Brother printers are known for their reliability and performance, but like any electronic device, they can sometimes run into issues. One of the most frustrating problems is when your Brother printer won’t print, even though everything seems to be set up correctly.

Don’t worry—this is a common issue and can usually be resolved quickly. Whether you're facing a printing issue on a wireless or USB-connected Brother printer, this guide will walk you through the top 7 ways to fix your Brother printer today.

🔍 1. Check Printer Connectivity

Before anything else, make sure your printer is properly connected to your device or network.

For USB Printers:

  • Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both your computer and the printer.

  • Try using a different USB port or cable to rule out physical issues.

For Wireless Printers:

  • Confirm the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

  • Restart your router and printer.

  • Run a connection test from the printer’s control panel or settings.

🖨️ 2. Set Brother Printer as Default

Sometimes, your Brother printer is working fine, but your computer is sending the print job to a different device.

How to Check:

  • On Windows:
    Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click your Brother printer, and select “Set as default printer.”

  • On macOS:
    Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, and make sure your Brother printer is selected as the default.

🔄 3. Restart the Printer and Computer

It may sound simple, but a quick restart can solve a range of minor glitches.

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source for 1–2 minutes.

  • Restart your computer.

  • Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

This refreshes system memory and resolves temporary bugs or software conflicts.

🛠️ 4. Clear the Print Queue

A stuck or paused print job may be blocking your printer from processing new tasks.

On Windows:

  • Go to Devices and Printers > [Brother Printer] > See what’s printing

  • Right-click and Cancel All Documents

  • Restart the Print Spooler Service if needed

On macOS:

  • Go to Printers & Scanners > Open Print Queue

  • Cancel all pending jobs and try printing again

📥 5. Update or Reinstall Brother Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent your printer from functioning properly.

How to Update:

  • Visit the Brother Support Website

  • Search for your model (e.g., DCP-T520W, HL-L2321D)

  • Download the latest drivers compatible with your OS

  • Install the drivers and restart your computer

If problems persist, uninstall the printer, restart, and then reinstall it using updated drivers.

🧽 6. Check Ink or Toner Levels & Print Heads

A printer may stop printing if it detects:

  • Low or empty ink/toner cartridges

  • Clogged print heads

What to Do:

  • Open the Brother printer’s software or screen panel to check ink/toner levels

  • Replace any low or empty cartridges

  • Run the cleaning cycle via the printer’s settings to unclog print heads

  • Perform a test print to verify results

⚠️ 7. Resolve Error Messages or Flashing Lights

Brother printers display various error codes or blinking lights to indicate problems. Common issues include:

  • Paper jams

  • Cover open

  • Low ink/toner

  • Drum or fuser unit errors

How to Troubleshoot:

  • Refer to your printer's user manual or visit the Brother Error Code Guide for specific solutions.

  • Clear any paper jams carefully and check all covers and trays.

  • Reset the drum or toner counter if you’ve just replaced it.

🧠 Bonus Tips:

  • Always use genuine Brother cartridges to avoid compatibility issues.

  • Keep your printer’s firmware updated via the official site.

  • Ensure no third-party firewall or antivirus is blocking the printer on your network.

📞 Still Not Printing? Contact Brother Support

If you've tried all the above steps and your Brother printer still won't print, it’s time to contact the experts.

Official Brother Support Options:

  • Phone: Toll-free customer service for your region

  • Live Chat: Available on the official Brother website

  • Email: Submit a support request through the website

✅ Conclusion

A Brother printer that won’t print can be frustrating, but in most cases, the issue is minor and easy to fix. Start with basic troubleshooting like checking connections and drivers, then work your way through cleaning, resetting, and reinstalling.

By following these top 7 fixes, you'll likely have your Brother printer up and running in no time.