When a Brother printer produces blank pages, it can be frustrating. This issue often stems from problems with ink cartridges, print heads, or printer settings. Checking the ink levels, cleaning the print heads, and updating printer drivers are quick fixes that solve most blank page problems.
Brother printers are known for their reliability, but they can sometimes encounter printing issues. Blank pages may occur due to clogged nozzles, empty ink cartridges, or incorrect software settings. These problems are usually easy to fix without professional help.
Regular maintenance of a Brother printer can prevent many printing issues. Keeping the print heads clean and using high-quality ink can reduce the chances of blank pages. It’s also important to store the printer in a dust-free area and use it regularly to avoid dried-up ink.
Key Takeaways
- Check ink levels and clean print heads to fix blank pages
- Update printer drivers and software settings for better performance
- Regular maintenance prevents most Brother printer issues
Diagnosing Brother Printer Printing Blank Pages
When a Brother printer starts producing blank pages, it can be frustrating. Two main areas to check are the ink cartridges and print settings. These steps will help find and fix the problem.
Verifying Ink Cartridges and Print Quality
First, check the ink levels. Low ink can cause blank pages. Replace any empty cartridges. Next, print a test page. On most Brother printers, press the “OK” or “GO” button three times to print a settings page.
If the test page is blank, try cleaning the print head. Run the cleaning cycle from the printer’s menu. Do this 2-3 times if needed. If cleaning doesn’t work, the print head may be clogged or damaged.
For color printers, make sure you’re not trying to print in color with only black ink. Change the print settings to grayscale if you’re out of color ink.
Inspecting Printer Properties and Settings
Open the Printers folder on your computer. Right-click the Brother printer and select Properties. Check that the correct printer driver is installed. Update the driver if it’s outdated.
In the printer properties, look at the Print Processor and Default Data Type settings. Make sure they match the printer model. Try changing the data type to RAW if it’s set to EMF.
On a Mac, open System Preferences and go to Printers & Scanners. Select the Brother printer and click Options & Supplies. Verify the settings are correct for your model.
If these steps don’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer driver. You may need to contact Brother support for more help.
Resolving Print Issues and Maintenance
Brother printers can sometimes produce blank pages. This section covers ways to fix common problems and keep your printer working well.
Clearing Paper Jams and Cleaning the Print Head
Paper jams can cause blank pages. Open the printer and check for stuck paper. Remove any jammed paper gently. Don’t pull too hard or it might tear.
Dirty print heads can also lead to blank pages. Clean the print heads using your printer’s built-in cleaning function. You can usually find this in the printer menu or settings. Run the cleaning cycle 2-3 times if needed.
Check your ink levels too. Low ink can cause faded or blank prints. Replace empty cartridges with new ones from Brother.
Updating or Reinstalling Printer Drivers
Old or broken printer drivers can cause printing problems. Go to the Brother website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
- Open the Control Panel
- Find “Devices and Printers”
- Right-click your Brother printer
- Choose “Remove device”
- Restart your computer
- Install the new drivers you downloaded
This process can fix many printing issues on both Windows and Mac computers.
Restoring Default Printer Settings and Dealing With System Specifics
If your printer still makes blank pages, try resetting it to factory settings. Look in your printer’s menu for a “Reset” or “Restore Defaults” option.
On your computer, make sure your Brother printer is set as the default:
- Open Control Panel
- Click “Devices and Printers”
- Right-click your Brother printer
- Select “Set as default printer”
For Mac users, check the print queue:
- Open “System Preferences”
- Click “Printers & Scanners”
- Select your Brother printer
- Click “Open Print Queue”
- Delete any stuck print jobs
These steps can solve many common printing problems and help your Brother printer work better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brother printers can sometimes print blank pages. This issue has many causes and fixes. Here are some common questions and solutions.
How do I resolve the issue of my Brother printer producing blank pages even though it has ink?
Check the ink levels first. Low ink can cause blank pages. Next, clean the print head. Go to the printer menu and find the cleaning option. Run it once or twice. If that doesn’t work, try aligning the print head.
What steps should I take if my Brother printer is still printing blank pages after I’ve cleaned it?
Try updating the printer driver. Go to Brother’s website and download the latest version. If that fails, check the paper settings. Make sure they match the paper in the tray. As a last resort, reset the printer to factory settings.
What can I do if my Brother printer is emitting blank pages following a paper jam?
Remove all paper from the tray. Check for torn bits inside the printer. Clean the rollers with a lint-free cloth. Put fresh paper in the tray. Print a test page to see if the problem is fixed.
What troubleshooting methods can I employ when my Brother printer prints blank pages from a Mac?
First, check the print queue. Clear any stuck jobs. Next, try printing from a different app. If that works, the issue may be with the original app. Update both the printer driver and macOS. As a final step, reset the printing system in macOS.
How can I fix my Brother laser printer if it’s only delivering blank pages?
For laser printers, check the toner cartridge. Remove it and shake gently to spread the toner. If that doesn’t work, replace the toner. Also, check the drum unit. It may need cleaning or replacement.
What should I do if my Brother printer is only printing in the middle of the page?
This could be a paper size mismatch. Check the paper size settings in both the printer and your computer. Make sure they match the paper in the tray. If that’s not it, try updating the printer driver.
