Are you facing the dreaded "Brother Printer in Error State" message on your computer? Whether you're using Windows or Mac, this issue can disrupt your workflow and cause unnecessary stress. Fortunately, resolving this error is easier than you think—once you understand what’s causing it.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons your Brother printer enters an error state and walk you through effective fixes tailored for Windows and macOS users.

🔍 What Does “Brother Printer in Error State” Mean?

When your Brother printer shows an "Error State" message, it means the device has encountered a condition that prevents it from printing. This can result from:

  • Driver issues

  • Connectivity problems

  • Paper jams

  • Low ink or toner

  • System conflicts (after OS updates)

  • Hardware malfunctions

🛠️ Fixes for Windows Users

If you're seeing the error on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, try the following solutions:

✅ 1. Restart Printer and Computer

This basic step often resolves temporary glitches.

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.

  • Restart your computer.

  • Reconnect and power on the printer after a minute.

✅ 2. Check Printer Connections

Ensure the printer is connected properly:

  • USB: Make sure the cable is securely connected.

  • Wi-Fi: Verify the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.

  • Ethernet: Check router and cable connectivity.

✅ 3. Set Brother as Default Printer

Sometimes, Windows prints to a virtual or offline printer.

  • Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners

  • Select your Brother printer > Set as default

✅ 4. Clear Print Queue

A stuck print job can trigger the error state.

  • Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers

  • Right-click on your Brother printer > See what’s printing

  • Cancel all jobs

✅ 5. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers are a common cause.

  • Visit Brother Support

  • Search for your printer model and download the latest drivers

  • Uninstall the current driver via Device Manager, then install the new one

✅ 6. Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters

  • Select Printer > Run the troubleshooter

✅ 7. Check Printer Spooler Service

  • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter

  • Find Print Spooler, right-click > Restart

🍎 Fixes for macOS Users

For Mac users, the steps differ slightly:

✅ 1. Restart Devices

  • Power off your Mac and printer

  • Wait a minute before restarting both

✅ 2. Check Printer Status in System Settings

  • Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners

  • Make sure your Brother printer is listed and shows “Idle”

  • If it shows "Paused" or "Offline", click Resume

✅ 3. Reset the Printing System (Mac)

This will remove all printers and reset settings:

  • Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners

  • Right-click in the printer list (or Control + Click)

  • Choose Reset Printing System

  • Add your Brother printer again

✅ 4. Reinstall Brother Printer Driver

  • Visit Brother's macOS support page

  • Download and install the correct driver for your macOS version

✅ 5. Check for macOS Updates

  • Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Software Update

  • Install any pending updates that might affect printer compatibility

🔄 Common Fixes for Both Windows and Mac

🧼 1. Check for Paper Jams or Low Ink

Physically inspect your printer:

  • Open all access panels

  • Remove any jammed paper

  • Refill ink or toner if levels are low

🌐 2. Verify Network Configuration

If you're using a network printer:

  • Print a network configuration page from the printer’s control panel

  • Ensure the IP address is correct and matches your network

🧩 When to Contact Brother Support

If none of the above fixes resolve the issue, it might be a hardware problem. Contact Brother Customer Support or take your printer to an authorized service center, especially if it’s under warranty.

📝 Final Thoughts

The "Brother Printer in Error State" message is frustrating, but usually easy to fix with the right approach. Start with basic checks and proceed to driver updates or system resets. Whether you're on Windows or Mac, these solutions cover all the common scenarios.

For a smoother experience, keep your printer firmware and operating system up to date and perform regular maintenance on your device.