Modern technology allows you to control office equipment directly from your smartphone, and Apple users often wonder how to connect a Brother printer to an iPhone via WiFi for quick printing of documents and photos. The setup process has become significantly simpler in recent years thanks to the AirPrint protocol, which is built into iOS by default. However, there are some nuances that depend on the device model and software version. Wireless connection Provides wireless scanning and printing, transforming bulky equipment into a smart home.
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure your equipment is ready to work on the local network. Many users mistakenly believe that simply turning on the devices is enough, but for stable operation, proper preliminary preparation of the network and the device itself is required. MFP devices (multifunctional device). In this article, we'll cover every step in detail, from checking compatibility to resolving common connection issues, so you can forget about cables.
It is worth noting that connection methods may vary slightly depending on the year of your model. Brother and versions of the iOS operating system. It is critical that your iPhone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network, otherwise the device will not be discoverable. Let's take a look at the steps you need to take to successfully integrate your device into the Apple digital environment.
Checking compatibility and preparing equipment
The first step to successful setup is a detailed check of your printer's technical specifications. Not all Brother models support direct wireless printing, so you need to ensure it has a Wi-Fi module. This is usually indicated by a corresponding icon on the control panel or in the model name, which may include letters. W or WiFiIf you're using an older printer without a built-in module, you'll need to purchase an external Wi-Fi adapter or use an intermediate computer.
It's also important to check the operating system version on your smartphone. AirPrint, Apple's primary printing method, is supported on iOS 4.2 and above, but for the most stable operation of modern features, it's best to use the latest iOS versions. Make sure your router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz band, as many printers still don't support the 5 GHz frequency, which often causes connection errors.
Before you begin setup, please follow these steps to prepare your equipment:
- 📶 Make sure your router is turned on and providing an internet signal.
- 🔋 Check your iPhone's battery level or connect it to a power source.
- 🖨️ Turn on your Brother printer and wait until the initialization process is complete.
- 📱 Make sure your iPhone's wireless network is turned on.
⚠️ Important: If your router uses the Smart Connect network separation feature, which combines the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands into a single network with the same name, the printer may not find the network. In this case, try temporarily separating the networks in your router settings or creating a guest network on the 2.4 GHz band only.
After completing the preparatory steps, you can proceed directly to setting up the network interface on the printer itself. This step is fundamental, as without proper network registration, further actions on the iPhone will be meaningless.
Setting up a Wi-Fi connection on a Brother printer
There are several ways to connect the printer itself to your home network, and the method you choose depends on the device's display and hardware. The most common method is to use the built-in menu on the printer's control panel. Find the button with a gear or Wi-Fi icon to access the settings menu. From there, select Network or WLAN, and then run Setup Wizard.
If your device doesn't have a display, you can use the WPS method, which allows you to connect to the router by simply pressing buttons. To do this, press the WPS button on the router, then within two minutes press the Wi-Fi button on the printer (or hold it until the light starts blinking). The device will automatically exchange security keys and connect to the network. This method is significantly faster than manually entering a password, especially if you have a complex combination of characters.
In some cases, especially on models with a monochrome screen, you may need to enter the SSID (network name) and password manually. Be careful when entering characters, as they are case-sensitive. After a successful connection, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer panel should be solid rather than flashing. This indicates the device has acquired an IP address and is ready to communicate.
For users who prefer to configure their printer from a computer, a USB connection is available using the Brother iPrint&Scan utility or an installation disc. The program will automatically transfer the Wi-Fi settings from the computer to the printer, after which the cable can be removed. This is convenient if the printer's keyboard is faulty or the screen is too small for easy navigation.
Using AirPrint technology for printing
AirPrint is a native Apple technology that lets you print documents, photos, Safari pages, and emails without installing additional drivers. To use this feature, you don't need to download anything from the App Store; both devices need to be on the same network. Open the document or photo you want to print, tap the Share icon (the square with an upward-facing arrow), and select Seal.
In the menu that opens, click Select a printerIf your Brother printer is properly connected to the network, it should appear in the list of available devices. The system will automatically detect the model and offer standard settings. You can select the number of copies, page range, and duplex printing (if the printer supports duplexing). After confirmation, the document will be sent to the print queue.
AirPrint technology supports high-resolution printing and preserves the original document formatting. However, it's important to remember that this method is primarily designed for printing and does not support scanning. Advanced features, such as scanning to the cloud or adjusting paper settings, require a proprietary app.
Sometimes your iPhone may not see your printer, even if they're on the same network. In this case, check if AP Isolation is enabled on your router, which prevents devices on the network from seeing each other. Also, make sure your printer isn't assigned a static IP address that conflicts with the router's current subnet.
Using the Brother Mobile Connect app
For those who find AirPrint's functionality insufficient, Brother has developed a free app Brother Mobile Connect (formerly known as iPrint&Scan). This software is available in the App Store and provides full control over your device. Once installed and launched, the app will automatically scan your network and find connected Brother printers. If a device is found, it will appear in the main menu, along with ink status and paper levels.
The app not only lets you print but also scan documents directly to your iPhone's memory or send them to cloud storage. You can choose the file format (PDF or JPEG), scanning resolution, and color reproduction. You can also use the app to track the status of consumables and even order delivery if this service is available in your area.
☑️ Setting up Brother Mobile Connect
One of the app's useful features is the ability to print directly from cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, without having to download files to your phone first. This saves space on your device and speeds up your workflow. The app's interface is intuitive, but accessing some advanced settings may require registering for a Brother account.
⚠️ Important: When you first launch the Brother Mobile Connect app, it will ask for permission to access your local network. Without this permission, it will not be able to detect the printer, even if Wi-Fi is enabled. Be sure to tap "Allow" in the iOS system dialog.
Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct
If you don't have access to your main Wi-Fi router or are visiting someone, you can use Wi-Fi Direct. This mode allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your iPhone and your Brother printer without using a router. To activate this feature, find the "Wi-Fi Direct" option on the printer control panel. Wi-Fi Direct and turn it on. The network name (SSID) and password for connection will be displayed on the device's screen (or on the printed configuration report).
Next, on your iPhone, you need to go to the Wi-Fi settings and find the network with a name containing BRODIRECT, and enter the password. Once connected, the phone will lose internet access but will still be able to send print jobs. This is ideal for quickly printing tickets, maps, or documents on trips without a landline connection.
Comparing connection methods will help you choose the best option for your situation:
| Characteristic | AirPrint | Brother Mobile Connect | Wi-Fi Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet access | Required (for cloud) | Desirable | Not required |
| Scanning | No | Yes | Via the app |
| Difficulty of setup | Minimum | Average | Low |
| Internet access from iPhone | Eat | Eat | No (at time of printing) |
Troubleshooting and diagnostics
Even with proper setup, wireless network issues may still occur. One common issue is when the router changes the printer's IP address, causing the iPhone to lose connection. To avoid this, it's recommended to assign the printer's IP address in the router settings (static DHCP). It's also worth checking whether the router's firewall is blocking the ports required for the Bonjour protocol, which is used to discover Apple devices.
If printing is slow or intermittent, the Wi-Fi signal may be too weak where the printer is installed. Try moving the device closer to the router or using a Wi-Fi repeater. Metal objects, microwaves, and thick walls can significantly reduce signal strength, especially in the 2.4 GHz band.
What should I do if my printer says "Out of ink" even though the cartridges are full?
This could be due to a chip error or a software glitch. Try removing and reinserting the cartridges while the printer is on. If that doesn't help, perform a full network reset through the printer menu."
In some cases, a complete reset of the printer's network settings to factory defaults and reconfiguration from scratch can help. To do this, select Reset NetworkAfter rebooting, the device will be as good as new, and you'll need to re-enter the Wi-Fi password. This often resolves issues with frozen network services within the printer itself.
Be sure to regularly update the firmware of your Brother device. Manufacturers release updates that improve Wi-Fi connection stability and add support for new versions of iOS. You can check for updates through the printer's web interface (by entering its IP address in a browser) or through the Mobile Connect app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a Brother printer to an iPhone without a router?
Yes, this is possible using Wi-Fi Direct. In this mode, the printer creates its own network, which the iPhone connects to. However, in this mode, the phone will not have internet access while the printer is connected.
Why can't my iPhone see my Brother printer on the network?
The most likely cause is that the devices are on different networks (for example, one on a guest network and the other on the main network) or are using different frequencies (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz) with strict isolation. Also, check if Bonjour is enabled in the router settings.
Do I need to install drivers to print from an iPhone?
Basic AirPrint printing doesn't require any drivers; iOS uses built-in drivers. Advanced features (scanning, tray configuration) require the free Brother Mobile Connect app from the App Store.
How to find the IP address of a Brother printer?
Press the menu button on the printer, navigate to the Network or WLAN section, and select "TCP/IP" or "View IP." You can also print a network configuration report by pressing the "Report" button or the button combination specified in the instructions.
Does printing work over 3G/4G LTE?
Direct printing via AirPrint is only possible within a local Wi-Fi network. Printing via mobile data (while away from home) requires using cloud services such as Brother Cloud or third-party solutions that support remote printing.