Embedded Files
If your Brother Printer Drivers shows Offline even when it’s powered on and connected, you’re not alone. This is a very common issue faced by Windows and Mac users. The good news is you can fix it easily by following this guide.
Why Does Brother Printer Show Offline?
Why Does Brother Printer Show Offline?
Before fixing the problem, it’s important to understand the common reasons:
Loose or faulty USB cable
Weak or disconnected WiFi network
Wrong printer selected as default
Outdated or corrupted printer driver
Printer paused in settings
Windows/Mac communication error
Method 1: Check Basic Printer & Connection
Method 1: Check Basic Printer & Connection
Start with these simple checks:
Make sure the printer is turned ON
Check the USB cable (for wired users)
Restart your printer, computer, and WiFi router
Confirm the printer is connected to the same WiFi network as your computer
Method 2: Set Brother Printer as Default
Method 2: Set Brother Printer as Default
Sometimes Windows selects the wrong printer.
On Windows:
On Windows:
Open Control Panel
Click Devices and Printers
Right-click on your Brother printer
Select Set as Default Printer
Method 3: Disable Use Printer Offline Mode
Method 3: Disable Use Printer Offline Mode
This is one of the most common causes.
Steps:
Steps:
Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers
Right-click your Brother printer
Click See what’s printing
Click Printer from the top menu
Uncheck Use Printer Offline
Method 4: Restart Print Spooler Service
Method 4: Restart Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler controls print jobs. If it freezes, the printer shows offline.
Steps:
Steps:
Press Windows + R
Type services.msc and press Enter
Find Print Spooler
Right-click → Restart
Method 5: Update or Reinstall Brother Printer Driver
Method 5: Update or Reinstall Brother Printer Driver
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause the offline problem.
Fix Steps:
Fix Steps:
Uninstall your current printer driver
Restart your computer
Download and install the latest Brother printer driver
Reconnect the printer after installation
Method 6: Check Wireless IP Address (For WiFi Printers)
Method 6: Check Wireless IP Address (For WiFi Printers)
If your Brother printer’s IP address changes, it may show offline.
Fix:
Fix:
Print the Network Configuration Page
Note the IP address
Go to Printer Properties > Ports
Update the port with the new IP address
Method 7: Disable SNMP Status (Advanced Solution)
Method 7: Disable SNMP Status (Advanced Solution)
Open Devices and Printers
Right-click Printer → Printer Properties
Go to the Ports tab
Select your port → Click Configure Port
Uncheck SNMP Status Enabled
Click OK and restart
Mac Users: Fix Brother Printer Offline on macOS
Mac Users: Fix Brother Printer Offline on macOS
Remove the printer from System Settings > Printers & Scanners
Restart your Mac
Re-add the printer using + Add Printer
Install the latest driver
Ensure the printer and Mac are on the same WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why does my Brother printer keep going offline?
Q1. Why does my Brother printer keep going offline?
It usually happens due to WiFi disconnects, outdated drivers, or Windows communication errors.
Q2. Does reinstalling the driver fix offline issues?
Q2. Does reinstalling the driver fix offline issues?
Yes, in most cases reinstalling the correct driver completely solves the problem.
Q3. Can antivirus cause printer offline?
Q3. Can antivirus cause printer offline?
Yes, sometimes firewall or security software blocks printer communication.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse