address, uploaded to a cloud storage service, or printed directly.

7. Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any problems during setup or scanning, try these troubleshooting tips:

• Check Connections: Ensure your printer is properly connected to your computer or network.
• Driver Updates: Make sure you have the latest driver installed for your printer.
• Restart Devices: Sometimes restarting your computer and printer can resolve connectivity issues.
• Check Software Settings: Verify that the software settings are configured correctly, especially the scan destination and file format.
• Refer to Manual: Consult your Brother printer’s user manual for more detailed troubleshooting instructions.

Mastering the Art of Scanning with Your Brother Printer

With these steps, you’ve unlocked the full potential of your Brother printer, transforming it into a versatile scanner. Whether you’re digitizing old photos, creating digital copies of important documents, or sharing scanned content with others, your Brother printer is now your go-to solution.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can I scan multiple pages at once?
A: Yes, many Brother printers have an automatic document feeder (ADF) that allows you to scan multiple pages continuously.
Q: What are the different file formats I can use for scanning?
A: Common file formats for scanned documents include PDF, JPG, TIFF, and PNG. Each format has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs.
Q: Can I scan directly to a cloud storage service?
A: Yes, several Brother printers and software applications allow you to scan directly to cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
Q: What if I don’t have the Brother printer software?
A: While the software provides advanced features, you can still scan using basic functions from your computer’s operating system or a mobile app. However, you might have limited control over scan settings.
Q: How do I update the driver for my Brother printer?
A: Visit the Brother website and search for your printer model. Download the latest driver package and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.