Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, having a reliable printer that can seamlessly connect to your WiFi network is essential for both home and office environments. The Brother MFC L8850CDW printer is a multifunction device that offers users high-quality printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities. Connecting it to your wireless network not only enhances connectivity but also brings flexibility in managing your printing tasks from multiple devices. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to connect your Brother MFC L8850CDW printer to WiFi, ensuring that you can leverage its full potential.
Understanding the Basics
Before we delve into the connection process, let’s quickly cover the necessary prerequisites and understand how network printing works with the Brother MFC L8850CDW.
Requirements for Connecting the Printer to WiFi
To connect your Brother printer to WiFi, you will need:
- A Brother MFC L8850CDW printer.
- Access to your wireless network (WiFi router credentials such as SSID and password).
- A computer or mobile device to assist with the setup (optional).
What is WiFi Direct?
WiFi Direct is a technology that allows devices to connect directly to each other without needing a router. This feature can be particularly useful if you want to print directly from a smartphone or tablet without involving a wireless network. The Brother MFC L8850CDW supports WiFi Direct, offering even more flexibility in your printing options.
Connecting Brother MFC L8850CDW Printer to WiFi
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of connecting your Brother MFC L8850CDW printer to your WiFi network.
Step 1: Gather Your Network Information
Before starting the connection process, ensure you have the following details at hand:
- Network Name (SSID): This is the name of your WiFi network.
- Network Password: This is the password that grants access to the WiFi network.
Step 2: Power On the Printer
Make sure your Brother MFC L8850CDW printer is powered on. Check to see if there are any error messages on the display panel; if any issues are present, resolve them before proceeding.
Step 3: Access the Network Menu
- Press the Menu button on the printer’s control panel.
- Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Network option, then press OK.
- Scroll and select WLAN (Wireless LAN).
- Choose Setup Wizard and press OK.
Step 4: Connecting to the Wireless Network
- Detect Networks: The printer will search for available WiFi networks. This may take a few seconds.
- Select Network: When the search is complete, use the arrow keys to select your SSID (WiFi network name) from the list. Then, press OK.
- Enter Password: You will be prompted to enter your WiFi password. Use the control panel to input the password. Make use of the dial pad for entering alphanumeric characters.
- Confirm Connection: After entering the password, select OK. The printer will attempt to connect to your WiFi network.
Step 5: Confirming Successful Connection
Once the printer connects to the network, a message will display confirming a successful connection. You may also print a network configuration page to verify the connection details.
How to Print a Network Configuration Page
- Press the Menu button.
- Navigate to Print Reports and press OK.
- Select Network Config and confirm by pressing OK.
This report will provide information about your printer’s current network configuration, including IP address and connection status.
Setting Up the Printer on Your Computer
Now that your Brother MFC L8850CDW is connected to WiFi, the next step is to set it up on your computer for an easy and seamless printing experience:
Step 1: Install the Necessary Drivers
To communicate effectively with your computer, you need to install the appropriate drivers for your Brother printer.
- Go to the Brother Support Website: Visit the Brother printer support page.
- Locate Your Printer: Search for the MFC L8850CDW model.
- Download Drivers: Download the correct drivers for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
- Install the Drivers: Follow the on-screen prompts to install the drivers.
Step 2: Add the Printer on Your Computer
Once the drivers are installed, add the Brother printer to your computer:
For Windows Users
- Go to Settings from the Start menu.
- Click on Devices then Printers & Scanners.
- Click on Add a printer or scanner.
- Windows will search for available printers. Once the MFC L8850CDW appears in the list, select it and click Add device.
For Mac Users
- Open System Preferences.
- Click on Printers & Scanners.
- Click on the + button to add a printer.
- Locate and select the MFC L8850CDW from the list, then click Add.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you encounter any issues during the setup process, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
Step 1: Check Network Connectivity
Ensure that your WiFi network is functioning properly. Check if other devices can connect to the internet without issues.
Step 2: Restart Your Devices
Restart the printer, router, and any connected devices. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve connection problems.
Step 3: Firewall and Security Settings
Check your computer’s firewall and security settings. Firewalls may sometimes block communication between the printer and the computer. Ensure that settings allow for printer communication.
Step 4: Factory Reset the Printer
If you’re still having trouble, you may want to consider resetting the printer to factory settings:
- Press the Menu button, navigate to Initial Setup and select Reset.
- Choose Network and confirm.
After resetting, repeat the steps to connect to WiFi again.
Conclusion
Connecting your Brother MFC L8850CDW printer to WiFi unlocks a wealth of opportunities for more efficient printing. Whether you’re working from home or in a bustling office environment, this multifunction printer provides not only high-quality prints but also the convenience of wireless connectivity. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up and use your printer wirelessly, ensuring that you make the most out of its impressive capabilities.
Now that you are equipped with all the necessary information, you can enjoy the flexibility and efficiency brought by a connected Brother MFC L8850CDW printer in your everyday tasks.
How do I connect my Brother MFC L8850CDW printer to WiFi?
To connect your Brother MFC L8850CDW printer to WiFi, start by turning on the printer and ensuring it’s ready. On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the ‘Menu’ and then select ‘Network’. Next, choose ‘WLAN’, followed by ‘Setup Wizard’. This function will scan for available wireless networks. When prompted, choose your desired network from the list.
After selecting your network, you will need to enter the WiFi password using the printer’s keypad. Once the correct password is entered, the printer will attempt to connect to the network. Following a successful connection, you should see a confirmation message on the display. You can then print a network configuration page to verify that the printer has connected to the correct WiFi network.
What if my printer cannot find the WiFi network?
If the Brother MFC L8850CDW printer cannot find your WiFi network, first ensure that the router is turned on and functioning properly. Check if other devices are able to connect to the same WiFi network to rule out any issues with the router. Additionally, make sure that the printer is within a reasonable distance from the router, as distance and physical obstructions can weaken the signal.
Another step is to check the wireless settings on your router, particularly if you are using a dual-band router. The printer only supports 2.4 GHz networks, so if your router is set to 5 GHz or has been configured to hide the SSID, the printer may not be able to locate the network. Adjust these settings accordingly and attempt to connect the printer to the WiFi network again.
How can I reset the network settings on my Brother MFC L8850CDW printer?
To reset the network settings on your Brother MFC L8850CDW printer, start by navigating to the ‘Menu’ on the printer’s control panel. From there, select ‘Network’, then choose ‘Network Reset’. This action will restore all network settings to their factory defaults, clearing out any saved configurations or WiFi connections.
After executing the reset, the printer will restart, and you will need to go through the WiFi setup process again, as described in previous sections. This is particularly useful if you’re experiencing connection issues or if you’ve changed your WiFi network and need the printer to connect to the new network.
Can I connect the Brother MFC L8850CDW printer to WiFi without using the control panel?
Yes, you can connect your Brother MFC L8850CDW printer to WiFi using a USB cable and the Brother printer software. First, connect the printer to your computer with the USB cable and then install the Brother printer drivers and software from the Brother website. During the installation process, select the option to configure the wireless network.
Once selected, the software will guide you through the process of connecting your printer to your WiFi network, including entering your network SSID and password. After completing this setup, you can disconnect the USB cable, and the printer should now be accessible over your WiFi network without needing to use the control panel.
What should I do if my printer keeps disconnecting from the WiFi?
If your Brother MFC L8850CDW printer keeps disconnecting from the WiFi, start by checking your WiFi signal strength. If the printer is located far from the router or is obstructed by thick walls or furniture, this could lead to intermittent connectivity issues. Consider moving the printer closer to the router or using a WiFi extender to boost the signal.
Additionally, ensure that your printer’s firmware and the router’s firmware are both up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that improve connectivity and performance. If these steps do not resolve the problem, you might want to reset both your printer’s network settings and your router to clear potential conflicts.
How can I print wirelessly from my mobile device to the Brother MFC L8850CDW printer?
To print wirelessly from your mobile device to the Brother MFC L8850CDW printer, you will need to have the Brother iPrint&Scan app installed on your device. This app is available for both iOS and Android platforms. After installing the app, ensure that your mobile device is connected to the same WiFi network as your printer.
Once the app is installed and your devices are on the same network, open the app and select the document or image you want to print. You will see options to choose your Brother printer; select the MFC L8850CDW from the list. Adjust any print settings as needed and tap the ‘Print’ button. This simple process allows for seamless wireless printing right from your mobile device.