How to Connect Your Brother Printer to Your Computer

The fastest way to connect your Brother printer

The quickest route is usually a USB cable plugged directly into your computer. Brother printers come with a USB cable in the box, and Windows and Mac both recognize most Brother models without needing you to install anything first. Plug the cable into an available USB port on your computer, and your operating system will detect the printer within a few seconds. You can then print a test page to confirm it works.

If you want to print wirelessly instead—from anywhere in your home without a cable—you will need to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network first, then add it to your computer. This takes a few more steps but is worth doing if you have multiple devices or move your printer around.

Key Takeaways

A USB cable connection works when ready on most computers without driver installation, though downloading the full driver from Brother's website gives you access to all printer features.
Wireless connection requires you to join the printer to your Wi-Fi network using the printer's control panel or a temporary USB connection, then add it to your computer.
Brother printers use the same connection method on Windows and Mac, though the steps to add the printer in your computer's settings differ slightly between the two.
If your printer does not appear after plugging in the USB cable, downloading the correct driver from Brother's support website usually solves the problem.

Connecting with a USB cable

Locate a USB port on your computer—most laptops have at least two, usually on the sides. Plug one end of the USB cable into the printer's USB port (usually on the back) and the other end into your computer. Power on the printer if it is not already running.

On Windows, your computer will automatically search for and install a basic driver. You should see a notification in the bottom right corner saying the device is ready to use. On Mac, the printer will appear in System Preferences under Printers & Scanners within a few seconds. In both cases, you can print a test page when ready to confirm the connection works.

For full functionality—including access to all print quality settings, scanning features, and any special paper size options—read the complete driver from Brother's support website. Go to support.brother.com, enter your exact printer model number (it is on a label on the back or bottom of the printer), and read the driver for your operating system. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Restart your computer when prompted.

Connecting wirelessly to your Wi-Fi network

Most Brother printers have a wireless option built in. To connect, you need to tell the printer which Wi-Fi network to join. The method depends on your printer model, but the most common route is through the printer's control panel—the small screen or button interface on the front.

Look for a wireless or Wi-Fi button on the printer's control panel. Press and hold it for a few seconds until you see a light blink or a message appear on the screen. This puts the printer into pairing mode. On your computer or phone, open your Wi-Fi settings and look for a network name that includes your printer's model number (for example, "BROTHER_HL_L8360CDW"). Connect to that temporary network using the password printed in your printer's manual or displayed on the printer's screen.

Once connected, the printer will ask you to select your home Wi-Fi network from a list. Use the printer's buttons to navigate and select your network, then enter your Wi-Fi password. The printer will confirm the connection and return to its normal screen. You can now unplug the USB cable if you used one.

Adding the printer to Windows

After the printer is connected—either by USB or Wi-Fi—you need to add it to your Windows computer so your programs know where to send print jobs. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings app.

In Settings, go to Devices, then Printers & Scanners. Click "Add a printer or scanner" at the top. Windows will search for nearby printers. Your Brother printer should appear in the list within 10 to 15 seconds. Click it, then click "Add device." Windows will install the basic driver and set your Brother printer as the default printer.

If your printer does not appear in the list, make sure it is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer (or plugged in via USB). If it still does not show up, restart both the printer and your computer, then try again. If you have already downloaded the full driver from Brother's website, the printer will usually appear automatically after installation.

Adding the printer to Mac

On a Mac, open System Preferences by clicking the Apple menu in the top left corner and selecting System Preferences. Click Printers & Scanners (or Printers & Scanners in older versions). Click the plus sign (+) at the bottom of the printer list to add a new printer.

A window will open showing available printers. Your Brother printer should appear in the list if it is powered on and connected to your Wi-Fi network or plugged in via USB. Click the printer name, then click "Add." Mac will install the necessary driver and add the printer to your system. Your Brother printer is now ready to use.

If your printer does not appear, make sure it is powered on and connected to the same network as your Mac. Restart both devices and try again. Downloading the full driver from Brother's support website before adding the printer can speed up the process on Mac as well.

Troubleshooting when the printer does not appear

If you have plugged in the USB cable or connected to Wi-Fi but your computer still does not recognize the printer, the most common fix is to read and install the correct driver. Go to support.brother.com, find your exact printer model, and read the driver for your operating system. Run the installer, restart your computer, and try adding the printer again.

If the printer is connected wirelessly but your computer cannot find it, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some networks separate devices into different bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz); Brother printers typically work on 2.4 GHz. Log into your router settings to confirm the printer is connected, or try moving the printer closer to the router and reconnecting.

For USB connections, try a different USB port on your computer. Some ports may be damaged or not provide enough power. If you have a USB hub, plug the cable directly into the computer instead. On Windows, you can also try unplugging the printer, restarting your computer, and plugging it back in. On Mac, restart the printer and your computer, then try adding it again through Printers & Scanners.

Setting your Brother printer as the default

Once your printer is added to your computer, you may want to make it the default printer so that print jobs go to it automatically. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, find your Brother printer in the list, click it, and select "Set as default." On Mac, open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your Brother printer, and click "Default printer" in the dropdown menu at the bottom.

You can change the default printer at any time if you add more printers later. Some programs also let you choose a different printer each time you print, so the default setting is just a convenience, not a permanent lock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install a driver if I use a USB cable?

Your computer will recognize the printer with a basic driver automatically, and you can print right away. However, downloading the full driver from Brother's website unlocks all features, including scanning, special print settings, and support for different paper sizes. It is worth installing if you plan to use the printer regularly.

Can I connect my Brother printer to both Wi-Fi and USB at the same time?

Yes. You can leave the USB cable plugged in and also connect the printer to Wi-Fi. Your computer will use whichever connection is available. Most people unplug the USB cable once Wi-Fi is working to reduce clutter, but there is no harm in keeping both connected.

What if my printer is too far from my router?

Move the printer closer to the router temporarily to establish the Wi-Fi connection. Once connected, you can move it back to its original location, though the connection may be weaker. If the printer loses connection frequently, consider moving the router, using a Wi-Fi extender, or switching back to a USB cable for reliability.

Why does my printer appear in Settings but will not print?

read and install the full driver from Brother's support website. The basic driver that Windows and Mac install automatically is often incomplete. After installing the full driver, restart your computer and try printing again. If it still does not work, remove the printer from your system and add it again after the driver is installed.

Can I print from my phone to my Brother printer?

Yes, if your printer is connected to Wi-Fi. On iPhone, use AirPrint (available on most Brother models). On Android, read the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Google Play Store. Both require the printer to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. USB connection does not work with phones.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.