Say Goodbye to Wired Connections: A Simple Tutorial on Setting Up WiFi on Your Brother MFC-J470DW

Connecting your Brother MFC-J470DW printer to your Wi-Fi network allows for seamless printing, scanning, and copying from your devices. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough to help you establish a stable wireless connection. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or a beginner, this guide will lead you through the process with ease.

1. Preparation: Gathering the Essentials

Before diving into the setup, ensure you have the following:

• Brother MFC-J470DW printer: Make sure your printer is powered on and ready.
• Wireless network name (SSID) and password: You’ll need this information to connect your printer to your network.
• Computer or mobile device: You’ll use this to guide the printer through the connection process.
• Ethernet cable (optional): This is only necessary if you prefer a wired connection during the setup.

2. Connecting to Your Network: The Initial Steps

1. Power on the printer: Ensure the printer is powered on and ready to go.
2. Access the printer’s menu: Locate the “Wireless” or “Network” button on the printer’s control panel. This button may be labeled differently depending on your model.
3. Select the Wi-Fi setup option: Navigate the menu to find the option for connecting to a wireless network. This might be labeled “Wi-Fi Setup,” “Wireless Setup,” or something similar.
4. Choose your network: The printer will display a list of available Wi-Fi networks. Select the name of your network from the list.
5. Enter the password: You’ll be prompted to enter the password for your Wi-Fi network. Carefully type in the password and confirm your entry.

3. Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App: A Convenient Approach

The Brother iPrint&Scan app offers a user-friendly interface for setting up your printer’s Wi-Fi connection. Here’s how to use it:
1. Download the app: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Launch the app: Open the app on your mobile device.
3. Select your printer: The app will scan for available Brother devices. Choose your MFC-J470DW from the list.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: The app will guide you through the connection process. It will likely prompt you to enter your Wi-Fi network name and password.
5. Confirm the connection: Once the setup is complete, the app will confirm that your printer is successfully connected to your Wi-Fi network.

4. Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

While the setup process is generally straightforward, you might encounter some common problems. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Check your Wi-Fi signal: Ensure your printer is within range of your Wi-Fi router and that the signal is strong.
• Verify your password: Double-check that you’ve entered the correct password for your Wi-Fi network. Even a small typo can prevent the connection.
• Restart your devices: Sometimes restarting your printer and router can resolve connection issues.
• Update your printer’s firmware: Outdated firmware can sometimes cause connectivity problems. Check for firmware updates on the Brother website.

5. Connecting with a USB Cable: An Alternative Method

If you’re having trouble connecting wirelessly, you can use a USB cable as an alternative.
1. Connect the USB cable: Connect one end of the USB cable to your printer and the other end to your computer.
2. Install the printer software: Install the Brother printer driver and software from the included CD or download it from the Brother website.
3. Configure the network connection: During the installation process, you’ll be prompted to configure the printer’s network settings. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
4. Disconnect the USB cable: Once the setup is complete, you can safely disconnect the USB cable. Your printer should now be connected to your Wi-Fi network.

6. Printing from Your Devices: Enjoying Seamless Connectivity

After successfully connecting your MFC-J470DW to Wi-Fi, you can print from various devices:

• Computers: Print documents and images directly from your computer using the installed printer driver.
• Mobile devices: Use the Brother iPrint&Scan app to print from your smartphone or tablet.
• Cloud services: Print documents and photos stored in cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and more.

7. Beyond Printing: Exploring Other Features

Your Brother MFC-J470DW printer offers more than just printing. Explore its versatile features:

• Scanning: Scan documents and photos directly to your computer or mobile device.
• Copying: Make copies of documents and images with ease.
• Faxing: Send and receive faxes using the built-in fax capabilities.

Final Thoughts: A Connected Printing Experience

Setting up Wi-Fi on your Brother MFC-J470DW printer is a simple process that unlocks a world of convenience. With your printer connected to your network, you can print, scan, and copy wirelessly from your devices, making your printing experience more efficient and enjoyable.

What People Want to Know

1. What if I forget my Wi-Fi password?
If you forget your Wi-Fi password, you’ll need to access your router’s settings to retrieve it. The steps for accessing your router’s settings vary depending on your router model. Consult your router’s manual for specific instructions.
2. Can I connect my printer to multiple Wi-Fi networks?
Your Brother MFC-J470DW printer can only connect to one Wi-Fi network at a time. If you want to switch to a different network, you’ll need to disconnect from the current network and connect to the new one.
3. What if my printer doesn‘t appear in the list of available networks?
If your printer doesn‘t appear in the list of available networks, ensure that your router is broadcasting the SSID and that your printer is within range. You can also try restarting your router and printer.
4. Is there a way to print directly from my USB drive?
Yes, you can print directly from a USB drive. Insert the drive into the printer’s USB port, and then use the printer’s control panel to select the files you want to print.