User level: Level 2 (183 points)Since upgrading to OS 27 my older printer software is no longer compatible. This is a Brother Fax 2820 which has worked for years perfectly as a copier, fax and printer. Is there any way to use a generic driver or ? to reinstall it.
Posted on Sep 21, 2026 8:06 PM
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)Sep 21, 2026 8:11 PM in response to BertingAP
Based on user reports, macOS 27 Golden Gate has ‘broken’ printer drivers from several manufacturers.
The Brother Fax 2820 does not support AirPrint, which is the easiest way to connect to a printer and does not require drivers from the manufacturer, only an AirPrint-capable printer.
Rosetta 2 (the macOS engine for running Intel apps on Apple Silicon) is needed for some old printer drivers. Even if it was installed on your Mac previously, the upgrade to macOS 27 Golden Gate removed it for some users (me, included). If Rosetta 2 is not installed and you launch an Intel app, you’ll be prompted to install it. That is what happened here, when I launched an app that I had used frequently on Tahoe then launched for the first time after upgrading to Golden Gate.
That prompt does not happen with a printer driver. Accordingly, it may help to install Rosetta 2 using Terminal. Apple provides instructions for that HERE. Note that if this enables your old printer drivers to work, you’ve only put off the inevitable. As the dialog box above indicates, macOS 27 is the last version that will support Intel-only apps (and printer drivers). If you upgrade to macOS 28, you will need to find another solution – either a new printer (get one that supports AirPrint), or for example setting up a Raspberry Pi as a print server (not too hard and plenty of tutorials, but the cost will be similar to an inexpensive printer).
If that does not help, then the first step is to reset your printing system. Note that doing so will remove all your printers and you will need to re-add them, but that is Apple’s suggested method to solve printing problems.
Steps to Reset the Printing System
Since your printer does not support AirPrint, check the manufacturer’s website, and if there are no updated drivers, then you may be able to set up your printer on macOS using a generic driver.
Steps to Connect and Print
If that does not work, there are two other options:
Option 1: connect the printer to a always-on host computer (like a Mac, Windows PC, or Raspberry Pi) running third-party print server software such as HandyPrint, Onyx, or a CUPS-based solution to share the printer via AirPrint.
Option 2: you may be able to use the manufacturer’s printing app, which is available on the Mac App Store.
Brother iPrint & Scan
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/brother-iprint-scan/id1193539993?mt=12
User level: Level 1 (26 points)Sep 22, 2026 6:49 AM in response to BertingAP
User level: Level 1 (19 points)Oct 18, 2026 4:39 PM in response to BertingAP
For my old laser printer (Brother HL-2132) I installed Rosetta and now it works again fine. I am aware I am putting off the inevitable when I will need a new printer.
User level: Level 7 (28,946 points)Sep 22, 2026 6:18 AM in response to BertingAP
To be clear it is the responsibility of the printer manufacturer to keep their driver software compatible with any new version of macOS, not the other way around. Unfortunately printer manufacturers are notorious for abandoning their products a few years after release. Sad but true.
User level: Level 2 (183 points)Sep 21, 2026 9:51 PM in response to BertingAP
Sadly these didn't work. Even the dropdown menu looking for generic printer was blank.
I get the feeling that the printer is so old that support has run out. This is unfortunate old hardware which still works gets dumped due to software.
User level: Level 3 (595 points)Sep 22, 2026 7:13 AM in response to lkrupp
Ikrupp comment: The printer in question, Brother Fax 2820 is over 20 years old and the 2024 model that has 2820 in its otherwise different name appears to be the modern equivalent. Brother is not being unreasonable.
User level: Level 1 (8 points)Sep 27, 2026 9:16 PM in response to BertingAP
Thanks a bunch! Your tip worked—I can finally use my old printer with ISO27 now. Really appreciate the help!
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256362392