Troubleshooting Mastery: How to Stop a Print Job on a Brother Printer Easily

Printing can be a convenient way to get your documents on paper, but sometimes things go wrong. You might accidentally send the wrong document, realize you need to make a change, or just want to cancel a print job that’s taking too long. Whatever the reason, knowing how to stop a print job on your Brother printer is essential.
This guide will walk you through the different methods for stopping a print job on a Brother printer, from the simple to the more advanced. We’ll cover everything you need to know to regain control of your printing process.

Understanding the Basics: How Print Jobs Work

Before diving into the methods, let’s understand how print jobs work. When you send a document to print, your computer sends it to a print queue. This queue acts like a waiting line for print jobs, and the printer processes them one by one.
To stop a print job, you need to intervene in this process, either by removing the job from the queue or by canceling it directly at the printer.

Method 1: Canceling the Print Job from Your Computer

The simplest way to stop a print job is by canceling it directly from your computer. This method works for most operating systems, including Windows and macOS.
For Windows:
1. Open the Print Queue: Click the Windows icon, type “print queue,” and select “View print queues.” This will open a window displaying all active print jobs.
2. Locate the Job: Find the print job you want to cancel. It will likely be listed with the document name and the time it was sent to print.
3. Cancel the Job: Right-click on the print job and select “Cancel.”
For macOS:
1. Open the Print Queue: Open the “Finder” app and click on “Go” in the menu bar. Then, select “Utilities” and open “Print & Fax” or “Print & Scan.”
2. Locate the Job: Find the print job you want to cancel. It will be listed with the document name and the time it was sent to print.
3. Cancel the Job: Click on the “Cancel” button at the bottom of the window.

Method 2: Canceling the Print Job from the Brother Printer

If you can’t cancel the print job from your computer, you can try stopping it directly from the printer itself.
1. Locate the Cancel Button: Most Brother printers have a dedicated “Cancel” button on the control panel. It might be labeled as “Stop” or “Pause.”
2. Press the Cancel Button: Press and hold the “Cancel” button for a few seconds. This should stop the current print job and clear the print queue.

Method 3: Using the Brother Printer’s Control Panel

Some Brother printers offer additional options for managing print jobs through their control panel.
1. Access the Menu: Press the “Menu” button on the printer’s control panel.
2. Navigate to Print Settings: Use the navigation buttons to browse the menu options and locate the “Print Settings” or “Job Management” section.
3. Cancel the Print Job: Look for an option to “Cancel” or “Delete” the current print job. The exact wording might vary depending on the printer model.

Method 4: Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App

For Brother printers that support wireless printing, you can use the Brother iPrint&Scan app to manage print jobs from your smartphone or tablet.
1. Download the App: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Connect to Your Printer: Open the app and follow the instructions to connect to your Brother printer.
3. Cancel the Print Job: Once connected, the app should show you the current print queue. Select the print job you want to cancel and tap on the “Cancel” button.

Method 5: Resetting the Printer

If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting your Brother printer. This will clear the print queue and any other temporary settings.
1. Turn Off the Printer: Unplug the printer from the power outlet.
2. Wait a Few Minutes: Wait for at least 30 seconds to allow the printer to completely power down.
3. Turn On the Printer: Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Troubleshooting Tips for Stopping Print Jobs

Sometimes, stopping a print job can be tricky. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Check the Print Queue: Ensure the print job you want to cancel is actually in the queue. Sometimes, a print job might be stuck in the queue without actually printing.
• Restart Your Computer: Restarting your computer can sometimes resolve issues with the print queue or printer connection.
• Update the Printer Drivers: Outdated printer drivers can cause problems with print jobs. Visit the Brother website and download the latest drivers for your printer.
• Check the Printer Status: Make sure the printer is not in an error state. Check the printer’s display for any error messages.
• Contact Brother Support: If you’re still unable to stop the print job, contact Brother support for assistance.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Print Job Control

Stopping a print job on a Brother printer can be a simple task, but it’s important to understand the different methods and troubleshooting steps. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can regain control of your printing process and avoid unnecessary delays.

Questions You May Have

Q: What if I can’t find the print job in the queue?
A: If you can’t find the print job in the queue, it might be stuck in the printer’s memory. Try restarting the printer or using the “Cancel” button on the printer itself.
Q: Why does my Brother printer keep printing the same document?
A: This could be due to a faulty printer driver or a setting in your computer’s print queue. Try updating the printer drivers or clearing the print queue.
Q: Can I pause a print job on my Brother printer?
A: Some Brother printers allow you to pause a print job temporarily. Check the printer’s control panel for a “Pause” or “Hold” button.
Q: What if my Brother printer is not responding?
A: If your Brother printer is not responding, try restarting the printer or checking the power cord. If the problem persists, contact Brother support.
Q: How can I prevent print jobs from getting stuck in the queue?
A: To prevent print jobs from getting stuck, make sure your printer drivers are up-to-date, and regularly clear the print queue. You can also try using a different printing method, such as a cloud-based printing service.