What To Know
- Whether you’re a novice or an experienced user, this guide will empower you with the knowledge and skills to achieve a hassle-free connection.
- Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB port on your printer and the other end to an available USB port on your computer.
- By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly connect your Brother MFC-J491DW printer to your computer.
Connecting your Brother MFC-J491DW printer to your computer is essential for seamless printing, scanning, and copying tasks. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of establishing a successful connection between the two devices. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced user, this guide will empower you with the knowledge and skills to achieve a hassle-free connection.
Prerequisites
Before embarking on the connection process, ensure that you have the following prerequisites in place:
- Brother MFC-J491DW printer
- Computer with an available USB port or Wi-Fi network
- Brother ControlCenter4 software (available for download from Brother’s website)
Connection Methods
There are two primary methods for connecting your Brother MFC-J491DW to your computer:
1. USB Connection
- Step 1: Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB port on your printer and the other end to an available USB port on your computer.
- Step 2: Turn on the printer and wait for the computer to recognize it.
- Step 3: Install the Brother ControlCenter4 software by following the on-screen instructions.
2. Wireless Connection
- Step 1: Ensure that your printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Step 2: Access the printer’s control panel and select “Network.”
- Step 3: Choose “Wireless Setup Wizard” and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Step 4: Download and install the Brother ControlCenter4 software on your computer.
- Step 5: Select “Add a New Printer” and follow the instructions to connect to your Brother MFC-J491DW printer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any difficulties during the connection process, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Check the USB cable: Ensure that the USB cable is properly connected to both the printer and the computer.
- Restart the printer: Turn off the printer, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
- Update the printer driver: Visit Brother’s website to download the latest driver for your printer.
- Check the Wi-Fi connection: Verify that your printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that the signal is strong.
- Reset the printer’s network settings: Access the printer’s control panel and select “Network” > “Reset Network Settings.”
Additional Features
Once your Brother MFC-J491DW is connected to your computer, you can access a range of additional features:
- Print from Mobile Devices: Use the Brother Mobile Connect app to print documents and photos from your smartphone or tablet.
- Scan to Cloud: Scan documents and save them directly to cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive.
- Fax from Computer: Send and receive faxes directly from your computer using the Brother Fax Utility.
The Bottom Line: Empower Your Connectivity
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly connect your Brother MFC-J491DW printer to your computer. This will enable you to seamlessly print, scan, copy, and access a wide range of additional features. Whether you’re a home user or a business professional, a successful connection will enhance your productivity and efficiency.
Top Questions Asked
1. Can I connect my Brother MFC-J491DW printer to multiple computers?
Yes, you can connect your printer to multiple computers by following the above steps for each computer.
2. What do I do if my printer is not detected by my computer?
Try the troubleshooting steps outlined in the “Troubleshooting Common Issues” section. If the issue persists, contact Brother support.
3. Can I use my Brother MFC-J491DW printer to print wirelessly from my smartphone?
Yes, you can use the Brother Mobile Connect app to print wirelessly from your smartphone.
4. How do I scan a document to my computer using my Brother MFC-J491DW printer?
Place the document on the scanner glass, access the printer’s control panel, and select “Scan.” Choose “Computer” as the destination and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Can I fax from my computer using my Brother MFC-J491DW printer?
Yes, you can fax from your computer using the Brother Fax Utility. Install the utility on your computer and follow the instructions to configure your fax settings.
