Essential Information
- ” This energy-saving feature, while helpful in the long run, can sometimes feel like a frustrating obstacle when you need to print urgently.
- If your printer is connected to your computer via USB cable, make sure the cable is securely plugged in on both ends.
- You can check the printer’s display or the Brother iPrint&Scan app (available on iOS and Android) to confirm the connection.
Have you ever sat down ready to print something important, only to find your Brother printer stubbornly refusing to cooperate? The culprit might be the infamous “deep sleep mode.” This energy-saving feature, while helpful in the long run, can sometimes feel like a frustrating obstacle when you need to print urgently.
This blog post will guide you through the various ways to get your Brother printer out of deep sleep mode. We’ll explore practical solutions for both wired and wireless connections, covering the most common scenarios you might encounter.
Understanding Brother Printer Deep Sleep Mode
Before we dive into the troubleshooting tips, let’s understand why your Brother printer goes into deep sleep mode in the first place. This mode is designed to conserve energy and prolong the lifespan of your printer. It’s activated after a period of inactivity, typically when the printer hasn‘t been used for a certain amount of time.
While this energy-saving feature is beneficial, it can be frustrating when you need to print urgently. Fortunately, there are several ways to wake your Brother printer from its slumber.
Simple Solutions: Waking Your Printer Up
Here are some quick and easy methods to try first:
- Press the Power Button: This is the most straightforward way to wake your printer. Simply press the power button on the printer itself.
- Send a Print Job: If your computer is connected to the printer, try sending a print job. This should automatically wake up the printer and start the printing process.
- Move the Printer: A slight nudge or movement of the printer can sometimes be enough to jolt it out of its deep sleep.
- Check the Power Cord: Ensure that the power cord is securely connected to both the printer and the power outlet. A loose connection can prevent the printer from receiving power.
Advanced Troubleshooting: When Simple Solutions Don’t Work
If the basic solutions haven‘t worked, you might need to delve into more advanced troubleshooting steps.
1. Check the Printer’s Settings
- Disable Deep Sleep Mode: Some Brother printer models allow you to disable deep sleep mode altogether. Consult your printer’s manual or the Brother website for instructions on how to access and adjust these settings.
- Adjust the Sleep Timer: If you don’t want to disable deep sleep mode completely, you can adjust the sleep timer to a shorter interval. This will ensure that the printer wakes up more frequently, making it less likely to be in deep sleep when you need it.
2. Check the Connection
- Wired Connection: If your printer is connected to your computer via USB cable, make sure the cable is securely plugged in on both ends. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the cable to ensure a stable connection.
- Wireless Connection: If you’re using a wireless connection, ensure that your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. You can check the printer’s display or the Brother iPrint&Scan app (available on iOS and Android) to confirm the connection.
3. Update the Printer Drivers
- Outdated Drivers: Outdated printer drivers can cause compatibility issues and prevent your printer from waking up properly. Visit the Brother website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
- Driver Installation: Follow the instructions provided by Brother to install the updated drivers on your computer. Once the installation is complete, try printing again.
Restart the Printer and Router
- Printer Restart: Power off your Brother printer completely by unplugging it from the power outlet. Wait for a few minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on. This can resolve software glitches and reset the printer’s connection.
- Router Restart: If you’re using a wireless connection, restarting your router can also help. Unplug the router from the power outlet, wait for a few minutes, then plug it back in. This resets the router’s network settings and can improve your connection.
Reset the Printer
- Factory Reset: If all else fails, you can try resetting your Brother printer to its factory settings. This will erase all custom settings and configurations, effectively giving your printer a fresh start.
- Reset Instructions: The specific steps for resetting your printer will vary depending on the model. Consult your printer’s manual or the Brother website for detailed instructions.
Time to Print!
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to successfully wake your Brother printer from deep sleep mode and get back to printing. Remember to check your printer’s manual or the Brother website for model-specific instructions and support.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Tips
- Power Management Settings: Check your computer’s power management settings to ensure they are not interfering with the printer’s ability to wake up.
- Firewall and Antivirus: Make sure your firewall and antivirus software are not blocking communication between your computer and the printer.
- USB Hub: If you are using a USB hub, try connecting the printer directly to your computer to eliminate any potential issues with the hub.
Final Thoughts: A Productive Printing Experience
- Maintaining Your Printer: Regularly cleaning your printer and replacing ink cartridges can help prevent problems and keep your printer running smoothly.
- Consult Brother Support: If you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to contact Brother support for assistance. They can provide tailored advice and troubleshooting steps for your specific printer model.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Why does my Brother printer go into deep sleep mode?
A: Deep sleep mode is a power-saving feature designed to conserve energy and prolong the lifespan of your printer. It activates after a period of inactivity, typically when the printer hasn‘t been used for a certain amount of time.
Q: How do I disable deep sleep mode on my Brother printer?
A: The specific steps for disabling deep sleep mode vary depending on your printer model. Consult your printer’s manual or the Brother website for instructions on how to access and adjust these settings.
Q: What if my Brother printer is still not printing after trying all these solutions?
A: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your printer still isn’t printing, it’s best to contact Brother support for further assistance. They can help diagnose the issue and provide tailored solutions.
Q: Can I use a third-party app to wake up my Brother printer?
A: While some third-party apps claim to wake up printers, they are not officially supported by Brother and may not work reliably. It’s best to stick to the official methods provided by Brother.
Q: What is the difference between deep sleep mode and standby mode?
A: Standby mode is a lower power state than normal operation but still uses some energy. Deep sleep mode is a much lower power state, almost completely shutting down the printer to conserve energy.