Connecting your Brother MFC-9130CW printer to WiFi can significantly enhance your printing experience by allowing you to print wirelessly from multiple devices. Whether you are working from home, managing a small office, or simply looking for the convenience of wireless printing, knowing how to set up this multifunction printer is crucial. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to connect your Brother MFC-9130CW printer to your wireless network, making it easier for you to print, scan, and manage your documents efficiently.
Why Connect Your Brother MFC-9130CW Printer to WiFi?
Before diving into the technical steps, let’s explore some of the benefits of connecting your Brother MFC-9130CW printer to WiFi:
- Convenience: Print documents directly from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone without the hassle of wires.
- Accessibility: Share the printer with multiple users across different devices within the same network.
With that said, let’s get started with the connection process.
Preparing Your Printer and Network
Before you connect your Brother MFC-9130CW printer to WiFi, ensure that you have everything ready:
Check Your WiFi Network
- SSID: Ensure you know the name of your WiFi network (SSID).
- Network Password: Have the password handy—this is typically required for the setup.
- Router Compatibility: Ensure your router supports the 2.4GHz frequency band, as this is necessary for the MFC-9130CW.
Set Up the Printer
- Power On: Make sure your Brother MFC-9130CW printer is powered on.
- Initial Setup: If this is your first time using the printer, complete the initial setup through the printer’s control panel. This usually involves selecting your language and region.
Connecting Your Printer to WiFi
Now let’s walk through the steps to connect your Brother MFC-9130CW printer to WiFi:
Using the Control Panel
The easiest way to connect your printer to your WiFi network is through its built-in control panel. Here’s how:
Step 1: Access the Network Menu
- On the printer’s control panel, press the Menu button.
- Navigate to the Network option using the arrow keys and press OK.
Step 2: Select WLAN
- Within the network menu, select WLAN and press OK.
- Choose Setup Wizard to start searching for wireless networks.
Step 3: Choose Your Network
- The printer will automatically detect available networks. Using the arrow keys, scroll through the list and select your WiFi network (SSID).
- Press OK.
Step 4: Enter Your Network Password
- When prompted, enter your WiFi password using the printer’s numeric keypad and navigate using the arrow keys.
- After entering the password, press OK and then select Yes to confirm the connection.
Step 5: Confirm Connection
- Once connected, the printer will display a confirmation message.
- Print a network configuration page to check the connection. You can do this by navigating back to the Network menu and selecting the Print WLAN Report option.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
Even after following the connection steps, you may run into some issues. Here are a few common problems and how to resolve them:
Network Not Found
- Ensure that your router is functioning properly and broadcasting the network.
- Make sure the printer is within range of your WiFi router.
Incorrect Password
- Double-check the password you entered. It is case-sensitive, so ensure accuracy while typing.
Connecting using WPS
If your router supports WPS (WiFi Protected Setup), you can connect your Brother MFC-9130CW printer to WiFi in a more straightforward manner:
Step 1: Locate the WPS Button on Your Router
- Find the WPS button on your wireless router; it’s often labeled as such.
Step 2: Access WPS on the Printer
- On the printer’s control panel, press the Menu button, navigate to Network, and press OK.
- Select WLAN and then WPS/AOSS.
Step 3: Press the WPS Button
- Choose WPS and press OK.
- Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The printer should automatically connect to your WiFi network.
Installing Printer Drivers and Software
After successfully connecting your printer to WiFi, the next step involves installing the necessary drivers and software on your computer or mobile device.
Downloading Drivers
- Visit the Brother website and navigate to the Support section.
- Enter your printer model (MFC-9130CW) and select your operating system to get appropriate drivers.
Installing Drivers
- Once the drivers are downloaded, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Select the wireless connection option during the setup process.
Printing from Various Devices
With your Brother MFC-9130CW now connected to WiFi, you can print from various devices:
Printing from Windows PC
- Open the document you want to print.
- Select Print from the File menu, choose your Brother printer, and click Print.
Printing from macOS
- Open the file you wish to print.
- Go to File > Print, choose your printer, set the preferences, and click Print.
Printing from Mobile Devices
- On your smartphone or tablet, download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Follow the in-app instructions to connect to the printer and start printing.
Maintaining Your Brother MFC-9130CW Printer
Regular maintenance of your Brother MFC-9130CW printer will help you avoid connectivity issues and ensure high-quality prints. Here are some tips:
Keep Firmware Updated
Regularly check for firmware updates on the Brother website. Updated firmware can resolve bugs and improve your printer’s performance.
Monitor WiFi Connection
Occasionally check if your printer is still connected to the WiFi network. This is especially important if you experience intermittent printing issues.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy the convenience of a wireless printing solution with your Brother MFC-9130CW printer. Whether browsing in your home office or printing documents from your mobile phone, a wireless connection simplifies the process. Ensure you perform regular maintenance and keep your drivers updated, and your printer will serve you well for years to come.
What are the steps to connect my Brother MFC-9130CW printer to WiFi?
To connect your Brother MFC-9130CW printer to WiFi, first ensure that your printer is turned on and is within range of your wireless network. Press the ‘Menu’ button on the printer’s control panel, navigate to ‘Network’, and select ‘WiFi’. Choose ‘Setup Wizard’, which will scan for available networks.
Once your network appears on the screen, select it and press ‘OK’. You will then be prompted to enter your WiFi password using the control panel. After keying in the password, choose ‘Finish’ to complete the setup. The printer will attempt to connect to your WiFi network, and upon a successful connection, a confirmation message will appear.
How can I troubleshoot WiFi connection issues with my Brother MFC-9130CW?
If your Brother MFC-9130CW printer fails to connect to WiFi, first check that your WiFi network is functioning properly. Ensure that your router is turned on and that other devices can connect to the same network. Restarting your router might also help resolve temporary connectivity issues.
Next, verify that you have entered the correct WiFi password during the setup process. A common mistake is inputting an incorrect password, which will prevent successful connection. To retry the connection, return to the ‘Network’ settings on the control panel and enter the correct password if necessary.
Can I connect my Brother MFC-9130CW printer to a hidden WiFi network?
Yes, you can connect your Brother MFC-9130CW printer to a hidden WiFi network. To do this, access the ‘Network’ menu on the printer’s control panel and select ‘WiFi’. Choose ‘Setup Wizard’ to start searching for networks. Since the network is hidden, it won’t show up in the list, so you must manually enter the network SSID.
After entering the SSID, you will be prompted to input the WiFi password as well. Once you’ve entered both correctly, the printer should connect to the hidden network. If you encounter any difficulties, double-check the SSID and password for any errors.
What should I do if my printer is connected to WiFi but is not printing?
If your Brother MFC-9130CW printer is connected to WiFi but not printing, first ensure that your computer or device is able to communicate with the printer. Make sure that the printer is selected as the default printer in your computer’s print settings. You can also run a test print from the printer itself to see if it responds.
If the printer still does not print, try restarting both the printer and the device you are printing from. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve communication issues. Additionally, check if there are any updates available for the printer’s driver software and install them if necessary.
Is there a mobile app available to manage my Brother MFC-9130CW printer?
Yes, Brother provides a mobile app called “Brother iPrint&Scan” which is compatible with the MFC-9130CW printer. This app allows you to print documents and photos directly from your mobile device, as well as scan documents back to your phone. It is available for both iOS and Android platforms.
To set up the app, download it from the App Store or Google Play, and connect it to the same WiFi network as your printer. Follow the in-app instructions to add the printer, and once connected, you’ll be able to print and scan easily from your mobile device.
How do I update the firmware on my Brother MFC-9130CW printer?
Updating the firmware for your Brother MFC-9130CW printer is an important step for maintaining performance and adding new features. To start, connect the printer to your WiFi network, as the update process requires internet access. Visit the Brother support website to check for any available firmware updates for your specific model.
Once you find the appropriate firmware, download the update file and follow the provided instructions. You can usually initiate the update through the printer’s control panel by accessing ‘Menu’, then ‘Machine Info’, and selecting ‘Firmware Update’. Follow the prompts until the update process is completed successfully.
Why is my Brother MFC-9130CW printer printing slowly over WiFi?
If your Brother MFC-9130CW printer is printing slowly over WiFi, there could be several factors at play. One common reason is network congestion; if multiple devices are connected to the same network and actively using bandwidth, your printer’s performance may be affected. Consider disconnecting some devices or reducing their usage to improve speed.
Another factor to consider is the printer’s quality settings. If you’re printing in high-quality mode, it may take longer to process tasks. You can change the print quality settings in your printer driver preferences to ‘Draft’ or a lower-quality option to speed up the printing process without sacrificing too much quality.