Connecting your Brother printer directly to your computer ensures seamless communication between the two devices, enabling smooth printing without relying on a wireless network. Whether you’re setting up a new printer or reconnecting after a system upgrade, this step-by-step guide walks you through the process of establishing a direct connection using a USB cable.

Why Connect Your Brother Printer Directly to Your Computer?

While wireless printing is convenient, a direct USB connection offers several benefits:

  • Faster setup with minimal configuration

  • Stable connection unaffected by network issues

  • Secure printing with no external access to the printer

  • Ideal for single-user environments like home or small offices

What You Need Before You Begin

Before proceeding, ensure you have the following:

  • A Brother printer that supports USB connectivity

  • A USB A-B cable (standard printer USB cable)

  • A Windows PC or Mac with a free USB port

  • Brother printer drivers (can be downloaded from Brother’s official support site)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Connect Brother Printer to a Computer

Step 1: Unpack and Prepare the Printer

  1. Unbox the printer and remove all packaging materials.

  2. Install ink or toner cartridges if you haven’t done so already.

  3. Load paper into the input tray.

  4. Place the printer on a flat, stable surface near your computer.

Step 2: Power On the Printer

  1. Plug the printer into a power source using the power cable.

  2. Press the Power button to turn it on.

⚠️ Do not connect the USB cable yet unless prompted.

Step 3: Download and Install Brother Printer Drivers

For Windows Users:

  1. Go to the official Brother Support Website.

  2. Enter your printer model and choose your operating system.

  3. Download the Full Driver & Software Package.

  4. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

  5. When prompted, connect the USB cable from the printer to your computer.

  6. Windows will detect the printer and complete the setup.

For Mac Users:

  1. Visit the Brother Support website and search for your model.

  2. Download the macOS printer driver package.

  3. Double-click the .dmg file to begin installation.

  4. Follow the instructions. When prompted, connect the USB cable.

  5. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

  6. Click the + icon and select your printer from the list to add it.

Step 4: Connect the USB Cable

  1. Take the USB A-B cable.

  2. Plug the B-end (square) into the printer.

  3. Plug the A-end (flat rectangular) into an available USB port on your computer.

  4. The computer will detect the printer and finalize the driver installation.

✅ If everything is correct, your printer should now appear in the list of available printers.

Step 5: Print a Test Page

Once the setup is complete:

  • On Windows, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, and choose Printer Properties > Print Test Page.

  • On Mac, go to Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and click Open Print Queue > Printer > Print Test Page.

If the page prints successfully, your Brother printer is now connected and working!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Printer Not Detected

  • Try switching USB ports.

  • Replace the USB cable if it’s faulty.

  • Restart your computer and reconnect.

2. Driver Installation Fails

  • Ensure your operating system is up to date.

  • Download the latest version of the driver from Brother’s website.

  • Disable antivirus temporarily if it's blocking installation.

3. Print Jobs Stuck or Not Printing

  • Restart the print spooler service (Windows).

  • Delete and re-add the printer in settings.

  • Clear any queued print jobs and retry.

Alternative: Use Brother Printer Installation CD

If you received an installation CD with your Brother printer:

  1. Insert the CD into your computer.

  2. Follow the on-screen setup wizard.

  3. Connect the USB cable when prompted.

  4. Complete the installation steps.

Note: Many modern laptops do not have CD drives. Downloading drivers is recommended.

Benefits of USB Connection Over Wi-Fi

Feature USB Connection Wi-Fi Connection
Setup Complexity Simple Can be complex
Speed & Stability High Can vary
Requires Network? No Yes
Security High (direct only) Medium (shared network)
Ideal Use Case Home, personal use Offices, multi-device access

Final Thoughts

Connecting your Brother printer directly to your computer via USB is a reliable and straightforward solution—perfect for users who prefer simplicity or experience wireless connectivity issues. With the right drivers and a stable connection, you'll enjoy hassle-free printing in no time.

Always refer to the printer manual or Brother’s official support site for model-specific instructions and updates.