Say Goodbye to Cables: Master the Art of Setting Up WiFi on Brother MFC-J470DW

Connecting your Brother MFC-J470DW printer to your Wi-Fi network is a crucial step in maximizing its functionality. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a seamless and effortless setup experience.

Prerequisites:

Before embarking on the setup journey, ensure you have the following:

• Brother MFC-J470DW printer: Make sure your printer is powered on and ready to connect.
• Wi-Fi network details: You’ll need the SSID (network name) and password for your Wi-Fi network.
• Ethernet cable (optional): An Ethernet cable can be used for initial setup if Wi-Fi connectivity is unavailable or problematic.
• Computer or mobile device: You’ll need a device to access the printer’s setup menu.

Method 1: Setting Up Wi-Fi Using the Printer’s Control Panel

This method is ideal for those who prefer a hands-on approach using the printer’s built-in display and buttons.
1. Power On and Prepare: Turn on your Brother MFC-J470DW printer and make sure it’s within range of your Wi-Fi router.
2. Access the Wireless Setup Menu: Locate the “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi” button on the printer’s control panel. Press it repeatedly until you reach the wireless setup menu.
3. Select Wi-Fi Setup Wizard: The printer’s display will guide you through the setup process. Choose the option to “Set Up Wi-Fi” or “Wireless Setup Wizard.”
4. Select Your Network: The printer will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Choose your desired network from the list.
5. Enter the Password: You’ll be prompted to enter the password for your Wi-Fi network. Use the printer’s keypad to carefully enter the password.
6. Confirm and Connect: Review your entered information and confirm your selection. The printer will attempt to connect to the Wi-Fi network.
7. Connection Success: Once the connection is established, you’ll receive 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 provides a convenient way to set up your printer’s Wi-Fi connection using your smartphone or tablet.
1. Download the App: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store onto your mobile device.
2. Launch the App and Select Your Printer: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device to your printer’s network.
3. Select Wi-Fi Setup: Choose the option to “Set Up Wi-Fi” or “Wireless Setup” within the app.
4. Choose Your Network: The app will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your desired network.
5. Enter the Password: You’ll be prompted to enter the password for your Wi-Fi network.
6. Confirm and Connect: Review your entered information and confirm your selection. The app will attempt to connect your printer to the Wi-Fi network.
7. Connection Success: Once the connection is established, you’ll receive a confirmation message within the app.

Method 3: Setting Up Wi-Fi Using a Computer (Windows or macOS)

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, setting up Wi-Fi using a computer is an effective method.
1. Connect the Printer via USB: Connect your Brother MFC-J470DW printer to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Install the Printer Software: Download and install the latest printer driver and software from the Brother website.
3. Launch the Software: Open the installed software and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Select Wi-Fi Setup: Choose the option to “Set Up Wi-Fi” or “Wireless Setup” within the software.
5. Select Your Network: The software will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your desired network.
6. Enter the Password: You’ll be prompted to enter the password for your Wi-Fi network.
7. Confirm and Connect: Review your entered information and confirm your selection. The software will attempt to connect your printer to the Wi-Fi network.
8. Connection Success: Once the connection is established, you’ll receive a confirmation message within the software.

Troubleshooting Tips:

If you encounter any issues during the Wi-Fi setup process, try these troubleshooting tips:

• Check your Wi-Fi signal strength: Ensure your printer is within range of your Wi-Fi router and that the signal is strong.
• Restart your router: Sometimes restarting your router can resolve connectivity issues.
• Verify your password: Double-check that you have entered the correct password for your Wi-Fi network.
• Reset your printer: If all else fails, try resetting your printer to its factory settings. This can sometimes resolve connectivity problems.

Tips for Optimal Wi-Fi Performance:

• Place your printer near your router: A closer proximity to your router will ensure a stronger Wi-Fi signal.
• Avoid interference: Keep your printer away from other electronic devices that might interfere with the Wi-Fi signal.
• Update your printer firmware: Regularly check for and install firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and security.

Beyond Connection: Utilizing Your Wi-Fi-Enabled Printer

With your Brother MFC-J470DW connected to your Wi-Fi network, you can enjoy a range of convenient features:

• Wireless Printing: Print documents and photos from any device connected to your Wi-Fi network.
• Mobile Printing: Use the Brother iPrint&Scan app to print from your smartphone or tablet.
• Cloud Printing: Print documents directly from cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
• Scan to Email: Scan documents and send them directly to your email address.
• Network Sharing: Share your printer with other devices on your network.

A World of Wireless Convenience

Connecting your Brother MFC-J470DW to your Wi-Fi network unlocks a world of convenience and efficiency. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up your printer and enjoy seamless wireless printing, scanning, and more.

Questions You May Have

Q: Can I connect my Brother MFC-J470DW to multiple Wi-Fi networks?
A: No, your printer can only be connected to one Wi-Fi network at a time. If you need to switch networks, you’ll need to follow the setup process again for the new 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 settings. This will erase all existing network settings, including the password. You can then set up your router again using a new password.
Q: My printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but I can’t print from my computer. What should I do?
A: Make sure your computer is also connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer. Also, check your printer’s settings to ensure that it’s configured to allow printing from your computer.
Q: What is the difference between the “WPS” and “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” methods?
A: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) and “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” are essentially the same thing. It’s a method for quickly and easily connecting devices to a Wi-Fi network without entering the password manually. Your Brother MFC-J470DW may support WPS, but it’s not the primary method for Wi-Fi setup in this guide.