Can You Use HP Drivers for a Brother Printer?

The short answer is No — you cannot use HP drivers for a Brother printer.
Every printer brand creates its own set of drivers designed specifically for its hardware, features, and communication protocols. HP drivers are built for HP printers. Brother drivers are built for Brother printers.

So, if you try using HP drivers on a Brother printer, the device won’t communicate properly with your PC, leading to:

• Printer not responding

• Wrong print commands

• Missing features

• Error messages

To ensure your printer works smoothly, you must download and install official Brother drivers from Brother’s support website.

Why HP Drivers Won’t Work with Brother Printers

1. Different Hardware Architecture

HP printers and Brother printers use different internal systems. Drivers must match the hardware exactly.

2. Different Communication Protocols

Each brand uses unique communication languages between the printer and computer (PCL, PostScript variations, proprietary protocols).

3. Feature Mismatch

Brother printers may have features like scan-to-cloud, duplex modes, or wireless setup that HP drivers cannot control.

4. Security and Firmware Conflicts

Incorrect drivers can cause compatibility issues, updates to fail, or even security warnings.

What You SHOULD Do Instead

✓ Download Official Brother Drivers

Go to the official Brother support page:
➡️ support.brother.com (search for your model)

✓ Install the Full Driver & Software Package

This includes:

• Printer driver

• Scanner driver

• Wireless setup tool

• Firmware updater

✓ Keep Drivers Updated

Brother frequently releases updates to improve performance and security.

As someone who has helped many users troubleshoot printer issues, I’ve noticed one common mistake: trying to install the wrong brand’s drivers. Many users assume printer drivers are universal, but they aren’t.

I once assisted a user who installed HP drivers for their Brother MFC printer. The result?

• The printer showed up on the PC

• But nothing printed

• Scanning didn’t work

• Wi-Fi setup failed

Once we removed the HP driver and installed the correct Brother driver, everything worked instantly.

So trust me — using the right driver saves you time, effort, and frustration.

FAQs

1. Can I use generic drivers instead of Brother drivers?

Yes, but only for basic printing. Generic PCL or PostScript drivers won’t support scanning, wireless setup, or advanced features.

2. Can installing the wrong driver damage my printer?

No, it won’t damage the hardware — but your printer will not work properly.

3. Where do I download Brother drivers?

You can download them from Brother’s official support site:
support.brother.com

4. Do Brother printers work on Windows and Mac?

Yes, Brother provides drivers for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

5. Why is my Brother printer not detected even after installing drivers?

Possible reasons:

• USB cable issue

• Wi-Fi not connected

• Outdated driver

• Firewall blocking the connection

Restarting your PC and printer often helps.

Final Thoughts

You cannot use HP drivers for a Brother printer.
Always install official Brother drivers to ensure full compatibility, smooth printing, and error-free performance. This guarantees the best experience with your device.