Setting up a Brother printer for the first time—or reconnecting it after a reset—can seem daunting, especially with the wide variety of models available. Fortunately, Brother makes it relatively easy to set up printers whether you’re connecting via USB, Wi-Fi, or a wired network. This guide will walk you through every method in detail, so you can go from unboxing to printing in no time.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

  • A Brother printer (new or reset)

  • Power cable and ink/toner cartridges

  • A stable internet connection (for wireless setup)

  • Computer or mobile device

  • USB cable (for USB connection, if needed)

  • Access to your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password

Method 1: Brother Printer Setup via USB

This method is the most straightforward, especially for home users with one printer and one computer.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Unbox and Power On

    • Plug in the power cord and turn on the printer.

    • Install ink or toner cartridges and load paper into the tray.

  2. Connect via USB

    • Use a USB A-B cable to connect the printer to your computer.

  3. Install the Driver

    • Insert the installation CD (if provided) or download the latest driver from the Brother website.

    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation.

  4. Test the Connection

    • Open a document and print a test page to ensure the setup is successful.

Method 2: Brother Printer Wireless Setup (Wi-Fi)

This method is ideal for users who want to print from multiple devices without using cables.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare for Wireless Setup

    • Make sure your Wi-Fi network is active.

    • Have your SSID and password ready.

  2. Use the Printer Control Panel

    • Navigate to Menu > Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard.

    • Select your Wi-Fi network from the list.

    • Enter your Wi-Fi password using the printer's keypad.

    • Wait for the printer to connect and display “Connected.”

  3. Install Software on Computer

    • Download the full driver and software package.

    • During installation, choose “Wireless Network Connection” when prompted.

    • The software will search for the printer on the same network.

    • Select your printer and complete the setup.

  4. Add to Printer List

    • On Windows, go to Devices and Printers > Add a Printer.

    • On macOS, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > +.

Method 3: Wired Ethernet Setup

For offices and shared environments, Ethernet connection is reliable and fast.

Steps:

  1. Connect the Printer

    • Use an Ethernet cable to connect the printer to your router or switch.

  2. Configure Network Settings

    • On the printer, go to Menu > Network > Wired LAN > TCP/IP and verify the IP address.

  3. Install Software

    • During installation, choose “Wired Network Connection.”

    • The software will detect the printer via its IP address.

    • Complete the installation and print a test page.

Method 4: Mobile Setup with iPrint&Scan App

If you want to print from your smartphone or tablet, this method works best.

How to Set It Up:

  1. Download the App

    • Install Brother iPrint&Scan from the App Store or Google Play.

  2. Connect to the Same Wi-Fi

    • Make sure both the printer and mobile device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

  3. Add Your Printer

    • Open the app, tap on "Printer," then "Select a New Printer."

    • The app will detect available printers.

    • Select yours and start printing or scanning right from your device.

Troubleshooting Setup Issues

Even with a clear setup process, you might run into issues. Here are common problems and how to fix them:

Printer Not Detected

  • Ensure the printer and computer are on the same network.

  • Disable VPNs or firewalls temporarily during setup.

Incorrect Wi-Fi Password

  • Re-enter the password carefully. Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive.

USB Not Recognized

  • Try a different USB port.

  • Use another cable to rule out a hardware fault.

Can’t Find Printer on Network

  • Print a network configuration page from the printer.

  • Check if it has a valid IP address.

  • Add the printer manually using its IP.

Post-Setup Tips

Once your printer is successfully connected and working, here are a few maintenance tips:

  • Keep your printer firmware updated.

  • Replace ink or toner when levels are low.

  • Clean the print heads regularly to maintain print quality.

  • Keep the paper tray filled with the correct paper size to avoid jams.

  • Restart the printer occasionally to refresh its network settings.

Add Brother Printer to Computer (Manually)

If automatic detection fails, you can add the printer manually.

On Windows:

  • Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners > Add a Printer.

  • Click “The printer I want isn’t listed” and enter the printer’s IP address.

On macOS:

  • Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > + > IP.

  • Enter the IP address and select the proper Brother printer driver.

Resetting the Printer for Fresh Setup

If the printer was previously connected to a different network or computer, resetting it can simplify the new setup.

How to Reset:

  • Use the control panel to go to Menu > Initial Setup > Reset > Network or All Settings.

  • After resetting, the printer will restart and be ready for new configuration.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a Brother printer is a relatively simple process whether you’re connecting through USB, Wi-Fi, or a wired LAN. With the right driver, a few clicks, and basic network knowledge, your printer can be ready for use in minutes.

Whether you’re a home user or managing an office network, this guide covers all methods to ensure that your Brother printer setup experience is smooth, quick, and reliable.

Brother Printer Setup FAQs (200 Words)

How do I connect my Brother printer to Wi-Fi?

Use the printer’s control panel to go to the Setup Wizard under WLAN settings. Select your Wi-Fi and enter the password to connect.

What if my Brother printer doesn’t appear during setup?

Check that the printer and computer are on the same network. Also ensure your firewall or antivirus isn't blocking detection.

Do I need a USB cable for setup?

Only if you're using a USB connection or temporarily setting up the printer for Wi-Fi. Wireless and Ethernet setups don't require it.

Can I use my Brother printer with my phone?

Yes. Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app and ensure your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network to print and scan.

How do I reset my Brother printer?

Go to the control panel and select Initial Setup > Reset > All Settings or Network Reset to clear previous configurations.