How to Connect Brother Printer to Mobile via USB: The Ultimate Guide

Printing documents from your mobile device has become increasingly common, and Brother printers offer a variety of ways to achieve this. While wireless connectivity is often the preferred method, sometimes you might need to connect your Brother printer to your phone or tablet using a USB cable. This guide will walk you through the process of connecting your Brother printer to your mobile device via USB, providing a seamless and efficient printing experience.

Understanding the Connection Process

Connecting your Brother printer to your mobile device via USB usually involves using a specific app developed by Brother. This app acts as a bridge between your device and the printer, allowing you to send print jobs directly from your mobile device. The process typically involves installing the app, connecting the USB cable, and configuring the printer within the app.

Required Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• Brother printer: Make sure your printer supports USB connectivity.
• USB cable: Use a standard USB Type-A to USB Type-B cable.
• Mobile device: This could be a smartphone or tablet running Android or iOS.
• Brother iPrint&Scan app: Download the app from the Google Play Store or App Store.

Step-by-Step Guide for Android Devices

1. Connect the USB cable: Connect one end of the USB cable to your Brother printer and the other end to your Android device.
2. Install the Brother iPrint&Scan app: If you haven’t already, download and install the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Google Play Store.
3. Launch the app: Open the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your Android device.
4. Select “USB Connection”: The app will likely detect your printer and display a “USB Connection” option. Select it.
5. Print your document: Choose the document you want to print from your Android device and select the “Print” option. The app will guide you through the printing process.

Step-by-Step Guide for iOS Devices

1. Connect the USB cable: Connect one end of the USB cable to your Brother printer and the other end to your iOS device.
2. Install the Brother iPrint&Scan app: If you haven’t already, download and install the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store.
3. Launch the app: Open the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your iOS device.
4. Select “USB Connection”: The app will likely detect your printer and display a “USB Connection” option. Select it.
5. Print your document: Choose the document you want to print from your iOS device and select the “Print” option. The app will guide you through the printing process.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues connecting your Brother printer to your mobile device via USB, try the following troubleshooting tips:

• Check the USB cable: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both your printer and mobile device. Try using a different USB cable if possible.
• Restart your devices: Restart both your printer and mobile device. This can resolve temporary software glitches.
• Update the app: Make sure you have the latest version of the Brother iPrint&Scan app installed.
• Check the printer’s USB port: Ensure the USB port on your printer is not damaged or faulty.
• Check your device’s settings: Make sure your mobile device has the necessary permissions to access the printer via USB.

Alternatives to USB Connection

While USB connection is a viable option for printing from your mobile device, consider these alternatives:

• Wireless connection: Many Brother printers support Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows you to print wirelessly without the need for a USB cable.
• Bluetooth connection: Some Brother printers support Bluetooth connectivity, offering another wireless printing option.
• Cloud printing: You can also print documents from your mobile device via cloud printing services like Google Cloud Print.

The Importance of a Seamless Printing Experience

Connecting your Brother printer to your mobile device via USB can be a convenient way to print documents on the go. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and efficient printing experience. Whether you’re printing a document from your phone or tablet, the USB connection provides a reliable and straightforward way to complete your printing tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I print photos from my mobile device using this method?
A: Yes, you can print photos from your mobile device using the Brother iPrint&Scan app. Simply select the photo you want to print and follow the app’s instructions.
Q: What types of documents can I print via USB?
A: You can print a wide variety of documents, including text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and images.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of devices I can connect to the printer via USB?
A: Typically, you can only connect one device to the printer via USB at a time. However, the Brother iPrint&Scan app allows you to connect multiple devices to the printer wirelessly.
Q: What if my Brother printer doesn’t support USB connectivity?
A: If your Brother printer doesn’t support USB connectivity, you can explore alternative methods like wireless or cloud printing.
Q: Are there any limitations to printing via USB?
A: Printing via USB can be limited by the speed of your USB connection and the processing power of your mobile device. You might experience delays or printing errors if your device is old or has limited resources.
In Conclusion: Printing Made Easy
Connecting your Brother printer to your mobile device via USB offers a simple and effective solution for printing documents on the go. By following the steps outlined in this guide and utilizing the Brother iPrint&Scan app, you can enjoy a seamless printing experience. While wireless connectivity might be more convenient for some, USB connection remains a reliable option for those who prefer a direct and tangible connection.