brother printer driver mac

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Introduction to Brother Printer Drivers for Mac

Owning a Brother printer and a Mac provides a powerful combination for your printing and scanning needs. However, to unlock the full potential and ensure seamless operation of your Brother device on macOS, installing the correct drivers is essential. While many modern Brother printers support AirPrint for basic printing, dedicated drivers often provide enhanced functionality, such as advanced print settings, scanning capabilities, and status monitoring. This article will guide you through the process of finding, downloading, and installing the appropriate Brother printer drivers for your Mac, ensuring you get the best performance from your device.

Why Printer Drivers Are Important for Your Mac

A printer driver acts as a translator between your Mac and your Brother printer. Without it, your computer might not be able to communicate effectively with the printer, leading to limited functionality or no printing at all. Drivers ensure that your printer understands the commands sent from your Mac, allowing for correct page layout, color reproduction, and access to specific features like duplex printing or high-resolution scanning. Keeping your drivers updated also helps maintain compatibility with the latest macOS versions, such as Sonoma 14 and Ventura 13.

How to Find and Download Official Brother Printer Drivers for Mac

The most reliable source for Brother printer drivers is the official Brother Support website. Here’s how to navigate it:

1. Visit the Brother Support Website: Open your web browser and go to support.brother.com.
2. Search for Your Model: On the support page, locate the search bar and enter your specific Brother printer model number (e.g., MFC-L2710DW, HL-L2395DW). Click ‘Search’.
3. Select Your Operating System: Once on your product’s support page, the website should automatically detect your macOS version. If not, manually select the correct macOS version (e.g., macOS 14, macOS 13) from the drop-down menu.
4. Download the Driver Package: Look for the ‘Downloads’ section. Brother typically offers a ‘Full Driver & Software Package’ which is recommended for most users as it includes all necessary drivers and utilities for comprehensive functionality. Alternatively, you may find individual printer drivers, scanner drivers, or utilities like Brother iPrint&Scan. Click ‘Agree to EULA and download’ to start the download.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Once you’ve downloaded the driver package, follow these steps to install it on your Mac:

1. Locate the Downloaded File: The driver package will typically be a .dmg or .pkg file found in your ‘Downloads’ folder. Double-click the file to open it.
2. Launch the Installer: Inside the opened disk image or folder, you’ll usually find an installer application (e.g., ‘Start Here OSX’ or ‘Installer.pkg’). Double-click it to begin the installation process.
3. Follow On-Screen Prompts: The installer will guide you through the process. You’ll need to accept the End-User License Agreement (EULA) and may be prompted to enter your Mac’s administrator password.
4. Select Connection Type: Choose your printer’s connection type (Wireless Network Connection, Wired Network Connection, or USB Connection). Follow the specific instructions for your chosen method.
5. Add the Printer: After the driver installation is complete, your Mac might automatically detect the printer. If not, you’ll need to add it manually:
   • Go to ‘System Settings’ (macOS Ventura 13 and later) or ‘System Preferences’ (macOS Monterey 12 and earlier) from the Apple menu.
   • Click on ‘Printers & Scanners’.
   • Click the ‘+’ (Add) button. Your Brother printer should appear in the list. Select it.
   • From the ‘Use’ drop-down menu, ensure that the correct Brother printer driver is selected (e.g., ‘Brother CUPS driver’ or your specific model name).
   • Click ‘Add’.
6. Complete Installation: Finish any remaining steps in the installer. Your Brother printer should now be ready for use.

Utilizing Apple AirPrint

For many Brother models, especially newer ones, AirPrint offers a convenient way to print without needing to download specific drivers. If your Brother printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac, it should automatically appear as an AirPrint printer. To use AirPrint:

1. Ensure your Brother printer is powered on and connected to your Wi-Fi network.
2. From any application on your Mac, select ‘Print’ (usually found under the ‘File’ menu).
3. In the print dialog box, select your Brother printer. If it’s AirPrint compatible and on the same network, it should appear.
4. Adjust print settings as needed and click ‘Print’.

Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App

Brother iPrint&Scan is a free and versatile application that simplifies printing and scanning tasks directly from your Mac. It provides a user-friendly interface with features like image processing, customizable scan settings, and the ability to save documents in various formats. You can download it directly from the Mac App Store.

• Download: Search for ‘Brother iPrint&Scan’ on the Mac App Store and install it.
• Connect: Launch the app, and it will automatically detect compatible Brother devices on your network.
• Print/Scan: Use the app’s interface to easily print documents or photos, and scan documents with various options.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the correct drivers, you might encounter issues. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:

• Printer Not Detected: Ensure your printer is powered on and correctly connected (USB cable, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi). If using Wi-Fi, verify both your Mac and printer are on the same network. Restarting both the printer and your Mac can often resolve connectivity issues.
• Printing Errors/Jobs Stuck: Try resetting the printing system on your Mac. Go to ‘Printers & Scanners’ in ‘System Settings/Preferences’, right-click (or Control-click) on an empty area in the printers list, and select ‘Reset Printing System…’. You will then need to re-add your printer.
• Outdated Drivers: Periodically check the Brother support website for updates, especially after a macOS update.
• Permissions Issues: Ensure that Brother iPrint&Scan has permission to access the local network if you’re experiencing issues with the app.

Conclusion

Properly installing and maintaining your Brother printer driver on Mac is crucial for optimal performance and access to all features. By following the steps outlined in this guide, from downloading the official software to utilizing AirPrint and the iPrint&Scan app, you can ensure a smooth and efficient printing and scanning experience with your Brother device on any macOS version. Remember to always refer to the official Brother support website for the most up-to-date drivers and specific information for your printer model.