To have a Brother printer offline is annoying as well as time-consuming. So, in this comprehensive guide, we'll cover how to fix Brother printer offline issues and explore the reasons behind the common concern asked by every printer owner: "Why is my Brother printer offline?"
That said, we will cover the following topics:
- Why is my Brother Printer Offline? The Possible Cause
- How to Fix Brother Printer Offline: Initial Checks
- How to Fix Brother Printer Offline in Windows
- How to Fix Brother Printer Offline in Mac
Let's dive right in!
Why is my Brother Printer Offline? The Possible Cause
Before we dig into the solution, you must know why your Brother printer is offline. Here are some of the reasons:
- Cable connectivity issues
- Network connection problem
- Printer configuration issues
- Print queue problems
- Printer driver problems
How to Fix Brother Printer Offline: Initial Checks
The above problems can make your Brother printer hard to print and slow you down. It's time to uncover initial checks!
- Error Messages and Blinking Lights
Look for error messages or blinking lights to pinpoint specific problems like low ink, toner, or paper jams causing the printer to go offline. Resolving these errors can help fix the issue. - Unplugging and Restarting
Unplug and restart the printer and computer. This simple action can refresh the printer configuration and establish a proper connection. - Checking Cable Connections
Examine cable connections. If restarting doesn't work, a damaged or improperly connected cable could be the issue. Check for loose or disconnected cables, damage, or faults. Test different ports or use a new cable to identify the problem. If the printer works with a different cable, replace the original one. - Network Connection Issues
Diagnose network connection problems. Signs include difficulty connecting wirelessly, slow or interrupted printing, and network-related error messages. Follow these steps to resolve network issues.- Check Wi-Fi Signal:
Weak or fluctuating Wi-Fi signals and internet interruptions suggest an unstable network. If you encounter these issues, move your computer closer to the Wi-Fi router. - Verify Printer's Network:
In the network settings menu, confirm that the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network, matching your computer's connection. If not, select the appropriate network and enter the password if needed. - Restart Devices:
If proximity adjustments don't work, power off both the printer and router. Unplug their power cables and wait 30 seconds before plugging them back in and powering them on. This can refresh the network connection.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal:
How to Fix Brother Printer Offline in Windows
When Windows updates occur, Brother printers may show an offline status or stop printing. While this is a common issue, fixing it is simple. Below, you'll find expert solutions to resolve your "Brother Printer Offline" problem on your Windows. Find the issue and then follow the steps below that match your situation.
Solution 1 - Use Window Troubleshooter
The Brother printer offline status can also be fixed by troubleshooting the error.
Step 1. Navigating to Printers and Scanners
- Go to the window search bar.
- Search for the control panel and open it.
- Find "Printers and Scanners."
Step 2. Addressing Issues
- Click on "Manage" and select “run the troubleshooter."
- Allow Windows to identify and address the problem.
Solution 2 - Set Your Brother Printer as Default
Ensure that your preferred printer has been set as the default printer for it to function. Follow the steps below how:
Step 1. Opening Control Panel
- Go to the start menu.
- Find the control panel and open it.
Step 2. Selecting Brother Printer
- Click on “Devices and Printers” in the Control Panel.
- Right-click on your Brother printer from the list.
Step 3. Setting as Default Printer
- Choose "Set as default printer" from the context menu.
- Lastly, run a test page printing.
Solution 3 - Enabled Printer Offline Option
If your Brother printer is set to offline, you may need to turn it enabled for online status. Otherwise, your Window will show the printer's offline error.
Step 1. Opening Control Panel
- Go to the window menu.
- Open the Control Panel from the menu.
Step 2. Navigating to Devices and Printers
- In the Control Panel, search for "System Preferences."
- Click on "Devices and Printers" from the search results.
- Right-click on your Brother printer in the list of devices.
Step 3. Accessing Print Queue
- Select ”See what's printing.”
- Click the “Printer” tab.
Step 4. Checking "Use Printer Offline"
- Ensure "Use Printer Offline" is not checked.
- Click “Printer” again for confirmation.
- And you are all set to go your printer online.
Solution 4 - Print Queue Issues
Stuck Print Jobs
Stuck print jobs can disrupt your printer's functionality. Resolve this by clearing the print queue:
- Step 1: Open the Windows search bar, type "printer", and select "Printer & scanners."
- Step 2: Locate your printer, click on it, and choose "Open print queue".
- Step 3: Identify the documents in the queue, select each one, click "Document", and choose "Cancel" to remove them.
Printing Queue Manager Needs Resetting
Windows' print queue manager may encounter errors, leading to a backlog of print jobs and offline printer issues. Reset the printing system as follows:
- Step 1: Access Windows' search taskbar and type "services". Select "Services" from the search results.
- Step 2: Scroll down to find the Print Spooler service and click it. Choose the "Restart the service" option or right-click on Print Spooler and select "Restart".
Solution 5 - Update Brother Printer Drivers
If your system has outdated or corrupted printer drivers, you must install and update the new version for your window.
Step 1. Opening Devices and Printers
- Go to the window system.
- Type the control panel and click it.
- Now, click the “view devices and printers.”
Step 2. Selecting Brother Printer
- Click Add a printer.
- Find your brother's printer on the list.
Step 3. Installing Printer Driver
- Allow the installation of the necessary driver.
- After installing the driver, a confirmation message will appear.
Step 4. Setting as Default
- Now, put your printer as the default.
- When finished, reboot your Windows systems our system.
How to Fix Brother Printer Offline in Mac 
Similar to Windows, Brother printers on Mac systems can encounter offline status. They can also show printing issues after updates. However, rectifying this error is simple. Here, we present expert solutions to tackle the "Brother Printer Offline" error on your Mac. Find the issue and then follow the steps below that match your situation.
Solution 1 - Use Mac Troubleshooter
The Brother printer offline status can also be fixed by troubleshooting the error.
Step 1. Installing Available Updates
- Go to the Apple menu.
- Search for the software updates.
- If any update is available, install it.
Step 2. Navigating to Print and Scan
- Go to "System and preferences."
- Click on "Print and scan."
Step 3. Resuming Printer
- Double-click your printer.
- If a yellow light appears, click on Resume it.
- Now, try a test page printing.
Solution 2 - Printer Not Set as Default
Confirm that your printer is set as the default on your computer. An incorrect printer selection can cause offline issues.
- Step 1: Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
- Step 2: Select the printer you wish to set as default.
- Step 3: Click the "Set Default Printer" button.
Solution 3 - Enabled Printer Offline Option
If your Brother printer is set to offline, you may need to turn it enabled for online status. Otherwise, your Mac will show the printer's offline error.
Step 1. Opening Printers and Faxes
- Go to the Apple menu.
- Open Printers and Faxes.
Step 2. Disabling the Use Printer Offline
- Connect your printer to your Mac by double-clicking it.
- Now, uncheck the printer offline.
Step 3. Resuming Printer
- It is switched to online from offline mode.
- Next, open System Preferences.
- Go to “Printer and Fax” and click Resume.
Solution 4 - Print Queue Problems
Stuck Print Jobs
Stuck print jobs can disrupt your printer's functionality. Here's how to clear the print queue:
- Step 1: Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > Printers and scanners.
- Step 2: Select your active printer and click the “Open Print Queue” button.
- Step 3: In the print queue, choose the print job you want to cancel and click the close button (X) next to it.
- Step 4: To clear the printer queue completely, either press “Command + A” to select all print jobs and then press “Command + delete” to cancel them, or click on "Printer" in the menu bar and select "Cancel All Documents."
Printing Queue Manager Needs Resetting
If Mac's print queue manager encounters errors, it can lead to a backlog of print jobs and offline printer issues. Here's how to reset the printing system:
- Step 1: Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners (scroll down if needed).
- Step 2: Control-click on any empty space within the printer list area and select "Reset printing system" from the context menu.
- Step 3: Confirm the reset in the pop-up dialog, which will remove all printers.
- Step 4: Enter your administrator password if prompted and click "OK."
- Step 5: After resetting, add your printers again by clicking the "+" button in the Printers & Scanners window and following the on-screen instructions.
Solution 5 - Update Brother Printer Drivers
If you have outdated or corrupted printer drivers in your Mac system, you need to install and update the new version for your device.
Step 1. Navigating to System Preferences
- Go to the Mac menu.
- Then go to System and Preference.
Step 2. Uninstalling Current Printer
- Next, click printer and scanners.
- Select your printer and click (-) to uninstall it.
Step 3. Installing Printer
- Then, download a new driver from the official brother's site.
- Restart your printer before installing new.
- Select the installed printer and install it.
Step 4. Accessing System Preferences Again
- Go to the Apple menu and click “System and Preference.”
- Next, click printer and scanners.
Step 5. Adding the Printer
- Select your printer and click (+) to add it.
- Now, your printer is set to print.
Final Words
In a nutshell, learning how to fix Brother printer offline issues is necessary for smooth printing. We've covered the possible causes, initial checks, and provided solutions for this problem on Mac and Windows operating systems.
If you're still wondering, "Why is my Brother printer offline?" despite trying the tips we've shared above, don't hesitate to contact your printer manufacturer's support or seek assistance from professional technicians. They are readily available to help you get your printer back online and ensure it operates smoothly.
For more articles and helpful tips, visit our website. For concerns and inquiries, call our toll-free number: 1-833-465-6888. Our support is available Monday to Friday, 6 am to 4 pm PT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Brother printer showing offline?
The Brother Printer Offline status appears for several reasons. These can be:
- Network Connection Problems: The printer may have lost its connection to the network. This can happen due to Wi-Fi signal issues, interruptions, or incorrect network settings.
- Cable Connection Issues: Check for loose or damaged cables if your printer is connected via a USB cable. A faulty connection can cause the printer to appear offline.
- Print Queue Problems: Stuck print jobs in the print queue can prevent new print jobs from being processed, leading to an offline status.
- Printer Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can disrupt communication between the computer and the printer, causing it to go offline.
- "Use Printer Offline" Setting: Windows has a feature that allows you to use the printer in an offline mode. If this feature is enabled, it can make the printer appear offline.
My Brother printer keeps going offline. How to fix this?
- Unplugging and Restarting: Disconnect the printer and computer, then restart both. This refreshes the printer configuration and establishes a proper connection.
- Checking Cable Connections: Examine cable connections for damage or loose connections. If restarting doesn't resolve the issue, consider using a new cable if the printer works with it.
- Network Connection Issues: Diagnose network problems such as slow or interrupted printing, wireless connectivity issues, or network-related errors.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal: Weak or fluctuating Wi-Fi signals can lead to an unstable network. Move your computer closer to the Wi-Fi router to strengthen the connection.
- Verify the Printer's Network: In network settings, ensure the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network matching your computer's connection. Make adjustments if necessary.
- Restart Devices: If proximity and cable checks don't help, power off the printer and router, unplug their power cables for 30 seconds, and then power them back on to refresh the network connection.
- Set Your Brother Printer as Default: Designate your preferred printer as the default on your computer for proper functionality.
- Print Queue Issues:
- Stuck Print Jobs: Clear the print queue by removing stuck print jobs.
- Printing Queue Manager Needs Resetting: Reset the printing system if Windows' print queue manager encounters errors, causing a backlog of print jobs and offline printer issues.
- Firewall or Antivirus Blocks: Firewall or antivirus software on your computer may mistakenly block the printer's access to the network, resulting in an offline status.
- Invalid IP Address: An incorrect or dynamic IP address assignment can cause the printer to lose its connection to the network.
For more information, check out our guide above.
My Brother printer is offline but connected to WiFi. What should I do?
If your device is properly connected to the correct network with a strong signal, and your USB cable is securely plugged in without damage, the problem of your device showing an offline status is probably due to outdated or incompatible drivers or incorrect printer settings. To fix this, refer to the tips provided above that are most relevant to your specific situation.