What To Know
- The print queue acts as a holding area for all your print jobs, and sometimes, it can get overloaded, leading to delays or even a complete printing standstill.
- This blog post will guide you through the steps on how to clear the print queue on your Brother printer, getting you back to printing smoothly in no time.
- If canceling print jobs and restarting the printer doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to clear the print queue directly from the printer itself.
Ever experienced that frustrating moment when your Brother printer seems to be stuck, refusing to print anything new? It’s a common issue, often caused by a clogged print queue. The print queue acts as a holding area for all your print jobs, and sometimes, it can get overloaded, leading to delays or even a complete printing standstill. This blog post will guide you through the steps on how to clear the print queue on your Brother printer, getting you back to printing smoothly in no time.
1. Understanding the Print Queue
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand what the print queue is and why it might get stuck. The print queue is a virtual waiting room for all the documents you send to print. When you send a document to print, it enters the queue and waits for its turn to be processed.
Here are some common reasons why your Brother printer‘s print queue might become problematic:
- Document Errors: A corrupted or damaged document can cause the printer to stall.
- Insufficient Resources: If your printer lacks enough memory or processing power, it might struggle to handle large print jobs, leading to a queue backlog.
- Network Issues: A weak network connection or network instability can interrupt the print process, leaving documents stuck in the queue.
- Driver Problems: Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can also contribute to queue issues.
2. The Simplest Solution: Canceling the Print Job
The most straightforward way to clear the print queue is by canceling the current print job. This is often the quickest fix, especially if a single document is causing the issue. Here’s how to do it:
On Your Computer:
1. Open the Print Queue: Open the “Printers” or “Devices and Printers” section in your computer’s settings.
2. Locate the Brother Printer: Find your Brother printer in the list of available printers.
3. Right-Click and Cancel: Right-click on the Brother printer icon and select “Cancel All Documents”.
On the Brother Printer:
1. Access the Printer Menu: Look for a button on your Brother printer labeled “Menu” or “Setup”.
2. Navigate to Print Queue: Use the navigation buttons to find the “Print Queue” or “Job Status” option.
3. Cancel the Job: Select the print job you want to cancel and choose the “Cancel” option.
3. Restarting Your Brother Printer
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve print queue issues. Restarting your printer clears the memory and allows it to refresh its settings.
Here’s how to restart your Brother printer:
1. Turn Off the Printer: Press the power button to switch off your Brother printer.
2. Wait for a Few Minutes: Let the printer remain off for at least 30 seconds to allow it to completely power down.
3. Turn On the Printer: Press the power button to turn the printer back on.
4. Clearing the Print Queue from Your Brother Printer
If canceling print jobs and restarting the printer doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to clear the print queue directly from the printer itself. This is a slightly more involved process, but it can be effective in clearing persistent queue issues.
Here’s how to clear the print queue from your Brother printer:
1. Access the Printer Menu: Locate the “Menu” or “Setup” button on your printer.
2. Navigate to Print Queue: Use the navigation buttons to find the “Print Queue” or “Job Status” option.
3. Clear the Print Queue: Look for a “Clear Queue” or “Delete All Jobs” option. Select it to clear the entire print queue.
5. Reinstall the Printer Driver
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can sometimes cause print queue problems. Reinstalling the printer driver can often resolve these issues.
Here’s how to reinstall the printer driver:
1. Uninstall the Current Driver: Go to your computer’s “Control Panel” or “Settings” and navigate to the “Devices and Printers” section. Right-click on your Brother printer and select “Uninstall Device“.
2. Download the Latest Driver: Visit the Brother website (www.brother.com) and search for your printer model. Download the latest driver compatible with your operating system.
3. Install the New Driver: Run the downloaded driver installer file and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Check Your Network Connection
A weak or unstable network connection can disrupt the print process, leading to print queue issues. Ensure your Brother printer and your computer are connected to the same network and that the signal strength is good.
Here are some tips to check your network connection:
- Check the Wi-Fi Signal: Make sure your printer is within range of your Wi-Fi router and that the signal strength is strong.
- Restart Your Router: Sometimes, restarting your router can resolve network connectivity issues.
- Check for Network Interferences: Physical objects like walls or other electronic devices can interfere with Wi-Fi signals.
7. Resetting Your Brother Printer
Resetting your Brother printer to its factory settings can often resolve various problems, including print queue issues. However, keep in mind that resetting your printer will erase all custom settings, so make sure to back them up before proceeding.
Here’s how to reset your Brother printer:
1. Access the Printer Menu: Find the “Menu” or “Setup” button on your printer.
2. Navigate to Reset Options: Use the navigation buttons to find the “Reset” or “Factory Reset” option.
3. Confirm the Reset: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the reset process.
Wrapping Up: Printing Problems Solved
By following these steps, you should be able to clear the print queue on your Brother printer and get back to printing smoothly. Remember to consider the underlying cause of the print queue issue, as this can help you prevent similar problems in the future.
Top Questions Asked
Q: What if I can’t find the “Clear Queue” option on my Brother printer?
A: Some Brother printer models might not have a dedicated “Clear Queue” option. Check the “Job Status” or “Print Queue” menu for a “Delete All Jobs” or “Cancel All Documents” option.
Q: Why is my print job stuck in the queue even after restarting the printer?
A: If the print job is still stuck after restarting, it might be a corrupted document or a problem with the printer driver. Try printing a different document to see if it prints successfully. If not, you might need to reinstall the printer driver or contact Brother support for assistance.
Q: I’m using a network printer. How do I clear the print queue from my computer?
A: You can clear the print queue from your computer by following the steps mentioned in section 2. Open the “Printers” or “Devices and Printers” section on your computer, right-click on your Brother printer, and select “Cancel All Documents”.
Q: My printer is showing an error message. What should I do?
A: If your printer displays an error message, consult your Brother printer‘s manual or the Brother website for troubleshooting tips. You might need to perform a specific troubleshooting step or contact Brother support for assistance.
