Quick Overview
- Printing a crucial document only to find your Brother printer in a paused state can be incredibly frustrating.
- But don’t worry, this blog post will guide you through the steps on how to unpause your Brother printer and get back to printing in no time.
- If you’re using a wireless connection, try temporarily connecting your printer to your computer via a USB cable to rule out Wi-Fi issues.
Printing a crucial document only to find your Brother printer in a paused state can be incredibly frustrating. This can happen due to various reasons, from accidental pauses to printer errors. But don’t worry, this blog post will guide you through the steps on how to unpause your Brother printer and get back to printing in no time.
Understanding Why Your Brother Printer is Paused
Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why your Brother printer might be paused. Here are some common reasons:
- Accidental Pause: You might have accidentally paused the printer yourself, either through the printer control panel or the software interface.
- Paper Jam: A paper jam can trigger the printer to pause, preventing it from continuing the printing process.
- Ink or Toner Issues: Low ink or toner levels can sometimes cause the printer to pause, prompting you to replenish the supplies.
- Connectivity Problems: Issues with your Wi-Fi connection or USB cable can also lead to the printer pausing.
- Printer Error: A printer error, such as a hardware malfunction, could also result in the printer pausing.
How to Unpause Your Brother Printer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the potential causes, let’s get into the practical solutions to unpause your Brother printer. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Check the Printer Control Panel
- Look for a “Pause” button or icon on your Brother printer’s control panel.
- If the button is lit up, press it to unpause the printer.
2. Look for Error Messages
- Your printer’s control panel or software interface might display an error message.
- Carefully read the message to understand the reason for the pause.
3. Check for Paper Jams
- Open the printer’s paper tray and check for any jammed paper.
- Gently remove any jammed paper, ensuring you don’t tear it.
- Close the paper tray and try printing again.
4. Check Ink or Toner Levels
- If your printer is low on ink or toner, it might pause.
- Replace the empty cartridges with new ones.
- Try printing again.
5. Check Connectivity
- If your printer is connected wirelessly, ensure your Wi-Fi connection is stable.
- If using a USB cable, check if it’s securely connected to both the printer and your computer.
- Try restarting your router or computer to resolve any connectivity issues.
6. Restart Your Printer
- Turn off your Brother printer completely.
- Wait for a few minutes and then turn it back on.
- This can often resolve temporary glitches or errors.
7. Update Printer Drivers
- Outdated printer drivers can cause compatibility issues.
- Visit the Brother website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
- Install the updated drivers and try printing again.
8. Contact Brother Support
- If none of the above steps work, it’s time to contact Brother support.
- They can provide more specific troubleshooting guidance or assist with technical issues.
Troubleshooting Common Brother Printer Pause Scenarios
Scenario 1: The “Paper Jam” Error
- Solution: Follow the steps above to clear the paper jam. Be careful not to tear the paper as you remove it.
- Additional Tip: If the paper jam persists, try removing the paper tray and manually feeding paper into the printer.
Scenario 2: The “Ink Cartridge Empty” Error
- Solution: Replace the empty ink or toner cartridge with a new one.
- Additional Tip: Ensure you’re using genuine Brother cartridges to avoid compatibility issues.
Scenario 3: The “Printer Offline” Error
- Solution: Check your Wi-Fi connection or USB cable connection. Restart your router, computer, and printer if necessary.
- Additional Tip: If you’re using a wireless connection, try temporarily connecting your printer to your computer via a USB cable to rule out Wi-Fi issues.
Preventing Future Pauses
- Regular Maintenance: Clean your printer regularly to prevent paper jams and other issues.
- Genuine Cartridges: Use genuine Brother ink or toner cartridges to ensure optimal performance and avoid compatibility problems.
- Stable Connection: Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is strong and stable.
- Update Drivers: Keep your printer drivers up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
Final Thoughts: Unpausing Your Brother Printer Made Easy
Unpausing your Brother printer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly identify the cause of the pause and get back to printing smoothly. Remember to check for error messages, clear paper jams, and ensure proper ink or toner levels. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact Brother support for further assistance.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Why does my Brother printer keep pausing?
A: There are several reasons why your Brother printer might keep pausing. Common culprits include paper jams, low ink or toner levels, connectivity issues, and printer errors.
Q: How do I know if my Brother printer is paused?
A: You can check for a “Pause” button or icon on your printer’s control panel, look for error messages, or check if the printer is responding to commands.
Q: What should I do if my Brother printer is paused and I can’t unpause it?
A: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your printer is still paused, contact Brother support for assistance.
Q: Can I unpause my Brother printer remotely?
A: Yes, you can unpause your Brother printer remotely if it’s connected wirelessly. You can use the Brother iPrint&Scan app or the Brother printer’s web interface to control the printer remotely.
Q: My Brother printer isn‘t printing anything, but it’s not paused. What could be the problem?
A: If your printer isn‘t printing and isn’t paused, it could be due to a variety of issues. Check your ink or toner levels, ensure the printer is connected properly, and try restarting your printer and computer. If the problem persists, contact Brother support.