Setting up your Brother MFC-J870DW printer for Wi-Fi connectivity can seem daunting, especially for those who are less tech-savvy. However, with a little guidance, you can seamlessly connect your printer to your home or office network, allowing for convenient wireless printing from multiple devices. In this article, we will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring that you can enjoy the benefits of wireless printing without any hassle.
Understanding the Brother MFC-J870DW Printer
Before diving into the connection process, it’s important to understand what makes the Brother MFC-J870DW a popular choice among consumers. This all-in-one printer offers high-quality printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, making it an essential tool for both home and office use.
Notably, the Brother MFC-J870DW features:
- Wireless networking: Print from anywhere in the room without the need for cables.
- Mobile printing: Support for Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and other mobile printing solutions.
With these features, the MFC-J870DW simplifies printing tasks while enhancing productivity.
Preparing for the Wi-Fi Connection
Before proceeding with the connection process, it’s crucial to ensure that you are ready. Follow these preliminary steps:
1. Gather Your Materials
To connect your printer to Wi-Fi, you will need:
- Your Brother MFC-J870DW printer
- Your wireless router
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone
- The network name (SSID) and password for your Wi-Fi network
Make sure that your printer is set up with ink cartridges installed and that the power is on.
2. Checking Wi-Fi Connectivity
Ensure that your Wi-Fi network is functioning correctly. You can do this by connecting another device, such as a laptop or smartphone, to your wireless network. Once you verify that the network is running smoothly, you’re ready to move on to the next steps.
Ways to Connect Your Brother MFC-J870DW Printer to Wi-Fi
There are two primary methods to connect your Brother MFC-J870DW to your Wi-Fi network: using the control panel of the printer or utilizing the WPS method.
Method 1: Using the Printer’s Control Panel
Connecting via the control panel is straightforward, and here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Access the Menu
- On your Brother MFC-J870DW printer, press the Menu button on the keypad.
Step 2: Navigate to Network Settings
- Use the arrow keys to scroll down to Network and press OK.
- Scroll down again to WLAN and hit OK.
Step 3: Choose Setup Wizard
- Select Setup Wizard and press OK.
- When prompted, choose Yes to enable the WLAN.
Step 4: Select Your Network
- The printer will search for available networks. Once the search is complete, a list of Wi-Fi networks will appear.
- Use the arrow keys to select your network (SSID) and press OK.
Step 5: Enter the Wi-Fi Password
- If your network is secured, you will be prompted to enter the Wi-Fi password. Use the keypad to input the password carefully.
- After entering the password, press OK.
Step 6: Confirm Connection
- Once the password is entered, the printer will attempt to connect to the Wi-Fi network.
- If successful, you will see a confirmation message. Press OK to finish.
Method 2: Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
WPS is a quick method to connect your printer to the Wi-Fi network if your router supports this feature.
Step 1: Enable WPS
- On the Brother MFC-J870DW printer, press the Menu button, then scroll down to Network and press OK.
- Scroll down to WLAN and press OK.
- Select WPS and press OK.
Step 2: Choose WPS Option
- Scroll to the option WPS(PBC) (Push Button Configuration) and press OK.
Step 3: Activate WPS on Your Router
- Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router.
- The printer will attempt to connect to the network.
Step 4: Confirmation
- Wait for the printer to confirm the connection.
- Once connected, you will see a success message. Press OK to complete the process.
Installing Printer Drivers and Software
After connecting your Brother MFC-J870DW to Wi-Fi, it’s important to install the necessary drivers and software to ensure that your computer can recognize and communicate with the printer.
1. Download the Driver
- Visit the Brother support website: Brother Support.
- Enter your printer model (MFC-J870DW) in the search bar.
- Select the correct operating system and download the recommended driver.
2. Install the Driver
- Locate the downloaded driver file and double-click it to begin the installation.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, and when prompted, choose the wireless connection option.
- The installation wizard will search for your printer on the network. Once detected, complete the installation by following any remaining instructions.
Testing Your Printer Connection
Post-installation, it’s essential to test your printer to ensure everything is functional.
1. Print a Test Page
- On your computer, open the Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on your Brother printer and select Print Test Page.
- If the printer successfully prints the test page, your setup is complete!
2. Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you encounter any problems during connection, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure that the printer is within range of the Wi-Fi router for a strong signal.
- Check that the Wi-Fi password was entered correctly during setup.
Additionally, if your printer does not appear on your computer or device, reboot both the printer and your router before attempting to reconnect.
Conclusion
Connecting your Brother MFC-J870DW printer to Wi-Fi opens up a world of convenience and flexibility in your printing tasks. With methods as simple as using the printer’s control panel or WPS, you can ensure a seamless wireless experience for all your printing needs.
By following the outlined steps above, you can now confidently enjoy the benefits of wireless printing. Should you have further questions or encounter issues, visiting the Brother support site or reaching out to their customer service can provide additional assistance. Enjoy your newfound printing freedom!
How do I start the process of connecting my Brother MFC-J870DW printer to Wi-Fi?
To begin connecting your Brother MFC-J870DW printer to Wi-Fi, first, ensure that your printer is powered on and that you have access to the wireless network you want to connect to. Access the printer’s control panel, which is typically located on the front of the device, and navigate to the ‘Menu’ option. From there, you will find the ‘Network’ settings.
Once in the Network menu, select ‘Wireless’ and then ‘WLAN’. The printer will search for available wireless networks. You should see a list of networks; select your Wi-Fi network from the list. If prompted, enter your Wi-Fi password using the control panel. After entering the password, confirm your selection, and the printer will attempt to connect to the wireless network.
What should I do if my printer cannot find my Wi-Fi network?
If your Brother MFC-J870DW printer cannot find your Wi-Fi network, first check to ensure that your router is powered on and functioning correctly. Verify that the Wi-Fi network is operational by connecting another device, like a smartphone or laptop, to the Wi-Fi. If those devices can connect without issue, the problem could lie with the printer settings or proximity.
Additionally, try moving the printer closer to the router to eliminate any potential connectivity issues caused by distance or obstacles. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, consider resetting your router to refresh its settings, and then repeat the process of searching for the network from the printer’s control panel.
Can I connect my Brother MFC-J870DW printer to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, you can connect your Brother MFC-J870DW printer to a hidden Wi-Fi network, but you’ll need to manually input the network details. Start by accessing the printer’s control panel and navigating to the ‘Menu’ section. When in the Network settings, look for ‘Wireless’ and then choose ‘WLAN’ to proceed.
From there, instead of selecting from the list of available networks, opt for ‘Manual’ or ‘Enter SSID’, and then input the exact name (SSID) of your hidden network. Be sure to also enter the correct Wi-Fi password when prompted. This allows your printer to connect directly to the hidden network.
How can I confirm if my Brother MFC-J870DW printer is successfully connected to Wi-Fi?
After completing the connection process, you can confirm whether your Brother MFC-J870DW printer is connected to the Wi-Fi network by printing a network configuration page. To do this, go back to the ‘Menu’ on the printer’s control panel, navigate to ‘Print Reports’, and select ‘Network Configuration’.
The printed report will display various details about the printer’s network status, including the SSID of the connected network and its IP address. If your network’s SSID is listed and there is an IP address assigned to the printer, it indicates that the printer is successfully connected to your Wi-Fi network.
What is the default Wi-Fi password for my Brother MFC-J870DW printer?
The Brother MFC-J870DW printer does not come with a default Wi-Fi password. Instead, it uses the Wi-Fi password that you have set up with your wireless router. If you are unsure of your Wi-Fi password, you can usually find it on the router itself, often printed on a label on the side or bottom of the device.
If you can’t locate the Wi-Fi password on the router or cannot remember setting one, you may need to access the router’s settings through a connected device. Enter the router’s IP address in a web browser to access its configuration page and view or reset the Wi-Fi credentials.
Can I connect my Brother MFC-J870DW printer to a different Wi-Fi network later on?
Yes, you can easily connect your Brother MFC-J870DW printer to a different Wi-Fi network at any time. To do this, simply follow the initial steps of accessing the printer’s control panel and navigating to the ‘Menu’. From there, go to ‘Network’, then ‘Wireless’, and select ‘WLAN’ to initiate a search for available networks.
Once you see the list of networks, choose the new network you wish to connect to and enter the required password. After confirming your selections, the printer will disconnect from the current network and attempt to connect to the new one, allowing for seamless printing from different Wi-Fi locations.
Is there a way to connect my Brother MFC-J870DW printer to Wi-Fi without a touchscreen?
Yes, even without a touchscreen, you can still connect your Brother MFC-J870DW printer to Wi-Fi using its physical buttons and display. Begin by locating the ‘Menu’ button on the printer’s panel and press it to access settings. Navigate using the arrow buttons until you reach the ‘Network’ section, and then select ‘Wireless’.
After entering the Wireless settings, follow similar steps to manually enter your Wi-Fi network’s name and password using the physical buttons. The process may be slightly more complex without a touchscreen, but the printer’s user manual will provide detailed instructions specific to button navigation.
What should I do if my Brother MFC-J870DW printer frequently loses Wi-Fi connection?
If your Brother MFC-J870DW printer frequently loses its Wi-Fi connection, begin troubleshooting by checking your Wi-Fi signal strength. The printer should ideally be within a reasonable distance from the router with minimal obstructions. If the signal appears weak, consider relocating the printer closer to the Wi-Fi router.
Additionally, ensure that your router firmware is up to date as outdated firmware can cause connectivity problems. You may also want to check if other devices are experiencing similar disconnection issues. If so, consider restarting your router and, if the problem persists, resuming the Wi-Fi configuration steps for the printer.