A Complete Guide on Brother Printer Won’t Scan
Brother printers are widely respected for their efficiency, multi-functionality, and reliability. Many Brother models are equipped with built-in scanners, allowing users to digitize documents with ease. However, one common issue users face is when their Brother printer won’t scan to a computer or device. This can happen due to a range of reasons, from network errors and driver problems to misconfigured settings.
If your Brother printer is printing correctly but won’t scan, don’t worry. Most scanning issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to identify and fix the problem.
For Brother Printer Helpline Or Customer Support:
Why Won’t My Brother Printer Scan?
Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand what might be causing the issue. Some of the most common reasons include:
Printer not connected to the same network as the computer
Outdated, missing, or corrupt scanner drivers
Firewall or antivirus software blocking communication
Scanning software not installed or configured properly
Printer in sleep or error mode
IP address conflict or network issues
Using the wrong scan utility or method
Once you’ve identified the likely issue, you can move on to resolving it.
Step 1: Check Physical and Network Connections
For USB-Connected Printers:
Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer.
Try a different USB port on your computer.
Avoid using USB hubs or extension cables.
For Wireless Printers:
Make sure both the printer and the computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Print a Network Configuration Report from the printer’s control panel to confirm the network connection and IP address.
If the printer is offline or not connected, reconnect it using Menu > Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard.
Step 2: Restart Devices
Rebooting both the printer and the computer can often resolve temporary issues.
Turn off the printer and unplug it for 30 seconds.
Restart your computer.
Turn the printer back on and wait for it to fully start up.
Try scanning again.
Step 3: Install or Update Brother Scanner Drivers
Outdated or missing drivers are one of the most common causes of scanning problems.
To Reinstall or Update Drivers:
Visit Brother’s official support website.
Search for your printer model.
Download the Full Driver & Software Package for your operating system.
Uninstall any old Brother drivers from your computer.
Install the new package and restart your computer.
Make sure to select the correct connection method (USB or wireless) during installation.
Step 4: Use the Right Scanning Software
Brother provides utilities like iPrint&Scan and ControlCenter that are designed specifically for scanning.
Brother iPrint&Scan (Windows & macOS):
Download and install from Brother’s support site.
Launch the app and select your printer.
Choose Scan and configure the scan settings.
Click Start Scan to begin.
Brother ControlCenter (Windows Only):
Open ControlCenter from the Start menu.
Select Scan > File / Image / E-mail, depending on your needs.
Choose the destination folder and settings, then scan.
If your printer isn’t detected in these apps, it’s likely a driver or network issue.
Step 5: Confirm the Scanner Is Recognized by the System
On Windows:
Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers
Right-click on your Brother printer > select Scan Properties
Click the Test Scanner button
If the test fails, reinstall the driver or check the connection.
On macOS:
Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
Select your Brother printer from the list
Click Scan > Open Scanner
If this fails, delete and re-add the printer.
Step 6: Scan Directly From the Printer
Some Brother printers allow scanning directly to a PC or email without needing to use software on the computer.
To Scan from the Printer Panel:
Load the document on the scanner glass or ADF.
Go to the Scan menu.
Select Scan to PC (you may need to choose between File, Email, or Image).
Select your computer from the list.
Press Start.
If your computer doesn’t appear on the printer’s list, make sure it’s connected to the same network and that the Brother software is installed.
Step 7: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Firewalls and antivirus programs may block communication between your printer and computer.
Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus.
Try scanning again.
If successful, add Brother apps and services to your firewall’s exception list.
Re-enable the security software afterward.
Step 8: Assign a Static IP Address (Optional)
If the printer's IP address changes often, your computer may lose track of it.
Assign a static IP address to the printer via your router settings.
You can also set a static IP directly on the printer through Menu > Network > TCP/IP > IP Address.
Once set, update the printer settings on your computer to reflect the static IP.
Step 9: Reset the Printer’s Network Settings (If Needed)
If nothing works, consider resetting the printer’s network settings.
On the printer panel, go to Menu > Network > Network Reset.
Confirm the reset.
Reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi and reinstall the drivers on your computer.
When to Contact Brother Support
If you’ve tried all the steps above and your Brother printer still won’t scan, it might be a hardware issue or deeper software problem. Contact Brother customer support for further assistance or to request service if needed.
Conclusion
When your Brother printer won’t scan, it can be frustrating—but in most cases, the issue is minor and easily fixed. Whether it’s a network conflict, outdated driver, or misconfigured settings, the troubleshooting steps in this guide should help you identify and resolve the problem efficiently. Ensuring the proper drivers are installed, the correct software is used, and your devices are connected to the same network is often all it takes to restore scanning functionality.