Brother printers are renowned for their reliability and efficiency. However, it can be frustrating when your printer is stuck in an “offline” state, preventing you from completing essential tasks. Fortunately, turning a Brother printer back online is a straightforward process when approached methodically. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this issue how to turn brother printer online and provide detailed steps to resolve it, ensuring your Brother printer is ready for use whenever you need it.
Understanding Why a Brother Printer Appears Offline
Before troubleshooting, it’s essential to understand the common reasons why your Brother printer might show as offline:
- Connectivity Issues:
- Unstable or disconnected Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB connection.
- Printer Settings:
- The printer is not set as the default device.
- The “Use Printer Offline” option is enabled.
- Print Queue Problems:
- Stuck or paused print jobs in the queue.
- Driver or Software Issues:
- Outdated or corrupted printer drivers.
- Hardware Problems:
- The printer is powered off or in sleep mode.
- Firewall or Security Restrictions:
- Network communication blocked by security software or settings.
Identifying the root cause helps you apply the right solution effectively.
Steps to Turn a Brother Printer Online
Follow these steps to resolve the issue and bring your Brother printer back online.
1. Check the Printer’s Power and Connectivity
Begin by ensuring the printer is ready to operate:
- Power Check:
- Make sure the printer is turned on. Look for indicator lights or display messages confirming its status.
- If the printer is in sleep mode, press the power button or any key on the control panel to wake it.
- Connection Check:
- For a wired connection, ensure the USB or Ethernet cable is securely attached to both the printer and computer.
- For a wireless connection, verify that the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
2. Set the Printer as Default
If you have multiple printers installed on your system, Windows or macOS may direct print jobs to the wrong device.
On Windows:
- Open Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.
- Locate your Brother printer, right-click on it, and select Set as Default Printer.
On macOS:
- Open System Preferences and navigate to Printers & Scanners.
- Select your Brother printer and set it as the default device.
3. Check the Printer’s Status
The system may pause the printer or set it to offline mode.
On Windows:
- Open the Devices and Printers section in the Control Panel.
- Right-click on your Brother printer and select See What’s Printing.
- In the new window, click Printer in the top menu.
- Uncheck Use Printer Offline and ensure Pause Printing is not selected.
On macOS:
- Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
- Select your Brother printer and open the print queue.
- Resume the printer if it’s paused.
4. Clear the Print Queue
A stuck or failed print job can prevent the printer from coming online.
- Open the print queue (as described above).
- Cancel any pending print jobs by selecting them and clicking Cancel or Delete.
After clearing the queue, print a test page to verify the printer’s status.
5. Restart the Printer and Computer
Restarting both devices can resolve temporary glitches:
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source for about 5 minutes.
- Restart your computer.
- Reconnect the printer and turn it back on.
Check if the printer is now online.
6. Reinstall or Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of offline printer issues.
To Update Drivers:
- Visit the Brother Support Website.
- Enter your printer model to download the latest drivers compatible with your operating system.
- Install the drivers following the on-screen instructions.
To Reinstall Drivers:
- Uninstall the existing printer drivers from your computer.
- On Windows: Use the Add or Remove Programs feature in the Control Panel.
- On macOS: Delete the printer from Printers & Scanners and remove associated software.
- Reinstall the drivers by downloading them from the Brother website.
7. Reset the Printer’s Network Settings
For wireless printers, resetting the network settings can resolve connection issues.
- Locate the Network option in your Brother printer’s control panel.
- Select Reset Network Settings or Restore Default Settings.
- Reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.
8. Assign a Static IP Address
Dynamic IP addresses can change, disrupting the connection between your computer and the printer. Assigning a static IP ensures consistent communication.
- Log in to your router’s admin panel via a web browser.
- Reserve a static IP for the printer under the Connected Devices section.
- Update the printer’s network settings to use this static IP address.
9. Check Firewall and Security Settings
Firewall or security software can block the printer from communicating with your computer.
On Windows:
- Open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
- Select Allow an App or Feature Through Windows Defender Firewall.
- Ensure that you list and enable your Brother printer or its related software.
On macOS:
- Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
- Click Firewall Options and allow printer communication if blocked.
10. Reset the Printer
If all else fails, performing a factory reset on the printer can resolve persistent offline issues.
- Access the Settings menu on your Brother printer.
- Navigate to Reset or Factory Reset options.
- Confirm the reset and reconfigure the printer settings.
Tips to Prevent Brother Printer from Going Offline
- Regular Updates: Keep your printer firmware and drivers up to date.
- Stable Connections: Ensure your printer is connected to a reliable network.
- Assign Static IP: Prevent disruptions caused by changing IP addresses.
- Printer Maintenance: Clean and service your printer periodically to avoid hardware issues.
- Monitor Print Queue: Clear failed jobs promptly to prevent print queue problems.
Conclusion
Turning a Brother printer online is usually a straightforward process involving simple checks and adjustments. By addressing connectivity, settings, and driver issues, you can ensure your printer remains functional and reliable. If the problem persists after trying all the solutions, consider contacting Brother customer support for expert assistance. With the right maintenance and troubleshooting steps, your Brother printer will consistently meet your printing needs.
