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How to Fix Brother Printer Offline Error Message? (Tutorial Steps)

  • Writer: Karen Boccino
    Karen Boccino
  • Oct 14
  • 5 min read
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Seeing your Brother printer show as offline can be frustrating, especially when you need to print important documents and files. This error happens because of connection problems, outdated drivers, incorrect settings, or issues with the printer itself. The good news is that most of these problems can be resolved with a few easy steps. Here, I am going to walk you through simple solutions for Windows and Mac computers, and help you get your Brother printer back online so you can print without any interruptions.


Common Reasons for Brother Printer Offline Error

Brother printers show the offline error for many common reasons. These include:

Connectivity & Physical Issues

  • Weak or Unstable Network: A poor Wi-Fi signal, wrong network settings, or interference can disconnect the printer.

  • Loose or Damaged Cables: USB or Ethernet cables that are not securely connected can stop communication.

  • Incorrect Printer Settings: The “Use Printer Offline” option in your Windows computer may be turned on, pausing all print jobs.

  • Physical Problems: Paper jams, low ink or toner, or other internal issues can make the printer go offline.

  • Printer Not Turned On: Always ensure the printer is plugged in and switched on.


Software & Driver Problems

  • Outdated Drivers: Old or damaged drivers can block proper communication.

  • Software Conflicts: Firewalls or antivirus programs may interfere with printing.

  • Print Queue Issues: Stuck jobs in the queue can cause an offline error.

  • Print Spooler Problems: The Windows print spooler service issue may also trigger an offline status.


Network Configuration Errors

  • Wrong IP Address: A conflicting or incorrect IP address can disconnect the printer from the network or computer.

  • Firmware Glitches: Internal printer firmware issues or settings like “Wake on LAN” can lead to an offline error.


5 Ways to Fix Brother Printer Offline Error on Windows

If your Brother printer keeps showing an offline issue on a Windows computer, then try these simple solutions to bring it back online.


Solution 1: Check the Printer Status in Windows Settings

  1. First of all, open the Control Panel on your PC, then go to the Devices and Printers section and find your printer model.

  2. Right-click on it and select the See what’s printing option from the drop-down menu.

  3. If you see “Use Printer Offline” checked, then uncheck it to bring the printer online.


Solution 2: Set the Printer as Default

  1. To begin, click the Windows Start menu and type “Control Panel” into the search bar.

  2. On the following screen, choose the Hardware and Sound section.

  3. After that, you will see ‘Devices and Printers’ and click on it.

  4. Right-click your printer and choose the ‘Set as Default Printer’ option from the drop-down menu. This ensures your computer always sends print jobs to the correct printer.


Solution 3: Clear the Print Queue

  1. Initially, open the Control Panel on your computer.

  2. Then, go to Devices and Printers and locate your printer in the list.

  3. Right-click on your printer and select the See what’s printing option. This will open the print queue window.

  4. In the print queue, look for any documents listed as pending or stuck.

  5. Click on each document, then choose Cancel to remove it from the queue.

  6. After that, repeat until all pending print jobs are cleared.

  7. Close the ‘print queue’ window and try printing your document again.


Solution 4: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Old or damaged drivers can cause connection problems. You just have to visit the Brother official website — support.brother.com, then download the latest driver for your model, and install it. If that doesn’t fix the issue, then uninstall the current driver through Device Manager and reinstall it.


Solution 5: Temporarily Turn Off Windows Firewall

The Windows Firewall might block the printer communication. To disable the firewall on your computer, follow the steps given below:

  1. Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar to open it on your PC.

  2. A window will appear on your screen. From there, select the System and Security option.

  3. In the next screen, click on the Windows Defender Firewall option.

  4. After that, select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for a short time.

  5. Try printing again. If it works, then adjust your firewall settings to allow your printer connection.


4 Ways to Fix Brother Printer Offline Error on Mac

If your Brother printer shows offline on a Mac computer, then there are a few easy solutions to resolve the problem and get it working again.


Solution 1: Check Printer Status in System Preferences

  1. On your Mac computer, click on the Apple menu.

  2. From the drop-down menu, go to System Preferences.

  3. A new window will open. From there, click on Printers & Scanners and find your printer in the list.

  4. If it shows as “Offline,” right-click the printer and select Resume to bring it back online.


Solution 2: Reset the Printing System

If the printer still doesn’t respond, then you may need to reset the printing system. In Printers & Scanners, right-click anywhere inside the printer list and select Reset Printing System. This will remove all saved printers and clear any print queues. Afterward, click the “+” button to add your printer again.


Solution 3: Update Printer Software

Outdated software can stop your printer from communicating with your Mac. Simply go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update to check for updates. In case you see one available for your printer, install it and try printing again.


Solution 4: Reconfigure Printer Settings

Sometimes, incorrect settings may cause the printer to appear offline. In Printers & Scanners, remove your printer by clicking the “-” button, then click “+” to add it again. Make sure the printer connects to the correct network or connection type during setup.


Frequently Asked Questions


How to Reconnect Brother Printer to Internet?

Learn how to reconnect your brother printer to the internet, you can start from the printer’s control panel and run the Wi-Fi Setup Wizard to select your network and enter the password. Another option is using WPS by pressing the WPS button on your Wi-Fi router and printer to connect automatically. Moreover, you can download the Brother Mobile Connect app or the full software from Brother’s official site — support.brother.com and follow the on-screen steps to set up the wireless connection. Once completed, your printer will be back online and ready to use.


How Do I turn My Brother Printer Offline to Online?

Learn how to make your printer go from offline to online on a Windows PC, first you have to open your printer settings and then choose the “See what’s printing” option. After that, click on the “Printer” menu at the top of your screen and make sure “Use Printer Offline” is unchecked. If the option is greyed out, then try to open it as an administrator and enter your correct password when asked. Once you clear the offline mode, your printer should be ready to print again.


How to Reset Brother Printer’s Network Settings?

Learn how to reset your printer’s network settings, you will need to start at the printer’s control panel and press the Settings or Menu button. Next, go to All Settings or Network and choose Network Reset. After that, you must confirm that you want to reset, and the printer will restart. This will restore all network settings to factory defaults and let you set up your Wi-Fi connection again using the printer’s setup wizard.


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