WiFi Direct to Brother Printer Setup

Connect your Harvest Point Mobile app directly to Brother label printers using WiFi Direct—no network infrastructure required. This guide walks you through the complete setup process.

Supported Brother Printers

Harvest Point Mobile supports WiFi Direct connections with the following Brother printer models:

• Brother QL-820NWB - Professional label printer with Bluetooth and WiFi
• Brother QL-1110NWB - Wide format label printer
• Brother TD-4550DNWB - Desktop thermal printer
• Brother RJ-4250WB - Rugged mobile printer

What is WiFi Direct?

WiFi Direct allows your mobile device to connect directly to the printer without needing a wireless router or network. This is ideal for:

• Field operations without WiFi coverage
• Remote packing locations
• Temporary harvest stations
• Situations where network setup isn't practical

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Enable WiFi Direct on Your Brother Printer

1. Power on your Brother printer
2. Press and hold the WiFi button for 3 seconds
3. The WiFi LED will blink, indicating WiFi Direct mode is active
4. Print a configuration page to find the printer's SSID (network name)

Step 2: Connect Your Mobile Device

For iOS:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi
2. Look for a network starting with "DIRECT-" followed by your printer model
3. Tap to connect
4. Enter the password (default is usually on the configuration page or "00000000")

For Android:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi
2. Tap on the "DIRECT-xxxxx" network
3. Enter the WiFi Direct password

Step 3: Configure Harvest Point Mobile

1. Open the Harvest Point Mobile app
2. Navigate to Settings → Printers
3. Tap Add Printer
4. Select Brother WiFi from the printer type list
5. The app will scan for available printers
6. Select your printer from the list
7. Print a test label to verify the connection

Troubleshooting

Printer Not Found

• Ensure your device is connected to the printer's WiFi Direct network
• Check that the printer's WiFi LED is blinking (indicating active mode)
• Restart the printer and try again
• Make sure you're within 30 feet of the printer

Connection Drops Frequently

• Disable "Auto-join" for other WiFi networks on your device
• Keep your device within range of the printer
• Check the printer's power save settings—disable if needed during harvest operations

Print Quality Issues

• Ensure you're using compatible label stock
• Clean the print head with isopropyl alcohol
• Check label alignment in the printer

Best Practices for Field Use

• Charge devices fully before heading to the field
• Bring backup label rolls—running out mid-harvest is costly
• Protect from moisture—use weather covers in damp conditions
• Pre-configure printers in the office before deployment