Why Your Brother MFC Printer Isn’t Online: How to Solve it Now!

Are you tired of struggling to connect your Brother MFC printer to your network? Getting your Brother MFC printer online can be a simple process, but sometimes it can feel like an insurmountable task. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from initial setup to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring you can print wirelessly with ease.

Understanding Brother MFC Printer Connectivity

Brother MFC printers offer a range of connectivity options, including USB, wired Ethernet, and wireless. Wireless connectivity is the most convenient, allowing you to print from any device on your network. To get your Brother MFC printer online, you’ll need to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.

Step-by-Step Guide: Connecting Your Brother MFC Printer

Follow these steps to connect your Brother MFC printer to your Wi-Fi network:
1. Power On and Prepare: Turn on your Brother MFC printer and ensure it’s within range of your Wi-Fi router.
2. Access the Printer Menu: Locate the “Menu” or “Setup” button on your printer’s control panel. Use the navigation buttons to access the network settings.
3. Select Wireless Setup: Look for options like “Wireless LAN Setup,” “Wireless Network,” or “Wi-Fi Setup.” The exact wording may vary depending on your printer model.
4. Choose Your Network: The printer will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your home network from the list.
5. Enter the Password: You’ll be prompted to enter your Wi-Fi password. Use the printer’s keypad or on-screen interface to carefully type in the correct password.
6. Confirm Connection: The printer will attempt to connect to your network. Once successful, you’ll see a confirmation message.

Troubleshooting Common Connectivity Issues

Even with the above steps, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Printer Not Recognizing Network: Ensure your Wi-Fi router is turned on and functioning properly. Check if the signal strength is strong enough in the printer’s location. Consider moving the printer closer to the router or using a Wi-Fi extender.

• Incorrect Password Entered: Double-check that you have entered the correct Wi-Fi password. Case-sensitivity matters, so ensure you’re using the right combination of uppercase and lowercase letters.

• Network Interference: Other devices using the same Wi-Fi band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) could cause interference. Try switching to the other band on your router or minimizing the use of other devices while setting up the printer.

• Outdated Firmware: Outdated printer firmware can lead to connectivity issues. Check for updates on the Brother website and follow the instructions to install them.

Connecting Your Brother MFC Printer Using WPS

Some Brother MFC printers support Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), a simpler method for connecting to a network. Here’s how:
1. Enable WPS on Your Router: Refer to your router’s manual to learn how to enable WPS. Typically, you can press a WPS button on the router or use its web interface.
2. Start WPS on the Printer: On your Brother MFC printer, locate the “WPS” button or option in the network settings.
3. Connect: Within a short time frame, the printer will automatically connect to your Wi-Fi network.

Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App

The Brother iPrint&Scan app is a convenient way to manage your Brother MFC printer from your smartphone or tablet. You can print documents, photos, and web pages directly from your device. Here’s how to use it:
1. Download the App: Search for “Brother iPrint&Scan” in your device’s app store and download it.
2. Install and Configure: Follow the on-screen instructions to install and configure the app. You’ll need to connect your device to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
3. Print and Scan: Once connected, you can use the app to print documents, photos, and web pages. You can also scan documents and save them to your device.

Printing From Your Computer

After successfully connecting your Brother MFC printer to your Wi-Fi network, you can print from your computer. Here’s how:
1. Install the Printer Driver: Download and install the appropriate printer driver from the Brother website. Ensure you select the correct model for your printer.
2. Add the Printer: Once the driver is installed, open your computer’s printer settings and add a new printer. Select your Brother MFC printer from the list of available devices.
3. Test Print: Print a test page to ensure the connection is working correctly.

Final Thoughts: The Journey to Online Printing

Connecting your Brother MFC printer to your network can be a straightforward process once you understand the steps involved. Remember to follow the instructions carefully, troubleshoot any issues, and utilize the available resources like the Brother website and the iPrint&Scan app. With a little effort, you’ll be enjoying the convenience of wireless printing in no time.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: My Brother MFC printer is not showing up in my network list. What should I do?
A: Ensure your printer is powered on and within range of your Wi-Fi router. Check if the signal strength is strong enough. You can try restarting both the printer and your router.
Q: I’m having trouble connecting to my network using WPS. What should I check?
A: Make sure both your router and printer support WPS. Verify that WPS is enabled on your router and follow the instructions for initiating WPS on your printer.
Q: Can I use a wired connection instead of wireless?
A: Yes, most Brother MFC printers have an Ethernet port for wired connections. You can connect the printer directly to your router using an Ethernet cable.
Q: My printer is connected to the network but I can’t print from my computer. What should I do?
A: Check if the printer driver is installed correctly on your computer. Try restarting both your computer and the printer. If the issue persists, reinstall the printer driver.
Q: How do I update my printer’s firmware?
A: Visit the Brother website and search for your printer model. Download the latest firmware update and follow the instructions provided.