A modern office or home workspace is unimaginable without the ability to instantly print documents and photos directly from a smartphone. Owners of multifunctional devices of the Brother DCP People often wonder how to set up a wireless connection to eliminate unnecessary wires and cables. The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, but by following a clear algorithm, you can activate the feature. Wi-Fi Direct or connection via a router in a matter of minutes.
Devices of the series DCP They offer a wide range of functionality and support various communication protocols, including standard solutions from Apple and Google. To successfully implement your plans, you'll need a stable network, a working router, and, of course, a smartphone with an operating system. Android or iOSIn this article, we'll cover all configuration steps in detail, paying particular attention to the nuances of working with the proprietary app and built-in operating system tools.
Before proceeding with software settings, ensure the hardware is physically ready. Make sure the printer is plugged in and the cartridges are installed correctly. If the device was previously used in wired mode, you may need to reset the current network settings through the device's menu to avoid IP address conflicts.
Preparing equipment and checking network settings
The first step is to check the status of the wireless module on the device itself Brother. On many models of the series DCP The WiFi indicator will blink if the connection is not established, or will remain solid if the connection is successful. You'll need to find the button with the corresponding icon on the control panel or access the menu via the touchscreen if it's a touchscreen.
It is important to understand the difference between the two main operating modes: infrastructure (via a router) and direct (Wi-Fi Direct). In the first case, the phone and printer are on the same local network, allowing all devices in the home to print. In the second case, the smartphone connects directly to the printer, creating its own mini-network, convenient for quick printing without internet access.
⚠️ Note: If you're using a corporate network with strict traffic filtering or AP Isolation, printing through the router may be blocked by the administrator. In this case, Wi-Fi Direct will be the only working option.
Before starting setup, it's recommended to reboot the router and printer. This helps clear the DNS cache and obtain a fresh IP address, which often resolves network visibility issues. After powering on, wait until the indicators on the printer's housing light up. Brother DCP will stop flashing and go into working mode.
Using the official Brother iPrint&Scan app
The most reliable way to manage printing is to use specialized software from the manufacturer. Application Brother iPrint&Scan available in stores Google Play And App Store and provides expanded access to the MFP's functions. After installation, the program automatically scans the network for compatible devices.
Once you launch the app, you'll see the main screen with action buttons. If your printer hasn't been added yet, the system will prompt you to complete the registration process. Click the Add Device button and select your printer. Brother DCP from the list of found drivers. The application will automatically select the necessary drivers and establish the connection.
- 📱 Support for scanning documents directly to cloud storage.
- 🖨️ Ability to customize print settings, including paper type and quality.
- 📊 Real-time ink level monitoring.
- 🔄 Automatic device firmware update via the Internet.
The app interface not only allows you to send files to print, but also manage security settings. For example, you can set PIN code to access scanning functions to prevent confidential documents from being accidentally scanned by unauthorized network users.
Setting up Wi-Fi Direct printing
Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to create a direct connection between your mobile device and printer without using a wireless router. This is especially useful in situations where the router is unavailable, unstable, or when you're visiting someone. To activate this feature, go to the control panel. Brother DCP You need to find the corresponding item in the network menu.
After enabling the mode, the network name (SSID) and password will be displayed on the printer screen (or on the printed configuration report). The network name typically includes the word "DIRECT" and the device model. The password is often default, but can be changed through the printer's web interface for increased security.
| Parameter | Default value | Where to change |
|---|---|---|
| Network name (SSID) | DIRECT-xx-DCPxxxx | Printer Menu / Web Interface |
| Password | 12345678 | Printer menu / Web interfaces |
| Communication channel | Auto | WiFi Direct settings |
| Device limit | 5 | Network settings |
On your smartphone, open the WiFi settings, find the network with your printer's name, and enter the password. After a successful connection, your phone may report that there's no internet access. This is normal, as the connection is only established with the printer. You can now open documents and print them.
☑️ Checking Wi-Fi Direct connection
Printing from Android via Google Cloud Print and Mopria
For users of devices based on Android Lucky for us to have built-in printing systems. Modern versions of the operating system support the standard. Mopria, which ensures compatibility with most printers, including BrotherFor this method to work, your phone and printer must be on the same WiFi network.
In your phone's settings, find the "Connections" or "Connected Devices" section. There should be a "Printing" option. The system will automatically prompt you to install the plugin. Brother Print Service Plugin from the app store if it's not already installed. Once the plugin is installed and activated, the printer will appear in the list of available devices.
The printing process looks like this: you open a document or photo, select "Print" from the menu, and the system prompts you to select a printer. If the device Brother DCP It's visible in the list; just click on it. All scale, copy number, and color settings are available in the preview before submitting the job.
⚠️ Note: The Android settings menu interface may differ depending on the smartphone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei). While the menu items may have different names, the printing plugin's logic remains consistent across the entire ecosystem.
If the automatic search does not return any results, try adding the printer by IP addressYou can find this out by printing a network configuration report on the printer itself. In manual entry mode, specify the protocol (usually IPP or HTTP) and address, after which the system will attempt to establish a direct connection.
Printing from iPhone and iPad (Apple AirPrint)
Apple device owners don't need to install additional drivers thanks to the technology AirPrintThis feature is built into iOS and iPadOS and works out of the box with devices. Brother, supporting a wireless network. The main requirement is that both devices must be connected to the same router.
Open a document or page in your browser. Safari or a photo. Click the "Share" icon (a square with an upward arrow) and select "Print" from the list. The printer field should display the name of your Brother DCPIf the name shows "Not selected," check if client isolation mode is enabled on your router.
What should I do if AirPrint doesn't see my printer?
Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on both your iPhone and printer. Make sure they're on the same network (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands should be combined, or the devices should be on the same subnet). Restart your router. Make sure the printer doesn't have a static IP address on a different subnet.
AirPrint functionality allows you to select a page range, number of copies, and even print on both sides (if the model DCP (This printer supports duplex printing.) After you click "Print," the job is sent to the queue, and you can monitor the progress in the notification center. This is one of the most stable and fastest printing options in the Apple ecosystem.
Solving common connection problems
Even with proper setup, problems may still occur. One common issue is the router changing the printer's IP address. To avoid this, it is recommended to fix the address in the router settings or set static IP in the printer's menu. This ensures that the phone will always "see" the device at the same address.
Another cause of errors may be outdated device firmware. Manufacturers periodically release updates to improve compatibility with new versions of iOS and Android. You can check the firmware version through the web interface by entering the printer's IP address in the browser, or through the menu on the device's control panel.
- 🔌 Check if your phone's antivirus software is blocking local connections.
- 📡 Make sure the WiFi signal is strong enough where the printer is installed.
- 🔄 Reset your printer's network settings to factory defaults if nothing helps.
If the printer stops responding after changing the router or WiFi password, you need to re-enter the network data in the MFP menu. Brother This is often done via the "Menu" button -> "Network" -> "WLAN" -> "Setup Wizard." After selecting your network and entering a new password, the device will reboot the communication module.
Why is my printer printing slowly over WiFi?
Wireless printing speed depends on signal quality, channel congestion, and file size. Large, high-resolution photos may take longer to transfer. Speed may also decrease if the printer and router are operating on the congested 2.4 GHz band. Try switching your router to channel 1, 6, or 11, or use the 5 GHz band if your printer supports 802.11n/ac.
Is it possible to print if the router does not have internet access?
Yes, internet access is not required for printing over a local network (AirPrint, Mopria, iPrint&Scan in LAN mode). The main requirement is that the router properly assigns IP addresses and connects devices within the local network. However, internet access is required for some cloud features or checking for updates.
How to print a test page from your phone?
In the Brother iPrint&Scan app, go to the device settings and find "Print Report" or "Test Page." There's no dedicated test page option in the standard Android or iOS print menus, but you can print any document with minimal content to test the connection.
Does my Brother DCP support Wi-Fi Direct?
Not all DCP series models are equipped with a wireless module. WiFi connectivity is indicated in the model name (e.g., DCP-L25xxDWR, where the "W" stands for "Wireless"). If the model name does not include the letter "W," it likely only supports wired connections via USB or Ethernet (LAN cable), and wireless printing is not possible without purchasing a separate print server.