SERVICES
Printers going offline can be a frustrating experience, especially when you're in the middle of an important task. If your Brother printer has gone offline, this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue to get your printer back online efficiently.
Why Does a Brother Printer Go Offline?
Understanding the reasons behind the "offline" status is essential for resolving the issue effectively. Common causes include:
Network Connectivity Issues: The printer may lose its connection to the WiFi network or router.
Driver Problems: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause the printer to appear offline.
Incorrect Settings: The printer might not be set as the default printer or may be in offline mode.
Hardware or Cable Issues: Faulty USB cables or hardware malfunctions can lead to an offline status.
Steps to Bring Your Brother Printer Back Online
1. Check the Physical Connections
Ensure the printer is powered on and there are no error messages on the printer's display.
For wired connections, check that the USB or Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer.
For wireless printers, verify that the printer is within range of the WiFi router.
2. Verify Printer Status on Your Computer
On your PC, open the Control Panel and select Devices and Printers.
Locate your Brother printer in the list of devices. Right-click on it and select See what’s printing.
In the print queue window, click on Printer in the top menu and ensure that Use Printer Offline is unchecked.
3. Restart the Printer and Router
Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source. Re-plug it and turn it on after waiting for around 30 seconds.
Unplug your WiFi router for a few seconds, then connect it back in to restart it. This helps to re-establish the network connection.
4. Reconnect the Printer to the Network
For wireless Brother printers, reconnecting to the network can often resolve the issue:
Access the printer’s Settings or Menu from the control panel.
Navigate to Network Settings or Wireless LAN Setup.
Select your WiFi network from the list and enter the password if prompted.
5. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause connectivity issues.
Visit the official Brother support website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
Install the drivers on your computer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer after the installation is complete.
6. Clear the Print Queue
A jammed or overloaded print queue can prevent the printer from coming back online:
Go to Devices and Printers in the Control Panel and right-click on your Brother printer.
Select See what’s printing, then click Printer > Cancel All Documents.
Restart the printer to clear the queue.
7. Set the Printer as Default
If another printer is set as the default, your Brother printer may appear offline:
Right-click on your Brother printer in Devices and Printers.
Select Set as default printer from the menu.
8. Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Most operating systems offer a built-in printer troubleshooter to diagnose and fix common issues:
On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
Select your Brother printer and click Manage, then Run the troubleshooter.
9. Check Firewall or Antivirus Settings
Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software may block the printer's communication:
Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software and check if the printer comes back online.
If the issue is resolved, add your printer to the software’s list of allowed devices.
10. Perform a Factory Reset
If all else fails, a factory reset can restore your printer to its default settings:
Access the printer’s control panel and navigate to Settings > All Settings > Initial Setup.
Select Reset and confirm the action. Reconfigure the printer for your network after the reset.
FAQs
Why is my Brother printer offline but connected to WiFi?
This could happen due to a mismatch between the printer’s IP address and the network. Restarting the router and reconnecting the printer usually resolves this issue.
How do I reconnect my Brother printer to WiFi?
Use the printer’s control panel to navigate to Network Settings or Wireless LAN Setup, select your WiFi network, and enter the password.
What should I do if my Brother printer still doesn’t come online?
Check for hardware issues, update the drivers, or perform a factory reset. Get help from Brother customer service if the issue continues.
Can I use my Brother printer without WiFi?
Yes, you can connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable for wired printing.
Conclusion
Bringing your Brother printer back online requires a systematic approach to diagnose and resolve the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly restore your printer’s functionality and resume your tasks. Regular maintenance, updating drivers, and ensuring proper network settings can help prevent similar issues in the future. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to Brother’s customer support for expert assistance.
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