Brother printers are known for their reliability, but sometimes they won’t print. This can be very frustrating when you need to print an important document. The most common reasons a Brother printer won’t print are connection issues, empty ink cartridges, or outdated drivers.
To fix a Brother printer that won’t print, start by checking the basics. Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to your computer or network. Check that there’s paper in the tray and ink in the cartridges. If these simple fixes don’t work, try restarting both your printer and computer.
If you’re still having trouble, you may need to update your printer drivers or reset the printer’s network settings. Brother’s website has helpful guides for troubleshooting specific models. With a few simple steps, you can often get your Brother printer working again quickly.
1. The Basics
- Power and Connections: Is the printer turned on and properly connected to your computer (USB or Wi-Fi)? Check both ends of the cable, and ensure your Wi-Fi is working correctly.
- Paper and Ink: Make sure you have paper loaded in the tray and that your ink or toner cartridges aren’t empty. Also, check for any paper jams.
- Restart Everything: Restart your computer, printer, and router (if using Wi-Fi). This can often resolve temporary glitches.
2. Driver and Printer Status
- Printer Queue: Open the printer queue on your computer (search for “printers” in your operating system’s search bar) and check for any stalled or errored print jobs. Cancel them if necessary.
- Default Printer: Ensure your Brother printer is set as the default printer on your computer.
- Driver Update: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause problems. Visit the Brother support website (support.brother.com) to download the latest drivers for your printer model and operating system.
3. Deeper Dive
- Test Page: Try printing a test page directly from your printer’s control panel. If this works, the issue is likely with your computer or the connection.
- Offline Status: Sometimes your printer might be set to “offline” in your computer’s settings. Check your printer settings and make sure it’s “online.”
- Firewall and Antivirus: Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software to see if they are interfering with the printer. If this solves the problem, adjust your security software settings to allow your printer to communicate.
- Print Spooler Service: Restart the Print Spooler service on your computer. This service manages print jobs.
- Uninstall and Reinstall: If all else fails, try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer driver and software.
4. Advanced Troubleshooting
- Brother iPrint&Scan: If you’re using the Brother iPrint&Scan app, make sure it’s updated and that your printer is properly connected to the app.
- Network Configuration: For wireless printing, check your router settings and make sure your printer is connected to the correct network. You might need to reconfigure the Wi-Fi settings on your printer.
- Clean the Printer: Dust and debris can sometimes interfere with printing. Carefully clean the printer’s interior, especially the paper feed mechanism.
5. Still Stuck?
- Brother Support: Visit the Brother support website for FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and contact information.
- Manual: Consult your printer’s user manual for specific troubleshooting steps related to your model.
Remember to provide specific details about your printer model and the problem you’re encountering when seeking help, as this will help in providing more accurate solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Check printer connections, paper, and ink levels first
- Restart both the printer and computer to resolve many issues
- Update printer drivers or reset network settings if problems persist
Troubleshooting Brother Printer Issues
Brother printers can sometimes encounter problems that prevent them from printing. These issues often stem from connectivity problems, outdated drivers, or print queue errors.
Checking Printer Status and Connectivity
First, make sure the printer is turned on and has paper. Check the printer’s display for error messages. If using a wireless connection, verify the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. For wired printers, ensure the USB or Ethernet cable is securely plugged in.
To test the connection:
- Open Brother Utilities on your computer
- Select your printer model
- Click “Test Print”
If the test print fails, try connecting via a different method (USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet) to isolate the problem.
Updating or Reinstalling Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause printing issues. To update your Brother printer drivers:
- Go to the Brother website
- Enter your printer model
- Download the latest drivers
- Run the installer and follow the prompts
If updating doesn’t work, uninstall the current drivers and download a fresh copy of the full driver package from Brother’s website.
Clearing Print Queue and Testing
A stuck print job can block other documents from printing. To clear the queue:
- Open “Devices and Printers” on your computer
- Right-click your Brother printer
- Select “See what’s printing”
- Click “Printer” in the menu bar
- Choose “Cancel All Documents”
After clearing the queue, try printing a test page:
- Right-click the printer icon
- Select “Printer properties”
- Click the “Print Test Page” button
If the test page prints, your printer should now work correctly for other documents.
Understanding Brother Printer Specifications
Brother printers come with various features and capabilities. Knowing your printer’s specs helps you use it better and fix problems.
Recognizing Product Information
Brother printers have model numbers printed on them. These numbers tell you what the printer can do. Look for the model number on the front or back of your printer. It might start with HL, MFC, or DCP.
Brother makes different types of printers:
- Laser printers for fast, high-quality prints
- Inkjet printers for photos and color documents
- All-in-one printers that can scan and copy too
Each printer has its own print speed and paper size limits. Check the product manual or Brother’s website to find out what your printer can do.
Identifying Related Documents and Trademarks
Brother provides user guides for each printer model. These guides explain how to set up and use your printer. You can find them online or in the box with your printer.
The Brother name and logo are trademarks. This means only Brother can use them. You might see the ® symbol next to Brother’s name. This shows it’s a registered trademark.
Other names in printer manuals might also be trademarks. Companies own these names and protect them. Always check before using any product names in your own work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brother printers can face various issues that prevent printing. Here are some common problems and solutions to get your printer working again.
Why does my Brother printer not produce printouts despite being connected to the network?
Check if the printer is online and has paper. Make sure it’s set as the default printer. Try restarting both the printer and your computer. If the problem continues, update the printer driver or reinstall it.
How can I resolve my Brother printer not printing despite having full ink cartridges?
Clean the print head using the printer’s maintenance menu. Check for clogged nozzles. If the issue persists, try printing a test page. Make sure you’re using genuine Brother ink cartridges.
What are the steps to troubleshoot a Brother printer that prints blank pages?
Remove and reinsert the ink cartridges. Run a nozzle check to see if all colors are printing. Clean the print head if needed. If the problem continues, try a deep cleaning cycle.
What should I do if my Brother printer is not printing from my mobile device?
Ensure your mobile device and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Check if the Brother iPrint&Scan app is installed and up to date. Restart both your mobile device and printer. Try reconnecting the printer to your Wi-Fi network.
How can I fix issues with Brother printer connectivity on Windows 10?
Update your printer drivers. Check if the printer is set as the default. Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to the same network as your computer. Run the Windows troubleshooter for printers.
What can cause a Brother printer to not power on, and how can it be fixed?
Check if the power cord is securely plugged in. Try a different power outlet. Look for any visible damage to the power cord. If the printer still won’t turn on, it may need professional repair.
