Printing from a mobile device can be convenient, but when your Brother printer refuses to cooperate, it can be frustrating. There are several reasons why printing from mobile phones or tablets might fail, even when the printer works fine with a computer. Understanding why this happens helps you troubleshoot efficiently.
Most Brother printers today support mobile printing through WiFi, cloud services, or dedicated apps. For the printer and mobile device to communicate properly, both need to be on the same network, and the correct settings must be enabled. If any of these elements are misaligned, printing fails.
Common signs include the printer appearing offline on your mobile device, documents not sending, error messages in the Brother app, or incomplete print jobs. Even if the printer prints normally from a PC, mobile printing requires additional configuration, which is why these issues appear specifically with mobile devices.
Mobile printing depends on a few things: the Brother iPrint&Scan app (or other supported apps), proper WiFi connectivity, and updated firmware on the printer. Any interruption in these areas can prevent printing. Knowing this helps you identify whether the problem is on the phone, the printer, or the network.
In short, mobile printing failures are usually software or connection related rather than a hardware problem. Once you identify the root cause, you can resolve it without replacing your printer or mobile device.
Common Causes for Brother Printers Not Printing From Mobile
Several factors commonly prevent Brother printers from printing from mobile devices. Identifying the cause can save time and frustration.
- Incorrect Network Connection – Both the printer and mobile device must be on the same WiFi network. Different networks, such as separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, can prevent communication.
- Printer Offline or Sleep Mode – If the printer is in sleep mode or appears offline, mobile devices may fail to detect it.
- Outdated or Missing Apps – Using mobile printing apps like Brother iPrint&Scan is necessary. If the app is outdated, uninstalled, or misconfigured, printing will not work.
- Outdated Printer Firmware – Printer firmware updates improve mobile printing compatibility. Without updates, errors or failures may occur.
- Network Interference – Firewalls, router settings, or unstable WiFi signals can block communication between the mobile device and the printer.
- Incorrect Printer Settings – Settings such as IP address changes, disabled mobile printing options, or restricted access can prevent printing.
- Device Compatibility Issues – Older phones, unsupported operating systems, or specific mobile browsers may have trouble connecting to the printer.
- Cloud Service Errors – If printing through cloud services like Google Cloud Print or Brother Cloud apps, service outages or misconfigurations can block printing.
- Application-Specific Issues – Some mobile apps require specific print configurations. For example, PDFs, emails, or images may need additional settings to print correctly.
By narrowing down which of these situations fits your case, you can apply the appropriate solution and restore mobile printing functionality.
Step by Step Solutions to Fix Brother Printer Mobile Printing Issues
Fixing mobile printing problems is straightforward if approached systematically. Follow these steps to identify and resolve the issue.
- Check WiFi Connections – Ensure your mobile device and Brother printer are connected to the same network. Avoid guest networks or different frequency bands that may block communication.
- Restart Devices – Restart both the mobile device and the printer. This can clear temporary glitches that interfere with connectivity.
- Update Apps – Install or update the Brother iPrint&Scan app or other relevant printing apps on your mobile device. Outdated apps may not recognize the printer correctly.
- Update Printer Firmware – Access the printer menu or Brother support tools to check for firmware updates. Installing updates ensures mobile compatibility.
- Verify Printer Status – Ensure the printer is online, not in sleep mode, and ready to receive print jobs. Wake the printer if necessary.
- Check IP Address and Network Settings – If the printer uses a dynamic IP, it may change and become unreachable. Assign a static IP address if possible.
- Test With Another Mobile Device – If available, try printing from a different phone or tablet. This can help determine if the problem is device-specific.
- Check Application-Specific Settings – Some apps require you to select the printer manually and adjust print preferences. Make sure these are correctly set.
- Reinstall the Printer on Mobile – Remove the printer from your mobile device and re-add it through the printing app. This refreshes the connection.
Here is a summary table for quick reference:
| Step | Purpose | When to Use |
| Check WiFi | Ensure devices are on the same network | Always first step |
| Restart Devices | Clear temporary glitches | When printer not detected |
| Update Apps | Resolve app compatibility issues | If app is outdated or fails |
| Update Firmware | Ensure printer supports mobile printing | After app or OS updates |
| Verify Printer Status | Confirm printer readiness | If printer appears offline |
| Check IP & Network Settings | Resolve connectivity issues | If dynamic IP or network changes occurred |
| Test With Another Device | Identify device-specific problems | When problem persists |
| Check App Settings | Ensure correct print job configuration | For PDFs, images, or emails |
| Reinstall Printer | Refresh mobile connection | When other steps fail |
Following these steps carefully usually resolves most mobile printing issues, allowing your Brother printer to work seamlessly from your phone or tablet.
Preventing Brother Printer Mobile Printing Problems and Final Thoughts
Once you restore mobile printing functionality, preventing future issues becomes important. A few good habits can help maintain smooth mobile printing:
- Keep Apps Updated – Regularly update Brother iPrint&Scan or other printing apps. Updates improve compatibility and fix known issues.
- Maintain Stable WiFi – Ensure your printer and mobile devices are on a reliable network. Avoid frequently switching networks or using guest networks for printing.
- Update Printer Firmware – Periodically check for firmware updates to maintain mobile printing compatibility.
- Restart Devices Occasionally – Restarting both printer and mobile devices clears temporary glitches before they cause errors.
- Monitor Network Settings – Assign a static IP to the printer if possible to prevent dynamic IP conflicts that may block mobile printing.
- Verify App Settings Before Printing – Check print preferences within the app before sending jobs to ensure the correct paper size, orientation, and printer selection.
- Test With Multiple Devices – Occasionally test printing from a secondary device to ensure the printer works across platforms.
By following these steps, you reduce the chances of running into mobile printing issues in the future. Most mobile printing problems are related to connectivity, software, or app configurations rather than hardware failures.
In conclusion, Brother printers not printing from mobile devices is a common issue but usually easy to fix. With proper network connections, updated apps, correct printer settings, and routine maintenance, you can enjoy seamless printing from your mobile device anytime. By understanding the causes and solutions, you can troubleshoot confidently and prevent future printing disruptions.