Top Ways to Fix Brother Printer Offline on macOS





    Is your Brother printer showing as offline on your Mac when you try to print? This common issue can disrupt your workflow, whether you're using a MacBook, iMac, or Mac Mini. It usually stems from network issues, misconfigured printer settings, outdated drivers, or a stalled print queue. In this guide, we'll walk you through the top ways to fix Brother printer offline on macOS, step by step.

    🔍 Why Is My Brother Printer Offline on macOS?

    Before diving into the solutions, here are a few common reasons why your Brother printer may appear offline:

    • Printer not properly connected to Wi-Fi or USB

    • Printer paused or not set as default

    • Outdated or missing printer drivers

    • macOS printing system errors

    • Print queue stuck or blocked

    • Firewall or antivirus software blocking the connection

    Understanding the cause will help apply the right fix quickly.

    ✅ Top Fixes for Brother Printer Offline on Mac

    🧷 1. Check Printer Connection and Power

    • Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.

    • If using a USB cable, make sure it’s securely connected.

    • You can print a network status report from the printer’s control panel to confirm connectivity.

    🔁 Try restarting both your printer and Mac after checking connections.

    🖨️ 2. Set Brother Printer as Default on macOS

    1. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions)

    2. Navigate to Printers & Scanners

    3. Select your Brother printer, then click Set as Default

    4. If your printer isn’t listed, click the ‘+’ button to re-add it

    ✅ This helps macOS prioritize the correct printer and may bring it online.

    🔄 3. Reset the Printing System

    If your printer still shows offline, resetting the printing system can clear corrupt settings:

    1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners

    2. Right-click (or Control-click) on the printer list

    3. Select Reset printing system…

    4. Re-add your Brother printer after the reset

    ⚠️ Note: This will remove all printers from your Mac, so you’ll need to re-add them.

    🧾 4. Clear the Print Queue

    A stuck job in the print queue can prevent the printer from responding:

    1. Open Printers & Scanners

    2. Select your Brother printer and click Open Print Queue

    3. Delete or cancel any stuck print jobs

    4. Try printing again

    📦 5. Reinstall or Update Brother Printer Drivers on Mac

    Outdated or incompatible drivers often lead to offline errors:

    • Visit the Brother Support Website

    • Enter your printer model and download the latest macOS-compatible drivers

    • Uninstall old drivers from your Mac and install the latest version

    • Restart your Mac after installation

    📝 macOS updates can also impact driver compatibility — always stay updated.

    🌐 6. Reconnect the Printer to Wi-Fi

    If you’re using a wireless printer, it may have lost its connection:

    1. On the printer control panel, go to Network Settings > WLAN > Setup Wizard

    2. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password

    3. Print a Network Configuration Report to confirm connection

    4. On your Mac, re-add the printer via Printers & Scanners

    🛠️ 7. Use AirPrint Instead of Brother Drivers (Optional Fix)

    If Brother’s official drivers don’t work, you can try using AirPrint:

    1. Remove the current Brother printer

    2. Re-add it using the ‘+’ button

    3. Select your printer and choose “Use: AirPrint” from the dropdown menu

    🚀 AirPrint is built into macOS and supports many basic printing functions.

    🔐 8. Disable Firewall or Security Software Temporarily

    Sometimes third-party firewalls or antivirus software block printer communications:

    • Temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus

    • Try printing again

    • If it works, add your Brother printer or IP address to the safe list/exceptions

    🛡️ Remember to re-enable your firewall afterward for security.

    🧠 Tips to Prevent Brother Printer Offline Issue on Mac

    • Always keep your printer firmware and macOS updated

    • Use a static IP address for wireless printers

    • Ensure your printer stays on the same network as your Mac

    • Turn off the printer properly to avoid startup glitches

    • Run regular maintenance via Brother iPrint&Scan App

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q1. Why does my Brother printer keep going offline on my Mac?
    A: It may lose connection due to Wi-Fi issues, outdated drivers, or print queue errors.

    Q2. Do I need Brother software for macOS printing?
    A: It’s optional. macOS supports AirPrint, but using official Brother drivers offers advanced features.

    Q3. Will resetting the printing system delete everything?
    A: It deletes all installed printers and settings, but doesn’t affect your files or documents.

    Q4. Can I print via USB if Wi-Fi fails?
    A: Yes, connecting via USB is often more stable and bypasses Wi-Fi-related issues.

    📌 Conclusion

    When your Brother printer shows offline on macOS, it can be frustrating—but it’s usually easy to resolve. By following the steps in this guide—checking connections, clearing the queue, updating drivers, or using AirPrint—you can quickly get your printer back online and working smoothly.

    Keep your devices updated, maintain a stable network, and your Brother printer should remain trouble-free on your Mac.

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