What To Know
- Alternatively, you can click on the print job and then click on the “Cancel” button in the print queue window.
- There might be a delay in the cancellation process, and the print job might still be listed in the queue.
- On your computer, check the status of the print job in the print queue.
Sometimes, we all make mistakes. Maybe you accidentally sent the wrong document to print, or you realized you need to make a last-minute change before sending it off. Whatever the reason, knowing how to cancel a print job on your Brother printer is a valuable skill.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods for canceling print jobs on your Brother printer, from the simplest button presses to navigating your computer’s print queue.
Canceling Print Jobs Directly on Your Brother Printer
For a quick and easy cancellation, your Brother printer offers a direct method.
1. Locate the “Cancel” Button: Most Brother printers have a dedicated “Cancel” button, often marked with a red circle or a “X”. It’s usually located on the front panel of the printer, near the control buttons.
2. Press and Hold: Press and hold the “Cancel” button for a few seconds. You should see the current print job stop and the printer may make a sound to indicate cancellation.
3. Check the Status: After releasing the button, check the printer’s display to confirm that the print job has been canceled.
Canceling Print Jobs from Your Computer
If you’re unable to cancel the print job directly on the printer, you can manage it from your computer.
1. Open the Print Queue: The method for accessing the print queue varies slightly depending on your operating system.
- Windows: Press “Windows Key + R” to open the “Run” dialog box. Type “control printers” and press “Enter”. This will open the “Devices and Printers” window. Right-click on your Brother printer and select “See what’s printing”.
- Mac: Open “System Preferences” and click on “Printers & Scanners”. Select your Brother printer from the list and click on the “Open Print Queue” button.
2. Locate the Print Job: The print queue will display all the documents currently queued for printing. Find the print job you want to cancel.
3. Cancel the Print Job: Right-click on the print job and select “Cancel”. Alternatively, you can click on the print job and then click on the “Cancel” button in the print queue window.
Canceling Print Jobs from a Mobile Device
If you’re printing from your smartphone or tablet, you can usually cancel print jobs directly from your mobile device‘s printing app.
1. Open the Printing App: Open the printing app you used to send the print job. This could be a dedicated printing app or a built-in printing feature in your device’s settings.
2. Locate the Print Job: The app will display a list of your recent print jobs. Find the job you want to cancel.
3. Cancel the Job: Most printing apps have a “Cancel” or “Delete” button next to each print job. Tap on this button to cancel the print job.
Troubleshooting Print Job Cancellations
Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to cancel a print job. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check the Printer Status: Ensure that the printer is not busy with another task, such as a paper jam or a low ink alert. These issues can prevent the printer from responding to cancellation commands.
- Restart the Printer: If the printer is not responding, try restarting it by turning it off and on again. This can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches.
- Check Your Computer’s Print Queue: If you’re unable to cancel the job from the printer itself, check your computer’s print queue. There might be a delay in the cancellation process, and the print job might still be listed in the queue.
- Verify the Print Job Status: On your computer, check the status of the print job in the print queue. If the job is “Paused” or “Printing”, it may take some time for the cancellation to take effect.
Preventing Unwanted Print Jobs
While knowing how to cancel print jobs is useful, it’s even better to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips:
- Double-Check Before Printing: Take a moment to review the document you’re about to print. Ensure that it’s the correct file and that you’re satisfied with its content.
- Use Print Preview: Most software programs have a “Print Preview” option. Use this feature to see how the document will look when printed, and to make any necessary adjustments before sending it to the printer.
- Disable Automatic Printing: If you frequently print documents without intending to, consider disabling the automatic printing feature in your software programs. This will require you to explicitly confirm each print job before it’s sent to the printer.
- Use a Separate Printer for Important Documents: If you’re concerned about accidentally printing sensitive documents, consider using a separate printer for important documents. This can help to minimize the risk of accidental printing.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Cancellation Techniques
For those who need more control over their print jobs, here are some advanced cancellation techniques:
- Canceling Print Jobs from a Network: If your Brother printer is connected to a network, you can sometimes cancel print jobs from other devices on the network. This often requires accessing the printer’s web interface or using a network management tool.
- Using a Third-Party Print Management Tool: There are a number of third-party print management tools available that can provide more advanced features for controlling and canceling print jobs. These tools often offer features such as job scheduling, priority management, and remote print job control.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Print Jobs Under Control
Knowing how to cancel print jobs on your Brother printer is an essential part of managing your printing workflow. Whether you’re dealing with accidental prints, last-minute changes, or simply need to clear your print queue, the methods outlined in this guide will help you regain control over your print jobs.
By following these tips and using the appropriate cancellation methods, you can keep your printing process efficient and avoid unnecessary waste.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: What if my Brother printer is not responding to the “Cancel” button?
A: If your Brother printer is not responding to the “Cancel” button, try restarting the printer or checking for any error messages on the printer’s display. If the problem persists, you may need to contact Brother support for assistance.
Q: Can I cancel a print job that’s already started printing?
A: Yes, you can usually cancel a print job even if it has already started printing. However, the printer may have already printed some pages before the cancellation takes effect.
Q: How do I cancel a print job if I’m not at home?
A: If you’re not at home, you can try canceling the print job from your computer or mobile device, assuming your printer is connected to a network. You can also try accessing the printer’s web interface if you know its IP address.
Q: What if I accidentally deleted the wrong print job?
A: Unfortunately, there is no way to recover a deleted print job. If you accidentally deleted the wrong print job, you’ll need to resend the print job to the printer.
Q: Are there any other ways to cancel a print job on a Brother printer?
A: Some Brother printers may have additional methods for canceling print jobs, such as using a specific button combination or navigating through the printer’s menu. Refer to your printer’s user manual for specific instructions.