What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the process of how to set up wifi on a brother printer, allowing you to print from your laptop, phone, or tablet with ease.
- Once you’ve selected your network, the printer will ask you to enter the password for your Wi-Fi network.
- While the steps above are the most common way to connect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi, there are alternative methods depending on your printer model and preferences.
Are you tired of constantly plugging and unplugging your Brother printer from your computer? Wouldn’t it be easier to print wirelessly from any device in your home? This guide will walk you through the process of how to set up wifi on a brother printer, allowing you to print from your laptop, phone, or tablet with ease.
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into the specific steps, let’s understand the fundamental concepts. Wireless printing relies on a wireless network, often referred to as a Wi-Fi network. Your printer needs to be connected to this network to communicate with your devices. This connection allows you to send print jobs from your computer, phone, or tablet to your printer without any physical cables.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- Your Brother printer: Ensure the printer is turned on and within range of your Wi-Fi router.
- Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password: You’ll need this information to connect your printer to your network.
- An internet-connected device (computer, phone, or tablet): This device will be used to configure the Wi-Fi settings on your printer.
Connecting Your Brother Printer to Wi-Fi
Now, let’s get into the actual steps for connecting your Brother printer to your Wi-Fi network. The exact process might vary slightly depending on your printer model, but the general steps are similar.
1. Prepare Your Printer: Make sure your Brother printer is turned on and within range of your Wi-Fi router.
2. Access the Setup Menu: The way you access the setup menu varies depending on your printer model. Look for a button labeled “Menu,” “Settings,” “Setup,” or a similar icon. You might also need to use the navigation buttons on the printer’s control panel to access the setup menu.
3. Select Wireless Setup: Within the setup menu, navigate to the “Wireless” or “Network” settings. You’ll typically find options like “Wireless Setup Wizard,” “Connect to Wireless Network,” or similar.
4. Choose Your Wi-Fi Network: The printer will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your network name (SSID) from the list displayed on the printer’s screen.
5. Enter Your Wi-Fi Password: Once you’ve selected your network, the printer will ask you to enter the password for your Wi-Fi network. Carefully type the password using the printer’s keypad or on-screen keyboard.
6. Confirm the Connection: After entering the password, the printer will attempt to connect to your Wi-Fi network. You’ll see a message confirming the connection on the printer’s screen.
7. Test the Connection: To verify that the connection is successful, try printing a test page from your computer, phone, or tablet. If the test page prints successfully, you’ve successfully connected your Brother printer to Wi-Fi.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the process is generally straightforward, you might encounter some common issues:
- The printer can’t find your Wi-Fi network: Ensure your router is turned on and your network is broadcasting. You might need to move the printer closer to the router to improve the signal strength.
- Incorrect password: Double-check that you’ve entered the correct password for your Wi-Fi network. Case sensitivity matters, so ensure you use the correct capitalization.
- The printer connects but can’t print: Make sure your computer or other device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer. You might need to update the printer driver or restart your computer.
Alternative Setup Methods
While the steps above are the most common way to connect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi, there are alternative methods depending on your printer model and preferences:
- WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): Some routers and Brother printers support WPS, which simplifies the connection process. You’ll typically find a WPS button on your router and printer. Press both buttons simultaneously to establish a connection.
- Using a Brother iPrint&Scan App: Brother offers a mobile app called iPrint&Scan that can help you connect your printer to Wi-Fi. The app guides you through the process and simplifies the steps.
Maintaining Your Wireless Connection
Once you’ve successfully connected your Brother printer to Wi-Fi, it’s important to maintain the connection. Here are a few tips:
- Keep your router updated: Regularly update your router’s firmware to ensure optimal performance and security.
- Restart your printer and router: If you experience connectivity issues, restarting both your printer and router can often resolve the problem.
- Check for interference: Other electronic devices can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Try moving your printer or router to a location with less interference.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Features
Once you’ve established a basic wireless connection, you can explore additional features for your Brother printer:
- Mobile printing: Use your smartphone or tablet to print documents, photos, and web pages directly from your device.
- Cloud printing: Print documents from cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
- Remote management: Access and manage your printer settings remotely from your computer or mobile device.
Final Thoughts: Unlocking the Power of Wireless Printing
By following these steps and understanding the basics of wireless printing, you can easily connect your Brother printer to your Wi-Fi network. This will unlock the convenience of wireless printing, allowing you to print from any device in your home without the hassle of cables. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a wirelessly connected Brother printer!
Top Questions Asked
Q: What if my printer doesn‘t have a Wi-Fi button?
A: If your printer doesn‘t have a dedicated Wi-Fi button, you’ll need to access the wireless settings through the printer’s control panel. Look for a “Menu” or “Settings” button and navigate to the “Wireless” or “Network” settings.
Q: Can I connect my printer to a guest network?
A: Yes, you can connect your printer to a guest network. However, you might need to configure additional settings or enable specific features on your router to allow printing from a guest network.
Q: What if I forget my Wi-Fi password?
A: If you forget your Wi-Fi password, you’ll need to reset your router to its factory defaults. This will erase all network settings, including your password. You’ll then need to set up your Wi-Fi network again.
Q: How do I update my printer’s firmware?
A: To update your printer’s firmware, you can typically download the latest firmware from the Brother website. The specific steps for updating the firmware vary depending on your printer model. You can find instructions in the printer’s user manual or on the Brother website.
Q: My printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it won’t print from my phone. What should I do?
A: Ensure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. You might need to install the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your phone and configure the printer settings within the app. Additionally, check if your phone’s Bluetooth is turned off, as it might interfere with the Wi-Fi connection.
