How to Connect Brother Printer MFC J491DW to WiFi in 3 Easy Steps!

The Brother MFC-J491DW is a versatile multifunction printer that can handle your printing, scanning, copying, and faxing needs. To truly maximize its potential, you’ll want to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to achieve seamless wireless printing.

Getting Started: Essential Preparations

Before diving into the connection process, ensure you have the following:

• Your Brother MFC-J491DW printer: Make sure it’s powered on and ready to connect.
• Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password: You’ll need this information to connect the printer to your network.
• A computer or mobile device connected to your Wi-Fi network: This will be used to guide the printer through the connection process.

Method 1: Connecting via the Printer’s Control Panel

This method is straightforward and ideal for those who prefer a hands-on approach.
1. Press the “Home” button on your printer’s control panel: This will bring up the main menu.
2. Navigate to the “Network” or “Wireless” settings: The exact menu name may vary slightly depending on your printer’s firmware.
3. Select “Setup Wizard” or “Wireless Setup” option: This will initiate the Wi-Fi connection process.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: The printer will display a list of available Wi-Fi networks.
5. Select your network name from the list: Double-check that you’ve chosen the correct network.
6. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted: This will secure your printer’s connection to your network.
7. Confirm the connection: Once the printer has successfully joined your network, you’ll receive a confirmation message.

Method 2: Connecting via the Brother iPrint&Scan App

For a more convenient and mobile-friendly experience, utilize the Brother iPrint&Scan app.
1. Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app: This app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices.
2. Open the app and select “Add a New Device”: This will initiate the printer discovery process.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions: The app will guide you through connecting your printer to your Wi-Fi network.
4. Select your network name from the list: Ensure you’ve chosen the correct network.
5. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted: This step secures your printer’s connection.
6. Confirm the connection: The app will notify you once your printer is successfully connected.

Method 3: Connecting via the Brother Website

If you prefer a web-based approach, the Brother website offers a dedicated setup tool.
1. Visit the Brother website and navigate to the support section: You can typically find this by clicking on “Support” or “Downloads.”
2. Search for your printer model: Enter “MFC-J491DW” in the search bar.
3. Download the “Wireless Setup Tool” for your operating system: This tool will guide you through the connection process.
4. Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions: The tool will detect your printer and guide you through the connection process.
5. Select your network name from the list: Ensure you’ve chosen the correct network.
6. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted: This step secures your printer’s connection.
7. Confirm the connection: The tool will notify you once your printer is successfully connected.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

While connecting your Brother MFC-J491DW to Wi-Fi is generally straightforward, you may encounter some common issues. Here are a few tips to troubleshoot those problems:

• Check your Wi-Fi signal strength: Ensure your printer is within the range of your Wi-Fi router and that the signal is strong.
• Restart your router and printer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connection issues.
• Double-check your Wi-Fi password: Ensure you’ve entered the correct password without typos.
• Check for firmware updates: Outdated firmware can sometimes cause connectivity problems. Visit the Brother website to download the latest firmware for your printer.
• Reset your printer’s network settings: If all else fails, resetting the network settings on your printer can resolve connection issues.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Tips

• Enable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): If your router supports WPS, you can connect your printer to your network with a single button press.
• Use a wired connection for initial setup: If you’re having trouble connecting wirelessly, try connecting your printer to your router with an Ethernet cable for initial setup.
• Enable automatic updates: This will ensure your printer is always running the latest firmware, which can help improve connectivity and performance.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Wireless Printing

Connecting your Brother MFC-J491DW to your Wi-Fi network opens up a world of possibilities. You can now print from any device on your network, scan documents directly to your computer, and even access online printing services.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I connect my Brother MFC-J491DW to multiple Wi-Fi networks?
A: No, your printer can only be connected to one Wi-Fi network at a time. However, you can easily switch between networks by following the connection steps outlined above.
Q: What if I forget my Wi-Fi password?
A: If you’ve forgotten your Wi-Fi password, you’ll need to reset your router to its factory settings. This will erase all your network settings, including your password. You’ll then need to set up your router again and create a new password.
Q: My printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but I can’t print. What should I do?
A: There could be several reasons why you can’t print. First, ensure your printer is selected as the default printer in your computer’s settings. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your computer and printer. If the issue persists, check your printer’s status to see if there are any error messages.
Q: How do I update my printer’s firmware?
A: You can download the latest firmware for your Brother MFC-J491DW from the Brother website. Once downloaded, follow the instructions provided to update your printer’s firmware.
Q: Can I use my Brother MFC-J491DW to print from my smartphone or tablet?
A: Yes! Once your printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network, you can print from your smartphone or tablet using the Brother iPrint&Scan app or other compatible printing apps.
By following these simple steps and troubleshooting tips, you can easily connect your Brother MFC-J491DW to your Wi-Fi network and enjoy the freedom of wireless printing.