Quick summary
- Whether you’re at home, work, or on the go, having the ability to print wirelessly from your smartphone provides convenience and flexibility.
- This app offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, making it an ideal choice for printing from your phone.
- Access the file you want to print from a compatible app like Photos, Safari, or Pages.
In today’s digital age, printing documents from your phone has become increasingly common. Whether you’re at home, work, or on the go, having the ability to print wirelessly from your smartphone provides convenience and flexibility. But how to print from phone to Brother MFC printer can sometimes seem confusing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, covering different methods and troubleshooting tips.
Understanding Brother MFC Printers
Brother MFC printers are known for their versatility and functionality, offering features like printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. These all-in-one devices are popular choices for both home and office use. To print from your phone, you’ll need a Brother MFC printer that supports wireless connectivity.
Method 1: Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App
The Brother iPrint&Scan app is the official mobile printing solution designed specifically for Brother printers. This app offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, making it an ideal choice for printing from your phone.
Here’s how to use the Brother iPrint&Scan app:
1. Download and install the app: The Brother iPrint&Scan app is available for both Android and iOS devices. Download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network: Ensure your Brother MFC printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.
3. Open the app and select your printer: Launch the Brother iPrint&Scan app and choose your Brother MFC printer from the list of available devices.
4. Choose the document or photo you want to print: Select the file you want to print from your phone’s gallery, cloud storage, or other apps.
5. Adjust print settings (optional): You can customize print settings like paper size, orientation, and number of copies.
6. Start printing: Tap the print button to initiate the printing process.
Method 2: Printing from Google Drive
Google Drive offers a convenient way to print documents directly from your phone without requiring any additional apps. This method is particularly useful for printing files stored in your Google Drive account.
Follow these steps to print from Google Drive:
1. Open the Google Drive app on your phone: Make sure you’re signed in to your Google account.
2. Select the document you want to print: Browse through your Google Drive files and choose the document you want to print.
3. Tap the “Print” icon: Look for the printer icon in the top-right corner of the screen and tap it.
4. Choose your Brother MFC printer: Select your Brother MFC printer from the list of available printers.
5. Adjust print settings (optional): Modify print settings like paper size, orientation, and number of copies.
6. Start printing: Tap the “Print” button to send the document to your printer.
Method 3: Using AirPrint (for Apple Devices)
Apple’s AirPrint technology allows you to print wirelessly from iPhones, iPads, and Macs to compatible printers without requiring any additional software.
To print using AirPrint:
1. Ensure your Brother MFC printer supports AirPrint: Check the printer’s specifications or user manual to confirm AirPrint compatibility.
2. Connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network: Make sure your Brother MFC printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone or iPad.
3. Open the document or photo you want to print: Access the file you want to print from a compatible app like Photos, Safari, or Pages.
4. Tap the “Share” button: Look for the share icon, which typically resembles a square with an arrow pointing upward.
5. Select “Print” from the share sheet: Choose the “Print” option from the list of sharing options.
6. Select your Brother MFC printer: Choose your Brother MFC printer from the list of available printers.
7. Adjust print settings (optional): Customize print settings like paper size, orientation, and number of copies.
8. Start printing: Tap the “Print” button to send the document to your printer.
Method 4: Utilizing Third-Party Apps
If you prefer using a dedicated printing app, several third-party apps are available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. These apps offer features like printing from various cloud storage services, scanning documents, and managing print queues.
Some popular printing apps include:
- HP Smart: This app allows you to print from your phone to HP printers, including some Brother models.
- Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY: While primarily designed for Canon printers, this app also supports a limited number of Brother models.
- Epson iPrint: Similar to the Canon app, Epson iPrint primarily focuses on Epson printers but may support some Brother models.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re unable to print from your phone to your Brother MFC printer, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check Wi-Fi connectivity: Ensure both your phone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Restart your printer and phone: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues.
- Update the printer driver: Make sure you have the latest printer driver installed on your phone.
- Check the app permissions: Ensure the printing app has the necessary permissions to access your files and connect to your printer.
- Try a different printing method: If one method isn’t working, try a different printing approach, such as using a different app or printing from a cloud storage service.
Printing From Your Phone: A Seamless Experience
Printing from your phone to your Brother MFC printer should be a straightforward and convenient experience. By following the methods outlined above and utilizing the troubleshooting tips, you can easily print documents, photos, and other files wirelessly from your smartphone. Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of printing on the go!
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Can I print from my phone to a Brother MFC printer without Wi-Fi?
No, you need a Wi-Fi connection for wireless printing from your phone to a Brother MFC printer. However, some Brother MFC printers support USB printing, which allows you to connect your phone directly to the printer using a USB cable.
2. What if my Brother MFC printer doesn‘t support AirPrint?
If your Brother MFC printer doesn‘t support AirPrint, you can use the Brother iPrint&Scan app or another third-party printing app to print from your iPhone or iPad.
3. How can I scan documents using my Brother MFC printer and phone?
Most Brother MFC printers allow you to scan documents directly to your phone using the Brother iPrint&Scan app. Simply launch the app, select “Scan,” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Can I print from multiple devices to my Brother MFC printer?
Yes, you can print from multiple devices to your Brother MFC printer as long as they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
5. What should I do if I encounter an error while printing?
If you encounter an error while printing, consult the Brother iPrint&Scan app’s troubleshooting section or refer to the printer’s user manual for assistance. You can also contact Brother customer support for further help.