Brother Printer Not Responding to Computer or Network – How to Fix





    Dial 1-888-966-6097 Is your Brother printer not responding to your computer or network when you try to print? Whether you're using Windows, macOS, or even a mobile device, a non-responsive Brother printer can halt productivity and cause frustration. Fortunately, this is a common issue with well-documented solutions.

    This step-by-step guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the Brother printer not responding error — whether it’s due to network problems, driver issues, or incorrect settings.

    🛠️ Common Causes of Brother Printer Not Responding

    Before diving into fixes, it's useful to understand why this error occurs. Some typical causes include:

    • Poor or no network connection

    • Printer not set as default or offline

    • Outdated or corrupt printer drivers

    • Print spooler service errors

    • Firewall or antivirus interference

    • USB or cable connection problems (for wired setups)

    ✅ Quick Fixes to Try First

    1. Restart Devices

    • Turn off the Brother printer and unplug it.

    • Restart your computer and router/modem.

    • Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

    A simple restart often clears minor glitches in the system or network.

    2. Check Printer Connection

    For Wireless Printers:

    • Ensure your Brother printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.

    • Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer's menu to verify connection status and IP address.

    For USB Printers:

    • Check that the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer.

    • Try using a different USB port or cable.

    🔧 Step-by-Step Solutions for Brother Printer Not Responding

    3. Set Brother Printer as Default

    Your computer may be trying to print to another printer.

    Steps (Windows 10/11):

    1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners

    2. Select your Brother printer and click Manage

    3. Click Set as default

    4. Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode

    Your printer might be stuck in offline mode.

    Steps:

    1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers

    2. Right-click your Brother printer and select See what's printing

    3. In the top menu, click Printer

    4. Ensure “Use Printer Offline” is unchecked

    5. Restart Print Spooler Service

    The Print Spooler service manages print jobs. Restarting it can resolve stuck tasks.

    Steps:

    1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter

    2. Find Print Spooler, right-click, and choose Restart

    6. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

    Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common culprit.

    Option A: Update Drivers Automatically

    1. Go to Device Manager

    2. Expand Printers

    3. Right-click your Brother printer > Update driver

    Option B: Reinstall Drivers Manually

    1. Go to Brother Support Website

    2. Search for your printer model and download the latest driver for your OS

    3. Uninstall the old driver and install the new one

    7. Ping the Printer’s IP Address (For Network Printers)

    This checks if your PC can reach the printer on the network.

    Steps:

    1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter

    2. Type: ping [your printer's IP address] (e.g., ping 192.168.1.25)

    3. If you get replies, the printer is reachable. If not, there’s a network issue.

    8. Temporarily Disable Firewall/Antivirus

    Security software can block communication between your PC and printer.

    • Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus and try printing again.

    • If it works, add an exception for the printer in your security software settings.

    9. Assign Static IP Address to Printer

    Dynamic IP addresses can change and break connectivity.

    • Access your router and reserve a static IP for your Brother printer.

    • Update the printer’s port settings on your computer:

      • Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers

      • Right-click your printer > Printer Properties > Ports

      • Click Add Port > Standard TCP/IP Port and enter the static IP

    🧪 Optional: Reset Network Settings on Printer

    If you're still facing issues, reset the printer's network settings and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

    Steps (General):

    1. On your printer’s control panel, go to Network > Network Reset

    2. Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network after the reset

    Refer to your printer's manual for model-specific instructions.

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q1: Why is my Brother printer not responding over Wi-Fi?

    A: Your printer and computer might not be on the same network, or the IP address may have changed. Reconnect your printer or assign a static IP.

    Q2: Why does my Brother printer not respond even though it’s on and connected?

    A: It could be in offline mode, or the print spooler service may need restarting. Also check for driver issues.

    Q3: Can outdated drivers cause the printer to not respond?

    A: Yes, outdated or incompatible drivers can prevent your computer from communicating with the printer. Always use the latest drivers from Brother’s official website.

    🟢 Final Thoughts

    When your Brother printer is not responding, the issue can usually be traced to network conflicts, incorrect settings, or outdated drivers. This guide covers everything from basic checks to advanced network fixes to help you get your printer back up and running.

    Take a methodical approach, starting with simple restarts and settings adjustments. If all else fails, reinstalling drivers or assigning a static IP typically resolves the issue.

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