The Ultimate Brother MFC-490CW Wireless Setup Tutorial: Get Connected Now!

Are you ready to ditch the tangled cords and embrace the convenience of wireless printing? Setting up your Brother MFC-490CW wirelessly can seem daunting at first, but with our comprehensive guide, you’ll be printing, scanning, and copying from any device in your home or office in no time.

Getting Started: The Essentials

Before we dive into the setup process, ensure you have the following items handy:

• Your Brother MFC-490CW printer: Make sure it’s powered on and ready to go.
• Your wireless network name (SSID) and password: You’ll need these to connect your printer to your network.
• A computer or mobile device connected to your wireless network: This will be used to guide the setup process.
• The printer’s setup CD or download the latest drivers from Brother’s website: This contains the necessary software for your printer.

Connecting Your Brother MFC-490CW to Your Wireless Network

There are two primary methods to connect your Brother MFC-490CW to your wireless network:
1. Using the Setup Wizard:

• Power on your printer and ensure it’s within range of your wireless router.
• Insert the setup CD into your computer or download and install the latest drivers from Brother’s website.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to launch the setup wizard.
• Select “Wireless Network Connection” or a similar option.
• The wizard will scan for available wireless networks. Choose your network from the list.
• Enter your wireless network password when prompted.
• The printer will attempt to connect to your network. Wait for the connection to complete.

2. Connecting Manually:

• Access your printer’s control panel and navigate to the network settings.
• Select “Wireless LAN Setup” or a similar option.
• Choose “Search for Network” or “Scan for Networks.”
• Select your network from the list and enter your wireless password.
• The printer will attempt to connect to your network. Wait for the connection to complete.

Verifying Your Connection

Once the setup process is complete, it’s crucial to verify that your Brother MFC-490CW is successfully connected to your wireless network:

• Print a network configuration report: This report will display your printer’s IP address and other network settings. You can access this through the printer’s control panel or by printing a test page.
• Check your network settings: On your computer or mobile device, open your network settings and look for the connected devices. Your Brother MFC-490CW should be listed.

Installing the Printer Software

Now that your printer is connected to your network, you need to install the necessary software to allow your computer or mobile device to communicate with it:

• Insert the setup CD into your computer or download and install the latest drivers from Brother’s website.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer software.
• During the installation process, select “Wireless Connection” or a similar option.
• The software will automatically detect your Brother MFC-490CW and configure it for use.

Setting Up Mobile Printing

The Brother MFC-490CW offers convenient mobile printing capabilities. Here’s how to set it up:

• Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app: This app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
• Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device to your printer.
• You can now print documents, photos, and web pages directly from your mobile device.

Tips for Troubleshooting Wireless Connectivity Issues

If you encounter difficulties connecting your Brother MFC-490CW to your wireless network, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Ensure your router is powered on and working correctly.
• Check the distance between your printer and router. The closer they are, the stronger the signal.
• Restart your printer and router. This can sometimes resolve temporary connection issues.
• Verify that your wireless network password is entered correctly.
• Try connecting your printer to a different network to rule out any network-specific problems.
• If all else fails, consult Brother’s support website or contact their customer service for assistance.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Features

The Brother MFC-490CW offers a range of features that can enhance your printing experience. Here are a few to explore:

• Automatic document feeder: This allows you to scan or copy multiple pages without manually feeding each one.
• Duplex printing: Print on both sides of the paper automatically, saving paper and money.
• Fax capabilities: Send and receive faxes directly from your printer.
• Cloud connectivity: Print documents directly from cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox.

The Final Touch: Mastering Your Brother MFC-490CW

Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up your Brother MFC-490CW wirelessly and unlocked a world of printing convenience. Now, explore the advanced features, enjoy the freedom of printing from any device, and experience the ease of wireless printing.

What People Want to Know

1. What if I forget my wireless network password?
If you forget your wireless network password, you’ll need to access your router’s settings to retrieve it. The process varies depending on your router’s brand and model. You can typically find instructions on your router’s documentation or online support.
2. Can I use the Brother MFC-490CW with a guest network?
Yes, you can typically connect your Brother MFC-490CW to a guest network. However, some guest networks may have restrictions that prevent printing or other features. It’s best to consult your router’s documentation for specific information.
3. How do I update my printer’s firmware?
You can update your Brother MFC-490CW’s firmware through the printer’s control panel or by downloading the latest firmware from Brother’s website. Updating the firmware can improve printer performance, fix bugs, and add new features.
4. What if I can’t print from my mobile device?
Ensure that your mobile device is connected to the same wireless network as your printer. Also, verify that the Brother iPrint&Scan app is installed and properly configured. If you’re still having trouble, check Brother‘s support website for troubleshooting tips.
5. How do I change my printer’s default paper size?
You can change the default paper size in your printer’s settings. Access the printer’s control panel, navigate to the settings menu, and select “Paper Size.” Choose the desired paper size from the list.