↪️1(888)→966→6097↩️ Solved: Brother Printer Offline? Here’s How To Fix It In Minutes!

Brother printers are reliable devices used in homes and offices worldwide. However, one of the most common problems users face is when the printer shows as offline on their computer. This issue stops printing jobs and disrupts workflow, leaving users frustrated.

In this guide, we’ll explore what it means when a Brother printer is offline, the possible reasons behind it, and step-by-step solutions to bring it back online.

What Does “Printer Offline” Mean?

When your Brother printer shows an offline status, it means your computer cannot communicate with the printer. Even if the printer is powered on, it won’t accept print jobs because of a connection or software problem.

An offline printer can be caused by physical issues like loose cables, network errors, or software settings that disrupt communication between your printer and computer.

Common Reasons Why Brother Printer Goes Offline

Let’s break down the main causes behind a Brother printer showing offline:

• Loose or Disconnected Cables (for wired printers)
• Wi-Fi or Network Connection Issues (for wireless printers)
• Outdated or Incorrect Printer Drivers
• Incorrect Printer Settings or Configuration
• Print Spooler Service Errors (on Windows)
• Firewall or Antivirus Blocking the Connection
• Printer Set to Offline Mode by Mistake
• IP Address Conflict in Network Printers

How to Fix Brother Printer Offline Issue

Let’s go through practical, easy-to-follow solutions to resolve the offline status on your Brother printer.

1️⃣ Check Physical and Network Connections

For USB Printers:

Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and computer.

Try a different USB port on your computer.

Replace the cable if it appears damaged.

For Wireless Printers:

Check if your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.

Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer to verify connection status.

Restart your Wi-Fi router, printer, and computer to refresh connections.

2️⃣ Set Brother Printer as Default

If your Brother printer isn’t set as the default, your computer might send jobs to a different device or keep it offline.

On Windows:

Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

Right-click your Brother printer.

Select Set as Default Printer.

On Mac:

Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

Select your Brother printer and make it the default option.

3️⃣ Disable ‘Use Printer Offline’ Option

Sometimes, printers accidentally get set to offline mode manually.

On Windows:

Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

Right-click your Brother printer.

Choose See what’s printing.

Click Printer on the top menu.

Uncheck Use Printer Offline if it’s selected.

On Mac:

Go to Printers & Scanners.

If your printer is paused or offline, click Resume or Connect.

4️⃣ Restart the Print Spooler Service (Windows Only)

The print spooler is a service that manages print jobs. Restarting it can resolve offline issues.

Steps:

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

Find Print Spooler in the list.

Right-click and select Restart.

5️⃣ Update or Reinstall Brother Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause offline problems.

Steps:

Visit the official Brother Support website: https://support.brother.com

Enter your printer model.

Download and install the latest drivers for your operating system.

Restart your printer and computer after installation.

6️⃣ Remove and Re-add the Printer

Removing and re-adding the printer can fix misconfigurations.

On Windows:

Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.

Click on your Brother printer and choose Remove device.

Click Add a printer or scanner and follow the instructions to reconnect it.

On Mac:

Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

Select the printer and click the minus (-) button.

Click plus (+) to re-add the printer.

7️⃣ Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software blocks communication between the computer and printer.

Steps:

Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus.

Check if the printer comes online.

If it works, adjust the firewall settings to allow your printer’s network traffic.

When to Contact Brother Support

If none of these steps resolve the offline issue, the problem might be hardware-related or require expert assistance.

Check your printer’s warranty.

Contact Brother Customer Support for remote troubleshooting or service options.

They may suggest a firmware update or hardware inspection.

Preventive Tips

To avoid printer offline problems in the future:

Regularly update your printer’s drivers and firmware.

Use good-quality cables and stable Wi-Fi connections.

Avoid moving printers between different networks frequently.

Periodically restart your router, printer, and computer to refresh connections.

Conclusion

A Brother printer offline issue can stem from various causes, ranging from simple connection problems to software errors. By systematically checking connections, updating drivers, and adjusting settings, most users can fix this issue at home without professional help.

If the problem persists, Brother’s customer support team is always available for further assistance. With regular maintenance and updates, you can prevent most offline errors and enjoy smooth, uninterrupted printing.