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Brother Printer setup on Mac is generally simple when the printer is prepared correctly and connected to the same network as your Mac. Depending on your Brother printer model, you can connect it through Wi-Fi or USB, then add it through the Printers & Scanners settings in macOS. Many Brother printers also support AirPrint, which allows macOS to print without requiring a separate printer driver.
The exact setup process can vary depending on your Brother printer model and the version of macOS installed on your Mac. Before beginning, make sure your printer is powered on, has paper and ink or toner, and is not displaying an error.
Prepare Your Brother Printer
Start by unpacking the Brother Printer and removing any protective materials, tape, or packaging.
Install the ink cartridges or toner according to the instructions supplied with your printer. Load suitable paper into the paper tray and turn the printer on.
If you are setting up the printer wirelessly, make sure your Brother Printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network. Your Mac should also be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Apple recommends using the same network for a Mac and AirPrint-compatible printer when printing wirelessly.
Check Your Mac Before Setup
Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet if you need to download Brother software or check for updates.
Also check that macOS recognizes your network connection correctly. If you are using a wireless Brother Printer, keep the printer reasonably close to the wireless router during the initial setup.
If your printer is already connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac, macOS may be able to find it automatically when you open Printers & Scanners.
Connect Brother Printer to Wi-Fi
For wireless setup, first connect the Brother Printer to your Wi-Fi network using the printer's control panel.
The available wireless setup options vary by model. Some Brother printers provide a wireless setup wizard, while others may support WPS or another network configuration method.
Follow the instructions displayed on your printer and select the correct wireless network. Enter the Wi-Fi password when requested.
After the printer connects successfully, make sure your Mac is connected to the same wireless network. This allows the Mac to discover the printer through the network.
Add Brother Printer to Mac
Once the printer is connected, open the Apple menu and select System Settings.
Select Printers & Scanners from the sidebar, then choose Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
Your Mac will search for available printers. If your Brother Printer appears in the list, select it.
Brother's macOS instructions recommend selecting the Brother machine and choosing the appropriate model from the Use menu before selecting Add.
After the printer has been added, it should appear in the Printers & Scanners list.
Setup Brother Printer With AirPrint
AirPrint is a convenient option for supported Brother Printers because it allows macOS to communicate with the printer without installing a separate driver.
For newer macOS versions, open System Settings, select Printers & Scanners, and choose Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax. Select your Brother Printer and choose the appropriate AirPrint or printer option shown by macOS. Brother provides these steps for supported machines.
Apple also explains that macOS can use AirPrint to connect to compatible printers without requiring additional printer software.
If your Brother Printer supports AirPrint, this can be one of the simplest ways to complete the setup.
Install Brother Printer Software on Mac
Although AirPrint may be sufficient for supported printers, some Brother models and features require Brother software.
Go to the Brother support and downloads area and search for your exact printer model. Select the macOS version supported by your printer and download the appropriate software.
Follow the installation instructions displayed by the Brother installer.
Installing the correct Brother software can be particularly useful when your printer includes additional functions such as scanning or advanced printer settings.
Do not install software intended for a different Brother printer model because compatibility can vary between printer families.
Setup Brother Printer With USB on Mac
A USB connection can be useful when you do not want to use a wireless network.
Connect the Brother Printer to your Mac using a compatible USB cable. Depending on the Mac model, you may need a suitable adapter or USB-C connection.
Turn on the printer and open System Settings.
Select Printers & Scanners and choose Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax. Your Mac should search for connected printers.
Select the Brother Printer when it appears and follow the onscreen instructions to add it.
Apple notes that printers can be added through Printers & Scanners and that macOS can use AirPrint or other supported printer software depending on the printer.
Choose the Correct Printer Software
When you add a Brother Printer, macOS may display a Use option that determines how the printer communicates with the computer.
For supported Brother models, AirPrint may appear as the recommended option. Other models may require the Brother printer software or another compatible option.
Brother's instructions explain that users can select their Brother machine and choose the appropriate model from the Use menu before clicking Add.
Choose the option recommended for your specific printer model.
Set Brother Printer as the Default Printer
After adding the printer, you can select it as your preferred printer.
Open System Settings and go to Printers & Scanners. Select your Brother Printer and review the available printer settings.
Setting the Brother Printer as your preferred printer can make everyday printing easier because documents will automatically use the selected device unless you choose another printer.
Print a Test Document
After setup, open a document on your Mac and select File followed by Print.
Choose your Brother Printer from the printer list and start the print job.
If the printer produces the document correctly, the basic setup is complete.
Apple explains that when an AirPrint printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Mac, it can be selected from the printer menu when printing.
If the printer does not appear, return to Printers & Scanners and check whether it is listed.
Fix Brother Printer Not Showing on Mac
If your Brother Printer does not appear when you try to add it, first check the connection.
For a wireless setup, confirm that the printer and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the printer is connected to one wireless network while the Mac is connected to another, macOS may not find the printer.
Restart the printer and Wi-Fi router if necessary, then wait for the printer to reconnect.
Also open Printers & Scanners and select Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax again.
If your printer still does not appear, check whether the model supports AirPrint or whether Brother software is required.
Check the Brother Printer Network Connection
Wireless problems can prevent the Mac from discovering the printer.
Check the Wi-Fi status on the Brother Printer and verify that it is connected to the intended network.
If the printer previously worked but stopped appearing on your Mac, restarting the printer and router can restore network communication.
Also make sure your Mac remains connected to Wi-Fi while you are adding the printer.
Apple states that a Mac and wireless AirPrint printer should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for wireless printing.
Update Brother Printer Software
If your Brother Printer is not working correctly after setup, check whether newer software or firmware is available for your model.
Apple recommends checking with the printer manufacturer for available printer software updates.
Brother also provides model-specific software and downloads. Use the exact printer model when searching for compatible Mac software.
Keeping the appropriate software up to date can help prevent compatibility and communication problems.
Remove and Re-Add Brother Printer on Mac
If the printer was added previously but no longer works, removing it and adding it again can resolve configuration problems.
Open System Settings and select Printers & Scanners.
Select the Brother Printer and remove it from the printer list using the available removal option.
After removing it, restart the printer and add it again through Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
If the printer is wireless, confirm that it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Mac before adding it again.
Setup Brother Printer for Scanning on Mac
If your Brother Printer is a multifunction model, you may also want to use its scanning features.
Some Brother devices can provide scanning functionality through AirPrint or macOS, while others require Brother scanning software.
After installing the appropriate Brother software, check whether the scanner is available on your Mac.
If printing works but scanning does not, check the Brother model's supported scanning software and macOS compatibility.
Fix Brother Printer Offline on Mac
If the printer has been installed but appears unavailable, check its power and network connection.
For wireless printers, verify the Wi-Fi connection and make sure the Mac and printer are using the same network.
For USB printers, make sure the cable is securely connected.
You can also remove the printer from Printers & Scanners and add it again. If the issue continues, check the Brother software and model-specific troubleshooting instructions.
Use the Correct macOS Version
Brother printer software is not identical for every version of macOS.
Before downloading a driver or software package, check the supported operating systems for your printer model. Newer Macs may use a newer macOS version, while older Brother printers may have different software requirements.
If AirPrint is supported by your printer, it can sometimes provide a simpler setup because Apple states that AirPrint-enabled printers do not require additional printer drivers or software for basic printing.
Check the Printer After Setup
After adding the Brother Printer, check the printer list in System Settings.
Make sure the correct Brother model is displayed and that the printer is available when you open a print dialog.
Print a test document and check the output for missing text, incorrect colors, streaks, or other quality issues.
If printing works correctly, your Brother Printer is ready for regular use on your Mac.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a Brother Printer on Mac usually involves preparing the printer, connecting it to Wi-Fi or USB, adding it through Printers & Scanners, and selecting the appropriate printer software or AirPrint option.
For wireless setup, connect the Brother Printer and Mac to the same Wi-Fi network. Then open System Settings, select Printers & Scanners, choose Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, and select your Brother Printer. Brother's official macOS instructions provide this process for supported models.
AirPrint can make setup especially easy on supported Brother Printers because macOS can use it without requiring separate printer drivers for basic printing.
If the Brother Printer does not appear, check the Wi-Fi or USB connection, restart the printer, verify the macOS version and Brother software, and add the printer again. For the best results, always use the setup instructions and software designed specifically for your Brother Printer model.