When a Brother printer shows as offline on a Windows 10 computer, it means your computer and the printer are not communicating properly. This issue can arise due to various reasons, such as connectivity problems, incorrect printer settings, outdated drivers, or network issues. Understanding how to troubleshoot and resolve the issue is important for seamless printing.
Why Does a Brother Printer Go Offline?
- Connection Problems: Issues with Wi-Fi, USB cables, or Ethernet connections can lead to communication failures.
- Printer Settings: Incorrect printer settings, such as being set to "Use Printer Offline," can cause this problem.
- Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers may lead to miscommunication between the printer and computer.
- Network Conflicts: If the printer's IP address changes or is not recognized, it can appear offline.
- Power or Device Issues: The printer may be turned off, in sleep mode, or experiencing hardware malfunctions.
Steps to Troubleshoot Brother Printer Offline on Windows 10
Here are some steps to bring your printer back online:
1. Check Physical Connections
- Ensure the printer is powered on and properly connected via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB.
- For wired connections, inspect cables for damage.
- Verify the printer's Wi-Fi light is steady, indicating a stable connection.
2. Set as Default Printer
- Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
- Right-click your Brother printer and select Set as Default Printer.
3. Disable "Use Printer Offline" Mode
- In Devices and Printers, right-click your Brother printer.
- Select See what's printing.
- In the new window, click Printer on the menu bar.
- Ensure Use Printer Offline is unchecked.
4. Restart Print Spooler
- Press Win + R, type
services.msc, and hit Enter. - Locate the Print Spooler service.
- Right-click and select Restart.
5. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
- Go to the Brother Support website to download the latest drivers.
- Install the drivers and restart your computer.
6. Check Network Settings
- Print a Network Configuration Report from the printer’s menu.
- Ensure the IP address matches what is set in your computer’s printer settings.
- If the IP address has changed, update it in the Printer Properties under the Ports tab.
7. Run the Printer Troubleshooter
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters.
- Select Printer and run the troubleshooter.
8. Reset the Printer
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
- Wait for 30 seconds before plugging it back in and powering it on.
Additional Tips
- Ensure that your Windows 10 system is updated to the latest version.
- Check for firewall or antivirus settings that might be blocking printer communication.
- If using a shared network printer, ensure other devices can access the printer to rule out network issues.
Following these steps should help resolve the "Brother printer offline" issue on a Windows 10 device.