How to Print from iPhone to Brother MFC-7860DW: A Step-by-Step Guide

Printing from your iPhone to your Brother MFC-7860DW printer is a breeze with the right setup. This guide will walk you through the various methods, ensuring you can print documents, photos, and web pages effortlessly.

Understanding the Connection Options

Before we dive into the specific steps, it’s essential to understand the ways your iPhone can communicate with your Brother MFC-7860DW printer:

• Wi-Fi Direct: This method allows a direct connection between your iPhone and printer without needing a router. It’s ideal for quick printing tasks.
• Wi-Fi Network: If both your iPhone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can print wirelessly. This is the most common and versatile option.
• USB Connection: While less common, you can connect your iPhone to your printer using a USB cable (requires an adapter).

Method 1: Printing Via Wi-Fi Network

This method is the simplest and most popular option. Here’s how to print from your iPhone to your Brother MFC-7860DW using your Wi-Fi network:
1. Connect Your Printer to Wi-Fi: Ensure your Brother MFC-7860DW is connected to your home or office Wi-Fi network. Refer to your printer’s manual for specific instructions on connecting to Wi-Fi.
2. Connect Your iPhone to Wi-Fi: Make sure your iPhone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer.
3. Open the Document or Photo: Launch the app containing the document or photo you want to print. This could be a document from your Files app, a photo from your Photos app, or a web page from your browser.
4. Tap the “Share” Button: Look for the “Share” button, which is usually represented by a square with an arrow pointing upwards.
5. Choose “Print”: Tap on the “Print” option from the share sheet.
6. Select Your Printer: Choose “Brother MFC-7860DW” from the list of available printers.
7. Adjust Print Settings: You can customize settings like paper size, number of copies, and print quality.
8. Tap “Print”: Confirm your settings and tap “Print” to send your document or photo to the printer.

Method 2: Printing Via Wi-Fi Direct

If you don’t want to use your Wi-Fi network, you can use Wi-Fi Direct for a direct connection between your iPhone and printer:
1. Enable Wi-Fi Direct on Your Printer: Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on enabling Wi-Fi Direct. This is usually done through the printer’s control panel.
2. Find Your Printer’s Wi-Fi Direct Name: Once enabled, the printer will display its Wi-Fi Direct name.
3. Connect Your iPhone to the Printer’s Wi-Fi Direct Network: Go to your iPhone’s Wi-Fi settings and select the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network.
4. Print as Usual: Once connected, you can print documents and photos from your iPhone as described in Method 1.

Method 3: Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App

The Brother iPrint&Scan app offers a comprehensive solution for printing and scanning with your Brother MFC-7860DW printer. Here’s how to use it:
1. Download and Install the App: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store.
2. Connect Your Printer to Wi-Fi: Ensure your printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the App: Open the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your iPhone.
4. Add Your Printer: The app will automatically search for your Brother MFC-7860DW. If it doesn’t find it, you can manually add it by entering the printer’s IP address or selecting it from a list.
5. Print from the App: The app allows you to print documents, photos, emails, web pages, and more. You can also customize print settings and manage your print queue.

Troubleshooting Common Printing Issues

While printing from your iPhone to your Brother MFC-7860DW is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:

• Check Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure both your iPhone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Restart Your Devices: Restarting both your iPhone and printer can sometimes resolve connectivity issues.
• Update Printer Drivers: Make sure your printer’s drivers are up to date. You can usually find the latest drivers on the Brother website.
• Check Printer Status: Verify that your printer is online and not experiencing any errors.
• Clear Print Queue: If you’re having trouble printing, try clearing the printer’s print queue.
• Reinstall Printer Driver: If all else fails, try reinstalling the printer driver on your iPhone.

Printing Tips for Enhanced Efficiency

• Save Documents and Photos: Save documents and photos you frequently print to your iPhone’s Files app for quick access.
• Use AirPrint: If your document or photo is compatible with AirPrint, you can print directly from the “Share” button without needing any additional apps.
• Print from Cloud Services: Many cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox have built-in printing capabilities, allowing you to print documents and photos directly from your cloud storage.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Features

The Brother MFC-7860DW offers a range of advanced features, including:

• Scanning: You can scan documents and photos directly to your iPhone using the Brother iPrint&Scan app or the printer’s control panel.
• Faxing: The printer supports faxing, enabling you to send and receive faxes wirelessly.
• Copying: You can make copies of documents and photos using the printer’s built-in copier.
• Duplex Printing: This feature allows you to print on both sides of a page, saving paper and reducing costs.

Stepping Up Your Printing Game: Embracing the Possibilities

Printing from your iPhone to your Brother MFC-7860DW opens a world of possibilities. Whether you need to print documents, photos, or web pages, you can do it seamlessly and efficiently. Explore the advanced features of your printer to enhance your printing experience and take your productivity to the next level.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: Can I print directly from a web page on my iPhone to my Brother MFC-7860DW?
A: Yes, you can print directly from a web page on your iPhone to your Brother MFC-7860DW. Simply open the web page in your browser, tap the “Share” button, and select “Print.” Choose your printer from the list and adjust the print settings as desired.
Q2: Does the Brother MFC-7860DW support AirPrint?
A: Yes, the Brother MFC-7860DW supports Apple AirPrint, allowing you to print directly from your iPhone without needing any additional apps.
Q3: Can I scan documents to my iPhone using the Brother MFC-7860DW?
A: Yes, you can scan documents to your iPhone using the Brother MFC-7860DW. You can either use the Brother iPrint&Scan app or the printer’s control panel to initiate the scan.
Q4: What types of files can I print from my iPhone to my Brother MFC-7860DW?
A: You can print various file types from your iPhone to your Brother MFC-7860DW, including documents (PDF, Word, Excel), photos (JPEG, PNG), and web pages (HTML).
Q5: Can I use my Brother MFC-7860DW to fax documents from my iPhone?
A: Yes, you can use your Brother MFC-7860DW to fax documents from your iPhone. The printer supports faxing, and you can send faxes wirelessly. You may need to use the Brother iPrint&Scan app or the printer’s control panel to initiate the fax.