What To Know
- If you’re using a wireless connection, verify that the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
- If you’re using a wired connection, ensure the network cable is securely plugged into both the printer and your router.
- The reset button is usually located on the back or bottom of the printer.
Is your Brother printer refusing to cooperate? Are you facing the dreaded “offline” status or a blank screen, leaving you frustrated and unable to print? You’re not alone. Many users encounter situations where their Brother printer seems to be “sleeping” and needs a little nudge to wake up. This blog post will guide you through various methods on how to wake up your Brother printer and get it back in action.
Power Cycle Your Printer and Computer
The most basic and often effective solution is a simple power cycle. This involves turning off both your printer and computer, waiting for a few minutes, and then turning them back on. This process can reset any temporary glitches that might be causing the printer to go unresponsive.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Turn off your Brother printer: Unplug the power cord from the printer’s back.
2. Turn off your computer: Shut down your computer completely.
3. Wait: Let both devices sit unplugged for at least 30 seconds, ideally a minute or two.
4. Turn back on: Plug the printer back in, turn it on, and then restart your computer.
Check the Physical Connections
Sometimes, the issue lies in the physical connection between your printer and computer. Ensure that the USB cable is securely plugged into both devices. If you’re using a wireless connection, verify that the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
Here’s what to check:
- USB cable: Make sure the USB cable is firmly connected to both the printer and your computer. Try a different USB port on your computer if possible.
- Wireless connection: Verify that your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Check the printer’s display or control panel for network connection status.
- Network settings: If you’re using a wired connection, ensure the network cable is securely plugged into both the printer and your router.
Update Your Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause connectivity problems and prevent your printer from responding. Updating your printer drivers to the latest version can often resolve these issues.
Here’s how to update your printer drivers:
1. Visit the Brother website: Go to the Brother website and navigate to the support section.
2. Find your printer model: Enter your printer model number in the search bar.
3. Download the latest drivers: Locate the latest drivers for your operating system and download them.
4. Install the drivers: Run the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the new drivers.
Restart Your Router
If you’re using a wireless connection, restarting your router can sometimes resolve connectivity issues. This process refreshes the network connection and may help your printer reconnect.
Here’s how to restart your router:
1. Locate the power button: Find the power button on your router. It’s usually located on the back or side of the device.
2. Turn off the router: Press the power button to turn off your router.
3. Wait: Wait for at least 30 seconds before turning the router back on.
4. Turn back on: Press the power button again to turn your router back on.
Reset Your Brother Printer
If the above solutions haven’t worked, resetting your printer to its factory settings can be a helpful step. This process erases all custom settings and returns the printer to its original state.
Here’s how to reset your Brother printer:
1. Locate the reset button: The reset button is usually located on the back or bottom of the printer. It may be a small button or a recessed hole.
2. Press and hold the reset button: Press and hold the reset button for at least 10 seconds.
3. Release the button: Release the button after 10 seconds.
4. Wait for the printer to restart: The printer will restart and may take a few minutes to complete the reset process.
Check for Paper Jams and Other Obstructions
Paper jams are a common cause of printer malfunctions. If your printer is not responding, check for any paper jams or obstructions in the paper path.
Here’s how to check for paper jams:
1. Open the printer cover: Open the printer cover to access the paper path.
2. Remove any stuck paper: Carefully remove any paper that is stuck in the printer.
3. Inspect the paper path: Inspect the paper path for any other obstructions, such as staples or paper clips.
4. Close the printer cover: Close the printer cover and try printing again.
Time to Seek Professional Help: When to Contact Brother Support
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your Brother printer still isn’t responding, it’s time to contact Brother support for assistance. They can help you diagnose the problem and provide further troubleshooting steps.
Here’s how to contact Brother support:
- Visit the Brother website: Go to the Brother website and navigate to the support section.
- Find your printer model: Enter your printer model number in the search bar.
- Contact support: Look for the “Contact Us” or “Support” link on the page and follow the instructions to contact Brother support.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Brother Printer Running Smoothly
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot most common printer issues and get your Brother printer back up and running. Remember to keep your printer drivers updated, check for paper jams, and consider restarting your router or printer when encountering problems. If you’re still struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to Brother support for assistance.
Popular Questions
1. My Brother printer is showing an error message. How do I fix it?
Error messages can vary depending on the printer model and the issue. Refer to your printer’s user manual for specific error code explanations and troubleshooting steps. If you can’t find the solution in the manual, contact Brother support for assistance.
2. Why is my Brother printer printing blank pages?
There are several reasons why your printer might be printing blank pages. Check for low ink levels, paper jams, and ensure the correct paper tray is selected. If the problem persists, consider cleaning the print heads or contacting Brother support.
3. My Brother printer is not connecting to my Wi-Fi network. What should I do?
Ensure your printer is within range of your Wi-Fi router and that the network name and password are correct. Try restarting your router and printer. If the problem persists, check your printer’s user manual for instructions on connecting to your Wi-Fi network.
4. How often should I clean my Brother printer?
Regular cleaning helps maintain optimal performance and print quality. It’s recommended to clean the print heads at least once a month, or more frequently if you experience print quality issues. Refer to your printer’s user manual for specific cleaning instructions.
