What To Know
- Press the button once to cancel the currently printing job or hold it down for a few seconds to cancel all pending jobs in the queue.
- To cancel all print jobs, click on the “Printer” menu at the top of the window and select “Cancel all documents.
- Select the print jobs you want to cancel and follow the instructions provided on the web interface.
Are you facing a printing nightmare with your Brother printer? Multiple print jobs queued up, slowing down your workflow, or perhaps you just want a clean slate? Knowing how to cancel all print jobs on your Brother printer is a valuable skill, saving you time and frustration. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods, ensuring you can regain control of your printing process.
Understanding Print Queues
Before diving into cancellation techniques, it’s crucial to grasp the concept of print queues. When you send a document to print, it doesn’t immediately reach the printer. Instead, it gets added to a virtual waiting list called the print queue. This queue manages the order of print jobs, ensuring they are printed efficiently.
Method 1: Canceling Print Jobs Directly on the Printer
The most straightforward way to cancel print jobs is directly on your Brother printer itself. This method is particularly useful when you’re physically near the printer.
1. Locate the “Cancel” Button: Look for a button labeled “Cancel,” “Stop,” or “X” on your printer’s control panel. It’s often found near the display screen or the buttons for navigating menus.
2. Press the “Cancel” Button: Press the button once to cancel the currently printing job or hold it down for a few seconds to cancel all pending jobs in the queue.
Method 2: Canceling Print Jobs from Your Computer
You can also cancel print jobs directly from your computer, regardless of whether you’re using Windows or Mac.
For Windows Users:
1. Open the Print Queue: Click the Windows Start button, type “printers,” and select “Printers & scanners.” Locate your Brother printer in the list and right-click on it. Choose “See what’s printing.”
2. Cancel Individual Jobs: In the print queue window, locate the job you want to cancel. Right-click on it and select “Cancel.”
3. Cancel All Jobs: To cancel all print jobs, click on the “Printer” menu at the top of the window and select “Cancel all documents.”
For Mac Users:
1. Open the Print Queue: Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.” Choose “Printers & Scanners.”
2. Cancel Individual Jobs: Locate your Brother printer in the list and click on the “Open Print Queue” button. Select the job you want to cancel, right-click on it, and choose “Cancel.”
3. Cancel All Jobs: To cancel all print jobs, close the print queue window.
Method 3: Canceling Print Jobs Through the Brother iPrint&Scan App
Brother’s iPrint&Scan app offers a convenient way to manage print jobs remotely, including canceling them. This app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
1. Download and Install the App: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from your device’s app store.
2. Connect Your Printer: Follow the app’s instructions to connect your Brother printer to your device.
3. Access the Print Queue: Open the app and navigate to the “Print Queue” section. You’ll see a list of pending print jobs.
4. Cancel Individual Jobs: To cancel a specific job, tap on it and select the “Cancel” option.
5. Cancel All Jobs: To cancel all print jobs, tap on the “Clear All” button at the bottom of the screen.
Method 4: Canceling Print Jobs Through the Brother Printer’s Web Interface
Some Brother printers offer a web-based interface that allows you to manage print jobs remotely. This method is particularly useful if you’re away from your printer but need to clear the queue.
1. Find Your Printer’s IP Address: You can usually find your printer’s IP address on the printer’s display screen or in your router’s settings.
2. Access the Web Interface: Open your web browser and type in your printer’s IP address. You’ll be redirected to the printer’s web interface.
3. Locate the Print Queue: Navigate through the interface to find the print queue section.
4. Cancel Print Jobs: Select the print jobs you want to cancel and follow the instructions provided on the web interface.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While canceling print jobs is generally straightforward, there might be times when you encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Print Queue Not Responding: If you can’t cancel print jobs through your computer or the Brother iPrint&Scan app, your print queue might be unresponsive. Try restarting your computer or printer to resolve this issue.
- Printer Offline: If your printer is offline, you won’t be able to cancel print jobs. Ensure your printer is properly connected to your network and powered on.
- Print Job Stuck: If a print job is stuck and won’t cancel, try restarting the printer or your computer. If that doesn’t work, you might need to manually remove the stuck print job from the printer’s internal memory.
Why Should You Cancel All Print Jobs?
Canceling all print jobs on your Brother printer might seem like a trivial task, but it offers several benefits:
- Speed Up Printing: Clearing the print queue allows your printer to focus on the most recent print job, significantly reducing printing time.
- Prevent Paper Waste: If you have multiple unnecessary print jobs in the queue, canceling them can save paper and reduce your printing costs.
- Avoid Printer Errors: A congested print queue can sometimes lead to printer errors or malfunctions. Canceling all print jobs ensures a clean slate and minimizes the risk of these issues.
- Improve Workflow: A clear print queue allows you to manage your printing tasks more effectively, preventing delays and ensuring you can print what you need when you need it.
The Takeaway: Mastering the Art of Print Job Cancellation
Knowing how to cancel all print jobs on your Brother printer empowers you to take control of your printing process. Whether you’re dealing with a backlog of print jobs, a printer malfunction, or simply want to start fresh, the methods outlined in this guide provide you with the tools to clear your print queue quickly and efficiently. By mastering these techniques, you can ensure smooth and uninterrupted printing, maximizing your productivity and minimizing frustration.
What You Need to Know
Q1: What happens to my print jobs when I cancel them?
A: When you cancel a print job, it is removed from the print queue and no longer sent to the printer. If the job was already printing, it will be stopped, and the printer will likely eject the partially printed page.
Q2: Can I cancel a print job from my smartphone?
A: Yes, you can cancel print jobs from your smartphone using the Brother iPrint&Scan app. This app allows you to manage print jobs remotely, including canceling them.
Q3: What if I can’t cancel a print job through the printer’s control panel?
A: If the “Cancel” button on your printer’s control panel is not working, you can try canceling the print job from your computer or using the Brother iPrint&Scan app. If these methods fail, you might need to restart your printer or contact Brother support for assistance.
Q4: How do I prevent print jobs from accumulating in the queue?
A: To prevent print jobs from accumulating in the queue, you can check the print queue regularly and cancel any unnecessary jobs. You can also use the “Print to PDF” option to save documents electronically instead of printing them immediately.
