5 Methods to Find how to Install a Brother Printer to Computer

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In this guide, we’ll walk through the full process of installing a Brother printer to a computer, covering USB, Wi-Fi, and software installation. You’ll also find troubleshooting tips and best practices to ensure smooth performance.

Step 1: Unpack and Prepare Your Printer

Before connecting your printer to your computer, make sure to unpack it fully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions:

• Remove all packing materials and protective tapes from the printer.

• Install the ink or toner cartridges according to the instructions in the box.

• Load paper into the tray.

• Plug the printer into a power outlet and turn it on.

Ensure that the printer is in a ready state with no error messages on the screen.

Step 2: Decide on the Connection Type

You can connect your Brother printer to your computer in two main ways:

1. USB Cable (Wired Connection) – Best for single-device usage or if the printer and computer are close together.

2. Wi-Fi (Wireless Connection) – Ideal for shared access and printing from multiple devices across the same network.

Let’s explore both methods.

Option 1: Install via USB (Wired Connection)

Windows

1. Connect the Printer
   Plug the USB cable into the back of the printer and the other end into your computer.

2. Install Drivers Automatically or Manually

   • For many Brother printers, Windows will automatically detect the printer and install the required drivers.

   • If not, you can download the full driver and software package from Brother's official support website.

3. Follow On-Screen Prompts
   The setup wizard will guide you through the installation. Choose your printer model, select “USB” as the connection type, and proceed.

4. Test the Printer
   After installation, go to the Devices and Printers section in Control Panel, right-click your printer, and print a test page.

macOS

1. Connect the USB Cable
   Plug the printer into your Mac using a USB cable.

2. System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
   Open System Preferences, then go to Printers & Scanners.

3. Add the Printer
   Click the + sign to add a new printer. Your Brother printer should appear in the list. Select it and click Add.

4. Install Drivers (if needed)
   macOS may automatically install the required drivers. If not, download them from Brother’s support website.

5. Print a Test Page
   To ensure it's working, open a document and try printing.

Option 2: Install via Wi-Fi (Wireless Connection)

Windows

1. Connect Printer to Wi-Fi

   • Use the printer’s control panel to navigate to Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard.

   • Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

   • Once connected, a confirmation message will appear.

2. Download Brother Software
   Download the Full Driver & Software Package from Brother’s support page. This includes necessary drivers and the Brother iPrint&Scan utility.

3. Run the Installer
   During installation, choose Wireless Network Connection as your setup method. The installer will search for printers on the same network.

4. Complete the Setup
   Once your printer is found, confirm the connection and complete the installation. You may also set it as the default printer.

macOS

1. Connect the Printer to Wi-Fi
   As with Windows, use the printer’s built-in menu to connect to your wireless network.

2. Open Printers & Scanners in System Preferences
   Click the + icon to add a printer. If your Brother printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network, it should appear automatically.

3. Select the Printer and Install Drivers
   Click Add to install the printer. macOS may install built-in drivers, or you may need to download them manually.

4. Print a Test Page
   Try printing a document to ensure everything is functioning properly.

Step 3: Install Brother iPrint&Scan (Recommended)

For additional features such as scanning and firmware updates, install Brother iPrint&Scan:

• Go to Brother’s support site.

• Search for your printer model.

• Download and install iPrint&Scan for your operating system.

This utility allows you to easily scan documents, monitor ink or toner levels, and adjust settings.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Printer Not Detected: Ensure both your printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices.

• Driver Issues: Uninstall any old drivers before installing new ones. Use the full driver package from Brother for best results.

• Connection Fails: Check your firewall or antivirus software. Sometimes, they block printer communication.

• Slow Printing: Use a direct USB connection to isolate network issues. If the problem resolves, optimize your Wi-Fi signal or router.

Best Practices After Installation

• Set your Brother printer as the default printer to avoid selecting it manually each time.

• Update drivers regularly to maintain compatibility with your system.

• Enable auto-off features to conserve energy when not in use.

• Store extra ink or toner properly and use genuine Brother supplies for best performance.

Conclusion

Installing a Brother printer to a computer is a simple process whether you prefer a USB cable or a wireless setup. By following the steps outlined above and downloading the correct drivers, your printer will be ready to handle all your printing and scanning tasks with ease.

Brother provides user-friendly installation options for both Windows and macOS, and their iPrint&Scan software enhances the experience with scanning and monitoring features. Once installed, your Brother printer can become an essential tool for productivity at home or in the office.