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Purpose: step-by-step instructions for locating, downloading, installing, and configuring Brother iPrint&Scan so users can scan from their Brother printer to a Windows PC or a Mac. Includes navigation to the correct Brother pages, USB vs network notes, and troubleshooting tips.
1) Quick summary / recommended approach
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For full functionality on Windows, prefer the Full Driver & Software Package from Brother (includes iPrint&Scan and drivers). Brother
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On macOS, iPrint&Scan is available from the Mac App Store (or download from Brother support pages where applicable). Brother Support+1
2) Where to find the software (website navigation)
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Open Brother’s Support/Downloads site: brother.com → Support → Downloads / Drivers & Software for your model. (Brother also maintains a general download page / apps page for iPrint&Scan.) Brother+1
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Enter your machine model (e.g., MFC-Lxxx, HL-Lxxx, DCP-Lxxx). Choose your OS (Windows 10/11, macOS version). The page will list available packages: Full Driver & Software Package, individual drivers, and utilities such as iPrint&Scan. Brother
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For macOS you can also open the App Store and search “Brother iPrint&Scan” (the App Store listing is the official macOS distribution for many models). Brother Support
Tip: if you want only the mobile/utility app without extra drivers, look for the separate iPrint&Scan download rather than the full package. Brother USA Help
3) Pre-install checklist (before running the installer)
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Confirm the computer OS version (Windows 10/11 or macOS 12+ etc.) and pick the matching download on Brother’s site. Brother
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If using USB, have a USB-A/USB-B cable ready and the printer powered on. The scanner typically powers when the USB cable is connected. Brother USA Help
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If using network (Wi-Fi / Ethernet): ensure the computer and printer are on the same network/subnet.
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On macOS, be prepared to allow app permissions such as Local Network/Privacy when prompted — scanning features may require those permissions. Brother Support
4) Windows — step-by-step install & configure
(Works for Windows 10/11; use the OS selector on Brother’s download page)
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On Brother support/downloads for your model, choose Windows and download the Full Driver & Software Package (recommended) or the standalone iPrint&Scan installer if you prefer. Brother+1
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Run the downloaded installer as Administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
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Follow the installer prompts:
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Accept the EULA.
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When asked, select connection type: Network (recommended) or USB. If network, you may be given an automatic network setup or asked to enter the printer’s IP.
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If offered “Additional Software”, review and install any pieces you want (OCR, control center, etc.). Brother+1
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Finish the install and reboot if prompted.
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Open Brother iPrint&Scan (Start menu → Brother → iPrint&Scan). The app should list discovered Brother machines on the network or show the USB device. Brother Support
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Perform a test scan:
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Load a document on the ADF or glass.
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In iPrint&Scan click Scan. Choose destination format (PDF/JPEG), resolution, color/B&W, and a save location or app to open the scan. Brother Support
Windows troubleshooting tips
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If the printer doesn’t appear: check Windows Firewall (allow iPrint&Scan and Brother services), confirm both devices are on the same network, and reboot printer & PC.
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If using USB and scanner isn’t found: try a different USB port/cable and reinstall the drivers (sometimes the Full Driver Package contains required USB drivers). Brother USA Help+1
5) macOS — step-by-step install & configure
(Notes: macOS app availability varies by model and macOS version; App Store is preferred for macOS 12+)
Option A — App Store (recommended for many macOS users):
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Open App Store, search Brother iPrint&Scan, and click Get / Install. Sign in with Apple ID if required. Brother Support
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After install, open iPrint&Scan from Applications.
Option B — Brother support download (alternate / older macOS versions):
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On Brother support page for your model, choose macOS and download the iPrint&Scan installer or the Full Driver & Software Package if recommended for your model. Brother USA Help+1
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Open the downloaded .dmg / installer and follow prompts. You may need to allow installation in System Settings → Privacy & Security (macOS may require you to authorize the installer). Brother USA Help+1
After installation (macOS)
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Launch Brother iPrint&Scan. The app will scan for network printers (or list the USB device if you connected via cable). Brother Support
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Grant permissions: modern macOS versions typically prompt for permission to access the Local Network (required for discovering network printers) and sometimes Files/Folders or Camera/Scanner access. If scanning fails, confirm these permissions in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network / Files and Folders and allow Brother iPrint&Scan. Brother Support
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Perform a test scan from the app: set format, resolution, and destination. Brother Support
macOS troubleshooting tips
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If the app can’t see the printer: check Local Network permission, confirm printer and Mac on same Wi-Fi, and restart both devices. Brother Support
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If App Store version behaves differently from Brother site installer, prefer the App Store variant for macOS compatibility and automatic updates. Brother Support
6) Scanning workflows & settings (both platforms)
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In iPrint&Scan you can choose output format (PDF, JPEG), change resolution, color mode, and save location or “Open With” an application. Use higher DPI for photos or archival scans (note: higher DPI → larger file & longer scan times). Brother Support
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Some models allow configuring the Scan button on the printer to trigger specific actions or destinations — consult model-specific manuals for “Scan to PC / Scan to File / Scan to Email” setup. Brother Support+1
7) Common issues & fixes
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Printer not found on network: confirm SSID, disable guest isolation on the router, ping the printer IP, or use the printer control panel to print network configuration.
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App won’t scan (permission prompt missed): on macOS open System Settings → Privacy & Security and allow Local Network and any other Brother permissions. Brother Support
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Corrupt install / features missing: uninstall iPrint&Scan and reinstall using the Full Driver & Software Package from Brother (Windows) or re-download from App Store (macOS). Brother+1
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USB not powering scanner: ensure cable is fully seated — many Brother guides note the scanner powers when USB is connected. Try a different cable/port. Brother USA Help
8) Links to official Brother resources (most useful)
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General iPrint&Scan / apps page (downloads & EULA): Brother apps/downloads. Brother+1
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Brother USA / support article: Download and install Brother iPrint&Scan — Windows or Macintosh (detailed steps by OS). Brother USA Help+1
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How to scan using iPrint&Scan (Windows/macOS instructions & screenshots). Brother Support+1
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USB scanner install note / steps. Brother USA Help
9) Example step checklist
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Confirm model + OS.
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Choose download: Full Driver & Software (Windows) / App Store or Brother macOS installer (Mac). Brother+1
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Download & run installer (Admin on Windows; allow Security prompts on macOS). Brother+1
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Select connection type (Network or USB) during install. Brother USA Help
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Grant any OS permissions (macOS Local Network). Brother Support
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Open iPrint&Scan → perform test scan → confirm destination. Brother Support