Summary
- The most common and straightforward method to enable AirPrint on your Brother printer is by utilizing the Brother iPrint&Scan app.
- Once you’ve enabled AirPrint through the iPrint&Scan app, you can print from your Apple devices as if your Brother printer were natively AirPrint compatible.
- If your Brother printer model doesn’t support the iPrint&Scan app or if you prefer a more direct approach, you can enable AirPrint through Brother’s web services.
Are you tired of the hassle of connecting your Brother printer to your device via USB or Wi-Fi? Do you wish you could print wirelessly directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac without any complicated setup? Well, you’re in luck! This guide will walk you through the process of how to make your Brother printer AirPrint compatible.
Understanding AirPrint and Brother Printers
AirPrint is a revolutionary technology developed by Apple that allows you to print wirelessly from your Apple devices without the need for any drivers. This means you can seamlessly print documents, photos, emails, and web pages from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to any AirPrint-enabled printer.
While many printers come with AirPrint compatibility built-in, some manufacturers, including Brother, don’t always include this feature. However, there are ways to enable AirPrint on your Brother printer, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of wireless printing from your Apple devices.
Method 1: Using Brother’s iPrint&Scan App
The most common and straightforward method to enable AirPrint on your Brother printer is by utilizing the Brother iPrint&Scan app. This free app is available for both iOS and Android devices, offering a convenient way to control and manage your Brother printer.
Here’s how to enable AirPrint using the iPrint&Scan app:
1. Download the iPrint&Scan App: Begin by downloading the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).
2. Connect Your Printer: Ensure your Brother printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the App: Open the iPrint&Scan app on your Apple device.
4. Select Your Printer: The app will automatically search for available Brother printers on your network. Choose your printer from the list.
5. Enable AirPrint: Look for an option within the app settings that says “Enable AirPrint” or “AirPrint Support.” Toggle this setting to “On.”
Once you’ve enabled AirPrint through the iPrint&Scan app, you can print from your Apple devices as if your Brother printer were natively AirPrint compatible.
Method 2: Using Brother’s Web Services
If your Brother printer model doesn‘t support the iPrint&Scan app or if you prefer a more direct approach, you can enable AirPrint through Brother’s web services. This method requires accessing your printer’s settings through a web browser.
Follow these steps to enable AirPrint through Brother’s web services:
1. Find Your Printer’s IP Address: Locate your printer’s IP address. You can usually find this information printed on the printer itself or by accessing your router’s settings page.
2. Access the Web Interface: Open a web browser on your computer and enter your printer’s IP address in the address bar.
3. Navigate to Settings: Log in to your printer’s web interface and navigate to the settings or configuration menu.
4. Enable AirPrint: Look for an option related to “AirPrint” or “Apple AirPrint.” Enable this option to activate AirPrint functionality.
After enabling AirPrint through Brother’s web services, your printer should be accessible for wireless printing from your Apple devices.
Method 3: Checking for Firmware Updates
Sometimes, the solution to enabling AirPrint on your Brother printer is as simple as updating your printer’s firmware. Newer firmware versions often include support for AirPrint and other advanced features.
Here’s how to check for and install firmware updates:
1. Access Your Printer’s Settings: Access your printer’s settings menu, either through the control panel on the printer itself or through the printer’s web interface.
2. Look for Firmware Updates: Navigate to the “Settings,” “Maintenance,” or “System” menu and look for an option related to “Firmware Updates,” “Software Updates,” or “System Updates.”
3. Download and Install: If a firmware update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
After installing the latest firmware update, your Brother printer should be AirPrint compatible.
Troubleshooting AirPrint Issues
Even after following the above methods, you might encounter some issues with AirPrint. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
- Check Network Connectivity: Ensure your printer and Apple device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Restart Devices: Restart your printer and Apple device to reset any potential connection issues.
- Update Printer Driver: If you’re using a Mac, make sure you have the latest printer driver installed.
- Check Firewalls and Security Settings: Ensure your firewall or security software isn’t blocking communication between your printer and Apple device.
- Contact Brother Support: If you’re still experiencing problems, reach out to Brother’s customer support for assistance.
Beyond AirPrint: Exploring Other Printing Options
While AirPrint is a fantastic solution for Apple users, there are other ways to print wirelessly from your Brother printer.
- Brother iPrint&Scan App: As mentioned earlier, the iPrint&Scan app provides a reliable way to print from Android devices as well.
- Wi-Fi Direct: Some Brother printers support Wi-Fi Direct, allowing you to connect your device directly to the printer without needing a Wi-Fi network.
- Cloud Printing: Many Brother printers offer cloud printing services, enabling you to print from anywhere with an internet connection.
Printing Made Easy: Why AirPrint is a Game Changer
Enabling AirPrint on your Brother printer opens a world of possibilities for convenient and hassle-free printing. Imagine being able to print documents, photos, and web pages directly from your phone or tablet, without needing to connect cables or fumble with complicated settings.
AirPrint eliminates the need for driver installations, making printing a breeze. It’s a truly seamless experience that enhances your productivity and simplifies your workflow.
Final Thoughts: Your Printing Journey Starts Here
By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily unlock AirPrint on your Brother printer and enjoy the benefits of wireless printing from your Apple devices. Whether you’re printing documents for work, photos for personal use, or web pages for research, AirPrint empowers you to print effortlessly and efficiently.
Don’t let the lack of native AirPrint compatibility hold you back. Embrace the simplicity and convenience of wireless printing and take your printing experience to the next level.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I use AirPrint on all Brother printers?
A: Not all Brother printers are AirPrint compatible. However, many newer models support AirPrint, and you can often enable it through the methods described in this guide.
Q: What if I don’t have a Wi-Fi network?
A: If you don’t have a Wi-Fi network, you can use Wi-Fi Direct to connect your device directly to your Brother printer. However, AirPrint requires a Wi-Fi connection.
Q: Can I print from multiple Apple devices to the same Brother printer?
A: Yes, you can print from multiple Apple devices to the same Brother printer using AirPrint. Each device will be able to access the printer wirelessly.
Q: Is there any cost involved in using AirPrint?
A: AirPrint itself is a free technology. However, you may need to purchase ink or toner for your Brother printer, depending on your printing needs.
Q: What if I’m still having problems with AirPrint?
A: If you’re still experiencing issues with AirPrint, contact Brother‘s customer support for assistance. They can help troubleshoot any problems and offer solutions tailored to your specific printer model.