Master the Art of Remote Printing: How to Connect Brother Printer via IP Address

Connecting your Brother printer via its IP address is a powerful way to manage and control your printer remotely, especially when you’re on a network. This method bypasses the need for direct USB connections and offers greater flexibility. This guide will walk you through the process of connecting your Brother printer via its IP address, ensuring a seamless and efficient printing experience.

Why Connect via IP Address?

Connecting your Brother printer via its IP address offers several advantages:

• Remote Printing: Print documents from any device on your network without having to be physically connected to the printer.
• Enhanced Control: Manage printer settings, monitor ink levels, and troubleshoot issues remotely.
• Network Integration: Easily share the printer with multiple users on the same network.
• Wireless Printing: Connect wirelessly to your printer without needing a USB cable.

Finding Your Brother Printer’s IP Address

Before you can connect your printer via its IP address, you need to find out what that address is. Here are a few ways to do this:

• Check the Printer’s Display: Look at the printer’s LCD screen. The IP address may be displayed, often labeled as “IP Address” or “Network Settings.”
• Check the Printer’s Configuration Page: Print a network configuration report from your printer. The IP address will be listed on this report. To print a configuration report, refer to your printer’s user manual or online documentation.
• Check Your Router’s Settings: Access your router’s web interface and look for a list of connected devices. Your printer’s IP address will be listed there.
• Use a Network Scanning Tool: Download a network scanning tool (like Advanced IP Scanner or Fing) to scan your network and identify your printer’s IP address.

Connecting Your Brother Printer via IP Address

Once you have the IP address, you can connect your printer from your computer or mobile device:

Connecting from a Windows Computer

1. Open the “Devices and Printers” window: Go to the “Start” menu, type “Devices and Printers,” and select the option.
2. Add a printer: Click on “Add a printer” in the top left corner.
3. Select “Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer“: Choose this option from the list.
4. Select “The printer that I want isn’t listed”: This option allows you to manually add the printer.
5. Choose “Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname”: Select this option to connect via the IP address.
6. Enter the IP address: Type in the printer’s IP address in the provided field.
7. Select the appropriate printer driver: Choose the driver that matches your Brother printer model.
8. Complete the connection: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection process.

Connecting from a Mac Computer

1. Open “System Preferences“: Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. Go to “Printers & Scanners”: Select the “Printers & Scanners” icon.
3. Click the “+” button: This will open the “Add Printer” window.
4. Select “IP” from the “Protocol” dropdown: This will allow you to connect via IP address.
5. Enter the IP address: Type in the printer’s IP address in the provided field.
6. Select the printer model: Choose the correct model from the list of available printers.
7. Complete the connection: Click “Add” to complete the connection process.

Connecting from a Mobile Device

1. Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app: Download the app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Open the app and select “Add Printer“: Follow the prompts within the app to add your printer.
3. Enter the IP address: Type in your printer’s IP address when prompted.
4. Connect to your printer: The app will attempt to connect to your printer.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If you encounter problems connecting your Brother printer via its IP address, consider these troubleshooting steps:

• Check the printer’s connection: Ensure your printer is connected to your network properly.
• Verify the IP address: Make sure you’ve entered the correct IP address.
• Restart your printer and router: Sometimes, restarting these devices can resolve connectivity issues.
• Update your printer driver: Outdated drivers can cause compatibility problems. Download the latest driver from the Brother website.
• Check your firewall: Make sure your firewall isn’t blocking the printer’s connection.
• Consult the Brother support website: Visit the Brother support website for specific troubleshooting guides and FAQs related to your printer model.

Maintaining a Stable Connection

To ensure a stable connection with your Brother printer via its IP address, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a strong and stable Wi-Fi network: A weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal can cause connectivity issues.
• Keep your network equipment updated: Update your router’s firmware and your computer’s operating system to ensure compatibility and security.
• Avoid changing your network settings: Changing your network settings, like the IP address range, can disrupt your printer’s connection.
• Check for network conflicts: If multiple devices are using the same IP address, it can cause connection issues.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Printing Options

Once you’ve successfully connected your Brother printer via its IP address, you can explore advanced printing options:

• Print from Cloud Services: Many Brother printers support cloud printing, allowing you to print documents directly from services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
• Print from Mobile Devices: With the Brother iPrint&Scan app, you can print photos, documents, and web pages from your smartphone or tablet.
• Scan to Email: Some Brother printers allow you to scan documents and send them directly to your email address.
• Print from Multiple Computers: You can share your printer with multiple users on your network, providing convenient access for everyone.

Wrapping Up: The Power of IP Address Printing

Connecting your Brother printer via its IP address opens up a world of possibilities, enabling remote printing, enhanced control, and seamless network integration. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily connect your printer and enjoy the benefits of this powerful method. Remember to always refer to your printer’s user manual or the Brother support website for specific instructions and troubleshooting tips.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: What if my printer’s IP address keeps changing?
A: If your printer’s IP address changes frequently, it’s likely due to a dynamic IP address assignment. You can configure your router to assign a static IP address to your printer, ensuring a consistent connection. Consult your router’s documentation for instructions on how to do this.
Q: Can I connect my Brother printer via IP address if I don’t have a router?
A: While connecting via IP address is typically associated with network environments, you might be able to connect directly to your printer using its IP address if your operating system supports this method. However, this is not as common as connecting through a router.
Q: What should I do if my printer is not showing up in the “Devices and Printers” window on my Windows computer?
A: If your printer is not listed in the “Devices and Printers” window, ensure that the printer is turned on and connected to your network. Try restarting both your printer and computer to see if that resolves the issue. If it persists, check your printer’s configuration settings and ensure that it’s properly configured for network printing.
Q: Can I use a different IP address to connect to my Brother printer?
A: No, you can only connect to your Brother printer using its assigned IP address. Attempting to connect using a different IP address will result in an error.
Q: What if I forget my printer’s IP address?
A: If you forget your printer’s IP address, you can find it by using the methods described earlier in this guide, such as checking the printer’s display, printing a configuration report, or using a network scanning tool.