Brother printers frequently go offline, which is a common concern shared by its users. Many Mac and Windows users face this annoying Brother printer problem. And in case of urgency, it becomes very frustrating. We are the experts who understand the needs of every printer user; therefore, in this guide, we will answer the question of many ‘why does my Brother printer keep going offline‘? But before the right jump, let’s first understand the causes of your Brother printer going offline.
Common Causes for Brother Printer Keep Going Offline
If you are wondering what went wrong that caused your Brother printer to keep going offline, then let me enlighten you: the reason behind your printer’s offline problem could be multiple. To put things more into perspective, let’s first explore some of the common reasons why Brother printers keep going offline.
- Static IP: The correct port for the printer is the static one. However, if you assign your printer a dynamic port, it will result in communication failure. Because dynamic ports constantly change their IPs, this becomes the reason for the mismatch with the information stored on your computer. Lastly, this results in the issue of your Brother printer going offline.
- Antivirus software: Antivirus software is always well-known for intervening in the communication of other software and programs for security purposes. Therefore, it is common in offline cases for such printers that antivirus software becomes the reason. Blocks or breaks the communication link between both the printer and your operating devices.
- Driver problems: Sometimes, using outdated or broken driver software also becomes the reason your Brother printer keeps going offline. The printer driver is an important part of your printer’s functioning. That’s why using imperfect driver software becomes the cause of many printer problems, such as offline issues.
- Printer settings: Different operating systems come with different features and functionality. For example, Windows is the OS that comes with a feature that lets you use your printer offline. Therefore, if you enable this feature option, then it might be the reason for placing your Brother offline.
Troubleshooting Methods for Brother Printer Keep Going Offline
Now, when we discuss the potential causes for your ‘Brother printer offline issue‘, it’s time to explore the solutions to simulate the Brother printer offline issue in hand. However, before proceeding to the solution, first, make sure that you are logged in as an administrator to your account. Also, make sure you connect both devices to the correct network.
Method 1: Deactivate the Antivirus Software
As mentioned above, antivirus software can cause Brother’s printer to keep going offline. That’s the reason why temporarily deactivating antivirus is the solution to easily fix the issue. Here are the steps that you can follow to disable Windows Defender:
Step 1: Press the “Windows” key, search Control Panel, and then open it.
Step 2: In the Control Panel, select the first option of “System and Security.” Then, select “Windows Defender Firewall.”
Step 3: Now, select the “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” option from the left side of the panel.
Step 4: Lastly, click on the “Private and Public Network Settings” checkbox that says “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall.“
Now, restart your computer, try to connect your Brother printer, and run a Test page to test that everything is correctly placed and the offline issue is resolved.
Method 2: Disable SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
The SNMP is an updated Internet standard used for configuring and collecting information from network devices. However, because of the nature of this protocol, it constantly pairs and gathers information, which sometimes leads to communication failure. Eventually, issues with Brother printers keep going offline. Therefore, to avoid such problems, disabling the SNMP is the solution. Here are steps that you can follow to easily disable SNMP.
Step 1: Again, start by opening the Control Panel by searching through Windows search.
Step 2: Select the option “View devices and printers.” This option is supposed to be under the section “Hardware and Sound.”
Step 3: Now, right-click on your Brother printer and select the properties option.
Step 4: Next, uncheck the option of “SNMP Status Enabled” and then click on OK.
You can now test to print to check if your Brother printer offline problem is fixed or still continuing.
Method 3: Check Your IP Address
If the above methods don’t help you, then it would be good for you to verify the IP address. This will help you to ensure the printer you are using doesn’t contain a dynamic IP address. Follow these steps and learn ‘How to fix your Brother printer offline problem‘.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel by following the steps from the previous method.
Step 2: Similarly, select “View Devices and Printers” from the “Hardware and Sound” section.
Step 3: Now, select your Brother printer from the list of available devices and select Printer Properties by right-clicking on it.
Step 4: Next, navigate to the Ports tab from the printer properties.
Step 5: Here, you need to select the option of Static IP that your printer can use.
Step 6: After selecting the right port, click on Configure Port.
Step 7: Now, verify the port name and address to make sure they match the system you are currently using.
Step 8: Lastly, save all the changes and exit. Now, check if the issue is resolved.
Method 4: Updating Brother Printer Drivers
If none of the above methods does not work in your situation, then you can try updating the printer’s driver. In order to do this, follow these steps:
Step 1: Press the “Windows + R” keys to open the Run Dialog. Then enter this prompt “devmgmt.msc” in the search box and hit enter.
Step 2: Now, you’ll see the device manager open. Click on “Imaging devices,” then right-click on your printer driver below it.
Step 3: Next, you’ll see the option of “Uninstall device.“
Step 4: Once you see the option to delete the drivers, select it right away.
Step 5: Then, go to the Brother printer’s official site. Then, visit the support page.
Step 6: “Support Page” to “Software & Driver Downloads.” Next, enter your Brother printer model and search.
Step 7: Choose the suited printer result. Then, select your operating system (OS) version, and finally, click on OK.
Step 8: Select the software package, read the instructions, and click on “Agree to the EULA and Download.“
Step 9: Once the file is downloaded, run it as administrator and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
Now, unplug your printer and give your router and computer a quick restart. After that, try connecting to the printer again from the beginning and see if that resolves the issue.
Method 5: Disable the Print Offline Settings
This feature allows the printer to be used offline. Therefore, users can stack their printing documents in a print queue to print them later when the printer is connected again. This specific feature is also well known for creating this problem in the first place. We will turn it off and see if the issue is resolved.
Step 1: Navigate to the printer properties (shown in Method 1: Deactivate the Antivirus Software).
Step 2: Now, right-click on your Brother printer and select the option “See what’s printing.”
Step 3: Then select the Printer option and turn off the Use Printer Offline option.
Step 4: Lastly, save all the changes and exit. Once it is all done, check if your printer’s offline issue is resolved.
Conclusion
Encountering an offline issue with your Brother printer can be frustrating. However, having the right mind and thoughts can help resolve the issue. We hope that by following our guided methods, you’ll be able to solve your problem with the offline Brother printer. But if none of these methods doesn’t work, we suggest you contact us for more personalized guidance on your Brother printer printing problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Reset My Brother Printer?
Wants to Know ‘how to soft reset your Brother printer‘, simply unplug the power cord from the printer, wait for at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn the printer on. This essentially restarts the printer and can often resolve minor issues.
How to Fix Brother Printer keeps going offline?
If your Brother Printer keeps going offline time and again, then you must check and disable the ‘Use Printer Offline’ mode:
- Locate the ‘Brother Printer icon‘ on your desktop
- If it is not there, find it in the ‘Devices and Printers’ section
- When you find your brother printer, right-click on it
- Select the ‘See what’s printing’ option
- Then, tap on the ‘Printer’ option from the list
- Locate the ‘Use Printer Offline’ option
- Remove the checkmark present against it
Why Is My Brother Printer Not Connecting to My Computer?
When you are trying to connect your brother printer to a computer, and it is not connecting, there could be several reasons behind it. If you are using a wired method, which is connecting your device with the help of a USB cable, then make sure it is not damaged and disconnect it from both ends. If you are using the wireless method, then make sure you have entered the correct password and that your device is connected to your network.