How to Add Brother Printer to Your Computer (Windows & Mac)

Adding a Brother printer to your computer is a straightforward process, whether you're setting it up for the first time or reinstalling it. This step-by-step guide covers how to connect your Brother printer via USB or Wi-Fi, how to install necessary drivers, and how to ensure it’s correctly added to your system—on both Windows and macOS.

🔧 Things You’ll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have the following:

A Brother printer (powered on and ready)

A USB cable (for wired setup) or Wi-Fi credentials (for wireless setup)

A computer with Windows or macOS

Internet access to download drivers and software

🔌 Method 1: Add Brother Printer via USB (Wired Connection)

This is the quickest method for direct, one-computer use.

✅ Steps for Windows:

Turn On the Printer Plug in your Brother printer and press the power button.

Connect USB Cable Connect one end of the USB cable to the printer and the other to your PC.

Install Drivers

Go to https://support.brother.com

Enter your printer model and select your Windows version

Download the Full Driver & Software Package

Follow the on-screen instructions during installation

Check Printer Connection

Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners

Your Brother printer should appear in the list

Set as Default Printer (Optional) Click on the Brother printer > Select “Manage” > Set as default

✅ Steps for Mac:

Turn On and Connect Printer via USB

Download & Install Drivers

Go to https://support.brother.com

Enter your model and download drivers for macOS

Add Printer in macOS

Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners

Click ‘+’ to add a printer

Select your Brother printer from the list and click Add

📶 Method 2: Add Brother Printer via Wi-Fi (Wireless Connection)

Perfect if you want to print wirelessly from multiple devices.

✅ Step 1: Connect Printer to Wi-Fi

On your printer’s control panel:

Go to Menu > Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard

Choose your Wi-Fi network (SSID) from the list

Enter your Wi-Fi password

Once connected, a confirmation message or page will print

✅ Step 2: Install Software on Computer

Visit https://support.brother.com

Enter your model and OS (Windows/macOS)

Download the Full Driver & Software Package

Choose “Wireless Network Connection” during installation

✅ Step 3: Add the Printer

On Windows:

Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners

Click “Add a printer or scanner”

Select your Brother printer > Click Add device

On Mac:

Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners

Click the ‘+’ icon

Select the Brother printer listed under "Nearby Printers"

Click Add

🧠 Troubleshooting: Printer Not Showing Up?

Problem Solution

Printer not detected via USB Try a different USB port or cable

Printer not found over Wi-Fi Ensure the printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network

Driver not installing Download the latest driver manually from Brother’s website

Printer offline or paused Right-click printer > uncheck “Use printer offline” or “Pause”

🧪 Confirm the Setup

✅ Print a Test Page:

Windows:

Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners

Select the Brother printer > Click “Manage” > Print a Test Page

Mac:

Go to Printers & Scanners > Select printer > Options & Supplies

Click “Utility” > Open Printer Utility > Test Print

🔁 Want to Switch from USB to Wi-Fi?

If your printer was initially added via USB, you can change the connection:

Keep USB connected and launch Brother software

Choose “Change connection type” or run Wireless Setup Wizard

Disconnect USB once Wi-Fi setup completes

📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I add the same Brother printer to multiple computers?

Yes, especially if it’s connected via Wi-Fi. Each device needs the driver installed.

Q2: What if my computer doesn’t recognize the printer?

Try restarting the printer and computer. Then reinstall the printer driver.

Q3: Do I need the CD that came with the printer?

No. The latest drivers are always available at Brother’s support site.

Q4: Can I add my Brother printer to a Chromebook?

Yes, via Wi-Fi using Google Cloud Print (if supported) or CUPS printer setup.

✅ Conclusion

Adding a Brother printer to your computer—whether it's a simple USB setup or a wireless configuration—is a user-friendly process. Just follow the correct steps for your operating system, install the appropriate drivers, and test the connection.

For more advanced configurations, updates, or error resolution, you can always visit Brother Support for 24/7 tools, downloads, and live help.