Modern multifunctional devices They've long ceased to be simply office equipment tethered to a desktop computer. Today, users want to instantly print documents and photos directly from their smartphones, from anywhere in their home. Brother to the wireless network opens access to mobile printing, scanning to the cloud and remote task management.
The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, especially if you're new to it. However, by following a clear step-by-step guide and using official apps, you can set it up wireless connection in just a few minutes. In this article, we'll cover all current synchronization methods, from automatic WPS to manual IP address configuration.
It is important to understand that the stability of the connection directly depends on the quality of the router signal and the correctness of the entered parameters. If your router If your printer supports dual-band mode, make sure your phone and printer are on the same frequency network. This is a fundamental step, without which further communication between devices will not be possible.
Equipment preparation and requirements verification
Before proceeding with software settings, you need to make sure that the equipment is physically ready. Make sure that your Brother MFP supports Wi-Fi; this is usually indicated by the presence of a corresponding button on the control panel or a wireless logo on the case. If the device is older and does not have a built-in adapter, an additional one will be required. USB Wi-Fi adapter, compatible with a specific model.
It's also critically important to know the password for your home network. Unlike a wired connection, authorization This is done exclusively using a security key. Make sure your router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz band, as most printers don't see 5 GHz networks unless they are connected to a single access point with a shared name (SSID).
⚠️ Important: If your router uses MAC address filtering, before connecting, find the printer's MAC address (usually on a sticker on the back or in the network menu) and add it to the whitelist of allowed devices.
For full functionality of all functions, it is recommended to install the official application. Brother iPrint&Scan or Mobility Print to your smartphone. These programs take care of the main work of finding the device and transferring protocols printing, simplifying user interaction with the technology.
WPS method: the fastest way to connect
Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Allows you to connect devices without manually entering a password. This is ideal if you don't remember a complex security key or are worried about entering characters incorrectly. Most modern routers and MFPs Brother support this standard.
To begin, press the WPS button on your router. This may be physical or software (in the web interface). After activating the router's search mode, go to the printer's control panel. Find the button with the wireless network icon or go to the menu. Network → WLAN → WPS.
The device will begin searching for a signal. Press the button within two minutes. WPS On the MFP itself, or confirm the action on the screen if it's a touchscreen. The wireless network indicator should start blinking and then turn solid, indicating a successful connection.
☑️ Checklist for a successful WPS connection
It's worth noting that the WPS method doesn't always work reliably in conditions of strong radio interference or if this feature is disabled on the router for security reasons. If automatic pairing doesn't occur within 2 minutes, the system will display an error, and you'll have to resort to manual pairing. setting.
Setting up via the printer control panel menu
If the quick method doesn't work, you'll have to use the classic data entry method via the device menu. On the MFP control panel, press the button Menu or Settings, then select the item Network or WLANYou need to find the option Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard).
After turning on the wizard, the device will begin scanning for available networks. Find your home network name (SSID) in the list that appears. If the network is hidden, select the option to enter the name manually. Please note: case is important.
The next screen will ask you to enter a password. Use the navigation arrows to select the characters. After entering the security key, the system will prompt you to confirm the settings. The printer will attempt to receive IP address from the router via DHCP.
What to do if the network is not found?
If your router hides the network name (SSID), it won't appear in the list. You'll need to select the "Enter manually" option and enter the network name accurately. Also, make sure the printer isn't too far from the router during setup.
After a successful connection, the device's IP address may be displayed on the screen. Make a note of it, as you may need it later. direct installation drivers to your computer or to access the printer's web interface in the future.
Using the Brother iPrint&Scan app
For mobile device users, the most convenient way to control the device is the official app. It is available in Google Play And App StoreAfter installation, run the program and grant the necessary permissions to access the local network and files.
The app will automatically scan the network and find a connected MFP. If the device is found, you'll see its status and cartridge charge level. If the printer isn't displayed, click the add button and follow the on-screen instructions to add it. conjugations.
Through the application interface, you can not only print, but also scan documents directly into the phone’s memory or send them by email. Function Scan-to-Cloud Allows you to upload scanned files directly to Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive.
| Function | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Photo printing | Printing images from the gallery | The application is installed |
| Scanning | Saving copies to PDF/JPG | Access to phone memory |
| Monitoring | Checking ink levels | Active Wi-Fi connection |
| Web Connect | Print from the cloud without a PC | Account setup |
It is important to update the application periodically, as the developers regularly release patches that improve compatibility with new versions of Android and iOS operating systems.
Connecting Android devices via Wi-Fi Direct
Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect your phone to the printer directly, without using a router. This is especially useful if you're visiting someone or at an office where access to the main network is limited. The printer automatically creates an access point.
Activate Wi-Fi Direct on the MFP control panel. This is usually done by holding down the wireless network button or selecting the appropriate option from the menu. You'll see the network name (SSID) and connection password on the printer screen or on the printed network configuration report.
On your Android smartphone, open Wi-Fi settings and find the network with the name "Brother" and the device model. Enter the password shown on the printer screen. Once connected, you can print documents using the standard "Print" menu in any app.
⚠️ Note: When using Wi-Fi Direct, your phone may temporarily lose internet access as it switches to a direct connection to the printer. You may need to switch back to your primary network to access the internet.
This method provides high data transfer speeds because the channel isn't shared with other devices in the home. However, the range of this connection is typically shorter than that of a standard router, reaching approximately 10 meters of direct line of sight.
Setting up AirPrint for iPhone and iPad owners
For technology users Apple luckiest of all: technology AirPrint Built into iOS by default, you don't need to install any additional drivers or apps for basic printing. The main requirement is that both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open the document, photo, or webpage you want to print. Click the "Share" button (the square with an arrow) and select "Print." Your MFP should appear in the list of printers. Brother.
If the printer isn't found, check your router settings. Sometimes you need to enable the protocol. Bonjour or mDNS in the router interface so Apple devices can see network printers. Also, make sure your iPhone isn't using Cellular Data instead of Wi-Fi.
AirPrint supports duplex printing, copy quantity, and page range selection. Once the job is confirmed, the document is sent to the print queue, and you can continue using your phone for other tasks while the MFP is printing.
Diagnosis and solution of typical problems
Even with proper setup, errors may still occur. If your phone doesn't detect the printer, first reboot both devices. Often, the problem lies in a frozen network module in the MFP or the cache. DHCP servers router.
Check the IP addresses. Go to the printer's network settings and check the address. Then, on your phone (on the Wi-Fi network), check the gateway address. The first three digits (e.g., 192.168.1) should match. If they differ, the devices are on different networks.
Another common issue is antivirus software on your router or phone that's blocking local device discovery. Try temporarily disabling protection or adding the printer to the exceptions list. Also, make sure client isolation isn't enabled on your router. AP Isolation.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions may differ. If the menu items described here don't match, please refer to the user manual for your specific model or the manufacturer's official website.
If errors persist, we recommend resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults and starting the setup process again. This often resolves old, conflicting configurations.
Why won't my Brother printer connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Most Brother MFP models operate only in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts networks with the same name for both 2.4 and 5 GHz, the printer may become confused. We recommend separating the networks in your router settings by giving them different names (e.g., Home_2G and Home_5G) and connecting the printer to the 2G network.
How to find out the IP address of a printer if there is no screen?
On models without a display, you can get the IP address by printing a network configuration report. This is usually done by quickly pressing the Wi-Fi button or a key combination (e.g., Menu + Start). Look for the line "IP Address" in the report.
Can I connect my printer to public Wi-Fi?
In most cases, no. Public networks (cafes, airports) use browser-based login portals, which printers can't support. Furthermore, local communication between devices is often prohibited.
What to do if the AirPrint driver is missing?
Make sure AirPrint is enabled in the printer's menu (Network → AirPrint). Also, check that your router's firewall isn't blocking port 631, which is used for the IPP protocol.