What To Know
- The dreaded “deep sleep” mode can be a real productivity killer, leaving you waiting for your printer to wake up before you can print.
- While this feature is beneficial in terms of energy efficiency, it can be annoying when you need to print urgently and your printer is snoozing.
- If your printer supports it, connecting it to your computer via a USB cable can provide a more stable connection and prevent deep sleep caused by network issues.
Are you frustrated with your Brother printer seemingly falling asleep at the worst possible moments? The dreaded “deep sleep” mode can be a real productivity killer, leaving you waiting for your printer to wake up before you can print. But don’t despair! This blog post will guide you through the steps on how to stop Brother printer going into deep sleep and keep your printing workflow smooth.
Understanding Brother Printer Deep Sleep Mode
Brother printers are designed to conserve energy and extend their lifespan by entering a low-power state called “deep sleep” mode after a period of inactivity. While this feature is beneficial in terms of energy efficiency, it can be annoying when you need to print urgently and your printer is snoozing.
Why Does My Brother Printer Go Into Deep Sleep?
There are several reasons why your Brother printer might be entering deep sleep mode:
- Inactivity: The most common reason is simply that the printer hasn’t been used for a while. Brother printers are programmed to enter deep sleep after a certain period of inactivity, typically 30 minutes or more.
- Power Management Settings: Your computer’s power management settings might be configured to put the printer to sleep after a specific time.
- Network Connection: If your printer is connected to your network via Wi-Fi, a weak signal or intermittent connection can trigger deep sleep mode.
- Outdated Firmware: Outdated firmware can sometimes cause unexpected behavior, including frequent deep sleep cycles.
How to Stop Brother Printer Going Into Deep Sleep: The Solutions
Now that you understand the reasons behind deep sleep, let’s explore the solutions to prevent it from happening:
1. Disable Deep Sleep Mode in the Printer Settings:
- Access the printer’s control panel: Locate the menu button on your Brother printer.
- Navigate to the settings: Look for options like “Energy Saver,” “Power Management,” or “Deep Sleep.”
- Disable deep sleep: Choose the option to disable deep sleep mode. This will keep your printer actively connected and ready to print.
2. Adjust Power Management Settings on Your Computer:
- Open the Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar.
- Navigate to Power Options: Click on “Power Options” to access the power management settings.
- Choose a high-performance plan: Select the “High Performance” plan, which will prevent your computer from putting the printer to sleep.
- Disable USB selective suspend: Go to “Edit Plan Settings” and click on “Change advanced power settings.” Find “USB settings” and set “USB selective suspend setting” to “Disabled.” This will ensure a constant power flow to the printer.
3. Ensure a Stable Network Connection:
- Check your Wi-Fi signal strength: Make sure your printer is connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal. You can use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to check for interference.
- Try a wired connection: If your printer supports it, connecting it to your computer via a USB cable can provide a more stable connection and prevent deep sleep caused by network issues.
4. Update Your Printer’s Firmware:
- Visit the Brother website: Go to the Brother website and search for your printer model.
- Download the latest firmware: Locate the “Support” or “Downloads” section and download the latest firmware update for your printer.
- Install the firmware: Follow the instructions provided by Brother to install the updated firmware. This can resolve any bugs or issues that might be causing the deep sleep problem.
5. Use a Brother-Specific Utility:
- Install the Brother iPrint&Scan utility: This utility is available for free on the Brother website and can help manage your printer’s settings.
- Configure the utility: Within the utility, you can find options to disable deep sleep mode and adjust other printer settings.
Keeping Your Brother Printer Awake & Ready
By following these steps, you can effectively prevent your Brother printer from entering deep sleep mode. Remember to choose the solutions that best suit your printing needs and environment.
Beyond Deep Sleep: Optimizing Your Brother Printer
While preventing deep sleep is crucial, there are other steps you can take to maximize your Brother printer‘s performance and longevity:
- Regularly clean your printer: Dust and debris can accumulate inside your printer, affecting its performance. Clean the paper path, rollers, and print head regularly.
- Use high-quality ink cartridges: Using genuine Brother ink cartridges ensures optimal print quality and extends the lifespan of your printer.
- Keep your printer updated: Regularly check for firmware updates to ensure your printer has the latest features and bug fixes.
Information You Need to Know
Q: My printer is still going into deep sleep even after trying these solutions. What else can I do?
A: If you’ve tried all the solutions and your printer is still going into deep sleep, you might need to contact Brother support for further assistance. They can help troubleshoot the issue and provide more specific solutions.
Q: Will disabling deep sleep mode affect my printer’s lifespan?
A: While deep sleep mode conserves energy, disabling it won’t significantly shorten your printer’s lifespan. Modern printers are designed to be durable, and occasional use of deep sleep mode won‘t impact their longevity.
Q: Is it safe to leave my printer on all the time?
A: It’s generally safe to leave your printer on all the time, especially if you use it frequently. However, if you’re concerned about energy consumption, you can consider using a power strip with an on/off switch to turn off the printer when not in use.
Q: Is there a way to wake up my printer from deep sleep without having to walk over to it?
A: Yes, you can often wake up your Brother printer from deep sleep remotely using the Brother iPrint&Scan utility or the Brother printing app. These tools allow you to send a print job to your printer, which will wake it up and start the printing process.
Q: My printer is very old. Will these solutions still work?
A: These solutions should work for most Brother printers, regardless of their age. However, older models might have slightly different menu options or settings. Consult your printer’s manual for specific instructions.
By understanding the causes of Brother printer deep sleep and implementing the solutions outlined in this blog post, you can enjoy a smoother and more efficient printing experience. Remember to optimize your printer’s performance with regular maintenance and keep it updated with the latest firmware for optimal results.
