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I was out of ink on my printer so I replaced the ink cartridge. It kept saying the printer wasn't available. I deleted the printer, did software upgrade and now I can't add a printer. The add printer option doesn't search or do anything
MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15
Thank you. As indicated by Old Toad, a Brother MFC-J475DW is mentioned in About AirPrint - Apple Support as a model supporting the driverless AirPrint technology. This means that it should be possible to use it without drivers if it is connected to the same network (Wi-Fi router) as the computer. An AirPrint-enabled printer is compatible with macOS (Big Sur).
However, for some reason, nothing about Big Sur here: https://support.brother.com/g/b/oslist.aspx?c=us_ot&lang=en&prod=mfcj475dw_us_as
You could try to reset the printing system and re-add the printer (if possible, using AirPrint):
Reset the Mac printing system to solve a problem - Apple Support
Add a printer on Mac - Apple Support
If the printer is connected via USB, drivers will be needed. We have seen a number of cases where a macOS Catalina 10.15 driver could be used with Brother printers even under macOS Big Sur. You may want to test the 1.6.0 printer driver here: https://support.brother.com/g/b/downloadlist.aspx?c=us_ot&lang=en&prod=mfcj475dw_us_as&os=10060
As with any test, things do not always work. Software conflicts cannot be ruled out. Data may be lost. So, before carrying out tests, make sure that you have multiple copies of all important files (documents, photos, et cetera).
Thank you. As indicated by Old Toad, a Brother MFC-J475DW is mentioned in About AirPrint - Apple Support as a model supporting the driverless AirPrint technology. This means that it should be possible to use it without drivers if it is connected to the same network (Wi-Fi router) as the computer. An AirPrint-enabled printer is compatible with macOS (Big Sur).
However, for some reason, nothing about Big Sur here: https://support.brother.com/g/b/oslist.aspx?c=us_ot&lang=en&prod=mfcj475dw_us_as
You could try to reset the printing system and re-add the printer (if possible, using AirPrint):
Reset the Mac printing system to solve a problem - Apple Support
Add a printer on Mac - Apple Support
If the printer is connected via USB, drivers will be needed. We have seen a number of cases where a macOS Catalina 10.15 driver could be used with Brother printers even under macOS Big Sur. You may want to test the 1.6.0 printer driver here: https://support.brother.com/g/b/downloadlist.aspx?c=us_ot&lang=en&prod=mfcj475dw_us_as&os=10060
As with any test, things do not always work. Software conflicts cannot be ruled out. Data may be lost. So, before carrying out tests, make sure that you have multiple copies of all important files (documents, photos, et cetera).
According to this Apple document, About AirPrint - Apple Support, your printer is compatible with AirPrint.
Check the manual for the printer on now to connect it to your LAN and then add the printer in the System Preferences under AirPrint.
I think I figured it out. It's an old printer, Brother MFC-J475 DW. I did a software upgrade to Big Sur, 11.14. That seems to not be compatible with my printer. So I guess I'm getting a new printer, which will make my husband happy. He wanted a new printer anyway. Thanks for replying to my question!
Hi,
Any information about the printer model? How is it connected?
Thank you. I went to the printer and did a set up, apparently it wasn’t connected. So the printer model came up when I tried to add a printer. Thank you very much, I’m back in business
Good news! Glad to hear that it is working.
i can't add my printer
