What To Know
- You might have accidentally sent a document to print or a program might be automatically printing something in the background.
- Sometimes, print jobs get stuck in the queue, causing the printer to keep trying to print even after the intended job is finished.
- A faulty network connection can cause communication errors, leading to the printer receiving phantom print commands.
Ever felt like your Brother printer has a mind of its own, churning out pages relentlessly even when you haven’t sent anything to print? It’s a frustrating experience, especially when you’re trying to focus on other tasks or when your ink cartridges are running low. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! This blog post will dive into the common reasons behind a runaway Brother printer and provide you with practical solutions to regain control.
Understanding the Problem: Why is My Brother Printer Printing on Its Own?
Before we jump into solutions, it’s important to understand the root causes of this printing frenzy. Here are a few common scenarios:
- Unintentional Print Jobs: This is the most likely culprit. You might have accidentally sent a document to print or a program might be automatically printing something in the background.
- Stuck Print Queue: Sometimes, print jobs get stuck in the queue, causing the printer to keep trying to print even after the intended job is finished.
- Faulty Driver: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can lead to erratic behavior, including unwanted printing.
- Network Issues: A faulty network connection can cause communication errors, leading to the printer receiving phantom print commands.
- Hardware Malfunction: While less common, a hardware issue within the printer itself could be triggering the printing process.
How to Stop a Brother Printer From Printing: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve identified the potential causes, let’s tackle those unwanted print jobs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you regain control of your Brother printer:
1. Check the Print Queue
The print queue is where all pending print jobs are stored. It’s the first place to look when your printer starts printing on its own. Here’s how to access and manage your print queue:
- Windows: Open the “Start” menu, search for “Devices and Printers,” and right-click on your Brother printer. Select “See what’s printing.” This will open the print queue window.
- Mac: Open “System Preferences,” then click on “Printers & Scanners.” Select your Brother printer and click on “Open Print Queue.”
In the print queue window:
- Cancel any unwanted print jobs: Select the job and click on the “Cancel” button.
- Check for stuck jobs: If you see any jobs that are stuck (marked as “Printing” but not progressing), try canceling them.
2. Stop Background Printing Processes
Many programs can automatically print documents or reports without your explicit command. Here’s how to identify and stop these processes:
- Windows: Open the “Task Manager” (Ctrl + Shift + Esc). Go to the “Processes” tab and look for any programs that might be printing. Right-click on the program and select “End Task.”
- Mac: Open “Activity Monitor” (search for it in Spotlight). Look for any processes related to printing and click on the “Quit Process” button.
3. Restart the Printer and Computer
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches that might be causing the printer to behave erratically.
- Turn off the printer: Disconnect the power cord and wait for a few minutes.
- Restart your computer: This will close any background processes that might be sending print commands.
- Reconnect the printer: Plug the power cord back in and turn the printer on.
4. Update the Printer Driver
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can lead to printing issues. Here’s how to update your driver:
- Windows: Go to “Settings” > “Devices” > “Printers & scanners.” Select your Brother printer and click on “Manage.” Then, select “Driver” and click on “Update driver.”
- Mac: Download the latest driver for your Brother printer from the manufacturer’s website. Install the driver according to the instructions.
5. Check Network Connections
A faulty network connection can cause communication errors, leading to the printer receiving phantom print commands.
- Check the network cable: Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the printer and your router.
- Restart the router: This can resolve temporary network glitches.
- Check your Wi-Fi connection: If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure your printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
6. Troubleshoot Hardware Issues
If the problem persists, there might be a hardware issue with the printer. Here are some troubleshooting steps:
- Check the paper tray: Ensure that the paper tray is properly loaded and that there are no paper jams.
- Clean the printer: Dust and debris can accumulate within the printer, affecting its functionality. Refer to your Brother printer manual for cleaning instructions.
- Contact Brother Support: If you suspect a hardware malfunction, contact Brother support for assistance.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Solutions
If the basic troubleshooting steps don‘t resolve the issue, you can try these more advanced solutions:
- Uninstall and Reinstall the Printer: This can help resolve driver conflicts or corrupted files.
- Run a System Scan: Check for malware or viruses that might be affecting your printer’s behavior.
- Reset the Printer to Factory Defaults: This will erase all custom settings and configurations, potentially resolving software-related issues.
A Final Word: Taking Control of Your Brother Printer
By following these steps, you should be able to stop your Brother printer from printing on its own and regain control over your printing experience. Remember to be patient and methodical in your troubleshooting process. If you’re still encountering problems, don’t hesitate to contact Brother support for assistance.
What You Need to Learn
Q1: What if my Brother printer is printing blank pages?
A1: Blank pages could indicate a paper jam, a problem with the ink cartridges, or a faulty print head. Check for paper jams, ensure the ink cartridges are properly installed and have ink, and clean the print head if necessary.
Q2: My printer is printing multiple copies of each document. How can I stop this?
A2: This could be a setting in your printer driver. Check the “Copies” setting in the print dialog box and ensure it’s set to “1.”
Q3: How can I prevent my printer from printing unwanted documents in the future?
A3: Be mindful of what you send to print and avoid printing documents or files you don’t need. Regularly check your print queue to ensure no unwanted jobs are queued.
Q4: Is there a way to disable the printer’s automatic printing feature?
A4: Some Brother printers have an option to disable automatic printing. Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions.
Q5: My Brother printer is still printing on its own, even after trying all these solutions. What should I do?
A5: If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options, it’s best to contact Brother support for further assistance. They can help you diagnose the problem and provide a solution.
