How to Set Up a Brother Printer

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will help you set up your Brother printer to be able to use it. The printer can be connected directly to a computer with a USB cable, or connected to a network with an Ethernet cable or over Wi-Fi.

Tools You'll Need:

• No extra tools are needed.

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Supplies You'll Need:

• USB or Ethernet cable (for wired connection only)
• Power cable
• Ink cartridges
• Paper

Before You Begin:

Make sure the following are completed:

• Printer is unboxed
• Power cable is connected
• Ink cartridges are installed
• Paper is placed in the tray
• Print heads are aligned

Only connect the printer to a computer when instructed to do so in the setup software.

2. Connect Your Brother Printer to Wi-Fi

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

3. Introduction

Connecting your printer to your router with an Ethernet cable allows you to print from virtually any device connected to the same router. This may save you space by reducing the number of printers you need, and a good amount of money on the ink cartridges they would go through. This guide will go over steps to get your printer connected to your router via ethernet cable.

In order to complete these steps, you will need a router attached to your modem, an additional ethernet cable available, and your printer must have an ethernet port on the rear.

4. Connect via Ethernet

1. In order to connect to a wired Ethernet connection, your printer needs to have an Ethernet port on the rear. This will vary depending on the model printer you have.
   

1. Acquire an Ethernet cable and connect it to the port on the back of the printer.
   

1. Take the other end of the Ethernet cable and plug it into your router's Ethernet port.
   

1. This is all that is needed to get your printer physically connected to your network.

5. Download Software

1. Using your computer's web browser, navigate to the Brother website.
   

1. Click on Software Download.
   

1. Under the U.S.A. header, click on Printers / Fax Machines / DCPs / Multi-functions.
   

1. Click on USA / Canada / Latin America.
   

1. Click on United States(English).
   

1. Click on Product Search.
   

1. Enter your printer's model number into the search box and click Search.
   

1. To find your printer's model number, check in these common locations on your Brother printer:
   

1. Once you have reached your printer's support page, click Downloads.
   

1. Select your computer's operating system.
   

1. On the list of available downloads, select Full Driver & Software Package.
   

1. Click Agree to the EULA and Download.
   

1. Your download should begin. Depending on what browser you've used, you may have to click Run or Save to continue, or simply click the file that's downloaded to launch the installer.
   

1. If the installation does not automatically begin, you may have to open the file manually.
   
2. Take note of the name of the file that was downloaded:
3. Windows - files typically download to your Downloads folder.
4. macOS - files typically download to the Downloads folder in the Dock.
5. Click on File Explorer from your taskbar.
   

1. Click the Downloads folder underneath Quick access in the left-hand column. Then, locate and double-click the installation file that downloaded.
   

1. The software installation should now begin.

6. Connect via Ethernet

To install your Brother printer on a wired network using an Ethernet cable:

1. You can launch the installer from the CD that came with your printer or from the file you downloaded using your internet browser. It is however recommended to launch it from the latter to install the latest software available.
2. Choose your language and click on Next.
   

1. Check the box to accept the license agreement and click on Next.
   

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2. Select the Wired Network Connection (Ethernet) type and click on Next.
   

1. If you haven't already, connect the printer to your router using an Ethernet cable, make sure it's turned on click on Next.
   

1. The printer should be recognized on the network. If it isn't, then click on Refresh. Once the printer is found, click on it's entry in the list then click on Next.
   

1. Select Standard for the installation type then click on Next.
   

1. Wait for the installation process to complete.
   

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2. Click on Next once the installation completes.
   

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2. Click on Brother Registration if you want to register your printer, User's Guides if you want to review information on how to use the printer or on Finish to exit the setup.
   

7. Connect via USB (Prep)

This is just a preparatory step. Only perform it when requested by the installation software.

1. Acquire a USB cable compatible with the printer. One end (1) goes into the computer and the other end (2) goes into the printer.
   

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2. Locate the USB ports on the front, back or sides of the computer.
   

1. Locate the USB port on the side or back of the printer. Make sure not to confuse it with the any other ports that might be next to it. Look for the USB symbol next to the port. The number and layout of the ports varies by printer.
   

8. Download Software

1. Using your computer's web browser, navigate to the Brother website.
   

1. Click on Software Download.
   

1. Under the U.S.A. header, click on Printers / Fax Machines / DCPs / Multi-functions.
   

1. Click on USA / Canada / Latin America.
   

1. Click on United States(English).
   

1. Click on Product Search.
   

1. Enter your printer's model number into the search box and click Search.
   

1. To find your printer's model number, check in these common locations on your Brother printer:
   

1. Once you have reached your printer's support page, click Downloads.
   

1. Select your computer's operating system.
   

1. On the list of available downloads, select Full Driver & Software Package.
   

1. Click Agree to the EULA and Download.
   

1. Your download should begin. Depending on what browser you've used, you may have to click Run or Save to continue, or simply click the file that's downloaded to launch the installer.
   

1. If the installation does not automatically begin, you may have to open the file manually.
   
2. Take note of the name of the file that was downloaded:
3. Windows - files typically download to your Downloads folder.
4. macOS - files typically download to the Downloads folder in the Dock.
5. Click on File Explorer from your taskbar.
   

1. Click the Downloads folder underneath Quick access in the left-hand column. Then, locate and double-click the installation file that downloaded.
   

1. The software installation should now begin.

9. Connect via USB

To install your Brother printer locally using a USB cable:

1. You can launch the installer from the CD that came with your printer or from the file you downloaded using your internet browser. It is however recommended to launch it from the latter to install the latest software available.
2. Choose your language and click on Next.
   

1. Check the box to accept the license agreement and click on Next.
   

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2. Select the Local Connection (USB) type and click on Next.
   

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2. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable, make sure it's turned on click on Next.
   

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2. Select Standard for the installation type then click on Next.
   

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2. Wait for the installation process to complete.
   

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2. Click on Next once the installation completes.
   

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2. Click on Brother Registration if you want to register your printer, User's Guides if you want to review information on how to use the printer or on Finish to exit the setup.