To scan from printer to computer wireless, you need your printer and computer on the same Wi-Fi network with the printer software installed. Place your document on the scanner bed or in the automatic document feeder, then use your printer's software or your operating system's built-in tools to initiate the scan and save the file.
Before you scan from printer to computer wireless: Prerequisites
Before you start, confirm these three things are in place. First, your printer and computer must be connected to the same local wireless network. Second, the printer software or drivers from the manufacturer must be installed on your computer. Third, place the document you want to scan face-down on the scanner glass or, if your printer has one, in the automatic document feeder (ADF).
Scan wirelessly using your printer's software
This is the primary method for most users. The manufacturer's scanning utility gives you the most control over settings and is the most reliable way to scan from printer to computer wireless.
- Open the manufacturer's scanning application on your Windows or Mac computer. This software is typically installed when you set up the printer and may be labeled with the brand name (e.g., HP Scan, Epson Scan, Canon IJ Scan Utility).
- Select your scan settings. Common options include the file format (such as PDF or JPEG), resolution (measured in DPI), color mode (color, grayscale, or black and white), and the destination folder where the file will be saved.
- Initiate the scan by clicking the "Scan" or "Start" button in the software. The printer will scan the document and send the file to your computer.
- Save the scanned file when prompted. You can rename the file and choose its location on your computer.
Scan wirelessly using Windows Fax and Scan
Windows includes a built-in tool called Windows Fax and Scan that can scan over your wireless network. Note that exact steps vary by Windows version, and the manufacturer's software is generally preferred for full feature support and reliability.
- Open Windows Fax and Scan from the Start menu.
- Click "New Scan" in the toolbar.
- Select your wireless printer from the "Scanner" drop-down menu if it is not already selected.
- Adjust settings such as paper size, resolution, color mode, and file format as needed.
- Click "Preview" to see a low-resolution version of the scan, then adjust the document boundaries if necessary.
- Click "Scan" to start the scan. In Windows Fax and Scan, the scanned document appears in the application window after scanning, where you can then save it to your computer.
Scan documents on iPhone using the Notes app
Apple documents scanning in the Notes app, not direct printer-to-iPhone scanning from a printer panel. This method uses your iPhone's camera to capture a document and save it as a scanned file.
- Open the Notes app and select an existing note or create a new one.
- Tap the camera button or the attachment button, then tap "Scan Documents".
- Place the document in view of your iPhone's camera.
- In supported versions, you can adjust settings such as Flash or Filters before capturing.
- In Auto mode, the iPhone captures automatically when it detects page boundaries. For manual capture, tap the shutter button or press a Volume button.
- Drag the corners to fit the page, then tap "Keep Scan" or "Retake".
- Scan additional pages if needed, then tap "Save" when finished.
Scan documents on Android using Brother iPrint&Scan
Brother's Android app documentation requires that your Android device and Brother printer or all-in-one share a local wireless network.
- Ensure your Brother printer and Android device are connected to the same local wireless network.
- Open the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your Android device.
- Follow the on-screen prompts within the app to select your printer and start scanning. The app will guide you through the available options for your specific printer model.
Troubleshooting wireless scanning problems
If you cannot scan from printer to computer wireless, try these common fixes. First, verify both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your printer and computer to refresh their connections. Update your printer's firmware and the scanning software to the latest versions. Check your computer's firewall settings to ensure they are not blocking the scanning software. For wireless scanning issues, temporarily disable firewall or security software to test if they are interfering, then adjust settings to allow the scanning function. If the signal is weak, move your printer and computer closer to the wireless router. If wireless scanning fails, use a USB cable as a fallback wired connection to scan documents. Incorrect network credentials on the printer (e.g., after a password change) can prevent wireless scanning; update the Wi-Fi password on the printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file formats can I use for scanned documents?
Common file formats for scanned documents include PDF, JPEG, and TIFF. PDF is widely used for preserving document formatting, JPEG is common for images, and TIFF is often used when high image quality is needed.
How can I improve the quality of my scanned documents?
To improve scan quality, ensure the document is flat on the scanner glass and the glass is clean. Increase the resolution setting (measured in DPI) in your scanning software for sharper results, and use the appropriate color mode for your document type.
How do I scan multiple pages into one file?
Most printer software and scanning utilities offer an option to scan multiple pages into a single PDF file.
What should I do when my printer is not found during wireless scanning?
If your printer is not found, first confirm it is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Restart both devices. If the issue persists, reinstall the printer software or use the manufacturer's "wireless printer setup" tool, which is part of the Wireless Printer Setup and Mobile Printing utilities, to reconnect the printer to your network.
