Is your Brother wireless printer showing as connected but refusing to print? It’s frustrating when your device seems ready to go, yet nothing happens when you hit print.
You rely on your printer every day, and unexpected glitches like this can disrupt your work or personal tasks. But don’t worry—this problem is more common than you think, and there are simple fixes you can try right now. Keep reading to discover why your Brother printer won’t print despite being connected, and learn easy steps to get it working again quickly.
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Common Causes Of Connection Without Printing
Brother wireless printers may connect but fail to print due to several common issues. Understanding these causes helps fix the problem quickly. Troubleshooting becomes easier by knowing what to check first.
Connection without printing often relates to software or hardware problems. The printer might show as connected but cannot receive or process print jobs. Below are the main reasons for this issue.
Driver Issues
Outdated or missing printer drivers stop the printer from working. Drivers act as a bridge between your computer and printer. Without the correct driver, commands cannot reach the printer. Installing the latest Brother driver often solves this problem.
Network Problems
The wireless network may have weak signals or interruptions. The printer needs a stable connection to receive print jobs. Network settings like IP conflicts or firewall blocks can also stop printing. Checking the Wi-Fi connection and router settings helps fix this.
Printer Queue Errors
Print jobs stuck in the queue can block new tasks. The queue may hold errors or paused jobs that freeze printing. Clearing the queue or restarting the print spooler service refreshes the system. This often clears stuck print commands.
Software Conflicts
Other applications or security software may interfere with printing. Antivirus or firewall rules sometimes block printer communication. Conflicting programs running in the background can cause errors. Temporarily disabling such software can identify conflicts.
Hardware Malfunctions
Printer hardware problems stop printing despite connection. Issues like paper jams, low ink, or sensor faults prevent printing. The printer’s internal parts must work correctly to print. Checking and fixing hardware issues often restores printing.
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Quick Fixes To Restart Your Printer
Quick fixes can help restart your Brother wireless printer fast. These simple steps often solve common issues. Follow these easy actions to get your printer working again.
Power Cycle The Printer
Turn off your Brother printer. Unplug it from the power source. Wait for 30 seconds. Plug it back in and turn it on. This resets the printer and clears minor errors.
Restart The Computer And Router
Restart your computer to refresh the system. Turn off your router and wait for one minute. Turn the router back on to reset the network. This helps fix connectivity problems.
Check Printer Status And Settings
Open the printer settings on your computer. Make sure the printer is set as the default device. Check for any error messages or alerts. Confirm the printer is online and ready to print.
Updating And Reinstalling Drivers
Updating and reinstalling drivers can fix many printing issues. Drivers help the computer and printer talk to each other. Old or broken drivers can stop printing even if the printer is connected. Fresh drivers can bring the printer back to life.
Downloading Latest Drivers
Start by visiting Brother’s official website. Find the support or downloads section. Enter your printer model to get the correct drivers. Choose the latest driver version for your computer system. Download the file and save it to your desktop.
Uninstalling Old Drivers
Open your computer’s control panel or settings. Locate the printer or device manager section. Find the Brother printer driver in the list. Select it and click uninstall or remove. This clears out old files that may cause conflicts.
Performing A Clean Driver Installation
After uninstalling, restart your computer. Open the downloaded driver file from your desktop. Follow the installation steps carefully. Connect your printer only when the installer asks. A clean install can solve hidden driver problems.
Resolving Network And Connectivity Issues
Resolving network and connectivity issues is key when your Brother wireless printer connects but does not print. Problems often stem from weak Wi-Fi signals or incorrect network settings. Fixing these can restore smooth printing without extra help. Follow simple steps to check and adjust your printer’s network setup.
Verifying Wi-fi Connection
Check if your printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. A weak or unstable signal stops printing jobs. Restart your router and printer to refresh the connection. Move the printer closer to the router for better signal strength. Confirm the printer shows “Connected” on its display or status page.
Assigning A Static Ip Address
Dynamic IP addresses can cause printing interruptions. Assign a static IP address to keep the printer’s network identity constant. Access your router’s settings and reserve an IP for your printer’s MAC address. Enter this IP manually in the printer’s network settings. This prevents IP conflicts and improves connection reliability.
Resetting Network Settings
Reset the printer’s network settings to clear any wrong configurations. Use the printer menu to find “Reset Network” or “Restore Network Defaults.” After reset, reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi network. This step resolves hidden errors that block printing. Test print to ensure the connection is stable and working.
Clearing Print Queue And Spooler
Clearing the print queue and spooler often solves printing issues. These two parts manage print jobs sent to your Brother wireless printer. Sometimes, jobs get stuck or the spooler service stops working. This blocks new print jobs from starting. Fixing this is simple and does not need special tools. Follow these steps to clear the queue and reset the spooler.
Accessing Print Queue
First, open the print queue to see waiting jobs. Click the Start menu and type “Printers.” Select “Printers & scanners.” Find your Brother printer and click it. Press “Open queue” to view current print jobs. Check for any stuck or paused jobs here. This lets you manage or delete jobs that block printing.
Stopping And Restarting Print Spooler Service
Next, stop the print spooler service to clear errors. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run box. Type “services.msc” and hit Enter. Scroll down and find “Print Spooler.” Right-click it and select “Stop.” Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select “Start.” This resets the spooler and clears glitches.
Removing Stuck Print Jobs
Remove jobs stuck in the print queue to free the printer. After opening the queue, click each job and choose “Cancel.” Sometimes, jobs stay even after canceling. In that case, open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS. Delete all files in this folder. Restart the print spooler service again. This clears all stuck jobs and prepares the printer for new tasks.
Troubleshooting Software And Compatibility
Software issues and compatibility problems often cause printers to connect but not print. These problems can stop your Brother wireless printer from working correctly. Fixing these issues can restore normal printing quickly. Follow simple steps to check your software and compatibility.
Checking For Firmware Updates
Printer firmware controls its functions and communication. Outdated firmware can cause printing errors. Check Brother’s official website for the latest firmware version. Download and install updates to keep your printer running smoothly. Updated firmware improves performance and fixes bugs.
Disabling Firewall And Antivirus Temporarily
Firewall and antivirus programs can block printer signals. Temporarily turning them off helps identify if they cause the problem. Disable these security features for a short time and try printing again. Turn them back on after testing to keep your device safe.
Testing With Different Applications
Some apps may not work well with your printer. Try printing from different programs like Word, PDF readers, or image viewers. This test shows if the problem is app-specific. If printing works from another app, update or reinstall the problem app.
When To Contact Brother Support
Knowing when to contact Brother support can save time and reduce frustration. Sometimes, simple fixes won’t solve the problem. Professional help ensures the issue gets the right attention. This section guides you on when to reach out for assistance.
Signs Of Hardware Failure
Hardware failure shows clear signs. The printer may not turn on or makes strange noises. Paper jams happen repeatedly without clear cause. Printing errors appear even after resets. These signs mean the problem is not software. Hardware parts may need repair or replacement.
Warranty And Service Options
Check your printer’s warranty status before calling support. Warranty covers repairs or replacements within a set period. Brother offers various service options based on your warranty. Some services include mail-in repair or on-site help. Knowing your options helps you choose the best solution.
Preparing Information For Support
Gather details before contacting Brother support. Write down your printer model and serial number. Note the problem and any error messages. Mention steps already tried to fix the issue. Clear information helps the support team assist faster and better.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Brother Wireless Printer Connected But Not Printing?
The printer might have a paper jam, low ink, or a paused print job blocking printing.
How Do I Fix Brother Printer Connection Without Printing Issue?
Restart the printer and router, check print queue, and update printer drivers.
Can Wi-fi Signal Affect Brother Printer Printing Performance?
Yes, weak Wi-Fi signals can cause printing delays or failure even if connected.
Why Does Brother Printer Show Connected But No Response?
The printer may need a driver update or the print spooler service might be stuck.
How To Check Brother Printer Print Queue On Windows?
Open “Devices and Printers,” select your printer, and view or clear the print queue.
Conclusion
Brother wireless printers may show as connected but fail to print for many reasons. Check your printer’s settings and paper supply first. Make sure your device and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices to clear temporary glitches.
Update the printer driver to fix software problems. Look for error messages on the printer screen. Try printing a test page to see if it works. Small fixes often solve the problem quickly. Keep these steps in mind to get your Brother printer working again without hassle.