Seamlessly Connect Your Brother MFC-J470DW to Wi-Fi: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s digital age, having a reliable printer that connects easily to your Wi-Fi network can improve your productivity significantly. The Brother MFC-J470DW is a multifunction printer that offers scanning, printing, copy functions, and more, making it an essential tool for both home and office environments. However, the initial setup, particularly connecting it to Wi-Fi, can be somewhat daunting for some users. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the simple steps to connect your Brother MFC-J470DW to Wi-Fi while ensuring you have the best printing experience.

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Printer: The Brother MFC-J470DW

Before we delve into the Wi-Fi connection process, it’s essential to familiarize ourselves with the Brother MFC-J470DW. This printer is not just compact but also feature-rich. Here are some of its standout features:

All-in-One Functionality: Print, copy, scan, and fax with one device.
Wireless Capability: Easily print from anywhere in your home or office.
Mobile Printing: Supports AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Brother’s own iPrint&Scan.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): Convenient for scanning or copying multiple pages.

Understanding these features will help you appreciate the capabilities of the device better and enhance your overall experience.

Preparation Before Connecting to Wi-Fi

Before you connect your Brother MFC-J470DW to Wi-Fi, it’s important to ensure that you have everything in place. Here are the things you need to prepare:

Step 1: Check Your Wi-Fi Network

Make sure your Wi-Fi network is functioning properly. You should be able to connect to it using other devices like smartphones or computers. If your network is working well, note the following details:

Network Name (SSID): The name of your Wi-Fi network.
Password: The access password to your Wi-Fi network.

It’s crucial to have this information ready.

Step 2: Prepare Your Printer

Next, unpack your Brother printer if it’s not already set up. Here’s how to prepare it for Wi-Fi connection:

Place the printer close to your Wi-Fi router to ensure a strong signal during initial setup.
Plug the printer into a power source and turn it on.
Ensure that the printer is in a ready state and not displaying any error messages.

Now that you are prepared, let’s get into the connection process.

Connecting Your Brother MFC-J470DW to Wi-Fi

The connection process can be completed in a few straightforward steps. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Access the Network Menu

On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the Menu button.
Use the arrow keys to highlight Network and press OK.

Step 2: Select Wi-Fi Setup

From the Network menu, select WLAN.
Next, highlight Setup Wizard and press OK.

The Brother printer will now search for available wireless networks.

Step 3: Choose Your Network

After a few moments, a list of available networks will appear on the screen.
Use the arrow keys to scroll and select your Wi-Fi network’s SSID (i.e. your network name). If your network doesn’t appear, ensure your router is working correctly and try moving the printer closer to it.

Step 4: Enter Your Wi-Fi Password

Once you’ve selected your network, you’ll be prompted to enter the Wi-Fi password.
Using the alphanumeric keypad on the printer, carefully enter your Wi-Fi password. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive, so ensure that you enter it exactly as it is. The printer will usually have an on-screen guide to help you with this process.

Step 5: Confirm the Settings

After you’ve entered the password, press OK to confirm.
The printer will attempt to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Once completed, you should see a message confirming the connection was successful.

Step 6: Print a Test Page

To ensure that your Brother MFC-J470DW is successfully connected to Wi-Fi, it’s wise to print a test page. Here’s how:

On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Menu.
Select Print Reports.
Then select Network Configuration.
Press OK to print.

Check if the network configuration shows that the printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network.

Troubleshooting Tips for Wi-Fi Connection

Sometimes, the connection process may not go as smoothly as planned. Below are some troubleshooting tips to help resolve common issues.

The Printer Isn’t Finding Your Wi-Fi Network

Distance from Router: Move closer to the router and retry.
Network Visibility: Ensure that your Wi-Fi network SSID is not hidden.
Router Configuration: Check your router settings to make sure no MAC address filtering or security settings are blocking access.

Incorrect Wi-Fi Password

If you enter the password incorrectly, the printer won’t connect. Double-check your password for accuracy, paying close attention to case sensitivity.

Network Congestion

If many devices are connected to your Wi-Fi, it may slow down or prevent connection. You can try disconnecting some devices and trying again.

Using the Brother MFC-J470DW with Multiple Devices

Once your Brother printer is connected to Wi-Fi, you can print from various devices including computers, tablets, and smartphones. Here are the steps for different operating systems for a seamless printing experience.

Connecting Windows Devices

Go to Control Panel on your Windows device.
Click on Devices and Printers.
Select Add a Printer.
Choose “The printer that I want isn’t listed” and wait for the printer to show up.
Follow the prompts to install the driver and set your printer as default.

Connecting macOS Devices

Open System Preferences.
Click on Printers & Scanners.
Click the + sign to add a printer.
Your Brother printer should appear in the list; select it and click Add.

Utilizing Mobile Printing Options

The Brother MFC-J470DW supports various mobile printing services that make printing from smartphones and tablets exceptionally easy.

Using AirPrint (for Apple Devices)

Ensure that your iPhone or iPad is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer.
Open the document or photo you’d like to print.
Tap the Share icon and select Print.
Select your Brother printer and adjust necessary settings, then tap Print.

Using Brother iPrint&Scan (for Android and iOS Devices)

Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Open the app and select your printer.
Choose the document or photo to print, adjust settings, and tap Print.

Summarizing the Steps to Connect Your Brother MFC-J470DW to Wi-Fi

Connecting your Brother MFC-J470DW to Wi-Fi is an essential process that allows you to utilize the printer’s full capabilities. Here’s a quick recap of the steps we discussed:

Access the Network Menu using the Menu button.
Select WLAN and then Setup Wizard.
Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list.
Enter your Wi-Fi password accurately.
Confirm the settings and test the connection.

With these steps, you can efficiently connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network and enhance your printing experience.

Final Thoughts

The Brother MFC-J470DW is designed for ease of use and offers a host of functions to simplify your printing tasks. Connecting to Wi-Fi should not be a hurdle, especially with this detailed guide. By following the steps outlined, you’re well on your way to enjoying wireless printing, scanning, and more right from the comfort of your home or office. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to consult the printer’s manual or Brother’s customer support for additional assistance. Happy printing!

What is the Brother MFC-J470DW printer, and what features does it offer?

The Brother MFC-J470DW is an all-in-one inkjet printer that combines printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities. It is designed for both home and small office use, providing versatile functionality in a compact design. The printer supports wireless connectivity, allowing you to print directly from your computer, smartphone, or tablet without needing cumbersome cables. With its automatic duplex printing feature, you can also save paper by printing on both sides.

Additionally, the MFC-J470DW features a 1.8-inch color display, making navigation and operation user-friendly. It supports various media sizes and types, including envelopes and photo paper, which enhances its usability for different printing needs. Furthermore, it is compatible with an array of mobile printing solutions, making it easy to print from anywhere within your Wi-Fi network.

How do I connect my Brother MFC-J470DW to Wi-Fi?

To connect your Brother MFC-J470DW to Wi-Fi, start by ensuring that your printer is powered on and in a location within range of your wireless router. On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the ‘Settings’ option and select ‘Network.’ From there, choose ‘WLAN’ and then ‘Setup Wizard.’ The printer will search for available networks; once it detects your network, select it and enter the Wi-Fi password when prompted.

After entering the password, the printer will attempt to connect to your Wi-Fi network. If successful, you will see a confirmation message on the screen. It’s essential to ensure that the printer stays powered on during this setup process. Once connected, you can proceed to install the necessary drivers on your computer for seamless printing.

What should I do if my printer fails to connect to Wi-Fi?

If your Brother MFC-J470DW fails to connect to Wi-Fi, first double-check that your wireless router is functioning correctly and that other devices can connect to it without issues. Ensure that you are entering the correct Wi-Fi password during the connection process, as a simple typo can prevent a successful connection. If your printer is too far from the router, try moving it closer or eliminating any potential obstacles that may interfere with the signal.

Another troubleshooting step is to restart both your printer and router. Power off the devices, wait for around 30 seconds, and then power them back on. After rebooting, attempt the Wi-Fi connection process again. You can also check for any firmware updates for your printer on the Brother website, as outdated software can sometimes cause connectivity issues.

Can I connect the Brother MFC-J470DW to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network?

The Brother MFC-J470DW supports only 2.4GHz wireless networks, which are typically more common for home and small office routers. If your network is dual-band and primarily operates on a 5GHz frequency, you will need to set up a separate 2.4GHz network in your router’s settings. Look for an option in your router’s configuration menu to enable or create a new 2.4GHz network, and use the corresponding SSID and password for your printer connection.

Once you have set up the 2.4GHz network, follow the standard procedure to connect your MFC-J470DW to this new network. Ensure that your router’s 2.4GHz frequency is active, and then navigate to the printer’s network settings to initiate the connection. This will allow your printer to communicate effectively within your home or office wireless environment.

How can I print from my mobile device using the Brother MFC-J470DW?

You can print from your mobile device to the Brother MFC-J470DW by utilizing Brother’s iPrint&Scan app, available for both iOS and Android devices. First, ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer. Download and install the app from the respective app store on your device. Once installed, launch the app and allow it to detect your printer automatically.

After your printer is recognized, you can easily choose documents or photos stored on your device for printing. The app also provides options for scan-to-device functionality, enabling you to wirelessly scan documents back to your mobile device. Adjust any print settings as needed before hitting the print button, and your document will be sent directly to the Brother MFC-J470DW.

Is there a way to manage my printer settings remotely?

Yes, you can manage your Brother MFC-J470DW printer settings remotely through the Brother iPrint&Scan app or via a web browser by accessing the printer’s IP address. To use the app, simply download it and connect to your printer while on the same Wi-Fi network. The app allows you to modify print preferences, check ink levels, and perform maintenance tasks without needing to be physically present at the printer.

Alternatively, if you want more advanced management options, type the printer’s IP address into a web browser on any device connected to the same network. This will take you to the printer’s web interface, where you can configure various settings and check status updates. Just make sure to note the printer’s IP address, which can typically be found in the network settings menu on the printer itself.

What should I do if my Brother MFC-J470DW is not printing despite being connected to Wi-Fi?

If your Brother MFC-J470DW is connected to Wi-Fi but is not printing, start by checking if the printer is set as the default printer on your computer. Sometimes, especially after updates or adjustments, the default printer setting may change. Go to your computer’s print settings and ensure that the Brother MFC-J470DW is selected as the default printer. If it’s not listed correctly, try reinstalling the printer drivers.

You should also ensure that the print queue is cleared of any stalled jobs. Access the print queue on your computer to see if there are any pending print jobs that are causing a blockage. If you see any jobs that aren’t progressing, cancel them and attempt to print again. Finally, a reboot of both your computer and printer can often resolve intermittent issues, refreshing the connection and allowing for successful print operations.