Key points
- Adding a Brother printer to your computer can be a simple process, but sometimes you might encounter situations where automatic detection fails.
- Manually adding a printer involves telling your computer the specific details of your printer model and how it connects to your network.
- Follow the instructions for adding a printer manually on Windows or macOS, choosing “USB001” or “USB002” (or similar) as the port in the Windows setup.
Adding a Brother printer to your computer can be a simple process, but sometimes you might encounter situations where automatic detection fails. This is where manual addition comes in handy. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of adding a Brother printer manually, ensuring a smooth and successful connection.
Understanding Manual Printer Addition
Manually adding a printer involves telling your computer the specific details of your printer model and how it connects to your network. This method is particularly useful when:
- Automatic detection fails: Your computer might not recognize your printer on the network.
- Using a specific driver: You want to use a specific driver instead of the default one provided by your operating system.
- Connecting via USB: You’re connecting your printer directly to your computer using a USB cable.
Gathering the Necessary Information
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- Your printer model: This information is typically found on the front or back of your printer.
- Your computer’s operating system: This can be found by going to “Settings” > “System” > “About” on Windows or “About This Mac” on macOS.
- The connection type: Determine if your printer is connected via USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet.
- The network name (SSID) and password: This is necessary if your printer is connected wirelessly.
Adding Your Brother Printer Manually on Windows
Step 1: Open the Printers and Scanners Settings
- Click the Windows Start button and type “Printers and Scanners.”
- Select “Printers & scanners” from the search results.
Step 2: Add a Printer
- Click on “Add a printer or scanner.”
- Windows will automatically search for available printers. If your printer is not found, click on “The printer that I want isn’t listed.”
Step 3: Choose a Manual Connection
- Select “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.”
- Click “Next.”
Step 4: Select the Printer Type
- Choose “Use an existing port.”
- If your printer is connected via USB, select “USB001” or “USB002” (or similar) from the drop-down menu. If using a network connection, select “TCP/IP” and input your printer’s IP address.
- Click “Next.”
Step 5: Choose the Driver
- Select “Have Disk…”
- Browse to the location of your printer’s driver. This can usually be found on the Brother website or on the installation CD that came with your printer.
- Select the driver file and click “OK.”
- Click “Next.”
Step 6: Configure the Printer
- Give your printer a name and choose whether to set it as the default printer.
- Click “Finish.”
Adding Your Brother Printer Manually on macOS
Step 1: Open System Preferences
- Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
Step 2: Choose Printers & Scanners
- Click on “Printers & Scanners.”
Step 3: Add a Printer
- Click the “+” button to add a new printer.
Step 4: Select the Printer Type
- Choose “IP” from the “Type” drop-down menu.
- Enter your printer’s IP address in the “Address” field.
- Select “Line Printer Daemon – LPD” from the “Protocol” drop-down menu.
- Click “Add.”
Step 5: Choose the Driver
- Select your printer model from the “Use” drop-down menu.
- Click “Add.”
Adding Your Brother Printer Manually via USB
- Connect your printer to your computer using a USB cable.
- Follow the instructions for adding a printer manually on Windows or macOS, choosing “USB001” or “USB002” (or similar) as the port in the Windows setup.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Check your printer’s IP address: Make sure you’re using the correct IP address in the manual setup. You can find your printer’s IP address on its control panel or by accessing the printer’s network settings.
- Ensure the driver is compatible: Download the latest driver from the Brother website and make sure it’s compatible with your operating system.
- Restart your computer and printer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connection issues.
- Check your network connection: If your printer is connected wirelessly, make sure your Wi-Fi connection is stable and secure.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Tips
- Install Brother iPrint&Scan: This free app from Brother allows you to print and scan wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.
- Configure your printer’s network settings: You can adjust your printer’s network settings, such as its IP address and Wi-Fi password, through its control panel or its web interface.
- Update your printer’s firmware: Regularly updating your printer’s firmware can improve its performance and fix any bugs.
The Final Word: A Seamless Printing Experience
By following these steps, you’ll successfully add your Brother printer manually and enjoy a seamless printing experience. Remember to consult the Brother website or your printer’s manual for more specific instructions tailored to your model.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What if my printer is not listed in the “Add a printer or scanner” window?
A: If your printer is not listed, it means your computer cannot automatically detect it. You’ll need to add it manually using the steps outlined above.
Q: How do I find my printer’s IP address?
A: You can usually find your printer’s IP address on its control panel, often under “Network settings” or “Wireless settings.” You can also access the printer’s web interface by entering its IP address in your web browser.
Q: What if I can’t find the correct driver for my printer?
A: Visit the Brother website and search for your printer model. You can download the latest drivers from there. If you still cannot find the driver, contact Brother support for assistance.
Q: Can I use a generic driver for my Brother printer?
A: While you can sometimes use a generic driver, it’s best to use the specific driver provided by Brother. This ensures optimal performance and compatibility with all of your printer’s features.
Q: What should I do if my printer still doesn’t work after adding it manually?
A: If you’re still having issues, try restarting your computer and printer. If the problem persists, check your network connection and ensure the driver is correctly installed. If you’re still unable to resolve the issue, contact Brother support for further assistance.