How to Update Firmware on Brother Printer
Learn step-by-step how to safely update firmware on Brother printers, covering USB and network methods, verification steps, and common troubleshooting tips for a smooth, downtime-minimized process.
By the end of this guide, you will safely update firmware on a Brother printer using USB or network methods, verify success, and avoid common errors. Before you begin, ensure you know your exact printer model, have a stable power source, and access to a connected computer. This process minimizes downtime and preserves printer settings.
What updating firmware does for your Brother printer
Firmware updates for Brother printers bring a mix of bug fixes, improved performance, and new features. They can address printing reliability, paper handling quirks, and compatibility with newer operating systems. Regular updates help ensure your device remains secure and compatible with evolving drivers. Debricking’s analysis emphasizes that manufacturers often release patches in response to discovered issues or security vulnerabilities. Keeping firmware current reduces the risk of stubborn jams, unexplained errors, or network authentication problems that could interrupt workflow.
The benefits aren’t limited to speed or new capabilities. Updates can optimize power usage, refine scan or copy accuracy, and enhance compatibility with mobile apps or cloud services. On the flip side, outdated firmware may miss these improvements and can occasionally cause compatibility warnings with newer software. In short, updating firmware is a maintenance task that protects functionality, reliability, and security over time.
Compatibility and prerequisites
Before updating, identify your exact Brother printer model and current firmware version. Check the official Brother support site for your model to confirm the latest version and any model-specific instructions. Ensure you have a reliable power source and a stable internet connection, as interruptions can corrupt the update. If you’re updating a shared or networked printer, confirm that you have the necessary admin rights and that the printer is not currently in use for critical tasks. Debricking recommends documenting the model number, firmware version, and update date to track patch history and troubleshoot future issues.
Additionally, decide whether you’ll update via USB or over the network. USB updates are straightforward for standalone PCs, while network updates are convenient for multiple devices and centralized management. Know that some models support only one method, while others offer both. Having a plan helps prevent wasted time and potential partial updates that could leave the printer in an inconsistent state.
USB vs network update: Pros and cons
USB updates are often simpler and more controlled. They work well when the printer is physically accessible and you want to isolate the update from other network traffic. However, you must have the correct USB cable and a compatible port on the printer. Network updates can be faster for multiple devices and reduce manual steps, but they require network configuration and proper printer naming or IP access. For mixed environments (home and small office), a network approach can scale better, while USB may be ideal for a single-device setup. Debricking’s guidance favors a network approach for offices with multiple Brother printers to streamline maintenance, while keeping a USB option ready for isolated devices.
Whichever method you choose, ensure you don’t interrupt the printer during the process. A power loss or forced reboot can brick the device or corrupt firmware, leading to longer downtime and possible warranty concerns.
Checking current firmware version and update readiness
Start by checking the printer’s current firmware version directly from the device menu or through your computer using the Brother software. Compare it with the latest version listed on the official Brother support page for your exact model. If they match, you may not need an update; if newer, proceed with the update steps. Ensure the printer has a stable power supply and sufficient remaining memory to complete the update. If you’re updating across a fleet, verify each model’s compatibility and anticipated downtime to minimize business disruption.
How to perform a USB update (quick flow)
- Power off and connect the printer to your computer with the correct USB cable. 2) Download the latest firmware file from Brother’s official site and save it to an accessible folder. 3) Run the Brother update utility, select the connected printer, and point it to the firmware file. 4) Start the update and let it complete without disconnecting power or cable. 5) Reboot the printer and verify the version.
Troubleshooting common update issues
If the update stalls or the printer reports a fault, restart the process from the beginning after ensuring power stability. Verify that you downloaded the correct firmware file for your exact model. Check for any error codes in the update utility and consult the Brother support docs for model-specific remedies. If issues persist, consider reverting to a previous version if available through the official support channel, or contact Brother support. Debricking recommends keeping a record of error codes and steps taken to expedite future assistance.
Best practices for safe firmware updates
Always back up critical printer settings or custom configurations before updating. Use a reliable power source or uninterrupted power supply (UPS) if available. Prefer the latest firmware from Brother’s official site and avoid third-party files. Perform updates during off-peak hours to minimize impact on operations and have a contingency plan if something goes wrong. After updating, reconfigure any personalized settings and test key functions (print, scan, copy) to confirm stability.
Post-update verification and maintenance
Once the update completes, verify the firmware version and confirm all core functions run as expected. Print a test page, scan a document, and check network connectivity if the printer is used across devices. Keep a small maintenance log noting the version, date, and any observed improvements or issues. Schedule future checks at regular intervals to catch incremental updates early and maintain consistent performance.
Tools & Materials
- PC or Mac computer(With internet access and administrator privileges)
- Printer connected to power and ready(Ensure the printer is powered on and not in sleep mode during the update)
- Network access to printer (Wi‑Fi or Ethernet)(Required for network-based updates or fleet management)
- USB cable (for USB update method)(Use the correct USB type for your printer model; optional if updating over network)
- Brother official firmware update utility/app(Download from Brother's official site for your model)
- Stable internet connection(Prefer wired LAN for reliability during download and update)
- Backup of printer settings (optional but recommended)(Record current settings before updating)
Steps
Estimated time: 30-60 minutes
- 1
Prepare your equipment and model check
Identify your exact Brother printer model and current firmware version. Gather a computer with internet, ensure the printer is powered on, and confirm administrative access. This preparation prevents wrong firmware installs and wasted time.
Tip: Double-check the exact model number on the printer label or screen before proceeding. - 2
Choose update method (USB or network)
Decide whether to update via USB connection or over the network. USB is straightforward for a single device; network updates scale for multiple printers. Ensure you have the required cables or network credentials ready.
Tip: If updating multiple devices, plan a centralized update window to minimize downtime. - 3
Download the correct firmware file
From Brother’s official support site, locate and download the firmware file that exactly matches your model and region. Save it to a known folder on your computer.
Tip: Avoid using generic firmware files from third-party sites to prevent bricking. - 4
Run the update utility and select the printer
Open the official Brother updater tool, choose your printer (by USB connection or network name/IP), and point it to the downloaded firmware file. Confirm the model match before starting.
Tip: If the tool prompts to verify model, do not proceed if it mismatches. - 5
Start update and monitor progress
Begin the update and monitor the progress bar. Do not unplug power or disconnect cables during the process. Allow the utility to finish and the printer to reboot automatically.
Tip: If the device stalls, pause, then retry after a power cycle. - 6
Verify the update and restore settings
Check the firmware version to confirm the update succeeded. Print a test page and run a scan/copy test if applicable. Reapply any customized printer settings saved beforehand.
Tip: Document the new version for future reference. - 7
Document and schedule next check
Record the date and firmware version in your maintenance log. Schedule periodic checks for new firmware releases to keep the device secure and compatible.
Tip: Set a reminder to review updates every 6–12 months.
Questions & Answers
Do I need to update firmware for every Brother printer model?
Not every model requires updates at the same time. Check the official support page for your exact model to see the latest version and any model-specific steps. If the version is current, an update might not be necessary.
Check your model’s page to see if a newer firmware is available; if not, you can skip the update for now.
Can I revert to a previous firmware version if something goes wrong?
Some models allow downgrades, but this depends on the model and firmware availability. Follow Brother’s official guidance to perform any downgrade and be aware it may void warranties.
Downgrades aren’t always supported; consult Brother support before attempting.
What should I do if the update stalls or fails?
If the update stalls, power cycle the printer and retry with the correct firmware file. If it continues to fail, contact Brother support and provide the error codes. Do not attempt repeated upgrades without verifying the issue.
If it stalls, restart and try again with the correct file; contact support if needed.
Will updating firmware affect network settings or stored configurations?
Firmware updates can reset some network settings on rare occasions. After updating, re-check network configuration and printer connectivity. If you rely on static IPs, verify them post-update.
Most updates preserve settings, but it’s wise to verify after updating.
Is it safer to update via USB or network for a single printer?
For a single printer, USB updates often offer a straightforward, isolated path with less risk of network interference. Network updates are efficient for fleets but require careful configuration to avoid cross-device issues.
Single-device updates are usually easier via USB; fleets benefit from network updates.
What if I don’t see a firmware update for my model?
If no update is listed for your exact model, your device is likely at the latest version supported by Brother. Regularly check the support page for any model-specific notices or security advisories.
If there’s no listed update, you’re likely up to date; check back later for advisories.
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Top Takeaways
- Update firmware to improve reliability and security.
- Choose USB or network method based on device count and access.
- Always verify the firmware version after the update.
- Back up settings before updating and test critical functions.
- Document the update for future maintenance.
