Brother Printer Offline? Here’s How to Get It Back Online

Brother printers are known for their durability, cost-efficiency, and high-quality prints. However, like all technology, they can occasionally experience problems. One of the most common issues users face is the "Brother printer offline" error. If you’re seeing this message on your Windows or Mac device, don’t worry — this guide will walk you through step-by-step solutions to bring your printer back online.

If you get stuck or need expert help at any time, just call 1-872-999-5616 for quick support from experienced technicians.

What Does "Printer Offline" Mean?

When your Brother printer shows as offline, it means the device is unable to communicate with your computer. This could be due to several reasons such as network issues, incorrect settings, or outdated drivers.

Resolving this issue may require multiple troubleshooting steps, which we’ll cover below.

Common Causes of Brother Printer Offline Error

Before jumping into the solutions, it helps to understand the root of the problem. Here are a few common reasons:

• Printer is not powered on or is in sleep mode
• Loose or unplugged USB or network cables
• Wireless connection issues (Wi-Fi dropouts)
• Incorrect printer settings (e.g., not set as default)
• Print queue errors or stuck print jobs
• Outdated or corrupt printer drivers
• Firewall or antivirus interference

Basic Checks to Get Started

1. Make Sure the Printer Is Turned On

Start by ensuring the printer is turned on and has no error messages on its screen. If your Brother printer is in sleep mode or powered off, it may appear offline.

2. Check Physical Connections

• If you're using a USB cable, make sure it's securely plugged into both the computer and the printer.
• If the printer is networked, ensure the Ethernet cable is firmly connected, or check the Wi-Fi signal.

3. Restart Devices

Sometimes a simple restart can resolve minor glitches:

• Restart your Brother printer.
• Reboot your computer.
• Power cycle your router if you’re using a wireless setup.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Brother Printer Offline on Windows

Step 1: Set Printer as Default

1. Go to Control Panel> Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click on your Brother printer.
3. Click on Set as default printer.

This ensures your system sends print jobs to the right device.

Step 2: Unpause and Uncheck Offline Mode

1. Right-click on your Brother printer and select See what’s printing.
2. In the new window, click Printer from the top menu.
3. Make sure Pause Printing and Use Printer Offline are not selected.
4. If they are, click to uncheck them.

Step 3: Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job can cause the printer to show as offline.

1. Go to the same "See what’s printing" window.
2. Right-click and select Cancel on any pending print jobs.
3. Restart the print spooler service:
• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Scroll to Print Spooler, right-click, and choose Restart.

Step 4: Reinstall or Update Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to connectivity problems.

1. Visit the official Brother website.
2. Enter your printer model.
3. Download the latest driver package for your operating system.
4. Install the drivers and restart your computer.

Fix Brother Printer Offline on Mac

Step 1: Reset the Printing System (macOS)

1. Go to System Preferences> Printers & Scanners.
2. Right-click in the printer list and select Reset printing system.
3. Re-add your Brother printer.

Step 2: Delete and Re-Add the Printer

1. From the same menu, select your Brother printer and click the minus (-) sign.
2. Click the plus (+) sign to re-add it.
3. Choose the correct printer from the list and add it.

Troubleshooting Network Printers (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)

Step 1: Check Network Connection

Make sure your printer is connected to the same network as your computer. You can print a Network Configuration Page from the printer’s settings menu to confirm its IP address.

Step 2: Ping the Printer

1. On your PC, press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Type ping [printer IP address] and hit Enter.
3. If you see timeouts, your printer isn’t connected properly.

Try reconnecting your printer to the Wi-Fi network or move it closer to the router.

Step 3: Assign a Static IP

Sometimes, printers lose their IP address and go offline.

1. Log into your router and reserve a static IP for the printer.
2. Set that same IP address on the printer’s network settings.

Use Brother Printer Troubleshooter (Windows)

Brother offers a free Printer Troubleshooter Tool that automatically detects and resolves many common problems.

1. Download the tool from Brother’s support site.
2. Install and run it.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tips to Prevent Future Offline Errors

• Keep Drivers Updated: Regularly check for driver updates on the Brother website.
• Use Static IP Addresses: This ensures the printer always has the same network identity.
• Disable Sleep Mode: Adjust settings to keep the printer awake during working hours.
• Avoid Overloaded Networks: Too many connected devices can cause network printers to drop off.

When to Contact Technical Support

If you've tried everything and your Brother printer is still offline, it may be time for expert help. Common signs that indicate deeper issues include:

• Frequent disconnects
• Inconsistent print jobs
• Network printers not discoverable even after reset

Final Thoughts

Experiencing the "Brother printer offline" error can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it’s often simple to fix. Whether it’s a connection issue, outdated drivers, or a stuck print queue, this guide walks you through how to fix a Brother printer showing offline on Windows, Mac, or a wireless network.

Still having trouble? Call our Brother printer support team at 1-872-999-5616 for expert, step-by-step assistance. We’ll help you get your printer back online quickly — whether you’re using Wi-Fi, USB, or a network-connected setup.

FAQs

• How do I get my Brother printer back online?

To get your Brother printer back online, start by checking the power and connection (USB or Wi-Fi). Make sure it's set as the default printer and that "Use Printer Offline" is unchecked in your printer settings. Restart the printer, clear any stuck print jobs, and update the printer drivers if needed. Rebooting both your computer and printer often resolves the issue as well.

• How do I get my Brother printer back on Wi-Fi?

To reconnect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi, access the printer’s control panel, go to the network or WLAN settings, and select "Setup Wizard" or "Wi-Fi Setup." Choose your wireless network from the list and enter the Wi-Fi password. Once connected, print a network configuration page to confirm the connection.

• How do I fix a Brother printer in an error state on Windows 11?

To fix a Brother printer in an error state on Windows 11, first restart your printer and computer. Then, check for loose cables or Wi-Fi issues. Open the Settings> Bluetooth & devices> Printers & scanners, remove the printer, and re-add it. Also, update or reinstall the printer driver from Brother's official website. Running the Windows Troubleshooter can help detect and fix common issues automatically.

Get reliable help with your Brother printer by calling our support team at 1-872-999-5616. Whether you need assistance with setup, driver installation, or connectivity, our Brother Printer Support is available 24/7 to handle your technical needs.