Are you having trouble connecting your Brother printer to your iPhone? You’re not alone. Many users face this issue, and it can be frustrating, especially when you need to print something urgently. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why your Brother printer won’t show up on your iPhone and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue.
Understanding the Connection Process
Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to understand how your Brother printer connects to your iPhone. There are two primary methods:
AirPrint
AirPrint is a built-in printing feature in iOS devices that allows you to print wirelessly from your iPhone to a compatible printer. To use AirPrint, your Brother printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.
Brother iPrint&Scan App
The Brother iPrint&Scan app is a free download from the App Store that enables you to print and scan documents from your iPhone. This app uses Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect to your Brother printer.
Troubleshooting Steps
Now that we’ve covered the connection methods, let’s move on to the troubleshooting steps.
Check the Basics
Before you start troubleshooting, ensure that:
- Your Brother printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.
- Your iPhone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Brother printer.
- You have the latest version of the Brother iPrint&Scan app installed on your iPhone.
- You have the latest firmware installed on your Brother printer.
Restart Your Devices
Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve the issue. Restart your Brother printer, iPhone, and router to ensure that all devices are refreshed and connected properly.
Check the Printer’s Wi-Fi Settings
Ensure that your Brother printer’s Wi-Fi settings are configured correctly:
- Go to your Brother printer’s control panel and navigate to the Wi-Fi settings.
- Ensure that the Wi-Fi is enabled and set to the correct network.
- Check the Wi-Fi password and ensure it matches the one on your iPhone.
Reset the Printer’s Network Settings
If you’ve made changes to your Wi-Fi network or password, you may need to reset the printer’s network settings:
- Go to your Brother printer’s control panel and navigate to the Wi-Fi settings.
- Select “Reset Network Settings” or “Restore Network Defaults.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
Check the iPhone’s Wi-Fi Settings
Ensure that your iPhone’s Wi-Fi settings are configured correctly:
- Go to your iPhone’s Settings app and navigate to Wi-Fi.
- Ensure that Wi-Fi is enabled and set to the correct network.
- Check the Wi-Fi password and ensure it matches the one on your Brother printer.
Forget the Network
If you’ve made changes to your Wi-Fi network or password, you may need to forget the network on your iPhone:
- Go to your iPhone’s Settings app and navigate to Wi-Fi.
- Select the network you’re connected to and tap “Forget This Network.”
- Wait for a few seconds and then reconnect to the network.
Check for Interference
Other devices on your network may be causing interference with your Brother printer’s connection. Try:
- Moving your Brother printer to a different location, away from other devices.
- Switching off other devices on your network to see if it resolves the issue.
Update the Brother iPrint&Scan App
Ensure that you have the latest version of the Brother iPrint&Scan app installed on your iPhone:
- Go to the App Store and search for “Brother iPrint&Scan.”
- If an update is available, tap “Update” to download and install the latest version.
Reset the Brother iPrint&Scan App
If updating the app doesn’t resolve the issue, try resetting the app:
- Go to your iPhone’s Settings app and navigate to the Brother iPrint&Scan app.
- Tap “Reset” or “Clear Data” to reset the app’s settings.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, try the following advanced troubleshooting steps:
Check the Printer’s Firmware
Ensure that your Brother printer’s firmware is up-to-date:
- Go to the Brother website and search for your printer model.
- Download and install the latest firmware update.
Check the Router’s Settings
Ensure that your router’s settings are configured correctly:
- Log in to your router’s web interface and navigate to the Wi-Fi settings.
- Ensure that the Wi-Fi is enabled and set to the correct network.
- Check the Wi-Fi password and ensure it matches the one on your Brother printer.
Check for Conflicting Devices
Other devices on your network may be causing conflicts with your Brother printer’s connection. Try:
- Disconnecting other devices from your network to see if it resolves the issue.
- Changing the Wi-Fi channel on your router to reduce interference.
Conclusion
If your Brother printer won’t show up on your iPhone, don’t panic. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and get printing again. Remember to check the basics, restart your devices, and update your firmware and apps. If you’re still having trouble, try the advanced troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve any underlying issues.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy seamless printing from your iPhone to your Brother printer. Happy printing!
Why won’t my Brother printer show up on my iPhone?
Your Brother printer may not be showing up on your iPhone due to a variety of reasons, including connectivity issues, outdated printer drivers, or incorrect printer settings. To resolve this issue, ensure that your printer is properly connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Also, check if the printer is turned on and in an active state. If the issue persists, try restarting both your printer and iPhone to refresh the connection.
Additionally, verify that the Brother iPrint&Scan app is installed on your iPhone and that it is updated to the latest version. This app allows you to print and scan documents directly from your iPhone. If you are still unable to find your printer, try resetting the printer’s network settings or contacting Brother’s customer support for further assistance.
How do I connect my Brother printer to my iPhone via Wi-Fi?
To connect your Brother printer to your iPhone via Wi-Fi, start by ensuring that your printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Then, go to the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your iPhone and select the ‘Setup’ or ‘Add Printer’ option. The app will then search for available printers on the network. Select your Brother printer from the list of available devices, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection process.
If your printer is not listed, you may need to enter the printer’s IP address manually. You can find the IP address on the printer’s control panel or in the printer’s documentation. Once connected, you can use the Brother iPrint&Scan app to print and scan documents directly from your iPhone. Make sure to keep the app updated to ensure compatibility with your iPhone and printer.
What are the common causes of Brother printer not showing up on iPhone?
Some common causes of a Brother printer not showing up on an iPhone include connectivity issues, such as a weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection, or the printer being connected to a different network. Outdated printer drivers or firmware can also cause compatibility issues. Additionally, incorrect printer settings, such as the printer being set to a different print mode or not being selected as the default printer, can prevent it from showing up on your iPhone.
Other possible causes include the Brother iPrint&Scan app not being installed or updated, or the printer being in an inactive or sleep state. It’s also possible that the printer’s network settings have been reset or that there are issues with the router or network configuration. Identifying the root cause of the issue is crucial to resolving the problem and getting your printer to show up on your iPhone.
How do I reset the network settings on my Brother printer?
To reset the network settings on your Brother printer, go to the printer’s control panel and navigate to the ‘Network’ or ‘Settings’ menu. Select the ‘Reset Network Settings’ or ‘Restore Factory Defaults’ option, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. This will reset the printer’s network settings to their default values, allowing you to reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.
Alternatively, you can reset the network settings using the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your iPhone. Go to the app’s ‘Setup’ or ‘Add Printer’ section, and select the ‘Reset Network Settings’ option. Enter the printer’s IP address or select it from the list of available devices, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process. After resetting the network settings, you will need to reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.
Why is my Brother printer not showing up in the AirPrint list on my iPhone?
If your Brother printer is not showing up in the AirPrint list on your iPhone, it may be due to the printer not being connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Ensure that the printer is turned on and connected to the correct network. Also, check that the printer is AirPrint-enabled and that the AirPrint feature is turned on.
Additionally, verify that the Brother iPrint&Scan app is installed and updated on your iPhone. If the issue persists, try restarting both your printer and iPhone to refresh the connection. You can also try resetting the printer’s network settings or contacting Brother’s customer support for further assistance. Make sure to check the printer’s documentation or manufacturer’s website for specific instructions on enabling AirPrint on your Brother printer.
How do I update the firmware on my Brother printer?
To update the firmware on your Brother printer, go to the Brother website and navigate to the ‘Support’ or ‘Downloads’ section. Select your printer model and operating system, and download the latest firmware update. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update, and ensure that the printer is turned on and connected to your computer during the update process.
Alternatively, you can update the firmware using the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your iPhone. Go to the app’s ‘Setup’ or ‘Add Printer’ section, and select the ‘Firmware Update’ option. The app will then check for available updates and guide you through the installation process. Updating the firmware can resolve compatibility issues and improve the overall performance of your Brother printer.
What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue?
If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, it’s recommended to contact Brother’s customer support for further assistance. They can provide more detailed guidance and help you identify the root cause of the problem. You can reach Brother’s customer support through their website, phone, or email, and they will be happy to assist you in resolving the issue.
Additionally, you can also visit the Brother website and check for any known issues or software updates specific to your printer model. It’s also a good idea to reset the printer to its factory settings and start the setup process again from scratch. If the issue persists, it may be a hardware problem, and you may need to consider repairing or replacing the printer.