article banner

Have you ever thought about how to make printing easy with your Brother printer? Well, at CompAndSave, we've got your back! We're here to provide you with all the essential know-how for troubleshooting, such as Brother printer not printing. Learning how to fix common Brother printer problems isn't just handy; it also saves you time and money. So, are you ready to dive in and get started?

In this guide, we will discuss the following:


Common Brother Printer Problems: Reasons and Solutions

Are you curious about what could go wrong with your Brother printer? Well, here's a thing — not all Brother printer problems need a pro to fix. You can save some cash by solving some basic issues on your own without calling in a technician. Here are a few to look out for:

1. Brother Printer Not Turning On

When your Brother printer is not powering up, it can be confusing. But don't worry — we're here to help you sort it out. Let's tackle some easy steps to understand why your Brother printer is not turning on and what you can do to get it back up and running. Before trying complex solutions, you can start with these basic checks to determine the problem.

  • Check the Power Outlet
    Check your printer's power cable and ensure it is properly connected to the power source. Test the power outlet using other devices to confirm it is working. Consider transferring the connection to another power outlet if not working.
  • Inspect the Cable or Adapter
    Examine the printer's power cable or adapter for any signs of damage. Try using another spare adapter or cable to see if the printer turns on. Consider replacing anything that is faulty immediately.
  • Cool Down the Printer
    Feel the outside of the printer. If it's very hot to the touch, it might have overheated. In this case, turn it off, unplug it, and let it cool for about 15 minutes before attempting to turn it on again.
  • Update Firmware
    Sometimes, outdated printer firmware can lead to power problems. Go to the Brother website and see if a new firmware update is available for your printer model. Then, follow the provided instructions to update the firmware. If you use BROTHER DCP-T420W, you can also follow this video on how to update your firmware.
  • Professional Help
    If you've tried everything mentioned above and your printer still won't turn on, contact Brother's customer support or a skilled technician might be a good idea. They can examine and fix any hidden hardware issues like defective power supply units or printer's internal motherboard that might be causing the problem.

2. Brother Printer Not Connecting to Computer

One of the most common Brother printer problems is that the printer won't connect to your computer. When these connectivity issues arise, it's essential to troubleshoot and resolve them promptly to resume smooth printing operations. Here are some basic checks to help you find and fix the problem:

  • Check Cables
    If using a USB connection, ensure the USB cable is firmly plugged into the printer and computer. If it's not working, try a different USB port.
  • Wi-Fi Connection
    If you're using Wi-Fi, ensure your printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Make sure the Wi-Fi password is correct.
  • Printer's Status
    Confirm that your printer is turned on and ready to print. Look at the printer's screen for any error messages.
  • Driver Software
    Make sure you've installed the correct Brother printer drivers on your computer. Sometimes, if the drivers are old or missing, it can cause connection problems.
  • Firewall and Antivirus
    Check your computer's firewall and antivirus settings. Occasionally, security software can block the printer's communication. Try turning them off temporarily for testing.

Connect Brother Printer to Computer

A. Wired Connection

To connect your printer to your computer with a cable, follow these steps:

  1. Step 1: Look at the ports on the back of your printer and your computer to determine what cords you'll need to connect them. The three types of printer cables are USB AB cable, Ethernet, and parallel cable.
  2. Step 2: Connect the cord to both your printer and PC. Your computer will automatically detect your printer and install the appropriate driver when you complete this step
B. Wireless Connection

For a wireless connection, here are two options you can choose from:

  1. Option 1: Use the WPS button to connect your printer to your wireless network. If both your printer and router have a WPS pairing button, click the WPS button for 2 minutes before pressing the corresponding button on the router.
  2. Option 2: Use your printer's control panel to connect to your wireless network. To connect your Brother printer to the internet, follow these steps:
    1. Step 1: Turn on your Brother printer.
    2. Step 2: On the printer's control panel, press "Menu".
    3. Step 3: Use the arrow keys to select "Network" and press "OK".
    4. Step 4: Choose "Setup Wizard" and press "OK".
    5. Step 5: When asked, select "Yes" to enable the wireless network. This starts the wireless setup.
    6. Step 6: Your printer will search for available networks (SSIDs) and display a list.
    7. Step 7: Pick your network from the list using the arrow keys and press "OK".
    8. Step 8: If you have an "Open System" and "None" for encryption, move on to the next step. If you need a network key, enter it and press "OK".
    9. Step 9: The printer will try to connect to your chosen wireless network.

3. Brother Scanner Not Working

If your Brother printer is refusing to scan, it can be pretty annoying when you need to save documents or pictures. But don't worry! We're here to help you figure out what's going wrong. Let's go through some easy steps to discover why your Brother scanner isn't working and how to get it back on track.

  • Check Connections
    First, ensure your scanner is properly connected to your computer or network. Take a good look at all the cables and connections to make sure they're in place. Try a different USB port if your scanner plugs in with a USB cable.
  • Scanner Settings
    See if your scanner's settings are good to go, especially if it's a network scanner. Make sure it's linked to the correct network and set up correctly. Some network scanners can be adjusted using a web-based tool for settings.
  • Software and Drivers
    Check if you've got the right scanner software on your computer. Make sure you've downloaded the newest drivers from Brother's official website. Sometimes, using old or incompatible software can cause scanning problems.

How to Scan on Brother printer: Step-by-Step Guide

To set up and use the Scan to File feature, follow the steps below:

A. For Windows Users:
  1. Step 1: Open the Control Center by clicking Start > All apps > Brother.
  2. Step 2: Click Brother Utilities.
  3. Step 3: Choose your model name from the pull-down list.
  4. Step 4: Click Control Center.
  5. Step 5: The Control Center application will load in the Task Tray near the system clock.
  6. Step 6: Double-click the Control Center icon in the Task Tray to launch the program window.
B. For MAC Users:
  1. Step 1: Go to Macintosh HD > Library > Printers > Brother > Utilities > Control Center > Control Center.app to open the Control Center.
  2. Step 2: Click the Control Center icon in the Task Tray and click Open to launch the program window.
  3. Step 3: Click on Configuration > SCAN > File.
  4. Step 4: The Scan to File configuration window will appear.
  5. Step 5: The Software Button tab configures the Scan to File button within the Control Center software interface. The Device Button tab configures the Scan key on the Brother printer. Choose the tab you want to configure.
  6. Step 6: You can configure the following properties:
    • • Contrast.
    • • File Type.
    • • Brightness.
    • • Resolution.
    • • Scan Type.
    • • Document Size.
    • • Destination Folder.
    • • Show Scanner Interface.
  7. Step 7: Click OK once you have configured each setting. All subsequent scans will use these settings.
How to Use the Scan to File Feature From the Control Center: Guide
  1. Step 1: Put the document on the scanner bed or Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), depending on the model of your Brother printer.
  2. Step 2: Launch the Control Center following the instructions in Step 1.
  3. Step 3: Double-click on the Control Center icon in the Task Tray to launch the program window
  4. Step 4: On the SCAN menu, click the File button.
  5. Step 5: Your document will be scanned and saved in PDF format.
How to Use the Scan to File Using the Scan key on the Brother printer: Guide
  1. Step 1: Ensure the Control Center has been launched and loaded in the Task Tray near the system clock.
  2. Step 2: Place the document on the scanner glass or Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), depending on the model of your Brother printer.
  3. Step 3: Select Scan to PC > File or Scan to File, then hit OK on the Brother printer's Scan key.
  4. Step 4: To begin scanning, press Start. According to the settings you made in the Device Button tab of the Scan to File configuration window of the Control Center.
  5. Step 5: The document will be scanned and saved to the selected location in PDF format.

Brother Printer Not Printing: Ways to Fix the Problem

If your Brother printer refuses to print, a few issues could need your attention. Fortunately, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try to get your printer back on track. Here are some suggestions to help you identify and fix the problems, allowing you to resume printing smoothly.

1. Brother Printer Offline Issue

Has your Brother printer suddenly gone offline? If your Brother printer shows an offline status, it can be a hassle, especially when printing important documents. Here are some common reasons and quick steps to resolve the issue:

  • Connection Problems
    Ensure all cables connecting your Brother printer are securely plugged in. Examine the USB or Ethernet cables for any damage. Replace them if needed for a reliable connection.
  • Printer Queue Issues
    Access the print queue on your computer and cancel or delete any pending print jobs. Clearing the queue eliminates potential delays and allows your Brother printer to resume normal operation.
  • Network Problems
    Verify that your printer and computer share the same network. Check and adjust Wi-Fi or Ethernet settings if necessary. If issues persist, power off your router, wait and then restart it to refresh the connection and resolve any network-related problems.

For more detailed solutions, click on this guide on how to fix Brother printer offline for Mac and Windows. It will help you understand why your Brother printer might go offline and provide you with practical solutions to get it back online quickly.

2. Paper Jams in Brother Printer

When your Brother printer not printing, one of the causes might be a paper jam. Dealing with a paper jam in your Brother printer can be a common hiccup interrupting your printing tasks and can be frustrating. So, let's walk through some simple steps to figure out why your Brother printer is having a paper jam and how to clear it, so you can get back to printing smoothly!

  • Paper Quality
    Ensure your paper is high-quality, dry, and undamaged to prevent jams.
  • Paper Type and Size Settings
    Ensure the printer settings match the paper type and size to avoid mismatches that can lead to jams.
  • Proper Loading
    Ensure the paper is correctly loaded in the tray, aligned, and not overloaded to prevent jamming.

How to Fix Paper Jam in Brother Printer: Step-by-Step Guide

Here's what you can do to fix paper jam:

  1. Step 1: Turn Off the Printer. Switch off your Brother printer. This ensures your safety while working on the paper jam.
  2. Step 2: Open the Printer Cover. Gently open the printer cover. Look for any visible jammed paper. If you see any, carefully pull it out. Be gentle to avoid damaging the printer.
  3. Step 3: Remove the Paper Tray. Take out the paper tray and set it aside. Check for any paper inside the tray area that may be causing the jam.
  4. Step 4: Inspect the Paper Path. Look where the paper goes inside the printer. Check for any stuck paper. If you find any, gently pull it out. Avoid using excessive force.
  5. Step 5: Reset and Reload. After removing the jammed paper, reset the paper tray back into the printer. Make sure it's loaded correctly with no overfilling or paper misalignment.
  6. Step 6: Close the Printer Cover. Gently close the printer cover. Ensure it's securely shut.
  7. Step 7: Power On the Printer. Turn your Brother printer back on.
  8. Step 8: Test Print. Print a test page to make sure the jam is entirely resolved.

3. Low or Empty Cartridges

If your Brother printer is complaining about low or empty ink cartridges, it might be causing issues with your prints. Let's get your Brother printer back to printing without trouble by figuring out what's happening. Here are some easy fixes you can try:

  1. Step 1: Check Ink Levels. Look for the ink level indicator on your printer's display, or use the printer software on your computer to check the status of the ink cartridges.
  2. Step 2: Identify Low or Empty Cartridge. Identify which ink cartridge is low or empty based on the printer display or software information.
  3. Step 3: Turn Off the Printer. Turn off your printer to prepare for the cartridge replacement process.
  4. Step 4: Access Cartridges. Open the printer cover to access the ink cartridges. Refer to your printer's manual for specific instructions on how to do this for your model.
  5. Step 5: Remove Old Cartridge. Carefully remove the low or empty cartridge by following the guidelines in the printer manual.
  6. Step 6: Insert New Cartridge. Insert the new ink cartridge into the designated slot, ensuring it is securely in place. You can also follow this video on installing cartridges in Brother printer.
  7. Step 7: Close Printer Cover. Close the printer cover properly.
  8. Step 8: Turn On the Printer. Turn on your Brother printer. It may take a moment for the printer to recognize the new cartridge.
  9. Step 9: Print a Test Page. Print a test page to ensure the new cartridge is recognized and your printer is ready to print.

How to Reset Brother Printer: Step-by-Step Guide

If the above troubleshooting steps didn't fix the problem, try resetting your Brother printer, which can be a way to resolve it. This method can be like a refresh button to make your Brother printer work better. Let's check out how to do it.

  1. Step 1: Go to the menu on your printer's control panel.
  2. Step 2: Look for the "Initial Setup" option. Use the Up or Down arrow key to find it and press OK.
  3. Step 3: Find the "Reset" option using the Up or Down arrow key and press OK.
  4. Step 4: Use the arrow key again to choose the type of reset you want to do and press OK. Note that some models might not have different reset functions.
  5. Step 5: Press the option in the table to reset the printer or exit the process. The LCD will show "Reboot OK"?
  6. Step 6: Finally, press the option in the table to reboot the printer or exit the process. Remember that the reset won't finish unless you reboot your printer, and your settings will remain the same.
  7. Step 7: Print a test page to see if the problem is resolved.

Parting Words

Ready to take control of your Brother printer problems? Don't let printing issues hold you back any longer. With the knowledge and practical tips from this guide, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any printer issues, such as Brother printer not printing. Get back to smooth and hassle-free printing, save time, and keep your money where it belongs — in your pocket!

Key Takeaways:

  • Ensure your Brother printer is plugged into a working power source. Test the outlet using a known working device. If the printer is hot, let it cool before restarting. A hard reset or firmware update may also help.
  • If your Brother printer isn't connecting to your computer, check cables for USB connections or ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network for wireless setups. Confirm printer status, install correct drivers, and temporarily disable firewall/antivirus for testing.
  • If the troubleshooting steps don't resolve the issue, consider resetting your Brother printer. Access the menu, find the "Reset" option, choose the reset type, and reboot the printer. Print a test page to ensure the problem is resolved.

For any ink order assistance or inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly team at 1-833-465-6888, toll-free. Our dedicated support is available Monday to Friday, from 6am-4pm PT, ensuring your seamless and enjoyable printing experience. Contact us today!


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my computer does not recognize my Brother printer?

If your computer can't find your Brother printer, check the cables. Make sure they're connected correctly. Then, install the correct drivers for your printer. Lastly, see if your firewall or antivirus settings are causing the problem. These steps can help your computer connect to your printer.

2. Why does my Brother printer keep jamming paper?

Paper jams can happen when your paper isn't of good quality, is not loaded correctly, or your printer's rollers are dirty and need to be cleaned. To stop these jams and fix them, follow the guide's steps. Doing this will keep your printing tasks running smoothly without paper troubles.

3. How often should I replace the drum unit on my Brother printer?

How often you need to change the drum unit in your printer depends on how much you use it. You can check your printer's manual or settings to see when to replace the drum unit. This helps maintain good print quality and keeps your printer working well.

4. Can I use third-party ink or toner cartridges with my Brother printer?

Yes, you can use compatible ink or toner cartridges with your Brother printer, and they are often more budget-friendly. These compatible cartridges are designed to work seamlessly with your printer, delivering quality prints. It's a cost-effective option that many users find highly satisfactory.

5. Why is my Brother printer making strange noises while printing?

Your Brother printer may make strange noises while printing for a few reasons. First, it could be caused by foreign objects like paper clips or debris inside the printer. Second, worn-out or damaged printer parts might be producing unusual sounds. Lastly, a paper jam or improper paper loading can also lead to noise. To fix this, check the printer for foreign objects, replace or repair worn parts, and ensure the paper is loaded correctly to prevent strange printing noises.