How to Install Brother Printer on Mac?

Setting up a new printer can feel challenging, especially if you’re switching between operating systems like Windows and macOS. If you’ve recently purchased a Brother printer and want to use it with your MacBook or iMac, you’ll be happy to know that the process is straightforward. Brother printers are highly compatible with macOS and can be installed using either a USB connection, wireless setup, or through AirPrint (Apple’s built-in printing technology).

Why Choose Brother Printers for Mac?

Before jumping into installation steps, it’s worth noting why Brother printers are often chosen for Mac users:

macOS Compatibility – Brother printers work seamlessly with the latest macOS updates.
AirPrint Support – Many models allow printing without additional drivers.
Reliable Performance – Known for sharp printing and durability.
Multi-Connectivity – Options include USB, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet.
Affordable Maintenance – Brother’s ink and toner replacements are cost-effective.

Preparation Before Installing Brother Printer on Mac

Before you begin, make sure you have:

Your Brother printer (unboxed, powered on, and ready).
A Mac computer running macOS (check that it’s updated).
A USB cable (if you plan to use a wired connection).
Wi-Fi credentials (SSID and password) if you’re installing wirelessly.
Access to the Brother Support website for downloading drivers (if needed).

Different Methods to Install Brother Printer on Mac

There are three primary methods to install a Brother printer on Mac:

Using USB Connection (Wired Setup)
Using Wireless Connection (Wi-Fi Setup)
Using AirPrint (Driverless Setup)

We’ll go through each method in detail.

Method 1: Install Brother Printer on Mac via USB

This is the simplest and most common method.

Steps:

Connect the Printer to Mac
- Plug in the USB cable from your Brother printer to your Mac.
- Turn on the printer.
Check System Preferences
- Click the Apple menu () on your Mac.
- Go to System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
Add the Printer
- Click the “+” button to add a new printer.
- Your Brother printer should appear in the list under “Default.”
- Select it, and macOS will automatically search for and install drivers.
Test the Printer
- Print a test page from Word, Safari, or Preview to confirm installation.

Method 2: Install Brother Printer on Mac via Wireless Connection

For wireless setup, both your Mac and Brother printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Steps:

Connect Brother Printer to Wi-Fi
- On the printer’s control panel, go to Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard.
- Select your Wi-Fi network from the list.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Once connected, the printer will display a confirmation message.
Add Printer on Mac
- On your Mac, go to System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
- Click the “+” button.
- Select your Brother printer from the Nearby Printers list.
Install Drivers if Needed
- If your printer doesn’t appear, visit the Brother Support website, enter your printer model, and download the latest macOS drivers.
Test Printing
- Print a sample document or photo to confirm successful installation.

Method 3: Install Brother Printer on Mac via AirPrint

If your Brother printer supports AirPrint, you don’t need to install drivers manually. AirPrint allows Mac devices to detect and use printers automatically.

Steps:

Ensure your Brother printer is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi.
On your Mac, go to System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
Click the “+” sign to add a new printer.
Your printer will appear as Brother [Model Name] – AirPrint.
Select it, and macOS will automatically configure the printer.
Print a test page to confirm.

Downloading and Installing Brother Printer Drivers on Mac

While many Brother printers work with AirPrint, some models require dedicated drivers.

Steps to Download Drivers:

Visit the Brother Support website.
Enter your printer model number.
Select your macOS version.
Download the Full Driver & Software Package.
Open the downloaded file and follow the installation wizard.

Common Problems When Installing Brother Printer on Mac

Even though installation is straightforward, sometimes users face issues. Here are common problems and their fixes:

1. Printer Not Detected

Ensure the printer is powered on.
Restart your Wi-Fi router and reconnect the printer.
If using USB, try a different cable or port.

2. Driver Not Installed Properly

Uninstall old drivers before reinstalling.
Always download the latest drivers from the Brother website.

3. AirPrint Not Working

Confirm your printer supports AirPrint.
Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

4. Slow or Blurry Printing

Check print quality settings.
Clean the printhead (for inkjet models).
Update firmware.

5. Printer Offline on Mac

Open Printers & Scanners → Right-click your Brother printer → Set as Default Printer.
Restart printer and Mac.

Advanced Tips for Using Brother Printers on Mac

Use Brother iPrint&Scan App – Download from the Mac App Store for wireless printing and scanning.
Enable Secure Printing – Protect confidential documents by using password-protected print jobs.
Update Firmware – Regular updates improve performance and compatibility.
Use Genuine Supplies – Brother cartridges and toner ensure the best print quality.
Set Default Preferences – Customize paper size, print quality, and orientation for efficiency.

Maintaining Your Brother Printer on Mac

To keep your printer running smoothly:

Regularly clean the printer and printhead.
Avoid using third-party ink/toner.
Restart your printer and Mac occasionally.
Store paper in a dry environment.
Update macOS and Brother drivers for continued compatibility.

FAQs

1. Do I need to install drivers for Brother printers on Mac?

Not always. Many Brother printers support AirPrint, which doesn’t require extra drivers. However, some models may still need the Brother driver package.

2. Can I install a Brother printer on Mac without Wi-Fi?

Yes. You can connect the printer directly to your Mac using a USB cable.

3. How do I know if my Brother printer supports AirPrint?

Check your printer manual or the Brother website. Most newer models include AirPrint support.

4. Why is my Brother printer not showing up on my Mac?

This may be due to a Wi-Fi connectivity issue, outdated drivers, or a USB cable problem. Restarting devices usually resolves the issue.

5. Can I scan documents from Brother printer to my Mac?

Yes. Using the Brother iPrint&Scan app or drivers, you can scan directly to your Mac.

Final Thoughts

Installing a Brother printer on a Mac is a straightforward process once you understand the available methods. Whether you prefer a simple USB connection, a wireless setup, or the convenience of AirPrint, Brother printers are designed for seamless integration with macOS.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—preparing your printer, choosing the right installation method, and troubleshooting common issues—you can quickly set up your Brother printer and enjoy smooth, reliable printing.

If you encounter persistent problems, the Brother Support website and customer service provide additional resources. With the right setup, your Brother printer will deliver fast, high-quality prints and enhance your Mac workflow for years to come.