In today’s digital age, having a wireless printer is almost a necessity. The Brother MFC-J475DW is a versatile all-in-one printer that offers printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. Connecting it to your WiFi network allows for greater flexibility, enabling you to print from various devices like tablets, smartphones, laptops, and desktops without the hassle of tangled cables. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of connecting your Brother MFC-J475DW to WiFi, ensuring you can take full advantage of its features.
Understanding the Brother MFC-J475DW
Before diving into the connection process, it’s essential to understand the capabilities of the Brother MFC-J475DW.
Features
The Brother MFC-J475DW boasts several features that make it a fantastic choice for both home and office use:
- Wireless Connectivity: Print from any connectivity-enabled device.
- Automatic Document Feeder: Efficiently scan, copy, or fax multi-page documents.
- High-Quality Printing: Enjoy vivid color prints with Brother’s innovative ink system.
- Mobile Printing Capability: Print directly from mobile devices via AirPrint or Brother’s iPrint&Scan app.
Understanding these features will enhance your experience and allow you to make the most of your printer’s capabilities.
Preparing for Connection
Before connecting your Brother MFC-J475DW to WiFi, there are a few prerequisites to fulfill:
- Network Information: Ensure you have your WiFi network name (SSID) and password ready.
- Printer Placement: Place the printer within range of your WiFi router to ensure stable connectivity.
- Power On: Make sure the printer is plugged in and turned on.
By preparing these essentials, you’ll reduce friction during the setup process.
Connecting the Brother MFC-J475DW to WiFi
There are multiple ways to connect your printer to a WiFi network. The most common methods include the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method and the manual setup method. Below is a detailed explanation of both.
Method 1: Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
WPS is one of the simplest ways to connect your Brother MFC-J475DW to WiFi if your router supports this feature.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Locate the WPS Button:
On your WiFi router, find the WPS button. It usually has the WPS symbol or is labeled as such.
Access the Printer Menu:
Press the Menu button on the printer’s control panel.
Navigate to Network:
Use the arrow keys to scroll to Network and press OK.
Select WLAN:
Again, navigate with the arrow keys to WLAN and press OK.
Choose WPS:
Select WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup).
Initiate WPS Connection:
Select Push Button.
Press the WPS Button on the Router:
Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
Wait for Connection Confirmation:
- The printer should automatically connect to the WiFi network. A confirmation message will appear on the printer’s display once connected successfully.
If completion is successful, you can skip to the section on testing your connection. If not, try using the manual setup method.
Method 2: Manual Setup
If your router does not support WPS or you prefer a manual connection, follow these steps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open the Printer Menu:
Press the Menu button on the printer’s control panel.
Select Network:
Scroll to Network using the arrow keys and press OK.
Navigate to WLAN:
Scroll to WLAN and press OK.
Choose Setup Wizard:
Select Setup Wizard and press OK.
Enable WLAN:
Choose Yes to enable WLAN.
Search for Networks:
The printer will search for available wireless networks. After a few moments, a list of networks will appear.
Select Your Network:
Use the arrow keys to select your WiFi network and press OK.
Enter the Network Password:
Use the keypad to input your WiFi password. Be careful with upper and lower case letters, and verify that the password matches your router’s settings.
Confirm and Connect:
- After entering the password, confirm it and press OK. Wait for the printer to connect to the network, and you will see a success message once the connection is established.
Testing Your Connection
Once connected, it’s crucial to test the connection to ensure everything functions seamlessly.
Print a Test Page
- Access the Printer Menu:
Press the Menu button again.
Navigate to Print Reports:
Scroll to Print Reports and select it.
Choose Test Page:
- Select Test Print and confirm your choice.
Receiving a successful printout means your printer is correctly connected to your WiFi network.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
Even after following the setup procedures meticulously, you may face issues connecting your Brother MFC-J475DW to WiFi. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Printer Not Detecting Network
- Check Router Settings: Ensure that your router’s SSID broadcasting is turned on.
- Network Range: Make certain your printer is within range of the WiFi signal.
- Reboot Devices: Restart both your printer and router to refresh the connection.
Incorrect Password Errors
- Verify Password Entry: Ensure that you entered the correct password, remembering case sensitivity.
- Change Password: Sometimes your router may require a reset; consider updating the password and attempting the connection again.
Connection Drops Intermittently
- WiFi Interference: Other electronic devices may disrupt the WiFi signal, so keep your printer away from microwave ovens and cordless phones.
- Router Placement: Ensure your router is placed centrally and high within your home.
Connecting Multiple Devices
Once you’ve connected your Brother MFC-J475DW to your network, you can easily link multiple devices.
Connecting Additional Devices
- Add Device using Brother iPrint&Scan App:
Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app available for both iOS and Android. Following the app instructions, you can add your printer to your device effortlessly.
Directly via Computer:
- For Windows, ensure your printer is turned on and within range. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a printer. Your Brother MFC-J475DW should appear; click it to install.
- For Mac users, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > Add a printer and select your Brother printer from the list.
Conclusion
Your Brother MFC-J475DW is now connected to your WiFi network, transforming it into a powerful tool for efficiency and productivity. Whether using the WPS method or manual setup, connecting your printer shouldn’t be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy the convenience of wireless printing from various devices around your home or office.
With your printer now connected, you can explore all the features and capabilities it has to offer. Happy printing!
What is the first step to connect my Brother MFC-J475DW to WiFi?
To connect your Brother MFC-J475DW to WiFi, start by powering on the printer and ensuring it is ready. Next, you will need to access the control panel on the printer. This can be done using the screen on the front of the device. Navigate using the directional keys to find the ‘Network’ option, then select it.
Once you enter the network menu, look for ‘WLAN’ (Wireless Local Area Network) and choose it. From there, select ‘Setup Wizard,’ which will allow the printer to search for available wireless networks. Make sure you have your WiFi network name and password handy, as you’ll need to input these to complete the connection process.
How do I find and select my WiFi network?
After initiating the Setup Wizard on your Brother MFC-J475DW, your printer will scan for nearby wireless networks. A list of detected networks will appear on the screen. Use the directional keys to scroll through the options until you find your specific WiFi network.
Once you have located your network, select it and press ‘OK.’ The printer will then prompt you to enter the WiFi password. Carefully input the password using the control panel, taking care to ensure accuracy, as passwords are case-sensitive.
What should I do if my WiFi network does not appear in the list?
If your WiFi network does not appear in the list of available networks during the setup process, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, ensure that your router is powered on and functioning properly. You may want to reboot the router to refresh the connection.
Additionally, check if your router is configured to broadcast its SSID (network name). If the SSID broadcasting is turned off, your printer will not be able to detect the network. You may need to access your router settings via a computer to enable SSID broadcasting or manually connect the printer using the ‘Manual’ setup option.
How do I enter my WiFi password on the printer?
To enter your WiFi password on the Brother MFC-J475DW, you will use the printer’s control panel. After selecting your desired WiFi network, the printer will prompt you for the password. Use the on-screen keyboard to input your password. The keys can typically be navigated using the arrow buttons.
Be particularly diligent with your password entry since it is case-sensitive. Make corrections as needed before proceeding. Once you have entered the password, select ‘OK’ to continue. The printer will attempt to connect to the network; the screen will indicate whether the connection was successful.
What if the printer fails to connect to WiFi?
If your Brother MFC-J475DW fails to connect to WiFi, there are several things to check. Begin by confirming that the password entered is correct, as any typo will prevent connection. If you made an error, return to the password entry screen to correct it.
Next, ensure that your printer is within range of your WiFi router. A weak signal could hinder the connection. You might consider moving the printer closer to the router and attempting the connection process again. If issues persist, restarting both the printer and the router may help resolve any temporary connectivity problems.
What are the alternative methods to connect the printer to WiFi?
In addition to the standard method through the control panel, the Brother MFC-J475DW offers alternative ways to connect to WiFi. One method is utilizing WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), if your router supports it. Locate the WPS button on your router and press it, then go to your printer and select the WPS option from the network menu.
Another option is to use a USB cable temporarily. Connect the printer to a computer that is already on the WiFi network and use the Brother printer software to configure the WiFi settings. This method is useful if you have difficulty using the control panel or if the networks are not showing correctly.
How can I check if the printer is successfully connected to WiFi?
After attempting to connect your Brother MFC-J475DW to WiFi, you can confirm the connection status through the printer’s control panel. Navigate to the ‘Network’ menu and select ‘WLAN.’ There should be a connection status displayed, indicating whether the printer is connected to your WiFi network.
Additionally, you may print a network configuration page, which serves as a detailed report. This page will include your network name (SSID) and the printer’s IP address. To do this, go to ‘Print Reports’ or ‘Network Configuration,’ depending on the options available on your printer model. This document will help verify that the printer is connected correctly.
What should I do if I change my WiFi network or password?
If you change your WiFi network or password, you will need to reconnect your Brother MFC-J475DW to the new settings. Start by accessing the ‘Network’ menu on the printer, and select ‘WLAN’ again. This time, use the ‘Setup Wizard’ to search for your updated network.
Upon finding your new network, you will be prompted to enter the new password. After successful entry, your printer will connect to the new WiFi network. It is essential to ensure that all devices on your network, including the printer, are capable of connecting seamlessly to avoid interruptions in service.