Your Guide to Laptop Confidence.

Say Goodbye to Printing Woes: Master the Art of Adding Brother Printer on Computer

At a Glance

  • Adding a Brother printer to your computer doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience.
  • Follow the instructions in your printer’s manual to connect to your home or office Wi-Fi network.
  • Ensure your printer is correctly connected to your network (or USB cable) and that your computer is connected to the same network.

Tired of wrestling with printer setup? Adding a Brother printer to your computer doesn‘t have to be a frustrating experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple steps, regardless of whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or even a Chromebook. Let’s get your Brother printer up and running in no time!

1. Prepare for Setup: Gathering the Essentials

Before diving into the setup process, ensure you have the following:

  • Your Brother Printer: Make sure it’s powered on and connected to your network (if applicable).
  • USB Cable (Optional): If you’re connecting via USB, have the cable handy.
  • Installation Disc (Optional): Some older models may require a disc, but most modern printers use online drivers.
  • Internet Connection: For downloading drivers and software.

2. Connecting Your Brother Printer: Wired or Wireless?

There are two main ways to connect your Brother printer to your computer:
Wired Connection (USB):
1. Connect the USB cable: Plug one end into the printer and the other into your computer’s USB port.
2. Install drivers: Your computer should automatically detect the printer and prompt you to install drivers. If not, download the appropriate drivers from Brother’s website.
Wireless Connection:
1. Connect to your network: Follow the instructions in your printer’s manual to connect to your home or office Wi-Fi network.
2. Install drivers: Download the latest drivers from Brother’s website, ensuring they are compatible with your operating system.

3. Windows: A Breeze with Easy Setup

Windows users have a straightforward setup process:
1. Access the Control Panel: Go to “Control Panel” (search for it in the Windows search bar).
2. Choose Devices and Printers: Click on “Devices and Printers” to view your connected devices.
3. Add a printer: Click on “Add a printer” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Select your Brother printer: Choose your Brother printer from the list of available devices.
5. Install drivers: If prompted, install the necessary drivers.

4. macOS: Seamless Integration for Apple Users

Mac users enjoy a smooth experience when adding a Brother printer:
1. Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner and select “System Preferences.”
2. Navigate to Printers & Scanners: Choose “Printers & Scanners” to access your printer settings.
3. Click the “plus” button: Add a new printer by clicking the “+” icon.
4. Select your Brother printer: Choose your Brother printer from the available list.
5. Install drivers: If needed, install the drivers from the Brother website.

5. Chromebook: Print with Ease on the Go

Chromebooks offer a simple way to add a Brother printer:
1. Open Chrome settings: Click on the three dots in the top right corner of your Chrome browser and select “Settings.”
2. Go to “Advanced” and “Printing: Navigate to “Advanced” and then “Printing.”
3. Click on “Add printer: Select “Add printer” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Choose your Brother printer: Select your Brother printer from the available options.
5. Install drivers: If necessary, download and install drivers from the Brother website.

6. Troubleshooting: Addressing Common Issues

While adding a Brother printer is generally straightforward, you may encounter occasional hiccups:

  • Connection problems: Ensure your printer is correctly connected to your network (or USB cable) and that your computer is connected to the same network.
  • Driver issues: Always download the latest drivers from Brother’s website, compatible with your operating system.
  • Printer not detected: Restart your computer and the printer, and try adding it again.
  • Printing errors: Check the printer’s error messages and refer to the manual for troubleshooting tips.

7. Beyond Basic Setup: Unlocking Your Brother Printer’s Potential

Once your Brother printer is successfully added, explore these additional features:

  • Mobile printing: Use Brother’s iPrint&Scan app to print from your smartphone or tablet.
  • Scan to email: Effortlessly scan documents and send them directly to your email inbox.
  • Faxing: If your printer has fax capabilities, utilize it for sending and receiving faxes.
  • Customizing print settings: Adjust paper size, print quality, and other settings to suit your needs.

Your Brother Printer is Ready to Go!

With these simple steps, you’ve successfully added your Brother printer to your computer. Now you can enjoy seamless printing, scanning, and other functions. Remember to keep your printer’s drivers updated for optimal performance.

Top Questions Asked

Q1: What if I don’t have the installation disc?
A: Don’t worry! Most modern Brother printers use online drivers. Simply visit Brother’s website and download the latest drivers compatible with your operating system.
Q2: How do I connect my printer to a network?
A: Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on connecting to your Wi-Fi network. You’ll typically need to enter your network’s SSID and password.
Q3: My printer is connected, but I can’t print. What should I do?
A: Check if the printer is online and has enough paper and ink. If the issue persists, restart your computer and the printer, and try again.
Q4: How do I update my printer’s drivers?
A: Visit Brother’s website and download the latest drivers for your specific printer model. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the updated drivers.
Q5: Can I print from my smartphone or tablet?
A: Yes, many Brother printers support mobile printing. Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store or Google Play Store, and connect your device to your printer’s network.

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About the Author
Davidson is the founder of Techlogie, a leading tech troubleshooting resource. With 15+ years in IT support, he created Techlogie to easily help users fix their own devices without appointments or repair costs. When not writing new tutorials, Davidson enjoys exploring the latest gadgets and their inner workings. He holds...