Setting up a new printer can feel a bit overwhelming—especially if you're not particularly tech-savvy. But if you’ve just purchased a Brother printer, you’re in good hands. Known for their reliability, performance, and user-friendly interface, Brother printers are designed to get you printing in no time. Whether you're using a Windows PC, Mac, or mobile device, this guide will walk you through the Brother printer setup process—step by step.

Why Choose a Brother Printer?

Brother printers are among the top choices for home users and businesses alike. They offer excellent print quality, a wide range of models (inkjet, laser, multifunction), wireless capabilities, and long-term reliability. But the key to getting the most out of your printer starts with a proper setup.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Unbox and Prepare the Printer

The first step is unpacking your new Brother printer.

  • Carefully remove the printer from the box.

  • Take off all protective tapes and packaging materials.

  • Place the printer on a flat, stable surface near your Wi-Fi router or computer.

  • Connect the power cord and turn the printer on.

If your printer comes with a display screen, it will guide you through language selection and basic settings.

Step 2: Install Ink or Toner Cartridges

Depending on the model (inkjet or laser):

  • Inkjet Printers: Open the cartridge cover and insert the ink cartridges according to the color labels.

  • Laser Printers: Pull out the drum and insert the toner cartridge. Make sure it clicks into place.

Close the cover and allow the printer to initialize.

Step 3: Load Paper into the Tray

  • Adjust the paper guides to fit the size of your paper (A4, Letter, etc.).

  • Place a stack of plain paper into the tray.

  • Push the tray back into the printer.

Now your printer is physically ready!

Step 4: Download and Install Printer Software

To fully operate your Brother printer, you need the correct drivers and software.

✅ For Windows:

  1. Visit Site

  2. Enter your model number (e.g., HL-L2350DW, MFC-J4335DW).

  3. Download the Full Driver & Software Package.

  4. Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.

✅ For macOS:

  1. Go to the same Brother support website.

  2. Choose your macOS version.

  3. Download and install the printer driver.

💡 Tip: During installation, you will be prompted to choose the connection method—USB, wired LAN, or Wi-Fi.

Step 5: Connect Your Printer

🔌 USB Connection:

  • Connect your printer to your computer using a USB cable.

  • The software installer should detect the printer automatically.

🌐 Wi-Fi (Wireless) Connection:

Method A: Using Control Panel

  • On the printer screen, go to Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard.

  • Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list.

  • Enter the password using the on-screen keypad.

Method B: Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

  • Press the WPS button on your router.

  • Press the Wi-Fi button on your Brother printer.

  • Wait until the printer connects (usually 1-2 minutes).

Once connected, your printer will display a "Connected" message.

Step 6: Print a Test Page

After setup:

  • Go to Devices and Printers on your computer.

  • Right-click your Brother printer > Printer Properties > Click Print Test Page.

This confirms your printer is installed correctly and ready to use.

Step 7: Install Brother Mobile Apps (Optional)

To print from your smartphone or tablet, download these apps:

  • Brother iPrint&Scan (iOS and Android): For wireless printing and scanning.

  • AirPrint (iOS): Compatible Brother printers can print directly from iPhones and iPads.

  • Google Cloud Print (Android): Supports remote printing via Google account (if available on your printer model).

Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.

Step 8: Set as Default Printer

To avoid confusion, set your Brother printer as the default:

Windows:

  • Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers

  • Right-click your Brother printer > Set as default printer

macOS:

  • Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners

  • Select your Brother printer and click Set as Default

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

❌ Printer Not Detected?

  • Make sure all cables are properly connected.

  • Restart both printer and computer.

  • Ensure printer is on the same Wi-Fi network.

❌ Can’t Install Driver?

  • Disable antivirus/firewall temporarily during installation.

  • Download drivers only from the official Brother website.

❌ Print Job Not Starting?

  • Cancel all print jobs from the queue.

  • Restart the Print Spooler service (on Windows).

Final Thoughts

Setting up your Brother printer doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're using it via USB or wirelessly, the step-by-step process above should get you printing in no time. Just remember to keep your printer drivers up to date and maintain a strong Wi-Fi connection for the best performance.

Still having trouble? Don’t worry. You can always contact the Brother Printer Helpline for expert assistance. Their team is available to guide you through advanced troubleshooting and ensure everything runs smoothly.