Summary
- This guide will walk you through the straightforward steps to connect your Brother printer to your device via Bluetooth and enjoy seamless printing.
- In the Bluetooth settings window, click on “Add Bluetooth or other device.
- In the Bluetooth settings window, your Brother printer should be listed as a discoverable device.
Printing wirelessly with a Bluetooth-enabled Brother printer is a breeze, offering convenience and freedom from tangled cables. This guide will walk you through the straightforward steps to connect your Brother printer to your device via Bluetooth and enjoy seamless printing.
Step 1: Ensure Bluetooth Compatibility
First, confirm that your Brother printer and your device both support Bluetooth connectivity. Most modern Brother printers come equipped with Bluetooth, but it’s always best to check the user manual or the printer’s specifications. Similarly, ensure your smartphone, tablet, or computer has Bluetooth capabilities.
Step 2: Enabling Bluetooth on Your Device
Before pairing your printer, activate Bluetooth on your device. This process varies slightly depending on your operating system:
For Windows:
1. Go to the “Start” menu and search for “Bluetooth settings.”
2. Click on the “Bluetooth & other devices” option.
3. Ensure the Bluetooth switch is turned “On.”
For macOS:
1. Click on the Apple menu, then select “System Preferences.”
2. Choose “Bluetooth” from the list of options.
3. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled.
For Android:
1. Open the “Settings” app on your device.
2. Tap on “Connected devices” or “Bluetooth.”
3. Turn on Bluetooth.
For iOS:
1. Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Select “Bluetooth.”
3. Activate Bluetooth by sliding the toggle to the right.
Step 3: Putting Your Brother Printer in Pairing Mode
With Bluetooth enabled on your device, you need to put your Brother printer into pairing mode. The process might differ slightly depending on your printer model, but it usually involves these steps:
1. Locate the Bluetooth button: Look for a dedicated Bluetooth button on your printer’s control panel. It might be labeled with a Bluetooth icon or “BT.”
2. Press the Bluetooth button: Press and hold the button for a few seconds until the Bluetooth indicator light starts blinking. This signifies that the printer is in pairing mode.
3. Check for pairing instructions: Some printers might require you to follow specific instructions displayed on the printer’s LCD screen. These instructions might involve entering a PIN code or selecting a pairing mode.
Step 4: Pairing Your Device with the Printer
Once your printer is in pairing mode, it’s time to connect your device.
For Windows:
1. In the Bluetooth settings window, click on “Add Bluetooth or other device.”
2. Select “Bluetooth” from the list of device types.
3. Your Brother printer should appear in the list of available devices. Select it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
For macOS:
1. In the Bluetooth settings window, your Brother printer should be listed as a discoverable device.
2. Click on “Connect” next to your printer’s name.
For Android:
1. Open the Bluetooth settings on your device.
2. Your Brother printer should appear in the list of available devices. Tap on the printer’s name to initiate pairing.
For iOS:
1. Open the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Your Brother printer should appear in the list of available devices. Tap on the printer’s name to connect.
Step 5: Printing from Your Device
After successful pairing, you can now print documents or photos from your device.
For Windows:
1. Open the document or image you want to print.
2. Click on “File” and then select “Print.”
3. In the print dialog box, choose your Brother printer as the destination.
4. Adjust any printing settings as needed and click “Print.”
For macOS:
1. Open the document or image you want to print.
2. Click on “File” and then select “Print.”
3. In the print dialog box, choose your Brother printer as the destination.
4. Adjust any printing settings as needed and click “Print.”
For Android:
1. Open the document or image you want to print.
2. Tap on the “Share” button.
3. Select “Print” from the list of options.
4. Choose your Brother printer as the destination and adjust any printing settings.
5. Tap on “Print.”
For iOS:
1. Open the document or image you want to print.
2. Tap on the “Share” button.
3. Select “Print” from the list of options.
4. Choose your Brother printer as the destination and adjust any printing settings.
5. Tap on “Print.”
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues while connecting or printing, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check the Bluetooth range: Ensure your device is within the Bluetooth range of your printer, typically around 30 feet.
- Restart your device and printer: Power cycle both your device and the Brother printer to reset the connection.
- Forget and re-pair: If the pairing process fails, try forgetting the printer on your device and then re-pairing them.
- Update drivers: Ensure your device has the latest Bluetooth drivers installed.
- Consult the user manual: Refer to your Brother printer’s user manual for specific instructions and troubleshooting tips.
Beyond the Basics: Enhancing Your Bluetooth Printing Experience
While the basic steps above will get you printing wirelessly, here are some additional tips for a smoother experience:
- Use a dedicated Bluetooth app: Some Brother printers have dedicated companion apps for smartphones and tablets, offering advanced features like printer management and troubleshooting.
- Print from cloud storage: If your Brother printer supports cloud printing, you can print documents and images directly from your cloud storage accounts like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Secure your connection: For added security, consider using a password to protect your Bluetooth connection.
The Final Word: Enjoy the Freedom of Wireless Printing
Printing via Bluetooth with your Brother printer offers a convenient and efficient way to print documents and images. With these simple steps, you can enjoy the freedom of wireless printing without the hassle of cables.
Questions You May Have
Q1: Can I print from multiple devices using Bluetooth?
A: Yes, you can pair multiple devices with your Brother printer, but only one device can be connected and printing at a time.
Q2: What is the maximum printing range for Bluetooth?
A: The maximum range for Bluetooth printing is typically around 30 feet, but it can vary depending on factors like obstacles and interference.
Q3: What if I can’t find my Brother printer in the list of available devices?
A: Make sure your printer is in pairing mode and within range. If it still doesn’t appear, try restarting both your device and the printer.
Q4: Can I use Bluetooth to print from a Mac?
A: Yes, you can use Bluetooth to print from a Mac computer. Follow the pairing instructions for macOS mentioned in the blog post.
Q5: Is it possible to print directly from a USB drive via Bluetooth?
A: While some Brother printers support printing from USB drives, this capability is usually not available through Bluetooth. You’ll likely need to connect the USB drive directly to the printer.