Brother Printer Not Printing? Try These 10 Easy Fixes in 2025

If you're dealing with a Brother printer not printing, you're not alone. Many users experience this issue at some point, and the good news is that it's often easy to fix. Whether you're printing from a Windows PC, Mac, or even a mobile device, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to get your Brother printer up and running again.

Before you rush out to buy a new printer or call for service, try these 10 proven fixes that work in 2025. These solutions address everything from simple connection issues to more technical printer settings.

Jump straight to the detailed guide here if you're in a hurry.

1. Check Printer Power and Cables

First things first—ensure your Brother printer is turned on and properly connected. Double-check the power cable and USB or Ethernet cables. If you’re using a wireless connection, make sure your printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

Quick Tip:

Try unplugging the printer for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This can help reset minor glitches.

2. Set Brother Printer as Default

Sometimes, your PC might be trying to print to a different device. Here's how to fix it:

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers
• Right-click your Brother printer
• Click Set as default printer

You should now see a green check mark on your Brother printer icon.

3. Clear Print Queue

A jammed print queue can stop your printer from responding. Follow these steps:

• Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers
• Right-click your Brother printer
• Click See what’s printing
• In the new window, click Printer > Cancel All Documents

This will clear out any stuck print jobs.

4. Restart Print Spooler Service

The print spooler manages print jobs. Restarting it can often fix communication issues between your computer and printer.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
2. Scroll down to Print Spooler
3. Right-click it and choose Restart

5. Check for Paper Jams and Low Ink

It might seem basic, but paper jams and low ink/toner levels are common causes of printing problems. Open your printer and inspect for jammed paper or misaligned cartridges. Also, check the ink or toner levels and replace them if necessary.

6. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are often the culprit. You can visit the Brother official support page to download the latest drivers.

To reinstall the driver:

• Uninstall the printer from Control Panel > Devices and Printers
• Restart your computer
• Download and install the latest drivers from Brother’s website

7. Run the Printer Troubleshooter (Windows)

Windows includes a built-in tool that can automatically fix many printer problems:

• Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
• Click your Brother printer
• Select Manage > Run the troubleshooter

Follow the prompts to identify and fix the issue.

8. Check Printer Status and Mode

Make sure the printer is not set to “Offline” or “Paused” mode.

• Go to Devices and Printers
• Right-click the printer and click See what’s printing
• Click Printer in the top menu
• Ensure Use Printer Offline and Pause Printing are unchecked

9. Check Firewall or Antivirus Blocking

Sometimes, security software can block printer communication. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus to see if printing resumes. If it does, add an exception for your Brother printer.

10. Reset the Printer to Factory Settings

If all else fails, resetting your Brother printer to factory defaults can resolve deep-rooted software or firmware issues.

Note: This will erase all custom settings.

To reset, consult your printer’s user manual or the Brother website for model-specific instructions.

Bonus: Keep Your Printer Firmware Updated

Brother releases firmware updates to improve performance and fix known bugs. Check for updates through the Brother Utilities software or the official Brother website. Regular updates ensure your printer works well with the latest operating systems and security patches.

Final Thoughts

A Brother printer not printing issue can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s easy to fix with the right steps. From basic cable checks to updating drivers and clearing print queues, these 10 solutions cover everything you need to know.

If you're still having trouble, don't worry—you can get a more detailed, step-by-step breakdown of each fix in this guide:

Brother Printer Not Printing? 10 Quick Fixes That Work in 2025

Whether you're working from home, running a small office, or just trying to print a shipping label, these tips will help you get back on track fast.