The modern pace of life dictates its own rules, and the need to urgently print a document or photo directly from a mobile device arises increasingly often. Fortunately, wireless technologies make it possible to do this without unnecessary wires and complex equipment, using just your smartphone and printer. BrotherThe setup process may seem confusing to a beginner, but in reality, it only requires careful following of the steps and an understanding of the basic principles of local network operation.
In this article, we will examine in detail all the nuances of connecting Android and iOS devices with printing equipment. BrotherSo you can forget about searching for USB cables. We'll cover official apps, native operating system features, and direct connection methods without a router. This guide will help you set up your equipment quickly and efficiently, avoiding common mistakes.
Before you begin, make sure your printer supports wireless communication, as indicated by the presence of an antenna or the corresponding icon on the control panel. You'll also need to know the password for your Wi-Fi network, as logging into the system is impossible without it. Let's move on to preparing the hardware and software.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step to successful printing is to physically prepare your devices and ensure they are ready for printing. Make sure the printer Brother The device is plugged in and operational, with the indicator lights glowing steadily. If the device is newly unpacked, you should install the cartridges and load paper, as many models disable network functionality if consumables are missing.
It's important to understand that to work via Wi-Fi, your router and printer must support the same frequency standard. Most modern models Brother They work perfectly in the 2.4 GHz band, which is the de facto standard for home appliances. Your smartphone must also be connected to the same network you plan to connect the printer to.
⚠️ Attention: Some dual-band routers can cause issues if your phone is connected to the 5 GHz band but the printer only sees the 2.4 GHz band. Ensure both devices are on the same logical network segment or use the 2.4 GHz guest network for the printer.
Check your device model on the official website or in the instructions to confirm the presence of the module. Wi-FiIf there's a wireless symbol or antenna on the case, there shouldn't be any problems. Otherwise, you'll need to use an OTG cable or connect the device via a computer, which is beyond the scope of this guide.
Make sure your smartphone has sufficient battery power or is connected to a charger, as the setup and device search process can drain power. Also, check that wireless connectivity is enabled in your phone's settings and that geolocation is activated, which is often required to locate devices on the local network.
Using the official Brother iPrint&Scan app
The most reliable and functional way to manage printing is to use specialized software from the manufacturer. Application Brother iPrint&Scan available for free in stores Google Play And App Store, offering a wide range of capabilities. It allows you to not only print documents and photos, but also scan images directly to your phone and check ink levels.
After installing the app, launch it and accept the license agreement. The program will automatically attempt to find available printers on your network. If the printer isn't yet connected to Wi-Fi, the app will prompt you to launch a setup wizard that will guide you through the configuration process step by step.
During the setup process, you may be asked to select your Wi-Fi network from a list and enter the password. The app will transmit this information to the printer, and it will attempt to connect to the router. A successful connection is usually confirmed by the Wi-Fi indicator on the device flashing, which then turns solid.
The app's functionality allows you to select files from various sources, including cloud storage and your phone's gallery. You can adjust print settings, such as paper size, orientation, and number of copies, directly in the app's interface before sending the job.
Setting up printing from Android via Mopria and system services
Users of smartphones based on Android You can often get by without installing additional applications by using built-in printing services. The system automatically detects compatible printers on the network via the protocol Mopria, which is supported by most modern models BrotherTo activate this feature, go to your phone's settings and find the "Connections" or "Connected devices" section.
In the settings menu, find "Print" and ensure "Mopria Print Service" or "Default Print Service" is enabled. If you don't see your printer in the list, press the menu button (three dots) and select "Add Printer." Then enter the device's IP address, which you can find by printing a network configuration report from the printer's control panel.
Printing from apps like the browser or gallery is now simple: just tap "Share" or the three-dot menu and select "Print." The system will prompt you to select a printer, and after confirmation, the document will be sent to the queue.
☑️ Check Android settings
In some cases, especially on smartphones Samsung or Xiaomi, you may need to install a plugin Brother Print Service Plugin from the app store. This plugin provides deeper integration and allows you to view cartridge status directly in the system print menu.
If the automatic search fails, try rebooting your router and printer, as this often resolves IP address assignment issues on the local network. After rebooting, wait a couple of minutes for the devices to fully launch their network modules.
Printing from iPhone and iPad: AirPrint and Brother Mobile Connect
Device owners iOS are in an advantageous position thanks to technology AirPrint, which is built into the operating system. You don't need to install any drivers or applications for basic printing if your printer Brother supports this standard, which is true for most modern models. Just make sure your iPhone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
To print a document or photo, open the desired file, tap the "Share" button (the square with an upward arrow), and scroll down to "Print." In the "Printer" section, tap "Select Printer," and your device Brother should appear in the list of available ones.
However, for advanced functionality such as scanning or printing with preview and editing, it is better to install the app Brother Mobile ConnectThis is a modern replacement for the old iPrint&Scan app, offering a more user-friendly interface and cloud functionality.
What should I do if AirPrint doesn't see my printer?
Make sure the "AP Isolation" feature is disabled on your router. This feature prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other. Also, check if your router's firewall is blocking the ports used by the Bonjour protocol.
Application Brother Mobile Connect Allows you to create an account to access cloud services, allowing you to print documents remotely, even when you're away from home. This is especially useful for students and office workers who need to quickly obtain a hard copy of a document.
⚠️ Attention: AirPrint technology doesn't support duplex printing on all printer models. If double-sided printing is critical to you, check the specifications for your model or use a proprietary app that may implement this feature programmatically.
Wi-Fi Direct connection without a router
Situations vary, and sometimes you don't have a Wi-Fi router handy, or you're visiting someone with limited internet access. In these cases, technology comes to the rescue. Wi-Fi Direct, allowing you to connect your phone and printer directly, without intermediaries. Printer Brother In this mode, it creates its own access point to which your smartphone connects.
To activate this mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the printer control panel or go to the network menu and select the appropriate option. The network name (SSID) and connection password will appear on the device screen or printed report.
On your phone, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks, find the network with a name containing "Brother" or "Direct," and enter the password. After connecting, your phone's internet connection may be lost, but printing will work reliably.
This method is ideal for quickly printing photos from parties or documents on a business trip. However, it's worth keeping in mind that data transfer speeds may be slower than with a full-fledged router, and the range is limited to a few meters.
| Parameter | Via Router (Infrastructure) | Wi-Fi Direct | USB OTG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet access on the phone | Eat | No (local network only) | Depends on the phone |
| Range of action | Up to 30-50 meters | Up to 10 meters | Cable length (up to 2 m) |
| Difficulty of setup | Average | Low | Low |
| Number of users | Multiplayer | Typically 1-5 devices | One device |
Solutions to common problems and errors
Even with proper configuration, errors may occur due to software conflicts or changes to network settings. One common issue is the router changing the printer's IP address after a reboot. To avoid this, we recommend setting a static IP address for the printer in the router settings or on the device itself via the web interface.
If printing is slow or intermittent, check the Wi-Fi signal strength where the printer is installed. Microwaves, cordless phones, and thick concrete walls can cause interference. In such cases, moving the router closer to the printer or using a Wi-Fi repeater may help.
Driver or app errors can be resolved by completely reinstalling them. Go to your phone's settings and find the app. Brother, uninstall it, then clear the cache and reinstall it. It's also a good idea to check for firmware updates for the printer itself via the web interface.
In some cases, antivirus software on your phone or router can block ports required for printing. Try temporarily disabling the protection to see if it's causing the issue. Remember to re-enable the protection after checking.
⚠️ Attention: Printer menu interfaces and mobile apps may be updated by the manufacturer. If you don't find an exact match for a menu item, look for similar sections in the network or connection settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to print a document if the router is not connected to the Internet?
Yes, you can. Internet access is not required for Wi-Fi printing; a working local network is essential. The main thing is that the router is turned on and broadcasting the Wi-Fi signal to which both the phone and printer are connected.
Does my old Brother printer support printing from my phone?
If your printer doesn't have a Wi-Fi button or wireless network icon, it likely doesn't have a built-in module. In this case, printing is only possible through the computer connected to the printer or by purchasing a dedicated print server.
Why does the phone see the printer, but says "Print error"?
Most often, this means the printer is out of paper, the cover is open, or the document is jammed. The error can also occur if the file format is incompatible or if a previous job is stuck in the print queue.
How to find the IP address of a Brother printer?
Press the "Menu" button on the printer, navigate to the "Network" or "WLAN" section, then select "TCP/IP" and "IP Address." Alternatively, print a network configuration report by pressing the "Go" button or the key combination specified in the instructions.
Is the Brother iPrint&Scan app safe to use?
Yes, this is official software from the manufacturer and is safe to use. However, always download apps only from the official Google Play or App Store to avoid counterfeits.