In today’s fast-paced digital world, the convenience of wireless printing cannot be overstated. If you own a Brother MFC-9130CW printer, you are in for a treat. This versatile machine provides high-quality printing, scanning, and copying—all while being entirely networked. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of connecting your Brother MFC-9130CW printer to WiFi, ensuring that you enjoy seamless printing from anywhere in your home or office.
Understanding the Brother MFC-9130CW Printer
Before diving into the connection process, let’s take a moment to understand the features of the Brother MFC-9130CW printer.
Overview of Features
The Brother MFC-9130CW is known for its multifunction capabilities. Here are some standout features that make this printer a popular choice:
- Color Laser Technology: This printer delivers high-resolution color output, suitable for both personal and professional use.
- Print, Scan, Copy, and Fax: As a multifunction device, it supports a variety of tasks, increasing productivity.
- Wireless Connectivity: Easily connect to your home or office WiFi network.
- Automatic Duplex Printing: Save paper with automatic double-sided printing.
Before setting up the WiFi connection, ensure that the printer is fully operational and that you have the following items ready:
- Your Brother MFC-9130CW printer.
- A wireless router or access point.
- A computer or mobile device to help with setup.
- The SSID (network name) and password for your WiFi network.
Steps to Connect Your Brother MFC-9130CW Printer to WiFi
Connecting your Brother MFC-9130CW printer to WiFi can be completed through two primary methods: the Wireless Wizard and WPS (WiFi Protected Setup). Below, we will outline both methods in detail.
Method 1: Using the Wireless Wizard
The Wireless Wizard is a simple way to connect your printer to your WiFi network without needing additional hardware.
Step 1: Power On the Printer
Ensure that your Brother printer is plugged into a power source and powered on. Wait until the printer is ready and idle.
Step 2: Access the Network Menu
- On the printer’s control panel, press the Menu button.
- Use the navigation buttons to scroll down to Network and press OK.
Step 3: Select WLAN Setup
- Within the Network menu, navigate to WLAN and press OK.
- Select Setup Wizard and press OK.
- The printer will start searching for available wireless networks.
Step 4: Select Your Network
- From the list of found networks, locate your WiFi network by name (SSID).
- Select your network and press OK.
Step 5: Enter Your WiFi Password
- A prompt will appear asking for your WiFi password.
- Use the printer’s keypad to enter your password. Be cautious with uppercase and lowercase letters.
- After entering the password, press OK.
Step 6: Connection Confirmation
Once you’ve entered your credentials, the printer will attempt to connect to the WiFi network. A confirmation message will appear once it’s successful. Press OK to finish.
Step 7: Print a Network Configuration Report
For verification, print a network configuration report by going back to the Network menu and selecting Print Network Config. This report will provide information about your current network settings.
Method 2: Using WPS (WiFi Protected Setup)
If your router supports WPS, this method allows you to connect your printer to WiFi much faster—often with just a push of a button.
Step 1: Prepare for WPS Connection
- Power on your Brother MFC-9130CW printer and make sure it’s ready to connect.
- Locate the WPS button on your wireless router.
Step 2: Access the WLAN Menu
- Press the Menu button on the printer.
- Navigate to Network and press OK.
- Select WLAN and press OK.
Step 3: Choose WPS
- Select WPS and press OK.
- The printer will prompt you to push the WPS button on your router.
Step 4: Activate WPS on Your Router
Within two minutes of selecting WPS on your printer, press the WPS button on your router.
Step 5: Confirm Connection
The printer will automatically join the WiFi network. A message confirming the connection will appear. Finally, print a network configuration report to verify that everything is set up correctly.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
Despite the straightforward process, you may encounter connection issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Issue 1: Unable to Locate Network
If your printer cannot find your WiFi network during setup:
- Check that the WiFi is enabled on your router.
- Make sure the router is not too far from the printer.
- Confirm that you are choosing the correct SSID.
Issue 2: Incorrect WiFi Password
If prompted that the password is incorrect:
- Recheck the WiFi password for accuracy.
- Remember case sensitivity (uppercase vs. lowercase).
Issue 3: Printing from Devices
Once your printer is connected to WiFi, ensure that your devices are also connected to the same network. Install the appropriate drivers from the Brother website for your computer or mobile device.
Maximizing the Use of Your Wireless Printer
After connecting your Brother MFC-9130CW printer to WiFi, take advantage of its advanced functions:
Remote Printing
Utilize the Brother iPrint&Scan app available for smartphones and tablets. This app allows you to print documents directly from your mobile device without needing a computer.
Cloud Printing
Connect your printer to cloud services such as Google Cloud Print, allowing you to send documents to print from anywhere there’s internet access.
Regular Maintenance
Monitor your printer’s status and perform regular maintenance checks. Keep the firmware updated to enhance performance and security.
Conclusion
Connecting your Brother MFC-9130CW printer to WiFi opens up a world of wireless convenience and efficiency. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly set up your printer for remote printing, helping you stay productive whether at home or in the office.
Remember to troubleshoot any issues promptly and explore all the features your multifunction printer has to offer. Happy printing!
What are the initial steps to set up my Brother MFC-9130CW printer for wireless printing?
To begin setting up your Brother MFC-9130CW printer for wireless printing, first ensure that the printer is powered on and that you have access to your WiFi network name (SSID) and password. On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the “Network” menu. From there, select “WLAN” and then “Setup Wizard.” This will allow the printer to search for available wireless networks.
Once the printer detects your network, select it and input the password when prompted. After you confirm the network details, the printer will attempt to connect to WiFi. Once connected, the printer should display a confirmation message. This initial setup is crucial for enabling wireless printing capabilities.
How do I install the printer driver and software on my computer?
After successfully connecting your Brother MFC-9130CW to WiFi, the next step is to install the necessary drivers and software on your computer. Visit the Brother support website and navigate to the downloads section. Here, you will need to enter your printer model to find the correct drivers compatible with your operating system.
Once you download the drivers, run the installation file. During installation, select the “Wireless” connection option when prompted. This allows your computer to communicate with the printer over the WiFi network. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation, and ensure that the printer is selected as the default printer for ease of use.
Can I print from my mobile devices using the Brother MFC-9130CW printer?
Yes, you can print from mobile devices using your Brother MFC-9130CW printer. To do this, you will need to ensure that both your mobile device and the printer are connected to the same WiFi network. You can utilize Brother’s iPrint&Scan app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices, for convenient mobile printing.
After downloading the app, open it and allow it to search for printers on the same network. Once your MFC-9130CW is detected, you can select it as your printing device. You can then choose documents, photos, or web pages to print directly from your mobile device, making it easy and efficient to manage printing tasks on the go.
What should I do if my Brother MFC-9130CW cannot connect to WiFi?
If your Brother MFC-9130CW is unable to connect to WiFi, first, check if your network is working properly. Ensure that your router is powered on and functioning, and confirm that your WiFi password is correct. You can also try moving the printer closer to the router to eliminate any potential connectivity issues caused by distance or obstacles.
If the issue persists, reset the network settings of your printer. You can do this by navigating to the “Network” menu on the control panel, selecting “Network Reset,” and confirming the reset. After resetting, go through the wireless setup process again. If all else fails, consult the support documentation or contact Brother customer support for further assistance.
Is it necessary to keep my Brother MFC-9130CW connected to the WiFi network?
Yes, to take full advantage of the wireless printing capabilities of your Brother MFC-9130CW printer, it must remain connected to your WiFi network. This connection allows your printer to communicate with various devices on the network, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, enabling you to send print jobs wirelessly.
If the printer disconnects from the WiFi network, you will not be able to print wirelessly. In such cases, you’ll have to reconnect the printer to the network. It’s a good practice to regularly check the printer’s network status, especially if you’re experiencing issues with wireless printing.
Can I use my Brother MFC-9130CW printer without WiFi?
Yes, you can still use your Brother MFC-9130CW printer without WiFi by connecting it directly to your computer using a USB cable. This wired connection allows you to send print jobs directly to the printer without requiring a wireless network. It’s particularly useful in situations where you may not have access to WiFi or if troubleshooting wireless issues.
However, keep in mind that by using a USB connection, you will lose the convenience of wireless printing from multiple devices. If you often print from various sources, it might be worthwhile to resolve any connectivity issues with the WiFi to fully utilize the wireless capabilities of your printer.