How To Connect Brother Printer with Usb Cable?

Content Menu

● Introduction

● Why Use a USB Connection?

● Prerequisites

● Step-by-Step Guide

>> 1. Initial Setup

>> 2. Driver Installation

>> 3. Connecting the Printer via USB

>> 4. Completing the Installation

● Troubleshooting

>> 1. Printer Not Detected

>> 2. Printing Issues

● Additional Tips

● Visual Aids

● Conclusion

● FAQ

>> 1. How do I download the correct printer driver?

>> 2. What should I do if my printer is not detected after connecting the USB cable?

>> 3. How do I resolve the "USB composite device error" in Windows 10?

>> 4. Where is the USB port located on my Brother MFC-J1010DW printer?

>> 5. How do I set my Brother printer as the default printer?

● Citations:

Introduction

Connecting your Brother printer to your computer via USB is a straightforward process that offers a reliable and direct connection. This method is particularly useful when you want to avoid network connectivity issues or prefer a simple setup. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough, troubleshooting tips, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth experience.

Why Use a USB Connection?

A USB connection offers several advantages:

-  Simplicity: USB connections are generally easier to set up than wireless connections[1].

-  Reliability: A direct USB connection eliminates potential network issues, providing a stable link between your computer and printer[1].

-  Security: USB connections are inherently more secure as they don't rely on a wireless network, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

-  Brother Printer: Ensure your Brother printer model is compatible with USB connectivity.

-  USB Cable: A standard USB A-to-B cable. Some Brother printers do not include a USB cable, so you may need to purchase one separately[7].

-  Computer: A computer running a compatible operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

-  Printer Driver: The correct printer driver for your Brother printer model, downloadable from the Brother support website[3][4].

-  Installation CD-ROM (Optional): Some printers come with a CD-ROM containing the necessary drivers and software[1].

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Initial Setup

1. Unpack Your Printer: Remove the printer from its packaging and place it on a stable surface.

2. Install Ink/Toner: Install the necessary ink cartridges or toner[1].

3. Load Paper: Load paper into the paper tray[4].

2. Driver Installation

1. Download the Driver:

-  Visit the Brother support website.[1].

-  Enter your printer model number.

-  Navigate to the "Downloads" section[3][4].

-  Download the appropriate driver for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)[6].

2. Install the Driver:

-  For Windows:

-  Run the downloaded installer[10].

-  Follow the on-screen instructions.

-  When prompted, select "Local Connection (USB)" as the connection type[1][9].

-  For macOS:

-  Open the downloaded .dmg file.

-  Run the installer package.

-  Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation[6].

-  For Linux:

-  Follow the instructions in the driver installation guide provided with the driver package[6]. This usually involves using the command line to extract and install the driver.

3. Using the CD-ROM (If Available):

-  Insert the Brother CD-ROM into your computer's drive[1].

-  Select your language.

-  Choose to install the MFL-Pro Suite.

-  Accept the PaperPort license agreement.

-  Select "Local Connection (USB)" when prompted[1].

3. Connecting the Printer via USB

1. Turn Off the Printer: Before connecting the USB cable, ensure the printer is turned off[3][4].

2. Connect the USB Cable:

-  Locate the USB port on the side or back of your Brother printer[3][4].

-  Connect one end of the USB cable to the printer's USB port[3][4].

-  Connect the other end of the USB cable to a USB port on your computer[3][4].

3. Turn On the Printer: Press the power button to turn on the printer[4].

4. Completing the Installation

1. Windows:

-  Windows should automatically detect the printer and complete the driver installation.

-  If prompted, allow the system to install the necessary drivers.

-  Verify the installation by printing a test page.

2. macOS:

-  macOS should automatically detect the printer.

-  Go to "System Preferences" > "Printers & Scanners".

-  If the printer is not listed, click the "+" button to add it.

-  Select your Brother printer from the list and click "Add".

-  Print a test page to confirm the installation.

3. Linux:

-  Depending on your Linux distribution, you may need to manually configure the printer.

-  Use the system's printer configuration tool (e.g., CUPS) to add the printer.

-  Select the appropriate driver and complete the setup.

-  Print a test page to verify the installation.

Troubleshooting

1. Printer Not Detected

-  Check USB Connection:

-  Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer[5].

-  Try a different USB port on your computer.

-  Use a different USB cable to rule out a faulty cable[2].

-  Restart Devices:

-  Restart both the printer and the computer[5].

-  This can resolve temporary communication issues.

-  Driver Issues:

-  Verify that the correct driver is installed for your printer model and operating system[6].

-  Reinstall the driver:

-  Uninstall the current driver[5].

-  Download the latest driver from the Brother support website[3][4].

-  Reinstall the driver following the steps outlined above[3][4].

-  USB Composite Device Error (Windows):

-  This error can occur in Windows 10.

-  Solution:

-  Connect the printer to a computer running an older operating system (e.g., Windows 7)[8].

-  Install the printer driver on that computer.

-  Update the printer's firmware using the older computer[8].

-  Reconnect the printer to your Windows 10 computer[8].

-  Check Device Manager (Windows):

-  Open "Device Manager".

-  Look for any errors or unknown devices.

-  If the printer is listed with an error, right-click and select "Update Driver".

-  Brother Printer Not Detected on USB:

-  Some users have reported that their Brother laser printers are no longer detected on USB[2].

-  Symptoms:

-  No sound when connecting the USB cable.

-  Unable to print or scan.

-  Possible Causes:

-  Loose USB socket on the printer.

-  Printer switched to Network mode.

-  Solutions:

-  Check the USB socket for loose connections[2].

-  Ensure the printer is configured to use USB and not the network[2].

2. Printing Issues

-  Check Printer Status:

-  Ensure the printer is turned on and not in sleep mode[5].

-  Check for any error messages on the printer's display[5].

-  Default Printer:

-  Make sure your Brother printer is set as the default printer on your computer.

-  Windows: Go to "Settings" > "Devices" > "Printers & Scanners" and select your printer as the default.

-  macOS: Go to "System Preferences" > "Printers & Scanners" and select your printer as the default.

-  Paper and Ink/Toner Levels:

-  Ensure there is paper in the paper tray[4].

-  Check the ink or toner levels and replace if necessary.

-  Print Queue:

-  Clear the print queue:

-  Windows: Go to "Control Panel" > "Devices and Printers", right-click on your printer, and select "See what's printing". Cancel any pending print jobs.

-  macOS: Open "System Preferences" > "Printers & Scanners", select your printer, and open the print queue. Cancel any pending print jobs.

-  Application Settings:

-  Check the print settings in the application you are using[5].

-  Ensure the correct printer is selected and the settings (e.g., paper size, orientation) are correct.

Additional Tips

-  Admin Rights: Ensure the computer is logged on with administrator rights during the installation process[1].

-  Firmware Updates: Keep your printer's firmware updated. Check the Brother support website for the latest firmware updates for your model[8].

-  Contact Support: If you continue to experience issues, contact Brother customer service for further assistance[3][4].

Visual Aids

-  Video Tutorial: Refer to the YouTube tutorial on setting up a Brother MFC-L2740DW printer with a USB cable for a visual guide[1].

-  Internal USB Port: For some models like the MFC-J1010DW, the USB port is located inside the printer. Open the lid to access the port[7].

Conclusion

Connecting your Brother printer via USB is a straightforward and reliable method. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth setup and resolve common issues. Remember to download the correct drivers, check your USB connections, and keep your printer's firmware updated for optimal performance.

FAQ

1. How do I download the correct printer driver?

-  Visit the Brother support website, enter your printer model number, and navigate to the "Downloads" section. Select the driver that matches your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)[3][4].

2. What should I do if my printer is not detected after connecting the USB cable?

-  Check the USB connection, restart both the printer and the computer, and ensure the correct driver is installed. If the issue persists, try a different USB port or cable[5].

3. How do I resolve the "USB composite device error" in Windows 10?

-  Connect the printer to a computer running an older operating system (e.g., Windows 7), install the printer driver, update the printer's firmware, and then reconnect the printer to your Windows 10 computer[8].

4. Where is the USB port located on my Brother MFC-J1010DW printer?

-  The USB port is located inside the printer. Open the lid to access the port[7].

5. How do I set my Brother printer as the default printer?

-  Windows: Go to "Settings" > "Devices" > "Printers & Scanners" and select your printer as the default.

-  macOS: Go to "System Preferences" > "Printers & Scanners" and select your printer as the default.

Citations:

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NsNWeSXCEU

[2] https://superuser.com/questions/1709544/brother-laser-printers-no-longer-detected-on-usb

[3] https://support.brother.com/g/b/faqend.aspx?c=gb&lang=en&prod=rj3230beuk&faqid=faqp00001461_029

[4] https://support.brother.com/g/b/faqend.aspx?c=us&faqid=faqp00001461_001&lang=en&prod=pj663eus

[5] https://support.brother.com/g/b/faqend.aspx?c=us&faqid=faq00002706_000&lang=en&prod=hls7000dn_us_eu_as

[6] https://support.brother.com/g/b/faqend.aspx?c=us_ot&lang=en&prod=lptj4422tneus&ftype3=100094&faqid=faqp00100516_002

[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-MvEcx58Lk

[8] https://community.appuals.com/t/solved-brother-printer-usb-composite-device-error-code-10/1058

[9] https://support.brother.com/g/b/faqend.aspx?c=as_ot+&lang=en&prod=pj883eas&faqid=faqp00001461_022

[10] https://support.brother.com/g/b/faqend.aspx?c=gb&lang=en&prod=lpql810weuk&faqid=faqp00001461_022