Connect My Brother Printer to Wi‑Fi on Mac
Setting up a Brother printer on a Mac is usually quick, but only if the printer is already connected to your Wi‑Fi network. The two‑part process is: first, join the Brother printer to your 2.4 GHz SSID using WPS or the printer’s setup wizard; second, add it on macOS with the correct driver. This guide shows both parts, plus what to do when your Mac can’t find the printer automatically.
Step 1: Connect the Brother Printer to Wi‑Fi
On most Brother models, press Menu > Network > WLAN, then choose either:
- WPS/AOSS: press WPS on your router when prompted.
- Setup Wizard: select your SSID and type the password.
When the printer displays “Connected,” print a Network Configuration report to confirm the SSID and get the IP address.
Step 2: Install Brother Software on macOS
Download the full driver and utilities for your exact Brother model from Brother’s support site. Run the installer and choose Wireless Network Connection. The installer usually adds the printer automatically.
Step 3: Add the Printer in macOS
- Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
- Click Add Printer (+).
- Select your Brother printer from the list.
- In Use, pick the Brother driver if available (not just AirPrint).
Use Brother’s Wireless Device Setup Wizard
If your printer is not yet on Wi‑Fi, Brother’s macOS installer includes a Wireless Device Setup Wizard. Run the Brother package, choose Wireless, and follow the wizard to send your SSID and password to the printer. This is especially useful on models without a touchscreen because it avoids manual password entry on the printer keypad.
USB‑Assisted Wireless Setup
Many Brother printers allow a temporary USB connection to finish Wi‑Fi pairing. Plug the printer into your Mac with USB, run the Brother setup, and pick “Change device connection to wireless.” The software uses the USB link to push Wi‑Fi credentials, then you disconnect USB once the printer joins the network. If you get stuck on “Searching for printer,” this method almost always works.
macOS Versions and Bonjour Discovery
On Ventura and Sonoma, printers appear in the list through Bonjour. If Bonjour is blocked by a firewall or a VPN, your Mac may not list the printer even though it’s connected. Disable VPN, allow Brother software in your firewall, and try Add Printer again. If your Mac shows multiple entries for the same printer, remove all of them and re‑add the newest one to avoid sending jobs to an old profile.
If the Printer Doesn’t Appear Automatically
Add it by IP:
- Click the IP tab in Add Printer.
- Enter the IP address from the network report.
- Select protocol IPP (or LPD for older models).
- Choose the Brother driver and add.
If you don’t know the IP, you can find it in your router’s connected devices list.
Scanning on a Mac
Install Brother iPrint&Scan or ControlCenter2 to scan reliably. AirPrint scanning works in a pinch through Preview or Image Capture, but Brother’s utilities support ADF scanning, multi‑page PDFs, and better color controls. If the scan button on the printer says “No PC found,” open Brother Utilities and register your Mac as a scan destination.
Fixing Slow or Dropped Connections
If printing starts but stalls, the Mac may be talking to a changing IP. Reserve the printer’s IP in your router, then delete and re‑add the printer by IP. Also ensure the printer is on a normal LAN SSID, not a guest network with client isolation.
Reset Wi‑Fi on the Brother Printer
If the printer keeps reconnecting to the wrong network or refuses your password, reset its WLAN settings. On most models, go to Menu > Network > WLAN > Reset (or Network Reset). After the reset, run Setup Wizard again or repeat the USB‑assisted wireless setup.
Router Settings to Double‑Check
Brother printers prefer WPA2 security. If your router is WPA3‑only, switch to mixed WPA2/WPA3. Make sure the SSID isn’t hidden, and avoid guest networks that isolate devices. If your router merges 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under one name, keep the Mac and printer on the same LAN so Bonjour discovery works.
AirPrint vs Brother Drivers
AirPrint is fine for basic printing, but Brother drivers unlock features like duplex control, toner/ink status, scan shortcuts, and better color profiles. If your printer only shows as AirPrint, install the Brother package and remove/re‑add the printer.
Troubleshooting Tips
Mac and printer on different networks: Macs often stay on a 5 GHz SSID while the printer is on 2.4 GHz. That’s OK if both bands are the same LAN, but guest networks won’t work. VPN blocking discovery: turn it off during setup. Printer keeps disconnecting: reserve its IP in the router so macOS doesn’t lose track of it.
Once your Brother printer is on Wi‑Fi and added with the proper driver, your Mac should print and scan reliably without repeated setup.