Mastering Your Brother Printer MFC-J491DW: A Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting to WiFi

The Brother MFC-J491DW is a remarkable all-in-one printer that guarantees high-quality printing, scanning, and faxing tasks for both home and office use. One of the standout features of this printer is its ability to connect wirelessly to your home or office WiFi network, allowing for seamless printing from multiple devices. If you’re struggling with the connection process or simply want to ensure a smooth setup, you’re in the right place. In this long, engaging article, we’ll dive deep into the practical steps, tips, and troubleshooting methods to help you successfully connect your Brother MFC-J491DW printer to WiFi.

Table of Contents

Why Connect Your Brother MFC-J491DW to WiFi?

Connecting your Brother printer to WiFi provides numerous advantages:

Convenience: Print directly from your laptop, smartphone, or tablet without needing a physical connection.
Access from Multiple Devices: Share your printer with several users in the same network.
Remote Printing: Print documents from anywhere in your house without being tethered to your printer.

With these benefits, it’s easy to see why connecting your Brother MFC-J491DW to WiFi is essential. Let’s explore how to achieve this step by step.

Prerequisites for Connection

Before you begin, here’s what you need:

A stable WiFi connection: Ensure your router is functional and that you have the WiFi network name (SSID) and password handy.
Printer placement: Keep your Brother printer within range of the WiFi router for a stable connection.
Compatible devices: Ensure your devices can print wirelessly, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Your Brother Printer MFC-J491DW to WiFi

Now, let’s move on to the main event: connecting your printer to the WiFi network. Follow these steps carefully.

Preparation for WiFi Setup

Unbox and Power On: If you haven’t done so yet, unbox the printer, remove all protective tapes, and plug it into a power outlet. Power it on using the power button located on the printer.
Access the Menu: On the front panel of the printer, press the Menu button. This will take you to the main menu from which you can navigate various settings.

Choosing the WiFi Setup Method

There are several methods for connecting your Brother MFC-J491DW to WiFi: Using WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) or Manual Setup. Let’s explore both options.

Option 1: Connecting Using WPS

Locate the WPS Button: On your router, find the WPS button. This is usually labeled as “WPS”.
Select WPS on the Printer: On the printer’s menu, scroll to Network and press OK. Next, select WLAN and press OK. Choose WPS (Push Button) and press OK.
Initiate Connection: Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The printer will attempt to connect to the WiFi network. You’ll see an indication on the printer’s display when the connection is successful.

Option 2: Manual Setup (Without WPS)

Select WLAN Setup: If your router does not support WPS, you’ll need to connect manually. On the printer menu, choose Network followed by WLAN and then Setup Wizard.
Choose Your Network: The printer will search for available networks. Once the list of networks appears, use the arrow keys to find your network name (SSID) and select it.
Enter WiFi Password: After selecting your network, you will be prompted to enter the network password. Use the printer’s keypad to input your password. Make sure to input it accurately; passwords are case-sensitive.
Complete Setup: Once you’ve entered your password, the printer will attempt to connect to the network. A confirmation message will appear once the connection is established.

Install Brother Printer Drivers and Software

After successfully connecting your Brother MFC-J491DW to WiFi, you’ll need to install the necessary drivers on your devices for printing. Here’s how to do it:

Installing Drivers on Windows

Visit Brother’s Official Website: Navigate to the Brother support page tailored for your region.
Find Your Printer Model: Use the search bar to input ‘MFC-J491DW’ and select your model from the results.
Select the Driver Download: Choose and download the appropriate drivers for your operating system (Windows version).
Run the Installer: Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
Add the Printer: Once installed, go to your printer settings on your computer. Click on “Add a printer” and select your Brother MFC-J491DW from the detected devices.

Installing Drivers on macOS

Access Brother’s Support Page: Like on Windows, head to the Brother official website.
Download the Driver: Locate your printer model and download the relevant drivers for macOS.
Install the Driver: Open the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts.
Set Up Printer in System Preferences: Go to System Preferences, select “Printers & Scanners,” and click the “+” sign to add a new printer. Choose the Brother MFC-J491DW from the list.

Setting Up Mobile Printing

The Brother MFC-J491DW also supports mobile printing. You can use Brother’s iPrint&Scan app for iOS and Android devices.

Download the App: Install the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Connect Your Device: Ensure that your mobile device is connected to the same WiFi network as your printer.
Open the App: Launch the app, and it will automatically detect your printer if both devices are on the same network. It allows you to print photos and documents directly from your mobile device.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any trouble while setting up, don’t panic. Here are some common issues and potential solutions:

Issue: Can’t Find WiFi Network

Solution: Ensure the printer is within the router’s range. Restart both the printer and the router. Try again after confirming that the WiFi network is operational.

Issue: Connection Failed

Solution: Recheck your WiFi password for accuracy. Ensure you are not entering extra spaces. Try the WPS method if available, or attempt the manual setup again.

Issue: Printer Not Detected on Computer or Mobile Device

Solution: Ensure the drivers are correctly installed. Restart your computer or mobile device and check the printer connections again. Make sure both the printer and the device are connected to the same network.

Taking It a Step Further: Enhancing Printer Performance

Once your Brother MFC-J491DW is successfully connected to WiFi, consider these tips to enhance its performance:

Regular Maintenance

Perform regular cleaning cycles to keep print quality high.
Check for updates in your driver software frequently to ensure compatibility and improved functionality.

Utilize Features

Explore advanced features such as duplex printing to save paper and reduce costs.
Investigate scanning options to digitize important documents and photos.

Conclusion

Connecting your Brother MFC-J491DW printer to WiFi opens up a world of convenience and functionality that transforms the way you print at home or in the office. By following the procedures outlined in this guide, you can ensure a reliable wireless connection. Remember the troubleshooting tips and explore the features offered by your printer to maximize its potential.

Now that you’re equipped with all the necessary knowledge and steps, it’s time to get printing! Enjoy the ease of wireless printing with your Brother MFC-J491DW.

What are the initial steps to connect my Brother MFC-J491DW printer to WiFi?

To begin connecting your Brother MFC-J491DW printer to WiFi, ensure that your printer is powered on and ready for setup. Locate the control panel on the printer and press the “Menu” button. Using the arrow keys, navigate to “Network” and select it by pressing “OK.” From the network menu, choose “WLAN” and then “Setup Wizard.” This will prompt the printer to search for available wireless networks.

Once the printer finds your network, you will see a list of SSIDs. Select your WiFi network from the list using the arrow keys, and press “OK.” You will then be prompted to enter your WiFi password. Use the on-screen keyboard to input the password carefully, since it must match exactly, including uppercase and lowercase letters. After entering the password, press “OK” to proceed, and the printer will attempt to connect to the network.

How do I find my WiFi network name (SSID) and password?

To find your WiFi network name (SSID) and password, you can check your router’s settings if you have access to it. Log in to your router by entering its IP address into a web browser, which is typically found on a sticker located at the bottom or back of your router. Once logged in, you can browse the wireless settings page to find the SSID and password. Make sure to write them down for easy reference during the printer setup.

If you’re unable to access your router, check devices that are already connected to the network, like a smartphone or laptop. On most devices, you can go to the WiFi settings section to view the name of the connected network. Some devices allow you to view the saved password for the network by selecting “Show Password” in the WiFi settings. If all else fails, you may need to reset your router to set a new WiFi name and password.

What should I do if my printer cannot find my WiFi network?

If your Brother MFC-J491DW printer cannot find your WiFi network, first make sure that the router is turned on and functioning correctly. Ensure the printer is within range of the WiFi signal — if it is too far away, the connection may be interrupted or weak. Try moving the printer closer to the router, and then repeat the steps to connect it to WiFi.

Additionally, check if your WiFi network is hidden. If it is, you will need to manually enter the SSID during the setup process. If other devices can find the network without issue, there may be a temporary glitch with the printer. In such cases, restarting both the printer and the router can often resolve connectivity problems.

How can I troubleshoot connection issues with my Brother MFC-J491DW printer?

Should you encounter connection issues with your Brother MFC-J491DW printer, start by checking the current connection status. Navigate to the “Network” menu on the printer’s control panel and select “Network Status.” This will provide information on whether the printer is connected to your network and if it has a valid IP address. If it shows as not connected, you may need to reconnect the printer to the WiFi network.

If the printer is connected but you’re still facing issues, ensure that your firewall or antivirus settings are not blocking the printer’s connection. Sometimes, network settings can prevent devices from communicating. Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus programs and see if the issue persists. If necessary, consult the user manual for specific troubleshooting steps or visit the Brother support website for additional assistance.

Can I print from my mobile device after connecting my printer to WiFi?

Yes, once your Brother MFC-J491DW printer is connected to WiFi, you can easily print from your mobile devices. To do so, ensure that your mobile phone or tablet is also connected to the same WiFi network as the printer. Brother offers mobile printing solutions such as the Brother iPrint&Scan app, which allows you to send print jobs directly from your mobile device.

After installing the app, open it and follow the prompts to locate your printer on the network. Select the document or image you wish to print, choose your printer, and adjust any necessary settings like paper size or number of copies. Once everything is set, tap “Print” to start printing your document or image from your mobile device.

How can I maintain a stable WiFi connection for my printer?

To maintain a stable WiFi connection for your Brother MFC-J491DW printer, start by positioning the printer within a reasonable distance from your router. Avoid placing the printer near walls, large furniture, or metal objects, which can obstruct the WiFi signal. If possible, use a WiFi extender if your printer is located far from the router or if you experience weak connectivity.

It’s also helpful to regularly check for firmware updates for both your printer and router. Updates can improve performance and fix bugs related to connectivity. Additionally, routine reboots of your router can help refresh the connection and maintain a stable WiFi environment for your devices, including the printer.

Is it possible to connect my Brother printer to a different WiFi network?

Yes, you can connect your Brother MFC-J491DW printer to a different WiFi network if needed. To do this, you will need to reset the network settings on the printer first. Begin by navigating to the “Menu” on the printer’s control panel, selecting “Network,” then “Network Reset.” Confirm the reset, and this will clear the previous WiFi information.

After resetting, follow the steps outlined in the guide to reconnect your printer to the new WiFi network. Ensure you have the new SSID and password on hand for a smooth setup process. By doing this, the printer will forget the old network and connect seamlessly to the new one.