What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the simple steps of setting up Wi-Fi on your Brother MFC-J470DW, ensuring seamless printing from any device in your home or office.
- The software will guide you through the remaining steps to connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network.
- Check the network settings on your computer or mobile device to ensure the printer is selected as the default printer.
The Brother MFC-J470DW is a versatile all-in-one printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine designed to streamline your workflow. But to truly harness its potential, you need to connect it to your wireless network. This guide will walk you through the simple steps of setting up Wi-Fi on your Brother MFC-J470DW, ensuring seamless printing from any device in your home or office.
Getting Started: Essential Preparations
Before diving into the setup process, ensure you have the following:
- Your Brother MFC-J470DW printer: Make sure it’s powered on and within range of your Wi-Fi router.
- Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password: You’ll need this information to connect the printer to your network.
- A computer or mobile device: You’ll use this to access the printer’s setup menu and configure the Wi-Fi connection.
Method 1: Setting Up Wi-Fi Using the Printer’s Control Panel
This method is the most straightforward and requires no additional software or drivers.
1. Turn on the printer: Ensure the printer is powered on and ready to connect.
2. Access the Wireless Setup Menu: Locate the “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi” button on your printer’s control panel. Press it to access the wireless setup menu.
3. Select “Wi-Fi Setup Wizard”: Navigate through the menu options until you find the “Wi-Fi Setup Wizard” or a similar option.
4. Choose your network: The printer will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your network from the list displayed.
5. Enter the password: When prompted, carefully type in your Wi-Fi network password using the printer’s keypad or touchscreen.
6. Confirm the connection: The printer will attempt to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Once the connection is established, you’ll see a confirmation message on the printer’s display.
Method 2: Setting Up Wi-Fi Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App
The Brother iPrint&Scan app offers a user-friendly interface for setting up your printer’s Wi-Fi connection.
1. Download the app: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Launch the app: Open the app on your mobile device.
3. Select “Add a Device”: Tap the “Add a Device” option within the app.
4. Connect to the printer’s network: The app will guide you to connect your mobile device to the printer’s temporary Wi-Fi network.
5. Select your network: Choose your home or office Wi-Fi network from the list displayed.
6. Enter the password: Input your Wi-Fi network password into the app.
7. Confirm the connection: The app will guide you through the final steps of connecting your printer to your Wi-Fi network.
Method 3: Setting Up Wi-Fi Using a Computer
If you prefer using a computer, follow these steps:
1. Install the printer driver: Download and install the latest driver for your Brother MFC-J470DW from the Brother website.
2. Connect the printer to your computer: Use a USB cable to connect your printer to your computer.
3. Launch the installation software: Run the printer driver installation software.
4. Select “Wireless” setup: During the installation, select the “Wireless” or “Network” setup option.
5. Choose your network: The software will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your network from the list.
6. Enter the password: Input your Wi-Fi network password when prompted.
7. Complete the setup: The software will guide you through the remaining steps to connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network.
Troubleshooting Common Wi-Fi Connection Issues
Even with the detailed steps above, you might encounter some hiccups during the Wi-Fi setup process. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- The printer doesn’t find your Wi-Fi network: Ensure your Wi-Fi network is active and within range of the printer. Restart your router and the printer to refresh the network connection.
- Incorrect password: Double-check that you’re entering the correct Wi-Fi password. Be mindful of capitalization and special characters.
- The printer connects but doesn’t print: Verify that the printer is properly connected to your Wi-Fi network. Check the network settings on your computer or mobile device to ensure the printer is selected as the default printer.
- Intermittent connection: If the connection is unstable, try moving the printer closer to your router. Check for any obstacles or interference that might be affecting the Wi-Fi signal.
Beyond the Basics: Optimizing Your Wi-Fi Connection
Once your Brother MFC-J470DW is connected to your Wi-Fi network, you can further optimize your printing experience:
- Update the printer firmware: Regularly check for firmware updates on the Brother website. Updating the firmware can improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance security.
- Use a dedicated Wi-Fi network: If you have multiple devices connected to your Wi-Fi network, consider setting up a dedicated network for your printer. This can minimize network congestion and improve printing speed.
Final Thoughts: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your MFC-J470DW
By successfully setting up Wi-Fi on your Brother MFC-J470DW, you’ve opened the door to a world of convenient printing from any device in your home or office. Whether you’re printing documents, photos, or web pages, your MFC-J470DW is now ready to seamlessly integrate into your digital workflow, enhancing your productivity and efficiency.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I connect my Brother MFC-J470DW to multiple Wi-Fi networks?
A: No, your Brother MFC-J470DW can only be connected to one Wi-Fi network at a time.
Q: What if I forget my Wi-Fi password?
A: You’ll need to reset your Wi-Fi network password and then follow the steps to connect your printer again.
Q: How can I check the printer’s Wi-Fi signal strength?
A: You can usually find the Wi-Fi signal strength indicator on the printer’s control panel. You can also check the network status in the printer’s settings menu.
Q: Is it possible to connect my printer to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network?
A: Yes, the Brother MFC-J470DW supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. However, ensure your router’s 5GHz network is compatible with the printer.
Q: How often should I update the printer firmware?
A: It’s recommended to check for firmware updates regularly, ideally every few months. Firmware updates often include bug fixes, security enhancements, and performance improvements.
