Modern office devices are no longer bulky units tied to a single computer by a long USB cable. Wireless connection has become a de facto standard, allowing you to print documents directly from your smartphone or tablet screen. This is especially relevant for technology Brother, which is famous for its reliability and flexibility of settings.
You no longer need to find a computer, turn it on, copy the file to a flash drive, and only then send it to print. The entire process takes seconds, if router and the printer are configured correctly. However, despite the promised simplicity, users often encounter difficulties during initial synchronization.
In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of how to make friends with your Android or iOS gadget with an MFP BrotherWe'll cover official utilities, manual setup methods, and troubleshooting common errors so you can manage printing from anywhere in your home or office.
Preparing equipment and network before setup
Before moving on to the software part, you need to make sure that the physical infrastructure is ready for work. Router The printer must be turned on and providing internet access, and the printer itself must be within range of a strong signal. If the device is new, make sure all shipping tapes are removed and the cartridges are installed.
The signal frequency is critically important. Many modern models Brother only support range 2.4 GHz and don't see 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (Dual Band), connection conflicts may occur.
⚠️ Note: If you have a dual-band router, temporarily separate the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks by giving them different names (SSIDs) in the router settings to avoid pairing errors.
Also check if it is enabled Wi-Fi module On the MFP itself. On models without a display, this is often done by long-pressing the wireless button until the indicator light starts blinking. On devices with a display, you need to enter the menu and activate WLAN.
- 📶 Make sure your smartphone and printer are no more than 5-7 meters away from the router during setup.
- 🔋 Check the battery level of your mobile device to ensure the process is not interrupted due to low battery.
- 🔐 Find out the password for your WiFi network in advance, as you will need it to enter it into the printer or app menu.
☑️ Ready to customize
Using the Brother iPrint&Scan app
The most reliable and functional way to establish communication is to use proprietary software. The company Brother developed a universal application iPrint&Scan, which is available in stores Google Play and App StoreIt takes care of all the hard work of searching for a device on the network.
After installation, launch the application and accept the license agreement. The program will automatically request permission to access the local network—this is necessary condition Without it, the app won't recognize the printer. If you deny access, functionality will be limited.
On the main screen, tap "Add Device" or "Select Device." If the printer is already connected to the same WiFi network as your phone, it will appear in the list. If not, the app will prompt you to launch a setup wizard, which will guide you step-by-step through entering the router password directly into the MFP's memory.
The app's interface allows you to manage the print queue, check ink levels, and even clean nozzles. This makes it an indispensable tool for any printer owner. BrotherUnlike standard system tools, full control over the device is available here.
Setup via Wi-Fi Direct for direct printing
Sometimes you might find yourself in a situation where your router is unavailable, too complex to configure, or you're visiting someone. In such cases, technology comes to the rescue. Wi-Fi Direct. It allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your phone and printer, bypassing the router.
To activate this mode on the printer Brother Typically, you need to press the Wi-Fi Direct button or find the corresponding option in the menu. The device will create its own network, the name (SSID) and password of which can often be found by printing a configuration report or viewing the MFP's screen.
On your phone, go to WiFi settings, find a network with a name containing “DIRECT” and the model of your printer (for example, Brother-Printer-Direct). Enter the password specified in the instructions or on the device screen. Once connected, you can print documents, even if your phone's internet connection is unavailable.
- 📡 Direct mode is ideal for printing photos from your phone while traveling or when there is no home internet connection.
- 🔒 The connection is password protected, which can be changed in the printer's web interface for security.
- ⚡ The data transfer speed in this mode may be lower than through a full-fledged router.
Wi-Fi Direct limitations
In direct printing mode, the printer cannot simultaneously scan documents to the network or send faxes, since the WiFi module is busy servicing one client.
Integration with Android and iOS: System Features
Modern operating systems have built-in printing tools that don't require the installation of complex drivers. For users Android service is relevant Mopria Print Service Or the built-in Brother print plugin. After installing the plugin, a "Print" option will appear in the phone's settings menu under "Connections."
By enabling this service, the system will automatically search for compatible devices on the network. When opening a document (photo, PDF, etc.), simply select "Print" in the sharing menu, and the system will suggest available printers. This works natively and doesn't require launching third-party apps each time.
Device owners Apple can use technology AirPrint. Most modern models Brother iPhones support this protocol out of the box. You don't need to install anything: just open a document, tap the "Share" button, and select "Print." Your iPhone will automatically find the printer on the network.
| Platform | Technology | Need an app | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | Mopria / Brother Plugin | Yes (plugin) | Low |
| iOS (iPhone/iPad) | AirPrint | No | Minimum |
| Windows Mobile | Manual installation | Yes | High |
| Cross-platform | Brother iPrint&Scan | Yes | Average |
Troubleshooting device visibility issues
Quite often, users encounter a situation where their phone simply "doesn't see" the printer, even though both devices are connected to the same router. The first cause is usually client isolation (AP Isolation) in the router settings. This feature prevents devices within the network from seeing each other.
To fix this, you need to go to the router settings (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and find the parameter AP Isolation or "Access Point Isolation." It must be disabled. Without this step, the phone will physically be unable to send a print command, even knowing the IP address.
Another common issue is using a guest WiFi network. Many routers, by default, isolate the guest network from the main network, where the printer might be located. Make sure both your smartphone and MFP are connected. Brother connected to the main network (Main Network), and not to the Guest.
⚠️ Warning: Antivirus software and firewalls on your computer or router may block ports required for discovery protocols (device searches). Try temporarily disabling your protection to check.
If software methods don't help, try a static IP. Knowing the printer's address (which can be found by printing a configuration report), you can add it manually in Android's printing settings by entering the IP address in the following format: 192.168.1.XXX.
Alternative methods and cloud services
In addition to direct communication, there are cloud solutions. Service Brother Cloud Allows you to link a printer to your account. This allows you to print a document from anywhere in the world with internet access, and the printer will print it from your home.
Services like Google Cloud Print (Although support is being discontinued, similar options are being developed) or printing via email. You send a file to your printer's unique email address, and it automatically prints the attachment. This is convenient for offices that need to print a document sent by a partner.
Advanced users can access the printer via a web interface. Entering the printer's IP address in a browser will take you to the control panel. BrotherThere you can update the firmware, which often solves compatibility issues with new versions of iOS or Android.
- 🌐 Cloud printing requires account registration and a constant internet connection between the printer and the internet.
- 📧 Printing via email works even if your phone and printer are in different cities.
- 🛠 The web interface is the best tool for in-depth network diagnostics and configuration.
What should I do if my Brother printer disappears from the network after updating my router?
If you changed your router or WiFi password, the printer "forgot" the old settings. You need to reset the network settings on the MFP itself (usually via the Network -> Reset menu or by holding the WiFi button) and repeat the connection procedure as during initial setup.
Is it possible to connect a Brother printer to a phone without a router?
Yes, this is possible using Wi-Fi Direct mode. In this mode, the phone connects directly to the printer's Wi-Fi module. However, in this mode, the phone may lose internet access if it doesn't support two simultaneous Wi-Fi connections.
Why does the iPrint&Scan app require location access on Android?
Starting with Android 6.0, access to the list of available WiFi networks (necessary for finding a printer) is technically tied to the geolocation permission. Without this permission, the app won't be able to scan the airwaves and find your device.