Unlock Full Potential: Essential Guide on How to Add Brother Printer to Control Center 4

Printing documents and photos is still a vital part of our daily lives, even in the digital age. And when it comes to reliable and efficient printing, Brother printers are a popular choice. But what if you’re struggling to connect your Brother printer to your Mac’s Control Center 4? This guide will walk you through the straightforward steps to add your Brother printer and enjoy seamless printing.

Understanding Control Center 4

Control Center 4, a feature introduced in macOS Catalina (version 10.15) and later, provides a centralized hub for managing various system settings and quick actions. From adjusting brightness and volume to controlling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Control Center offers easy access to frequently used functions.

Why Add Your Brother Printer to Control Center 4?

Adding your Brother printer to Control Center 4 brings several advantages:

• Convenient Access: Quickly and easily print documents and photos directly from the Control Center without navigating through multiple menus.
• Simplified Printing: Control Center offers a streamlined printing experience, allowing you to select your printer, adjust print settings, and initiate printing with just a few clicks.
• Enhanced Workflow: Control Center 4 integrates seamlessly with your Mac’s ecosystem, streamlining your printing workflow and allowing you to focus on your tasks.

Prerequisites: Ensuring a Smooth Connection

Before embarking on the printer setup process, ensure you have the following:

• Brother Printer: Make sure your Brother printer is powered on and connected to your network.
• Mac Computer: Your Mac should be running macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or a later operating system.
• USB Cable (Optional): If you’re connecting your printer via USB, have a compatible cable ready.
• Brother Printer Driver: Download the latest driver for your specific Brother printer model from the Brother website.

Method 1: Adding Your Brother Printer via Wi-Fi

This method is ideal for wirelessly connecting your Brother printer to your Mac.
1. Connect Your Printer: Ensure your Brother printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Open System Preferences: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
3. Select Printers & Scanners: Click on the “Printers & Scanners” icon.
4. Add Printer: Click the “+” button at the bottom-left corner of the window.
5. Choose Your Printer: A list of available printers will appear. Select your Brother printer from the list.
6. Select Driver: If prompted, choose the appropriate Brother printer driver from the “Use” dropdown menu.
7. Add Printer: Click “Add” to complete the printer installation.

Method 2: Adding Your Brother Printer via USB

If you prefer a wired connection, follow these steps:
1. Connect Your Printer: Connect your Brother printer to your Mac using a USB cable.
2. Open System Preferences: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
3. Select Printers & Scanners: Click on the “Printers & Scanners” icon.
4. Add Printer: Click the “+” button at the bottom-left corner of the window.
5. Choose Your Printer: A list of available printers will appear. Select your Brother printer from the list.
6. Select Driver: If prompted, choose the appropriate Brother printer driver from the “Use” dropdown menu.
7. Add Printer: Click “Add” to complete the printer installation.

Adding Your Brother Printer to Control Center 4

Once you’ve successfully added your Brother printer to “Printers & Scanners,” it’s time to make it accessible in Control Center 4:
1. Open System Preferences: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. Select Control Center: Click on the “Control Center” icon.
3. Customize Control Center: Click the “Customize Controls” button at the bottom of the window.
4. Add Printing: Scroll down the list of controls and check the box next to “Printing.”
5. Close System Preferences: Click the “Close” button to exit System Preferences.

Testing Your Printer Connection

To ensure your Brother printer is properly connected and ready to print, follow these steps:
1. Open a Document: Open any document you wish to print.
2. Select Print: Go to “File” and select “Print.”
3. Choose Your Printer: In the Print dialog box, select your Brother printer from the “Printer” dropdown menu.
4. Print: Click “Print” to initiate the printing process.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues while adding your Brother printer to Control Center 4, try the following troubleshooting tips:

• Restart Your Mac: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connection problems.
• Check Network Connection: Make sure your Brother printer and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Update Drivers: Download and install the latest driver for your Brother printer model.
• Reset Printer: Reset your Brother printer to factory settings and try connecting again.
• Contact Brother Support: If you’re still facing difficulties, contact Brother support for assistance.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Seamless Printing

By following these steps, you’ve successfully added your Brother printer to Control Center 4, enabling convenient and efficient printing. Now you can enjoy seamless printing directly from your Mac’s Control Center, streamlining your workflow and making printing a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I add multiple printers to Control Center 4?
A: Yes, you can add multiple printers to Control Center 4. Simply follow the same steps as outlined above for each printer.
Q: What if my Brother printer isn‘t listed in the “Printers & Scanners” window?
A: Make sure your printer is powered on and connected to your network. If it’s still not listed, try restarting your Mac and your printer. If the issue persists, check your network connection and ensure your printer is discoverable.
Q: Can I use a USB cable to add my Brother printer even if it has Wi-Fi capability?
A: Yes, you can use a USB cable to add your Brother printer even if it has Wi-Fi capability. However, it’s generally recommended to connect wirelessly for greater flexibility and ease of use.
Q: What if I can’t find the correct driver for my Brother printer?
A: Visit the Brother website and search for your specific printer model. You can usually find the latest drivers for your model there. If you’re still having trouble, contact Brother support for assistance.