Troubleshooting Guide: Brother Printer Won't Print and How to Fix It
If your Brother printer is not printing, it can be a frustrating problem, especially when you need to get documents out quickly. Several factors could be causing the issue, ranging from simple software glitches to hardware problems. This guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to help you get your Brother printer back in working order.
Troubleshooting Guide for Brother Printer Not Printing
1. Check Printer Status
Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, ensure that your printer is powered on and connected properly:
- Power: Verify that the printer is turned on and that there are no error lights or messages on the display.
- Connections: Check that the printer’s power cord is securely plugged in and that the USB or network cable (if applicable) is properly connected.
2. Verify Print Queue
Sometimes print jobs can get stuck in the print queue:
- Windows: Go to the Control Panel, select “Devices and Printers,” right-click on your Brother printer, and select “See what’s printing.” Cancel any stuck jobs and try printing again.
- Mac: Open “System Preferences,” go to “Printers & Scanners,” select your Brother printer, and click on “Open Print Queue.” Clear any pending jobs and retry printing.
3. Set as Default Printer
Ensure that your Brother printer is set as the default printer:
- Windows: Go to “Devices and Printers,” right-click your Brother printer, and select “Set as default printer.”
- Mac: Open “System Preferences,” go to “Printers & Scanners,” select your Brother printer, and set it as the default printer from the drop-down menu.
4. Check for Paper Jams
Paper jams can prevent printing:
- Inspect the Printer: Open all paper trays and access panels to check for any jammed paper. Gently remove any obstructions you find.
- Paper Path: Follow the paper path as outlined in your printer’s manual to ensure no paper is stuck inside.
5. Verify Ink or Toner Levels
Low or empty ink/toner cartridges can cause printing issues:
- Check Levels: Most Brother printers have a display or software utility that shows ink or toner levels. If levels are low, replace the cartridges with new ones.
- Replace Cartridges: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to replace ink or toner cartridges if necessary.
6. Ensure Proper Paper Handling
Improper paper handling can affect printing:
- Paper Size and Type: Make sure you’re using the correct paper size and type for your printer. Check that the paper is loaded correctly and not exceeding the paper tray’s capacity.
- Paper Alignment: Adjust the paper guides in the tray to ensure the paper is aligned properly.
7. Check Printer Settings
Incorrect printer settings can prevent printing:
- Print Properties: Open the print dialog box and check the print settings. Ensure the correct paper size, type, and quality settings are selected.
- Print Mode: Verify that the printer is not set to “Print in grayscale” or “Draft mode” unless intended.
8. Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupt printer drivers can cause issues:
- Download Updates: Visit Brother’s official website, navigate to the support section, and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
- Install Drivers: Follow the installation instructions provided to update your drivers. Restart your computer after installing to ensure the changes take effect.
9. Check Network Connectivity
For networked printers, ensure proper connectivity:
- Wired Connection: Verify that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the printer and the router.
- Wireless Connection: Ensure that the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Check the printer’s display or settings to confirm its network status.
10. Run Printer Troubleshooter
Most operating systems have built-in troubleshooters for printer issues:
- Windows: Go to “Settings,” select “Devices,” then “Printers & Scanners,” and choose “Troubleshoot.” Follow the prompts to diagnose and fix issues.
- Mac: While macOS doesn’t have a built-in printer troubleshooter, you can use the “Printers & Scanners” section in System Preferences to remove and re-add your printer.
11. Check for Firmware Updates
Firmware updates can resolve bugs and improve performance:
- Download Firmware: Visit Brother’s official website and find the support section for your printer model. Download and install any available firmware updates.
- Update Instructions: Follow the provided instructions carefully to complete the firmware update process.
12. Perform a Printer Reset
Resetting your printer to factory settings can resolve persistent issues:
- Access Settings: Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on how to perform a factory reset.
- Reconfigure: After resetting, reconfigure the printer’s settings and try printing again.
13. Test with a Different Application or Document
The issue might be with a specific application or document:
- Different Application: Try printing from a different application or program to see if the problem persists.
- Different Document: Attempt to print a different document to rule out issues with the original file.
14. Contact Brother Support
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your Brother printer still won’t print, it may be time to contact Brother customer support:
- Support Contact: Reach out via phone, email, or online chat for further assistance.
- Warranty and Repairs: If your printer is under warranty, support can help with repair or replacement options.
15. Additional Tips
- Printer Manual: Consult your printer’s user manual for model-specific troubleshooting tips and maintenance guidelines.
- Regular Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the print head and checking for firmware updates, to keep your printer in good working condition.
Conclusion
Addressing a Brother printer that won’t print involves a series of troubleshooting steps, from checking connections and print settings to updating drivers and firmware. By systematically following these steps, you can identify and resolve the issue, ensuring your printer functions correctly. If problems persist, contacting Brother support will provide additional help and potential solutions.
FAQs: Brother Printer Won't Print
1. Why is my Brother printer not printing?
Your Brother printer may not be printing due to various reasons such as a paper jam, low ink or toner levels, incorrect printer settings, or connectivity issues. Check the printer’s display for error messages and follow the troubleshooting steps provided.
2. How can I check if my Brother printer has a paper jam?
Inspect all paper trays and access panels for any jammed paper. Remove any paper or debris gently and ensure the paper path is clear. Refer to your printer’s manual for specific instructions on clearing paper jams.
3. What should I do if my Brother printer shows low ink or toner?
Replace the ink or toner cartridges if they are low or empty. Check the printer’s display or software utility for ink or toner levels. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing cartridges to ensure proper installation.
4. How can I verify that my Brother printer is set as the default printer?
- Windows: Go to “Devices and Printers,” right-click on your Brother printer, and select “Set as default printer.”
- Mac: Open “System Preferences,” go to “Printers & Scanners,” select your Brother printer, and choose it as the default printer from the drop-down menu.
5. Why are print jobs getting stuck in the queue?
Print jobs may get stuck in the queue due to a malfunctioning printer driver or a software glitch. Clear the print queue by canceling any stuck jobs, restart the printer, and try printing again. You may also need to update or reinstall your printer driver.
6. How do I ensure my Brother printer is connected to the correct network?
Verify that your printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network by checking the printer’s display or settings menu. For networked printers, ensure that the Ethernet cable is securely connected or that the printer is connected to the correct wireless network.
7. What steps should I take to update my Brother printer driver?
Visit Brother’s official website and navigate to the support section for your printer model. Download the latest driver and follow the installation instructions provided. Restart your computer after installing the driver to ensure it takes effect.
8. How can I reset my Brother printer to resolve printing issues?
Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on performing a factory reset. This usually involves accessing the printer’s settings menu and selecting the reset option. After resetting, reconfigure your printer settings and try printing again.
9. What should I do if my Brother printer is not printing from a specific application or document?
Try printing from a different application or document to determine if the issue is related to the original file or software. If the printer works with other applications, the problem may be with the specific application or document.
10. How do I check for firmware updates for my Brother printer?
Visit Brother’s official website and find the support section for your printer model. Download and install any available firmware updates by following the instructions provided. Firmware updates can resolve bugs and improve printer performance.
11. Why is my Brother printer not responding to print commands?
Ensure that the printer is turned on, properly connected, and has no error messages. Check your computer’s print settings and make sure the correct printer is selected. Restart both your printer and computer if necessary.
12. How can I troubleshoot if my Brother printer is not printing despite being connected?
Check the printer’s settings, connections, and ink or toner levels. Ensure there are no error messages and that the printer is not in an error state. Clear any print jobs stuck in the queue and update your printer drivers if needed.
13. What should I do if my Brother printer is offline?
Make sure your printer is powered on and connected to the network. Check the printer’s display or control panel for any status messages. Restart both your printer and computer, and ensure that the printer is set as the default device.
14. How can I resolve issues with my Brother printer’s network connection?
Verify that your printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and that your network settings are correct. Check for any network interference and ensure that your router’s SSID is broadcasted. Reconfigure the printer’s network settings if necessary.
15. How can I contact Brother support for further assistance?
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and your Brother printer still won’t print, contact Brother customer support via phone, email, or live chat through their official website. Provide details about your printer model and the issue you’re experiencing for more targeted help.
These FAQs cover common issues and solutions for a Brother printer that won’t print, offering guidance on how to diagnose and fix the problem.