A "Brother Printer in Error State" occurs when the printer is unable to function properly due to a range of potential issues.
How to Fix Brother Printer in Error State
When a Brother printer is in an "Error State," it can be due to various issues ranging from connectivity problems to software glitches. Here are some common steps to troubleshoot and fix the error:
1. Check Printer Connection
Ensure Printer is On: Verify the printer is powered on and all cables are securely connected.
USB Connection: If using a USB connection, unplug and replug the USB cable. Try a different USB port on the computer.
Wireless Connection: For wireless printers, make sure the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. You can check the Wi-Fi status from the printer's display panel.
2. Restart Printer and Computer
Turn off both the printer and the computer.
Unplug the printer from the power source for about 30 seconds.
Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.
3. Check Printer Status in Windows
Windows 10/11:
Open Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
Select your Brother printer and click Open Queue.
Check for any pending print jobs. If any jobs are stuck, right-click and cancel them.
If the printer is set to "Offline," right-click the printer and select Use Printer Online.
4. Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause errors.
Go to the Brother Support website and download the latest drivers for your specific model.
Install the updated drivers and restart your computer.
5. Check for Paper Jams or Low Ink/Toner
Open the printer and check for any paper jams. Remove any stuck paper carefully.
Ensure there is enough paper in the tray.
Check ink or toner levels. Low levels might cause the printer to go into an error state.
6. Run Windows Troubleshooter
Windows 10/11:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Under Find and fix other problems, select Printer and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions to fix any detected issues.
7. Reinstall the Printer
Remove Printer:
Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
Select your Brother printer and click Remove device.
Reinstall Printer:
Reconnect the printer, and Windows should automatically reinstall the printer. Alternatively, you can install it manually using the Brother installation software.
8. Clear Print Spooler
Windows 10/11:
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, type
services.msc
, and press Enter.Scroll down to find Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Stop.
Navigate to
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
and delete all files inside the folder.Go back to the Print Spooler service, right-click it, and select Start.
9. Check for Firmware Updates
Some Brother printers may have firmware updates available that can resolve errors. Check the Brother website for any firmware updates and follow the instructions to install them.
10. Reset the Printer
If none of the above methods work, resetting the printer to its factory settings may help. Refer to your Brother printer's user manual for instructions on performing a factory reset.
11. Check for Hardware Issues
If the error persists after trying all the above solutions, it could be a hardware problem. In this case, contact Brother support for further assistance or take the printer to a certified repair center.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "Error State" on your Brother printer. Let me know if you need further clarification on any of these steps!
© Framer Inc. 2023