Overview
- If you’re in a hurry to print, the delay caused by waking the printer can be frustrating.
- If your printer is connected to your network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, a weak or unstable connection can cause it to disconnect and go to sleep.
- Depending on your Brother printer model, the control panel might have a specific option to wake up the printer.
Ever encountered the frustrating scenario of your Brother printer seemingly “asleep” and refusing to print? This common issue can be a real headache, especially when you need to print something urgently. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods to unsleep your Brother printer, ensuring you can get back to printing smoothly.
Understanding Brother Printer Sleep Mode
Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to understand why your Brother printer enters sleep mode in the first place. This feature is designed to conserve energy and extend the life of your printer. When idle for a specified period, the printer automatically enters a low-power state, reducing its energy consumption.
While sleep mode is beneficial for energy efficiency, it can sometimes be inconvenient. If you’re in a hurry to print, the delay caused by waking the printer can be frustrating.
Common Reasons for Brother Printers Going to Sleep
Several factors can trigger your Brother printer to enter sleep mode. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Inactivity: The primary reason for sleep mode activation is prolonged inactivity. If the printer hasn’t been used for a set amount of time, it will automatically go to sleep.
- Power Saving Settings: Your printer’s power saving settings may be configured to automatically activate sleep mode after a specific period of inactivity.
- Network Connection: If your printer is connected to your network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, a weak or unstable connection can cause it to disconnect and go to sleep.
- Firmware Issues: In rare cases, outdated firmware on your printer can lead to sleep mode issues.
How to Wake Up Your Sleeping Brother Printer
Now, let’s move on to the practical steps you can take to unsleep your Brother printer.
1. Check the Power Button
The most basic solution is to check if your printer is actually turned on. Sometimes, the power button might be accidentally switched off, leading to the printer appearing “asleep.” Simply press the power button to turn it on.
2. Press the “Resume” Button
Most Brother printers have a “Resume” button. Pressing this button will typically wake the printer from sleep mode. Look for a button labeled “Resume” or a similar icon on your printer’s control panel.
3. Use the Printer’s Control Panel
Depending on your Brother printer model, the control panel might have a specific option to wake up the printer. Check the user manual for your printer model to find the exact steps.
4. Try Printing a Test Page
If the previous methods haven‘t worked, try printing a test page. This will often force the printer to wake up and become responsive. Go to your computer’s printer settings and select “Print Test Page.”
5. Check the Power Cord and Outlet
Ensure that the power cord is securely plugged into both the printer and the wall outlet. A loose connection can cause the printer to lose power and enter sleep mode.
6. Restart Your Computer and Router
Sometimes, restarting your computer and router can resolve connectivity issues that might be causing your printer to sleep. This can be particularly helpful if your printer is connected to your network.
7. Update the Printer’s Firmware
Outdated firmware can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior, including sleep mode issues. Check for firmware updates on the Brother website and install them if available.
8. Reset the Printer
If all else fails, try resetting your Brother printer to factory settings. This will clear any configuration errors or glitches that might be causing sleep mode problems. Consult your printer’s manual for the specific reset procedure.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Troubleshooting
If the basic troubleshooting steps haven‘t resolved the issue, consider these advanced methods:
- Check the Network Connection: If your printer is connected to your network, ensure the connection is stable. Try restarting your router or modem.
- Check Printer Drivers: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause problems with sleep mode. Update your printer drivers to the latest version.
- Contact Brother Support: If you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting options, contact Brother support for assistance. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific printer model and situation.
Time to Say Goodbye to Sleep Mode Woes
By following these steps, you can effectively unsleep your Brother printer and get back to printing without any unnecessary delays. Remember to check your printer’s manual for model-specific instructions and troubleshooting tips.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: My Brother printer is still asleep even after trying everything. What should I do?
A: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your printer remains unresponsive, contact Brother support. They can help diagnose the problem and offer further solutions.
Q: How often does my Brother printer go to sleep?
A: The sleep timer duration varies depending on the printer model and your power saving settings. You can typically adjust the sleep timer in the printer’s settings menu.
Q: My Brother printer is connected to my network. Can that cause sleep mode issues?
A: Yes, network connectivity problems can cause your printer to disconnect and enter sleep mode. Ensure a stable network connection and try restarting your router if necessary.
Q: Is there a way to prevent my Brother printer from going to sleep?
A: While you can’t completely disable sleep mode, you can adjust the sleep timer to a longer duration in the printer’s settings. This will give you more time to print before the printer goes to sleep.
Q: My Brother printer is new, but it still goes to sleep. Is this normal?
A: Yes, even new Brother printers have sleep mode functionality. You can adjust the sleep timer settings to suit your printing needs.