Many people face the frustrating issue of a Brother printer that won’t print. This common problem can stem from various causes, ranging from simple connection issues to more complex software glitches. Checking the printer’s connection, ensuring it has paper and ink, and restarting both the printer and computer often solves the problem.
If these basic steps don’t work, the issue might be with the printer driver or settings. Updating the printer software or reinstalling the driver can fix many printing problems. It’s also worth looking at the print queue to see if any stuck jobs are blocking new prints.
For network printers, making sure the printer is properly connected to the Wi-Fi or ethernet can resolve printing issues. Sometimes, setting a static IP address for the printer on the network can help maintain a stable connection and prevent printing problems.
Key Takeaways
- Check connections, paper, and ink before trying more complex solutions
- Update or reinstall printer drivers if basic troubleshooting doesn’t work
- Ensure proper network setup for Wi-Fi or ethernet connected printers
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
When a Brother printer won’t print, a few basic checks can often fix the problem. These steps focus on the printer’s status and connection methods.
Checking Printer Status
First, make sure the printer is on. Look for lights on the control panel. If it’s off, turn it on and wait for it to warm up. Check if the printer has paper and ink or toner. Low supplies can stop printing. Look at the printer’s screen for error messages. These can point to specific issues.
Open the printer cover and check for paper jams. Remove any stuck paper gently. Close all covers fully. Try printing a test page from the printer’s menu. This can help spot hardware problems.
Verifying Connection Methods
Check how the printer connects to the computer. For USB, make sure the cable is plugged in tight at both ends. Try a different USB port or cable. Don’t use a USB hub – connect directly to the computer.
For wireless printers, check if it’s connected to your Wi-Fi network. Look for a Wi-Fi symbol on the printer’s display. Try printing the network settings page to see the printer’s IP address. Make sure the computer is on the same network as the printer.
For Bluetooth connections, check if Bluetooth is on for both the printer and device. Try re-pairing them. On Windows, go to Devices and Printers. Set the Brother printer as the default if it’s not already.
Advanced Diagnosis and Resolution
When a Brother printer won’t print, there are several steps you can take to fix the problem. These include managing the print queue, updating drivers, and checking printer settings.
Managing Print Queue
Print jobs can get stuck in the queue and stop new documents from printing. To fix this:
- Open the Control Panel
- Click “Devices and Printers”
- Right-click your Brother printer
- Select “See what’s printing”
- Click “Printer” in the menu bar
- Choose “Cancel All Documents”
If jobs are still stuck, restart the Print Spooler service:
- Press Windows key + R
- Type “services.msc” and hit Enter
- Find “Print Spooler”
- Right-click and select “Restart”
This often clears up printing issues caused by a jammed queue.
Updating or Reinstalling Printer Drivers
Old or corrupt drivers can cause printing problems. To update:
- Go to the Brother website
- Find your printer model
- Download the latest driver
- Install it on your computer
If updating doesn’t work, try a full reinstall:
- Uninstall the current driver from Control Panel
- Restart your computer
- Download the “Full Driver & Software Package” from Brother
- Install it following the on-screen steps
New drivers often fix compatibility issues with Windows updates.
Ensuring Correct Printer Configuration
Check that your printer is set up correctly:
- Make sure it’s set as the default printer
- Verify the correct port is selected
- Check paper size and type settings
For wireless printers:
- Confirm the printer is connected to your network
- Make sure your computer is on the same network
- Try printing a test page
If these steps don’t work, use Brother Utilities to run a diagnostic test. This tool can find and fix many common printer issues automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brother printers can encounter various printing issues. These can stem from connectivity problems, hardware malfunctions, or software glitches. Here are some common questions and solutions:
Why does my Brother printer show as connected but still not print?
This often happens due to driver issues or print queue problems. Try updating the printer driver. Also, clear the print queue by canceling all pending print jobs. Restart both the printer and computer to reset connections.
What causes a Brother printer not to print even when the ink cartridges are full?
Clogged print heads are a frequent cause. Run the printer’s cleaning cycle. Check if the cartridges are properly installed. Make sure you’re using genuine Brother ink cartridges. Incorrect cartridges can cause printing issues.
How can I resolve issues with my Brother printer printing blank pages?
First, check ink levels and replace low cartridges. Clean the print heads using the printer’s maintenance menu. If the problem persists, try printing a test page. This can help identify if the issue is with the printer or the file you’re trying to print.
What troubleshooting steps can be taken if a Brother printer won’t print wirelessly?
Check if the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Ensure the computer or device is on the same network. Restart the router and printer. Try reinstalling the printer on your device. As a last resort, reset the printer’s network settings.
What should be done when a Brother printer is not printing from mobile devices?
Verify that the mobile device and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Update the Brother print app on your mobile device. Check if the printer supports mobile printing. Some older models may not have this feature.
How can I fix the problem where my Brother printer is not responding in Windows 10?
Start by checking the USB or network connection. Make sure the printer is set as the default printer in Windows settings. Update or reinstall the printer driver. If these steps don’t work, try adding the printer manually using its IP address.
