In today’s digital era, having a wireless printer has become a necessity for both home and office setups. The Brother MFC-J470DW is a versatile all-in-one printer that not only offers high-quality printing, scanning, and copying solutions but also provides seamless Wi-Fi connectivity. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the detailed steps to connect your Brother MFC-J470DW printer to Wi-Fi, ensuring you can print without the hassle of tangled wires.
Understanding Your Brother MFC-J470DW Printer
Before we dive into the connection process, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the features of the Brother MFC-J470DW. This multifunction printer is equipped with:
- Print Speed: Up to 12 ppm in black and 10 ppm in color
- Print Resolution: Up to 6000 x 1200 dpi
- Connectivity Options: USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi
- Compatibility: Supports various operating systems including Windows and Mac
With its advanced features, the MFC-J470DW offers a user-friendly experience, making it a popular choice among users.
Preparing for the Wi-Fi Connection
Before establishing the wireless connection, ensure you have the following:
What You Need
- Active Wi-Fi Network: Ensure that your Wi-Fi network is operational and within range of the printer.
- Network Name (SSID): Know the name of your Wi-Fi network.
- Wi-Fi Password: Keep your Wi-Fi password handy as you will need it during the setup.
Initial Setup
- Unbox Your Printer: Remove the printer from its packaging and place it in a location near your Wi-Fi router for the initial setup.
- Plug in and Power On: Connect the power cord and turn on the printer.
- Install Ink Cartridges: Follow the included instructions to insert the ink cartridges properly.
- Load Paper: Insert appropriate paper into the paper tray.
Connecting Your Brother MFC-J470DW to Wi-Fi
Now that you have everything in place, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of connecting your Brother MFC-J470DW printer to your Wi-Fi network.
Step 1: Access the Control Panel
To start the connection process, you’ll need to navigate through the printer’s control panel:
- Turn on the printer and wait for it to initialize.
- On the control panel, locate the Menu button and press it.
- Using the navigation keys, scroll to Network and press OK.
Step 2: Select Wireless Setup Wizard
- From the Network menu, select Wireless and press OK.
- Next, choose the Wireless Setup Wizard option and press OK.
- The printer will start searching for available networks.
Step 3: Choose Your Wi-Fi Network
- Once the search is complete, a list of available networks will appear on the screen.
- Use the navigation keys to find your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and press OK.
Step 4: Enter Your Wi-Fi Password
- The printer will prompt you to enter the Wi-Fi password.
- Use the control panel to input your password carefully, making sure to observe upper and lower case sensitivities.
- Once done, press OK to proceed.
Step 5: Confirm Your Connection
After entering your password, the printer will attempt to connect to the network:
- If the connection is successful, you will see a confirmation message on the display screen.
- In case of a failure, recheck your Wi-Fi password and network settings.
Testing the Wi-Fi Connection
To ensure your Brother MFC-J470DW printer is correctly connected to Wi-Fi, it’s advisable to print a test page:
How to Print a Test Page
- On the control panel, press the Menu button.
- Scroll to the Print Reports option and press OK.
- Choose Network Configuration and press OK.
- Select Print and confirm the print job.
If the printer successfully prints the test page, congratulations! You’ve connected your Brother MFC-J470DW to Wi-Fi. If not, you may want to revisit the previous steps or check your network settings.
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
Once your printer is connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll need to set it up on your computer for wireless printing. Follow these steps based on your operating system.
For Windows Users
- Download Drivers: Visit the Brother support website, and download the appropriate drivers for the MFC-J470DW.
- Install Drivers: Run the downloaded file to begin the installation process.
- Select Wireless Connection: During the installation process, select the option for wireless connection and follow the onscreen instructions.
- Complete Installation: Once installation is complete, you should be able to print directly to your Brother printer from your Windows device.
For Mac Users
- Download Drivers: Go to the Brother support page and select macOS to download the necessary drivers.
- Install Drivers: Open the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts.
- Add Printer: Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners and click the “+” button to add a new printer. Your Brother MFC-J470DW should appear in the list.
- Select the Printer: Choose your printer, and click on Add.
Finalize the installation process, and you should now be set for wireless printing on your Mac.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
If you encounter any difficulties during the setup process, here are some common issues and their solutions:
1. Printer Not Found on the Network
- Solution: Ensure that the printer is within range of the router. Restart both the printer and router. Recheck your network settings to ensure the printer is attempting to connect to the correct SSID.
2. Incorrect Wi-Fi Password
- Solution: Double-check your Wi-Fi password for accuracy. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive, so any discrepancies can prevent successful connectivity.
Maximizing Your Brother MFC-J470DW Experience
Now that you’ve successfully connected your Brother MFC-J470DW to Wi-Fi, leverage its features to enhance your printing experience:
Mobile Printing
With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can take advantage of mobile printing options:
- Google Cloud Print: Utilize Google Cloud Print for printing from any device connected to the internet.
- Brother iPrint&Scan App: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to print directly from mobile devices.
Regular Maintenance Tips
To ensure the longevity of your printer and high-quality prints:
- Perform regular cleaning of print heads and nozzles through the built-in maintenance menu.
- Keep your printer updated with the latest drivers and firmware from the Brother website.
Conclusion
Connecting your Brother MFC-J470DW printer to Wi-Fi is a straightforward process when following the steps outlined above. Enjoy the convenience of wireless printing, whether from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. By understanding your printer’s capabilities and troubleshooting common issues, you can maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of your printing tasks.
Now that you are equipped with the knowledge, you can enjoy and make the most out of your Brother MFC-J470DW printer! Happy printing!
How can I start the process of connecting my Brother MFC-J470DW printer to Wi-Fi?
To begin the process of connecting your Brother MFC-J470DW printer to Wi-Fi, make sure that your printer is properly set up and powered on. First, press the ‘Menu’ button on the printer’s control panel and navigate to the ‘Network’ settings. From there, select ‘WLAN’ to access the wireless LAN settings. Then, choose ‘Setup Wizard’ to initiate the connection process, allowing the printer to search for available networks.
Once the printer finds your Wi-Fi network, you will see a list of available networks displayed on the screen. Use the arrow keys to highlight your network and press ‘OK.’ You will then be prompted to enter your Wi-Fi password. Make sure to enter it correctly, paying attention to capitalization and special characters. After successfully connecting, the printer will display a confirmation message.
What should I do if my Wi-Fi network does not appear on the printer’s list?
If your Wi-Fi network does not appear on the Brother MFC-J470DW printer’s list, ensure that your router is powered on and functioning correctly. It’s a good idea to verify that your smartphone, tablet, or computer can detect the Wi-Fi network. If the network is not visible on other devices, you may need to reboot your router to refresh the connection.
Another reason your network may be hidden could be due to the router’s settings. Ensure that the Wi-Fi is set to broadcast the SSID (network name) and that it is not set to ‘hidden.’ You may also want to check whether your printer is within range of the router. If the signal is weak, consider relocating the printer closer to the router.
Can I connect my Brother MFC-J470DW printer to Wi-Fi without using the control panel?
Yes, you can connect your Brother MFC-J470DW printer to Wi-Fi without using the control panel by utilizing the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) feature, provided your router supports it. To do this, press and hold the ‘WPS’ button on your router for a few seconds. This will activate the WPS functionality, allowing the router to accept new devices.
Next, on your printer, press the ‘Menu’ button, navigate to ‘Network,’ then select ‘WLAN,’ and finally choose ‘WPS (AOSS).’ The printer will search for the router’s WPS signal. Once it detects the connection, it will automatically link to your Wi-Fi network without the need for entering the password.
What should I do if my printer keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
If your Brother MFC-J470DW printer frequently disconnects from Wi-Fi, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. Start by checking the Wi-Fi signal strength near the printer. If it’s weak, try moving the printer closer to the router or reducing the distance and obstacles between them. Sometimes, interference from other electronic devices can cause connectivity issues, so you might want to relocate either the printer or the router.
Additionally, consider updating the printer’s firmware as outdated software can lead to connectivity problems. Visit the Brother support website to check for the latest firmware version for your printer model and follow the provided instructions to update it. Lastly, reboot both your printer and router to clear any temporary glitches affecting the connection.
Is it necessary to install printer drivers when connecting to Wi-Fi?
Yes, installing the appropriate printer drivers is generally necessary when connecting your Brother MFC-J470DW printer to Wi-Fi. The drivers enable your computer or mobile device to communicate properly with the printer, allowing you to access its features and functions. It’s crucial to download and install the latest drivers compatible with your operating system for optimal performance.
You can find the necessary drivers on the Brother support website. After downloading, follow the installation instructions provided there to complete the setup. Once the drivers are installed, your computer or device should recognize the printer on the network, enabling you to print documents seamlessly.
What troubleshooting steps can I take if my Brother printer fails to print over Wi-Fi?
If your Brother MFC-J470DW printer is failing to print over Wi-Fi, start by checking that both the printer and the device you are printing from are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You can verify this in the network settings on the printer and your device. If they are connected to different networks, the printer will not receive print jobs.
Next, ensure that the printer is powered on and not displaying any error messages. You may also want to restart both the printer and your device. Sometimes, refreshing the devices can resolve minor connectivity issues. If problems persist, testing the connection by printing a network configuration page from the printer can provide insights into its connectivity status and help identify any underlying issues.