How to Fix a Brother Printer Offline on Mac

Mills Stanley Updated by Mills Stanley

Brother Printer Offline on mac

When your Brother printer appears as offline on your Mac, it typically means there's a communication issue between the two devices. This can be caused by a variety of factors, from connectivity problems to software glitches. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve this issue.

1. Verify Printer and Network Connection

Ensure the Printer is On:
  • Make sure your printer is powered on. Check the display panel for any error messages or indicators of issues such as paper jams or low ink levels.
Check Network Connection:
  • If you’re using a Wi-Fi connection, ensure the printer is connected to the same network as your Mac. You can usually check this on the printer’s control panel under network settings.
  • For wired connections, verify that the USB or Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the printer and your Mac or router.

2. Restart Devices

Restart the Printer:
  • Turn off the printer, wait for about 30 seconds, and then turn it back on. This can often reset the connection and resolve minor glitches.
Restart Your Mac:
  • A simple restart of your Mac can refresh its network settings and resolve temporary issues.

3. Update Printer Drivers

Download Latest Drivers:
  • Visit the Brother Support Website and download the latest drivers for your printer model. Install these drivers on your Mac to ensure compatibility and improved performance.
Install the Drivers:
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to install the downloaded drivers. Once installed, restart your Mac to apply the changes.

4. Reset Printing System

Sometimes, the printing system on your Mac can become corrupted. Resetting it can clear any issues and allow you to set up your printer again.

Steps to Reset:

  • Open “System Preferences” and go to “Printers & Scanners.”
  • Right-click (or Control-click) in the list of printers on the left and select “Reset printing system.”
  • Confirm the reset when prompted. This will remove all printers from your system.
  • Re-add your Brother printer by clicking the “+” button and following the prompts.

5. Check Printer Status

Set Printer Online:

  • Go to “System Preferences” > “Printers & Scanners.”
  • Select your Brother printer from the list.
  • Click “Open Print Queue.”
  • If the printer is paused or offline, click the “Resume” or “Online” button.

6. Configure IP Address

Assign a Static IP:

  • Sometimes, network printers may go offline if their IP address changes. Assigning a static IP address can prevent this issue.
  • Access your printer’s network settings via its control panel and assign a static IP address within the range of your network.
  • Update the printer settings on your Mac with the new IP address by going to “System Preferences” > “Printers & Scanners,” selecting your printer, and adjusting the settings accordingly.

7. Check for MacOS Updates

Update macOS:

  • Ensure your Mac is running the latest version of macOS. Sometimes, updates include fixes for printing issues.
  • Go to “System Preferences” > “Software Update” to check for and install any available updates.

8. Reinstall Printer

Remove and Re-add Printer:

  • Go to “System Preferences” > “Printers & Scanners.”
  • Select your Brother printer and click the “-” button to remove it.
  • Click the “+” button to add the printer again. Follow the prompts to set it up.

9. Firewall and Security Software

Adjust Settings:

  • Sometimes, firewall or security software can block the printer connection. Check the settings and ensure the printer’s IP address or network port is not being blocked.

10. Contact Brother Support

Seek Professional Help:

  • If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contact Brother Support for further assistance. Provide them with details about your printer model, Mac OS version, and any error messages you’ve encountered.

Conclusion

Dealing with a Brother printer that shows as offline on a Mac can be frustrating, but following these steps should help you identify and resolve the issue. Whether it’s a simple connectivity problem or a more complex software issue, these troubleshooting tips cover a wide range of potential problems. Regularly updating your printer drivers and macOS, along with maintaining a stable network connection, can help prevent these issues in the future. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to Brother Support for expert assistance.

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