How to Network Brother Printer: Top Secrets Revealed

Are you tired of constantly connecting your Brother printer to your computer via USB? Do you dream of printing wirelessly from any device in your home or office? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of how to network Brother printer, empowering you to enjoy the freedom and convenience of wireless printing.

Why Network Your Brother Printer?

Before diving into the steps, let’s understand the benefits of networking your Brother printer:

• Wireless Freedom: Print from any device (computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet) connected to your Wi-Fi network.
• Effortless Sharing: Multiple users can access and print from the same printer, eliminating the need for individual connections.
• Increased Productivity: No more physically connecting and disconnecting your printer.
• Simplified Setup: Modern Brother printers often offer user-friendly setup wizards for easy networking.

Preparing for the Network Setup

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• Your Brother Printer: Make sure it’s powered on and ready for setup.
• Wireless Router: Your router should be active and connected to the internet.
• Network Password: You’ll need this to connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network.
• Printer Driver: Download the latest driver for your printer model from the Brother website. Installing the driver is crucial for seamless communication between your printer and devices.

Methods for Networking Your Brother Printer

There are two primary methods to network your Brother printer:

1. Wireless Network Setup Using the Printer’s Control Panel

This method is ideal for printers with a built-in LCD screen and control buttons.
1. Turn On Your Printer: Ensure your printer is powered on and ready.
2. Access the Network Settings: Navigate to the network settings menu on your printer’s control panel. This might involve pressing the “Menu” or “Setup” button and navigating through the options using the arrow keys.
3. Select Wireless Network: Choose “Wireless LAN Setup” or a similar option.
4. Scan for Networks: Your printer will scan for available Wi-Fi networks.
5. Choose Your Network: Select your home or office Wi-Fi network from the list.
6. Enter the Password: Use the on-screen keyboard or the printer’s buttons to enter your Wi-Fi password.
7. Confirm Connection: The printer will attempt to connect to your network. You’ll likely see a confirmation message on the printer’s display once the connection is established.

2. Wireless Network Setup Using a Computer

This method is particularly useful if your printer lacks a user-friendly control panel or if you prefer a more guided setup process.
1. Connect to Your Network: Connect your computer to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Install the Driver: Download and install the latest driver for your Brother printer model from the Brother website.
3. Run the Setup Wizard: Open the printer’s software and follow the on-screen instructions. The wizard will guide you through connecting your printer to your Wi-Fi network.
4. Enter Network Information: You’ll be prompted to enter your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.
5. Confirm Connection: The setup wizard will attempt to connect your printer to your network. Once successful, you’ll receive a confirmation message.

Troubleshooting Common Network Issues

Sometimes, things don‘t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

• Printer Not Finding the Network: Ensure your router is turned on and your Wi-Fi signal is strong. Try restarting both your printer and router.
• Incorrect Password: Double-check that you’ve entered the correct Wi-Fi password.
• Network Interference: Try moving your printer closer to your router or changing the Wi-Fi channel on your router to minimize interference.
• Driver Issues: Ensure you have the latest driver installed. You can download the latest version from the Brother website.

Testing Your Networked Printer

Once you’ve successfully connected your printer to your network, it’s time to test it out:
1. Print a Test Page: From your computer or mobile device, try printing a test page to confirm that the connection is working.
2. Print from Different Devices: Print from your smartphone, tablet, or other devices connected to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Share the Printer: If you’re using a Windows computer, you can share your printer with other devices on your network.

Embracing the Power of Mobile Printing

Many Brother printers offer mobile printing capabilities, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet using apps like Brother iPrint&Scan.

• Download the App: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Connect to Your Printer: The app will scan for available Brother printers on your network. Select your printer from the list.
• Print Documents and Photos: You can print documents, photos, emails, and web pages directly from your mobile device.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Networking Features

Some Brother printers offer advanced networking features:

• Ethernet Connection: If your printer has an Ethernet port, you can connect it directly to your router using an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.
• Print Server: Some printers can act as a print server, allowing you to share them with devices on a different network.
• Cloud Printing: Brother printers support cloud printing services like Google Cloud Print, allowing you to print from anywhere with an internet connection.

Final Thoughts: A Seamless Printing Experience

By mastering the art of how to network Brother printer, you gain the freedom and convenience of wireless printing. No more tethered to your computer! Enjoy seamless printing from any device in your home or office, and unlock a world of productivity and efficiency.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I network a Brother printer without a Wi-Fi router?
A: No, you need a Wi-Fi router to connect a Brother printer to a network wirelessly. The router acts as the central hub for your wireless network, allowing devices to communicate with each other.
Q: What if my printer doesn‘t have a built-in Wi-Fi connection?
A: You can purchase a wireless printing adapter, which connects to your printer via USB and allows it to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
Q: How do I know if my Brother printer is compatible with wireless networking?
A: Most modern Brother printers support wireless networking. Check the printer’s specifications or the Brother website to confirm compatibility.
Q: Can I use a mobile hotspot to connect my Brother printer to the internet?
A: Yes, you can use a mobile hotspot to connect your Brother printer to the internet. However, keep in mind that mobile hotspot data usage may be limited, and it might be slower than a dedicated Wi-Fi connection.
Q: What if I’m having trouble connecting my printer to my network?
A: If you’re experiencing issues, consult the Brother support website or contact Brother customer support for assistance. They can provide troubleshooting tips and guidance specific to your printer model.