Printing directly from your smartphone to a printer can be a game-changer, especially when you need hard copies of essential documents on the go. However, what if you don’t have access to WiFi? Fear not, as you can still connect your phone to a Brother printer seamlessly without any internet connection. This guide will walk you through the various methods to achieve this, ensuring that you can print efficiently whenever needed.
Understanding the Brother Printer Basics
Before diving into how to connect your phone to a Brother printer without WiFi, it’s important to recognize the capabilities of your printer. Brother printers come equipped with several connection options, including:
- USB Connection: When connected to a computer, printers can receive print commands directly from that machine.
- Bluetooth: A wireless technology that allows direct communication between devices without requiring a network.
- Direct Print (Wi-Fi Direct): A feature that allows two devices to connect directly with each other for printing.
Being familiar with these features is essential for choosing the best method for connecting your phone to your Brother printer.
Method 1: Using Bluetooth for Connection
Bluetooth is one of the simplest ways to connect your phone to your Brother printer without the use of WiFi. Below are the steps to connect your devices:
Step 1: Prepare Your Brother Printer
To start the Bluetooth connection, follow these steps:
- Turn on your Brother printer.
- Enable Bluetooth on the printer. You may need to consult your printer’s manual on how to activate Bluetooth, as some models require navigating through the settings using the control panel.
Step 2: Enable Bluetooth on Your Phone
Whether you are using an Android or an iOS device, you will need to enable Bluetooth:
- For Android:
- Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Quick Settings menu.
Tap on the Bluetooth icon to enable it.
For iOS:
- Go to your device’s “Settings” app.
- Tap on “Bluetooth” and switch it on.
Step 3: Pair Your Phone with the Printer
Blocking the standard procedure, you will then have to pair your devices:
- On your phone, navigate to the list of available devices in the Bluetooth settings.
- Look for your Brother printer’s name and tap on it.
- If prompted, enter the PIN provided in your printer’s manual (commonly 0000 or 1234).
Once paired, your devices should now be connected via Bluetooth.
Step 4: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan App
To facilitate printing from your mobile device, you should download the Brother iPrint&Scan app available in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Step 5: Print Your Documents
After setting up the app, follow these steps to print:
- Open the Brother iPrint&Scan app.
- Grant necessary permissions for the app, such as access to your files and camera.
- Choose the document or photo you wish to print.
- Select your Brother printer from the app’s interface.
- After making any adjustments to the print settings (e.g., paper size, color, number of copies), tap on “Print” to start the printing process.
Method 2: Using USB OTG Cable
If your phone does not support Bluetooth, you can connect it to your Brother printer using a USB OTG (On-The-Go) cable.
Step 1: Check Compatibility
Before using this method, ensure your phone supports USB OTG. Most modern smartphones do, but you can verify by checking the specifications or using an app that tests USB OTG support.
Step 2: Connect to The Printer Using USB OTG
- Get your USB OTG cable.
- Connect one end of the cable to your smartphone and the other end to the USB port of your Brother printer.
Step 3: Download Needed Apps
For printing, you will need to download a compatible app. The Brother iPrint&Scan app can also work through USB.
Step 4: Print Your Document
Follow the same process as described in the Bluetooth method to print your documents using the app.
Method 3: Using Wi-Fi Direct
If your Brother printer supports Wi-Fi Direct but you don’t have an internet connection, this is another excellent option. Wi-Fi Direct allows devices to connect without requiring a WiFi router. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Activate Wi-Fi Direct on Your Brother Printer
- Access the settings menu on your Brother printer control panel.
- Navigate to the Wi-Fi Direct settings and enable it.
- The printer should display a network name and password – make a note of them.
Step 2: Connect Your Phone to the Printer
- For Android:
- Go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “Wi-Fi”.
Look for the Wi-Fi Direct network created by your Brother printer and connect using the displayed password.
For iOS:
- Open “Settings” > “Wi-Fi”.
- Locate the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network and connect by entering the password.
Step 3: Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App
After connecting your phone to the Brother printer’s network, open the Brother iPrint&Scan app. Follow the same steps as before to print your documents.
Method 4: Explore Third-Party Applications
There are several third-party applications available that could facilitate printing from your phone to your Brother printer. These include:
- Google Cloud Print: Although recently discontinued, many users still rely on similar applications.
- PrinterOn: This service is device-agnostic and can help connect without requiring Wi-Fi.
You can explore these alternatives through the app stores on your smartphones.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you encounter any problems while connecting your phone to your Brother printer, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
Bluetooth Issues
- Ensure your printer is discoverable.
- Check the Bluetooth range; stay within a reasonable distance.
USB Connection Problems
- Ensure the OTG cable is securely connected.
- Utilize file management apps to verify access to your documents.
Wi-Fi Direct Connection Hurdles
- Confirm that Wi-Fi Direct is enabled on both the printer and smartphone.
- Restart both devices and try connecting again.
Conclusion
Connecting your phone to a Brother printer without relying on WiFi can be done effectively using Bluetooth, USB OTG, or Wi-Fi Direct. These methods not only save you time but also provide flexibility when you need to print documents urgently.
Arming yourself with this knowledge ensures that you are well-prepared for any printing requirements that may arise in your daily life. Whether you are working from home or on the go, you can now print easily and efficiently without the constraints of a WiFi connection. Get started today and enjoy the convenience of mobile printing!
What types of Brother printers support direct connection to a phone without WiFi?
Many Brother printers, especially those with NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth capabilities, support direct connection to mobile devices without needing a WiFi network. Models such as the Brother HL-L2370DW and Brother MFC-J995DW are examples of printers that often come equipped with these features. To verify compatibility with your specific model, you can consult the user manual or the Brother website for detailed specifications.
Moreover, other models may require the use of certain apps provided by Brother, such as the Brother iPrint&Scan app, which facilitates connection and printing through Bluetooth or USB-C cables. Always ensure that your printer firmware is updated to the latest version to maximize compatibility with mobile devices.
How can I connect my phone to a Brother printer using Bluetooth?
To connect your phone to a Brother printer via Bluetooth, start by ensuring that Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone and the printer. On the printer, you may need to navigate to the settings menu, locate the Bluetooth option, and turn it on. Then, search for available devices on your phone’s Bluetooth settings to identify your Brother printer.
Once you see your Brother printer listed, select it to initiate the pairing process. You may need to confirm a passkey or code displayed on both devices to establish a successful connection. After pairing, you can use apps like Brother iPrint&Scan to send print jobs directly from your mobile device to the printer.
Can I print documents from my phone without installing any apps?
Yes, it is possible to print documents from your phone without installing any specific apps, provided your Brother printer supports direct printing features, such as AirPrint for iOS devices or similar services for Android. Simply ensure both your phone and printer are paired via Bluetooth or connected through a USB cable to enable this feature.
However, keep in mind that without dedicated apps, your printing options may be limited. You might be restricted to printing certain file types or applications that inherently support these protocols. For comprehensive features and ease of use, downloading the Brother iPrint&Scan app is still recommended.
What should I do if my phone cannot find the Brother printer?
If your phone is unable to locate the Brother printer, start by checking that both devices have Bluetooth turned on and that they are within an appropriate range—typically no more than 30 feet. Additionally, ensure that your printer is ready for pairing, as some models may require you to activate this mode separately from the main settings.
If the issue persists, try restarting both the printer and the mobile device to refresh their systems. Additionally, check if any previous connections or pairings might be interfering and clear them if necessary. Finally, consult the printer manual for troubleshooting tips specific to your model.
Is it possible to print photos directly from my phone?
Yes, you can print photos directly from your phone to a Brother printer without WiFi, especially if using Bluetooth connectivity. Once the connection is successfully established between your phone and the printer, you can select the photo you want to print from your gallery or photo app.
To print, simply choose the share or print option and select your Brother printer as the target device. Depending on your mobile operating system, you may have options to adjust settings such as the size, quality, and layout of your photos before printing. For an improved experience, using the Brother iPrint&Scan app can provide additional features tailored specifically for photo printing.
Do I need a USB cable to connect my phone to the Brother printer?
Connecting your phone to a Brother printer via a USB cable is one option, but it is not always necessary. If your printer has Bluetooth capabilities, as mentioned earlier, you can easily pair the devices without the need for a cable. However, for printers that lack Bluetooth connectivity or if you prefer a wired connection, a USB cable may be required.
To use a USB connection, you would need a compatible adapter for your mobile device, such as a USB-C or Lightning to USB adapter. Connect the printer to the phone using the USB cable through the adapter, and your device should recognize the printer. From there, you can proceed with the printing process using compatible apps or built-in printing features on your mobile device.