how to connect phone to brother printer

3 min read 18-01-2025

Connecting your phone to your Brother printer opens up a world of convenient printing. Whether you need to print photos, documents, or emails on the go, this guide will walk you through the various methods, troubleshooting common issues, and ensuring a seamless printing experience.

Choosing Your Connection Method: Wi-Fi vs. Direct Connection

Before we begin, understanding the different connection methods is crucial. Brother printers typically offer two primary ways to connect your phone:

1. Wi-Fi Connection: This is the most common and generally preferred method. It allows you to print from anywhere within your Wi-Fi network's range.

2. Direct Connection (Wi-Fi Direct): This method creates a temporary, direct wireless connection between your phone and the printer, bypassing your home Wi-Fi network. This is useful if your Wi-Fi is unstable or you're printing in a location without Wi-Fi access.

Which Method is Right for You?

Wi-Fi: Best for regular printing, easier setup for multiple devices.
Wi-Fi Direct: Best for quick prints in a pinch, or situations with unreliable Wi-Fi.

Connecting via Wi-Fi: A Step-by-Step Guide

This is the most versatile method. Here's how to connect your phone to your Brother printer using Wi-Fi:

Step 1: Prepare Your Printer

Ensure your printer is turned on and connected to your Wi-Fi network. Consult your printer's manual for specific instructions on how to connect it to your Wi-Fi router. This usually involves navigating the printer's settings menu via the control panel.
Note down your printer's network name (SSID) and password. You'll need this information for your phone's connection.

Step 2: Install the Brother iPrint&Scan App

Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS). This app is the cornerstone for wireless printing with most Brother printers.

Step 3: Connect Your Phone to the Printer via the App

Open the Brother iPrint&Scan app.
Add your printer: The app will scan for nearby Brother printers. Select your printer from the list.
Follow the on-screen instructions. This might involve entering your printer's SSID and password or selecting a connection method.
Test the connection: Print a test page to confirm the connection is working correctly.

Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct: A Quick Guide

Wi-Fi Direct establishes a direct link between your phone and printer, eliminating the need for a Wi-Fi router.

Step 1: Enable Wi-Fi Direct on Your Printer

Locate the Wi-Fi Direct setting on your printer's control panel. The exact steps vary depending on the printer model; check your manual.
Enable Wi-Fi Direct and note the printer's Wi-Fi Direct name (SSID).

Step 2: Connect Your Phone to the Printer's Wi-Fi Direct Network

Go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings.
Select the printer's Wi-Fi Direct network from the available networks.
You may need to enter a password (check your printer manual).

Step 3: Use the Brother iPrint&Scan App

Open the Brother iPrint&Scan app and select your printer.
You should now be able to print.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Problems

Printer not showing up: Ensure your printer is turned on and correctly connected to your Wi-Fi network (or Wi-Fi Direct is enabled). Restart both your printer and phone. Check your router for any network issues.
App not connecting: Try reinstalling the Brother iPrint&Scan app. Ensure your phone's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled.
Slow printing speeds: Check your Wi-Fi signal strength and eliminate potential interference.

Printing from Different Apps

Once your phone is connected, you can print from various applications. Most apps (like your email client or photo gallery) have a "Print" option. Select your Brother printer from the list of available devices.

Maintaining Your Connection

Regularly check your printer's and phone's network settings. Ensure your printer's firmware is up-to-date for optimal performance and compatibility.

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you'll be printing wirelessly from your phone in no time! Remember to always refer to your Brother printer's manual for model-specific instructions and detailed information.