It's hard to imagine a modern office or home workspace without the ability to quickly and wirelessly print documents and photos. Brother They are deservedly popular due to their reliability, but the initial setup of the connection between the smartphone and the printer often causes difficulties for users. Correct configuration Wi-Fi connections Allows you to forget about wires and print directly from the screen of your mobile device anywhere in the apartment.
The synchronization process may vary depending on your hardware model and phone operating system. In this guide, we'll cover all current methods in detail, from using the proprietary app to WPS setup. You'll learn how to troubleshoot common errors and ensure stable operation of your peripherals on your local network.
Preparing equipment and network for work
Before installing the software, make sure the basic requirements are met. The printer must be plugged in, and the cartridges must be installed and unlocked. Make sure your router is broadcasting a signal, and you know the password for your home network. Wi-Fi.
It's important to ensure that your mobile device and printer are within range of a strong signal. If your router supports two frequency bands, remember that many printer models only operate within the [Bandwidth/Length] band. 2.4 GHzThe smartphone must also be connected to this network during setup.
⚠️ Important: If your router uses the "Smart Connect" feature (combining 2.4 and 5 GHz into one network), the printer may not find the network. Temporarily separate the bands in your router settings or create a guest network for 2.4 GHz only.
It's also worth checking the indicators on the device's control panel. A flashing wireless icon usually indicates setup mode or a disconnected connection. A lit indicator indicates successful network authentication.
Using the Brother iPrint&Scan app
The easiest and most reliable way to establish communication is to use the official mobile application. Brother iPrint&Scan available for platforms Android And iOS and automatically finds devices on the local network. Download the app from the official store (Google Play or App Store) and launch it.
Once launched, the app will request local network access permission, which is necessary to detect the printer. Click "Add Device" or "Connect." If the printer is already connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone, it will appear in the list of available ones.
If the device isn't found, the app will prompt you to perform initial setup. Follow the on-screen instructions: select your network from the list and enter the password. The process takes less than a minute.
Once paired, you'll be able to not only print but also scan documents directly into the app, saving them to the cloud or your phone's gallery. The app's functionality allows you to change print settings, such as paper type and margin size.
Setup via Wi-Fi Direct (printing without a router)
Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your phone and printer without a router. This is ideal for situations when a router is unavailable or you're visiting someone. In this mode, the printer itself becomes an access point.
To activate this feature, locate the button with the smartphone symbol on the device's panel or navigate to "Network" → "Wi-Fi Direct" in the menu. The network name (SSID) and security key (Password) should appear on the screen.
Now, take your phone, open the Wi-Fi settings, and find your printer's name in the list of available networks. Enter the password shown on the MFP screen. After connecting, the Wi-Fi icon on your phone may restrict internet access—this is normal, as the channel is busy printing.
Open the document or photo you want to print, select "Print," and select the connected device. Data transfer speeds over this connection may be lower than through a router, but for small documents, this isn't a problem.
WPS method: Quick connection with a push button
If your router and printer support the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) reduces the setup process to pressing physical buttons. This eliminates the need to manually enter a long and complex password. Look for the correspondingly labeled button on the router body.
Press and hold the WPS button on the router for 2-3 seconds until the security light starts flashing. Then, within two minutes, press the WPS button on the printer control panel or select it from the "Network" menu.
Menu → Network → WLAN → WPS/AOSSThe devices will automatically exchange encryption keys. The wireless indicator on the printer will stop blinking and turn solid, indicating a successful connection.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
The WPS function may be disabled in your router's security settings or may not be supported by older router models. In this case, use the PIN code entry method or configure the router via a USB cable from a computer.
Comparison of connection methods
The choice of connection method depends on your goals and the operating conditions of the equipment. For permanent work in the office or at home, a classic connection via a router is best, as it provides simultaneous printer access for all devices on the network.
Mobile printing via Wi-Fi Direct is a good temporary solution or for printing confidential documents that shouldn't be recorded in network traffic. Below is a table to help you decide which method to use.
| Method | Need a router | Access from multiple devices | Difficulty of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via app (LAN) | Yes | Yes | Low |
| Wi-Fi Direct | No | No (1 device) | Average |
| WPS | Yes | Yes | Very low |
| USB cable (OTG) | No | No | High |
Please note that when connecting via a router, the printer receives its own IP address, which can be static or dynamic. For corporate environments, it is recommended to assign the address to the device in the DHCP server settings.
Diagnostics and problem solving
Even with proper setup, issues may still occur. If your phone doesn't see the printer, first check to see if your network is isolated. The "AP Isolation" feature should be disabled in your router settings; it prevents devices on the network from seeing each other.
A common problem is a frequency band mismatch. As mentioned earlier, if the router broadcasts a 5 GHz network and the printer only supports 2.4 GHz, the connection will fail. Make sure both devices are on the same subnet.
☑️ Connection diagnostics
Try resetting the printer's network settings. This is usually done through the menu: "Menu" → "Network" → "Network Reset." After the device reboots, try running the setup wizard again.
⚠️ Note: Resetting your network will delete all saved Wi-Fi profiles and passwords. You will need to re-enter your wireless network details.
If the problem persists, check for firmware updates for your model. BrotherManufacturers frequently release patches that improve compatibility with new router security standards.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Can a Brother printer be connected to 5G Wi-Fi?
Most printer models only support the 2.4 GHz standard. If your router broadcasts a single network with a common name for both bands, try temporarily separating them in the router settings and connecting the printer to the 2.4 GHz network.
How to find out the IP address of a printer?
Press the "Menu" button on the device, go to "Network" → "TCP/IP" → "IP Address." You can also find the address in the network configuration report, which can be printed from the device menu.
Why does my phone say "No internet connection" when I print?
When using Wi-Fi Direct, the phone switches to a direct connection to the printer, losing access to the global network through the router. This is normal behavior. For internet-connected printing, use Infrastructure mode (via the router).
Does iPhone printing work without installing apps?
Yes, if your printer supports AirPrint. Just make sure your iPhone and printer are on the same network, open a photo or document, tap "Share" → "Print," and select your device.