7 Common Problems Solved Brother Printer Not Printing Issue
Brother printers are known for their reliability, performance, and ease of use, but like any electronic device, they can sometimes stop functioning as expected. One of the most frustrating issues users encounter is when the printer simply won’t print. Whether you’re trying to print an urgent document or a routine form, a non-responsive printer can cause significant delays.
This guide offers an in-depth look at common reasons why a Brother printer may not be printing and how to troubleshoot and fix the problem effectively. Whether you’re using a Windows PC, macOS, or printing over Wi-Fi or USB, the following steps can help you get your printer working again.
Common Reasons Why a Brother Printer Is Not Printing
Before jumping into fixes, it helps to understand the common causes:
Connection issues (USB or Wi-Fi not detected)
Printer set to “Offline” or “Paused”
Driver issues or outdated software
Empty or improperly installed ink/toner cartridges
Paper jams or hardware errors
Print jobs stuck in the queue
Incorrect printer selected as default
Sleep mode or power issues
Identifying the root cause is the key to resolving the issue quickly.
1. Check Physical Connections and Power
Start with the basics:
Power On: Make sure the printer is turned on. Look for lights or a display screen to confirm it’s receiving power.
USB Connection: If you’re using a USB cable, make sure it’s securely connected to both the printer and the computer. Try a different USB port if needed.
Wi-Fi Connection: If connected wirelessly, check that your printer is connected to the correct network. You can usually see the network status on the printer’s display.
If the printer isn’t connected to the network or your computer, it won’t be able to receive print jobs.
2. Set the Correct Printer as Default
Sometimes your computer might be trying to send the document to a different printer or a virtual printer (like “Microsoft Print to PDF”).
Windows:
Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers
Right-click your Brother printer and select Set as default printer
Ensure it has a green check mark next to it
macOS:
Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
Select your Brother printer and make it the default
Try printing again after confirming the correct printer is selected.
3. Cancel All Print Jobs and Restart
Print jobs may get stuck in the queue, causing the printer to freeze or appear unresponsive.
Windows:
Go to Devices and Printers
Right-click your Brother printer > See what’s printing
In the print queue window, click Printer in the menu and select Cancel All Documents
macOS:
Open Printers & Scanners
Select the printer, then click Open Print Queue
Cancel or delete any stuck print jobs
After clearing the queue, restart both your printer and computer.
4. Check Printer Status (Offline or Paused)
Sometimes printers are set to “Offline” or “Paused” mode.
In the print queue window, ensure that Use Printer Offline and Pause Printing are not checked.
If either option is enabled, uncheck it and try printing again.
Also, check the printer display panel for any error messages like "Paper Jam," "No Ink/Toner," or "Replace Drum Unit."
5. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause communication problems between your computer and printer.
Visit the official Brother support website
Download the latest Full Driver & Software Package for your printer model
Uninstall the current driver from your system
Reinstall the new driver and restart your computer
This can resolve many issues, especially after system updates.
6. Check Ink or Toner Levels
If your Brother printer uses ink or toner, check whether the cartridges are:
Installed correctly
Low or empty
Genuine Brother cartridges (some printers may not recognize third-party ink)
Open the printer’s cover, reseat the cartridges, and check the display panel for ink or toner warnings. Replace cartridges if necessary.
7. Perform a Test Print or Nozzle Check
Most Brother printers allow you to print a test page directly from the control panel. This helps determine whether the problem lies with the printer or the connection.
Steps may vary by model, but generally:
Press Menu on the printer
Navigate to Print Reports or Maintenance
Select Print Test Page or Nozzle Check
If the test page prints successfully, the issue likely lies with the computer or software, not the printer itself.
8. Restart Devices and Router
Restarting your devices can resolve connectivity and memory-related issues.
Turn off your printer, computer, and router
Wait 30 seconds, then turn them back on
Reconnect to the Wi-Fi network if necessary
After restarting, try printing again.
9. Disable Security Software Temporarily
Some firewalls or antivirus software may block communication between your computer and printer, especially during wireless printing.
Temporarily disable your security software, try printing, and if it works, adjust the firewall settings to allow Brother software and services.
10. Reset Printer to Factory Settings
If all else fails, resetting the printer may clear any internal errors.
Use the printer's control panel to access Initial Setup or Reset
Select Factory Reset or All Settings
Follow prompts to complete the reset
You’ll need to reconnect the printer to your network afterward, but this step can fix deeply rooted software issues.
Conclusion
A Brother printer that won’t print can be frustrating, but most issues are relatively easy to fix with the right approach. Start with simple checks like connections and status settings, then move on to driver updates, ink levels, and queue management. In many cases, these steps can get your printer up and running in just a few minutes.
By understanding the common causes and following the solutions in this guide, you can avoid unnecessary delays and enjoy a smoother printing experience. And if the issue persists, don’t hesitate to contact Brother’s customer support for additional help.