Wireless Nirvana: A Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your Brother MFC-J491DW

Connecting your Brother MFC-J491DW printer to your devices is crucial for seamless printing and scanning. Whether you’re a home user or a business professional, establishing a reliable connection is essential. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to connect your Brother MFC-J491DW printer to your preferred devices.

Wired Connection:

USB Connection:

1. Gather the necessary cables. You will need a USB Type-A to Type-B cable.
2. Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB port on the printer and the other end to your computer.
3. Turn on the printer and check the computer for the printer driver installation.

Ethernet Connection:

1. Obtain an Ethernet cable.
2. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the printer and the other end to an Ethernet port on your router or network switch.
3. The printer should automatically obtain an IP address.

Wireless Connection:

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS):

1. Ensure your router supports WPS.
2. Press and hold the WPS button on the printer for a few seconds.
3. Press the WPS button on your router.
4. The printer and router will automatically connect.

Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Enable Wi-Fi Direct on the printer.
2. On your device, connect to the printer’s Wi-Fi network.
3. Enter the password provided by the printer.

Wireless Network Connection:

1. Gather the SSID (network name) and password for your Wi-Fi network.
2. Navigate to the printer’s menu and select “Network Settings.”
3. Choose “Wireless LAN Setup” and select your network.
4. Enter the password and connect to the network.

Mobile Device Connection:

Brother Mobile Connect App:

1. Download the Brother Mobile Connect app on your mobile device.
2. Open the app and scan the QR code on the printer.
3. Follow the instructions in the app to establish a connection.

AirPrint (iOS Devices):

1. Ensure your iOS device and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the document you wish to print and tap the “Share” button.
3. Select “Print” and choose your Brother printer.

Mopria Print Service (Android Devices):

1. Install the Mopria Print Service app on your Android device.
2. Ensure your Android device and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open the document you wish to print and tap the “Print” button.
4. Select your Brother printer and tap “Print.”

Troubleshooting:

Printer Not Detected:

• Check the cables and connections.
• Restart the printer and computer/device.
• Update the printer driver.

Connection Drops:

• Ensure the printer is within range of the router/network.
• Check for any interference from other devices.
• Reset the network settings on the printer.

Print Quality Issues:

• Check the ink levels and cartridge status.
• Clean the print heads.
• Ensure the paper type and settings match the print job.

In a nutshell:

Connecting your Brother MFC-J491DW printer to your devices is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using wired or wireless methods. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can establish a reliable connection that enables seamless printing and scanning. Remember to consult the printer’s user manual for specific instructions and troubleshooting tips.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I connect the printer to multiple devices simultaneously?
A: Yes, the printer supports multiple device connections through Wi-Fi and Ethernet.

Q: How do I reset the printer’s network settings?
A: Navigate to the printer’s menu, select “Network Settings,” and then “Reset Network Settings.”

Q: Why is my printer not printing after connecting it to the network?
A: Check the printer’s status, ensure it has paper, and verify that the print job is not paused or canceled.