brother printer driver for mac os sonoma install

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Brother Printer Driver for macOS Sonoma Install: A Comprehensive Guide

Upgrading to macOS Sonoma (version 14.x) brings new enhancements and features to your Mac. For Brother printer users, ensuring your device remains fully functional is a top priority. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to install Brother printer drivers for macOS Sonoma, covering both the straightforward AirPrint method and the process of obtaining specific drivers from Brother’s official support, along with troubleshooting tips.

Understanding Brother Printer Drivers and macOS Sonoma

Printer drivers are crucial software components that enable your Mac to communicate effectively with your Brother printer. They translate print commands and allow for full utilization of your printer’s features, including scanning, copying, and faxing. macOS Sonoma, like previous versions, often provides built-in support for many printers through Apple’s AirPrint technology. For some models, especially older ones or those requiring advanced features, you may need to install specific drivers or utilize Brother’s dedicated software.

Brother officially provides support statements for macOS Sonoma 14, detailing compatibility for various product lines like P-touch, Color Label Printers, and Mobile Printers. This support often indicates whether printing is possible via P-touch Editor, a dedicated printer driver, or AirPrint.

Method 1: Installing via Apple AirPrint (Recommended for most users)

AirPrint is Apple’s native technology that allows many Brother printers to print wirelessly without needing to download and install specific drivers. Your Mac automatically detects AirPrint-compatible printers on the same network.

Steps to Install using AirPrint:

1. Ensure Network Connection: Make sure your Brother printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network (or via Ethernet) and your Mac is connected to the same network. For USB connections, simply plug the printer into your Mac.
2. Access System Settings: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select ‘System Settings’.
3. Navigate to Printers & Scanners: Scroll down the left sidebar and click on ‘Printers & Scanners’.
4. Add Printer: Click the ‘Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax’ button (represented by a ‘+’ icon) below the printers list.
5. Select Your Brother Printer: macOS will search for available printers. Select your Brother machine from the list. It might appear with ‘Bonjour’ in its description, indicating network discovery.
6. Confirm Driver Selection: In the ‘Use’ pop-up menu, macOS should automatically select the ‘AirPrint’ driver or a Brother-specific CUPS driver. If a generic driver appears, and you believe your printer is AirPrint-compatible, you can try selecting ‘AirPrint’ if available.
7. Add the Printer: Click the ‘Add’ button to complete the installation.

Your Brother printer should now be ready for basic printing and scanning functionalities via AirPrint.

Method 2: Downloading Official Drivers from Brother’s Website

While AirPrint is convenient, some Brother models might require dedicated drivers or software packages for full functionality, especially for advanced scanning features or specific printer settings.

Steps to Download and Install Official Drivers:

1. Identify Your Printer Model: Locate the exact model number of your Brother printer (e.g., MFC-L2710DW, HL-L2395DW).
2. Visit Brother Support Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Brother support website: support.brother.com.
3. Search for Your Model: Use the search bar on the Brother support site to enter your printer’s model number and click ‘Search’.
4. Select Your Operating System: On your printer’s support page, the website should automatically detect your macOS version (Sonoma). If not, manually select ‘macOS’ and then ‘macOS 14’ or ‘Sonoma’.
5. Download the Full Driver & Software Package: Look for the ‘Downloads’ section and select the ‘Full Driver & Software Package’ if available. This package typically includes all necessary drivers and utilities. Read and agree to the EULA to start the download.
6. Run the Installer: Once downloaded, locate the installation file (usually a .dmg or .pkg file) in your ‘Downloads’ folder and open it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers. You might need to enter your Mac’s password to authorize the installation.
7. Add the Printer (if not automatic): After the driver installation is complete, go to ‘System Settings’ > ‘Printers & Scanners’, click the ‘+’ button, and select your Brother printer. Ensure the correct Brother CUPS driver is selected from the ‘Use’ pop-up menu.

Method 3: Using Brother iPrint&Scan App

The Brother iPrint&Scan app is a free utility available on the Mac App Store that allows you to easily scan to and print from your Mac. It can be a valuable tool, especially if you experience limited scanning functionality with AirPrint or generic drivers.

Steps to Install and Use iPrint&Scan:

1. Download from App Store: Open the ‘App Store’ on your Mac, search for ‘Brother iPrint&Scan’, and download the application.
2. Launch the App: Open ‘Brother iPrint&Scan’ from your Applications folder.
3. Select Your Machine: The app will search for compatible Brother devices on your network. Select your printer from the list.
4. Utilize Features: Once connected, you can use the app for printing photos and documents, scanning with advanced options (like auto deskew and OCR), and checking machine status.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Printer Not Detected: Ensure your printer is powered on and properly connected (USB cable secure, Wi-Fi network stable and shared with your Mac). Restart both your printer and your Mac.
• Limited Functionality (e.g., No Scanning): If printing works but scanning doesn’t, try installing the ‘Full Driver & Software Package’ from Brother’s website for your specific model, or use the Brother iPrint&Scan app.
• Generic Driver Selected: If macOS automatically selects a generic driver, manually try to select ‘AirPrint’ or a specific Brother CUPS driver from the ‘Use’ drop-down menu when adding the printer.
• Persistent Printing Errors: Remove the printer from ‘System Settings’ > ‘Printers & Scanners’ (using the ‘-‘ button), restart your Mac, and then attempt a fresh installation using one of the methods above.
• Outdated Drivers: Regularly check the official Brother support website for your printer model for any updated drivers or software compatible with macOS Sonoma.

Conclusion

Installing Brother printer drivers for macOS Sonoma is generally a straightforward process, often facilitated by Apple’s built-in AirPrint technology. For specific models or enhanced features, Brother’s official website offers comprehensive driver packages and the useful iPrint&Scan application. By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you can ensure your Brother printer works seamlessly with your macOS Sonoma device, allowing you to print and scan efficiently.