Quick Overview
- Most Brother printers have a built-in feature that allows you to view recent print jobs directly on the control panel.
- You can usually find the IP address printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your printer.
- Consult your printer’s user manual for specific instructions on how to access the print history stored in the printer’s memory.
Have you ever wondered who printed that last document? Or maybe you’re trying to track down a specific print job but can’t remember when it was sent. Knowing how to check print history on your Brother printer can be incredibly useful for various reasons, from troubleshooting printing issues to keeping track of office supplies usage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different methods available to access and understand your Brother printer’s print history.
Method 1: Checking Print History Directly on the Printer
Most Brother printers have a built-in feature that allows you to view recent print jobs directly on the control panel. This method is quick and easy, and it doesn’t require any additional software or tools. Here’s how to do it:
1. Turn on your Brother printer and make sure it’s connected to your computer or network.
2. Press the “Menu” button on the printer’s control panel. This button may be labeled differently depending on your model.
3. Navigate to the “Print History” or “Job History” menu. The exact menu name may vary, but it should be easily identifiable.
4. Select “Print History” or “Job History” to view a list of recently printed documents.
This list will typically show the following information:
- Date and Time: When the document was printed.
- Document Name: The name of the file that was printed.
- Number of Pages: The total number of pages printed.
- Print Settings: The print settings used for the job, such as paper size and color mode.
Method 2: Accessing Print History Through Brother iPrint&Scan
Brother iPrint&Scan is a free mobile app available for both Android and iOS devices. This app allows you to control your Brother printer remotely, including accessing print history. Here’s how to use Brother iPrint&Scan to check your printer’s history:
1. Download and install the Brother iPrint&Scan app from your device’s app store.
2. Open the app and select your Brother printer from the list of available devices.
3. Log in to your Brother account or create a new account if you haven’t already.
4. Navigate to the “Print History” or “Job History” section. The exact menu name may vary.
5. View the list of recent print jobs. The app will display similar information to what you see on the printer’s control panel.
Method 3: Utilizing Brother’s Web-Based Management Tool
Brother offers a web-based management tool that allows you to control and monitor your printer remotely. This tool provides access to a wide range of features, including print history. Here’s how to use Brother’s web-based management tool:
1. Open a web browser and enter the IP address of your Brother printer. You can usually find the IP address printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your printer.
2. Log in to your Brother account or create a new account if you haven’t already.
3. Navigate to the “Print History” or “Job History” section. The exact menu name may vary.
4. View the list of recent print jobs. You can often filter and sort the print history by date, document name, or other criteria.
Method 4: Checking Print History Using Your Computer’s Print Queue
Most operating systems, including Windows and macOS, have a built-in print queue that displays the status of print jobs. You can often check your print history through this queue. Here’s how:
1. Open your computer’s “Printers” or “Devices and Printers” settings. The exact location of these settings may vary depending on your operating system.
2. Select your Brother printer from the list of available printers.
3. Right-click on the printer icon and select “See what’s printing” or “Open Print Queue.”
4. View the list of print jobs. This list will show you the status of each job, whether it’s currently printing, paused, or completed.
Method 5: Exploring the Brother Printer’s Built-in Memory
Some Brother printers have built-in memory that stores a record of recent print jobs. This memory can be accessed through the printer’s control panel or through Brother’s web-based management tool.
1. Check your printer’s manual. Consult your printer’s user manual for specific instructions on how to access the print history stored in the printer’s memory.
2. Use the printer’s control panel. Some models may have a dedicated “Memory” or “History” menu that you can navigate to view print history.
3. Access the web-based management tool. If your printer supports web-based management, you may be able to access the print history stored in the printer’s memory through the web interface.
Understanding Your Print History Data
Once you’ve accessed your Brother printer‘s print history, you’ll likely see a list of print jobs with various details. Here’s a breakdown of common information you may encounter:
- Date and Time: When the document was printed.
- Document Name: The name of the file that was printed.
- Number of Pages: The total number of pages printed.
- Print Settings: The print settings used for the job, such as paper size, color mode, and print quality.
- Status: The current status of the print job, whether it’s completed, paused, or in progress.
- User: The name of the user who sent the print job.
The Importance of Print History
Knowing how to check print history can be beneficial in various scenarios:
- Troubleshooting Printing Issues: If you’re experiencing printing problems, checking the print history can help you identify any patterns or errors that might be causing the issue.
- Tracking Print Costs: By reviewing your print history, you can track the number of pages printed and estimate your printing costs.
- Monitoring Office Supplies Usage: Print history can help you monitor the usage of toner cartridges and other consumables.
- Identifying Security Breaches: If you notice unauthorized print jobs in your print history, it could indicate a potential security breach.
The Wrap Up: Keeping Your Printing Under Control
Understanding how to check print history on your Brother printer can empower you to manage your printing effectively. Whether you’re troubleshooting a printing issue, monitoring your printing costs, or simply curious about recent print activity, the methods outlined in this guide will help you unlock the secrets of your Brother printer’s print history.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. How long is print history stored on my Brother printer?
The length of time print history is stored varies depending on your printer model and settings. Some printers may only store the last few print jobs, while others may store a more extensive history. You can usually find information about the storage capacity in your printer’s user manual.
2. Can I delete print history from my Brother printer?
Yes, you can typically delete print history from your Brother printer. The method for deleting print history may vary depending on your printer model and the method you’re using to access the print history. Consult your printer’s user manual for specific instructions.
3. What if I can’t find the print history on my Brother printer?
If you’re unable to find the print history on your Brother printer, there are a few things you can try:
- Check your printer’s user manual: The manual may provide specific instructions for accessing print history on your model.
- Update your printer’s firmware: Outdated firmware can sometimes cause issues with features like print history.
- Contact Brother support: If you’re still unable to find the print history, contact Brother support for assistance.
4. Is there a way to track print history from multiple Brother printers?
Currently, there isn’t a centralized way to track print history from multiple Brother printers. However, you can use Brother’s web-based management tool to monitor each printer individually.
5. Can I use print history to track the number of pages printed by each user?
Yes, some Brother printers allow you to track the number of pages printed by each user. This information is often available in the print history or through the printer’s management tools.