Install & Configure Brother iPrint&Scan (Windows & macOS)

Summary

How to Install iPrint & Scan for Mac and Windows

Body

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

  • For full functionality on Windows, prefer the Full Driver & Software Package from Brother (includes iPrint&Scan and drivers). Brother

    • Sometimes if they just need the software and not all the drivers you can locate the software download itself without the full package (Under the "Utilities" section)

  • 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)

  1. Open Brother’s Support/Downloads site: brother.com → SupportDownloads / Drivers & Software for your model. (Brother also maintains a general download page / apps page for iPrint&Scan.) Brother+1

  2. 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

  3. 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)

  • Confirm the computer OS version (Windows 10/11 or macOS 12+ etc.) and pick the matching download on Brother’s site. Brother

  • 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

  • If using network (Wi-Fi / Ethernet): ensure the computer and printer are on the same network/subnet.

  • 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)

  1. 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

  2. Run the downloaded installer as Administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).

  3. Follow the installer prompts:

    • Accept the EULA.

    • 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.

    • If offered “Additional Software”, review and install any pieces you want (OCR, control center, etc.). Brother+1

  4. Finish the install and reboot if prompted.

  5. 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

  6. Perform a test scan:

    • Load a document on the ADF or glass.

    • 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

  • 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.

  • 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):

  1. Open App Store, search Brother iPrint&Scan, and click Get / Install. Sign in with Apple ID if required. Brother Support

  2. After install, open iPrint&Scan from Applications.

Option B — Brother support download (alternate / older macOS versions):

  1. 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

  2. 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)

  1. Launch Brother iPrint&Scan. The app will scan for network printers (or list the USB device if you connected via cable). Brother Support

  2. 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

  3. Perform a test scan from the app: set format, resolution, and destination. Brother Support

macOS troubleshooting tips

  • 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

  • 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)

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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)

  • General iPrint&Scan / apps page (downloads & EULA): Brother apps/downloads. Brother+1

  • Brother USA / support article: Download and install Brother iPrint&Scan — Windows or Macintosh (detailed steps by OS). Brother USA Help+1

  • How to scan using iPrint&Scan (Windows/macOS instructions & screenshots). Brother Support+1

  • USB scanner install note / steps. Brother USA Help


9) Example step checklist 

  1. Confirm model + OS.

  2. Choose download: Full Driver & Software (Windows) / App Store or Brother macOS installer (Mac). Brother+1

  3. Download & run installer (Admin on Windows; allow Security prompts on macOS). Brother+1

  4. Select connection type (Network or USB) during install. Brother USA Help

  5. Grant any OS permissions (macOS Local Network). Brother Support

  6. Open iPrint&Scan → perform test scan → confirm destination. Brother Support

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 169442
Created
Wed 11/5/25 3:57 PM
Modified
Wed 11/5/25 4:11 PM