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Brother printers use firmware to control important internal functions, communication features, printing operations, and other device capabilities. Keeping the firmware updated can help maintain printer performance and compatibility with computers, mobile devices, and network environments. Brother recommends keeping supported machines updated to the latest firmware version.
If your Brother printer has started experiencing communication problems, unusual behavior, network difficulties, or compatibility issues after a computer or operating-system update, checking the firmware can be a useful troubleshooting step. The exact firmware-update process can vary depending on the Brother printer model, but most supported models can be updated directly from the printer, through a computer, or through a supported mobile application.
Why Should You Update Brother Printer Firmware?
Firmware updates can improve the overall operation of your Brother printer. They may address known issues, improve compatibility, enhance existing functions, or resolve problems associated with printer communication.
An outdated firmware version may sometimes contribute to problems such as difficulty communicating with a computer, wireless connection issues, unexpected printer behavior, or compatibility problems with newer software.
Brother provides firmware updates through its official Downloads area and recommends using the firmware intended specifically for your printer model. The available update method and features depend on the model.
Check Your Brother Printer Model
Before starting a firmware update, identify the exact model of your Brother printer. The model name is commonly printed on the front or top of the machine. Some printers also display model information through their control panel.
Knowing the exact model is important because Brother provides different firmware packages and update instructions for different machines.
Do not install firmware intended for another printer model. Always select your specific Brother machine when looking for firmware.
Prepare Your Brother Printer for the Firmware Update
Before beginning the update, make sure the printer is powered on and operating normally. Resolve any paper jam, cartridge, toner, or other printer error before starting whenever possible.
If you are updating through the printer's control panel, the machine generally needs an active internet connection. Brother explains that the printer must have internet access when performing a firmware update directly from the machine.
If you are updating through a computer, the computer needs internet access as well. On Windows, Brother recommends having the Full Driver & Software Package installed before using the Firmware Update Tool.
For Mac, Brother states that the printer and Mac should be connected either with a USB cable or to the same network when using the Firmware Update Tool.
Update Brother Printer Firmware From the Printer
Many Brother printers allow firmware updates directly from the printer's control panel. This is often the simplest method when the machine has a display and an internet connection.
On supported touchscreen models, open Settings and then select All Settings. Look for Machine Info or Machine Information and select Firmware Update. The printer should then provide instructions on its display.
Follow the instructions shown on the printer carefully and allow the update process to finish. Menu names can differ between Brother models, so your printer may display slightly different options.
Do not turn off the printer while the firmware is being installed. Interrupting the update can cause the machine to become unavailable or require additional recovery steps.
Update Brother Printer Firmware on Windows
You can also update supported Brother printers from a Windows computer using the Brother Firmware Update Tool.
First, make sure your Brother printer is correctly connected to the computer or network. Brother recommends installing the Full Driver & Software Package before using the firmware update process on Windows.
After confirming the printer connection, open the Brother support and Downloads area for your specific model. Select the appropriate operating system and locate the Firmware section.
Brother provides a Firmware Update Tool for supported models. The tool can obtain the firmware through the Brother internet server and send the update to the printer.
Download the appropriate Firmware Update Tool and launch it on the computer. Follow the instructions displayed by the installer. The utility should detect the compatible Brother machine and guide you through the update process.
Keep the computer connected to the internet and avoid disconnecting the printer while the firmware update is running.
Update Brother Printer Firmware on Mac
Mac users can also update compatible Brother printers with the Firmware Update Tool.
Make sure the Brother printer and Mac are connected through USB or are connected to the same network. Brother specifically recommends this connection arrangement when updating firmware on macOS.
Open the Brother Downloads section for your exact printer model and select macOS. Locate the Firmware Update Tool and download it.
After opening the tool, follow the instructions displayed on the screen. The utility will guide you through the available firmware update process.
If the printer is connected wirelessly, make sure the Mac and printer are communicating through the same network. If the printer cannot be detected, checking the wireless connection or temporarily using a USB connection may help.
Update Brother Printer Firmware With a Mobile Device
Some network-capable Brother printers support firmware updates through a Brother mobile application. Depending on the printer model, Brother may provide firmware updating through Brother Mobile Connect or Brother iPrint&Scan.
Connect the mobile device and printer according to the requirements for your model. Open the supported Brother application and check for available device or firmware update options.
If an update is available, follow the instructions provided by the application. Keep the printer powered on and maintain the required network connection until the process has finished.
Because mobile firmware updating is model-dependent, the option may not appear for every Brother printer.
What to Do if Brother Firmware Update Is Not Available
If you cannot find a firmware update option, first verify that you selected the correct Brother printer model on the Downloads page.
Firmware availability differs by model. Some machines may have a direct firmware-update option while others rely on the Firmware Update Tool or a supported mobile application. Brother's Downloads pages identify the available firmware tools for supported products.
You should also check whether your printer has an active network connection. A direct firmware update from the printer requires internet access.
If you are using a computer, make sure the printer is correctly installed and recognized. On Windows, installing or updating the Brother software package may help the Firmware Update Tool communicate with the machine.
Brother Printer Firmware Update Tool Cannot Find the Printer
If the Firmware Update Tool cannot find your printer, begin by checking the physical and network connection.
For a wireless printer, make sure the printer and computer are connected to the same network. Restarting the printer and network equipment can also help restore communication.
For a USB connection, connect the printer directly to the computer rather than using an unreliable hub or intermediary connection. Check that the USB cable is firmly connected.
On Windows, verify that the Brother printer has been properly installed. Brother's firmware instructions recommend having the Full Driver & Software Package installed before performing the firmware update.
Firmware Update Fails or Stops
A failed firmware update can occur because of connection problems, incorrect software, an unsupported model, or an interruption during the update.
First, avoid repeatedly starting the update if the printer is still processing. Give the machine enough time to complete the operation.
If the update fails, check the Brother Downloads page again and confirm that the Firmware Update Tool matches your printer model and operating system.
Make sure the computer has a stable internet connection. If you are using a wireless connection between the printer and computer, checking the network connection can also help.
If the printer displays a specific error message after an unsuccessful update, use the troubleshooting information for your exact model. Brother provides related troubleshooting information for firmware-update problems on supported products.
Do Not Turn Off the Printer During an Update
One of the most important precautions is to avoid interrupting the firmware installation.
Do not unplug the printer, switch off the power, disconnect the network connection unnecessarily, or close the update utility while the firmware is being transferred or installed.
It is also a good idea to avoid starting large print jobs during the update process. Allow the printer to complete the firmware operation before using it normally.
Check the Firmware After Updating
After the update has completed, allow the Brother printer to restart if required. Some models may return to their normal home screen automatically.
You can then check the printer's Machine Information or Machine Info section to confirm that the firmware update completed successfully. The exact menu depends on the printer model.
Try printing a test document after the update. If the printer is connected wirelessly, verify that the computer or mobile device can still communicate with it.
If the printer was previously experiencing communication or compatibility problems, check whether the issue has been resolved.
Keep Brother Printer Software Updated
Firmware is different from the printer driver. Firmware operates inside the printer, while the driver helps the operating system communicate with the printer.
Keeping both updated can provide a more reliable printing experience. Brother's Downloads area can include firmware, drivers, software packages, and utilities for supported models.
If you update the firmware but continue experiencing printing problems, check whether the Brother printer driver or software package also needs an update.
Final Thoughts
Updating Brother printer firmware can help keep your printer compatible with newer software and maintain reliable operation. Brother supports several firmware-update methods, including updating directly from the printer's control panel, using the Firmware Update Tool on a computer, and using a supported mobile application on compatible network models.
Before starting, identify the exact Brother printer model, establish a reliable connection, and use the firmware provided specifically for that machine. During the installation, keep the printer powered on and avoid interrupting the process.
If your Brother printer does not provide a direct firmware-update option, use the appropriate Firmware Update Tool from the official Brother Downloads section. Following the model-specific instructions is the safest way to complete the update and keep your Brother printer working properly.