How do I get my Brother printer back online on my Mac?

 Nothing disrupts your workflow quite like a printer going offline just when you need it most. If you're a Mac user and your Brother printer has suddenly stopped responding, you’re not alone. This is a common problem, but the good news is that it’s often fixable with just a few steps. Whether it's due to network connectivity issues, software glitches, or outdated settings, there are several ways to get your Brother printer back online on your Mac.


In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons why your Brother printer might go offline and provide practical, step-by-step solutions to bring it back online. We’ll also include helpful tips, troubleshooting insights, FAQs, and a conclusion to ensure you feel confident resolving the issue.

Why Your Brother Printer Might Show as Offline on a Mac

Before jumping into the fixes, it’s helpful to understand the possible causes behind the problem. Here are a few common reasons:
The printer has lost its Wi-Fi or network connection
The printer is turned off or in sleep mode
There’s a mismatch between your Mac and the printer's current status
Outdated or corrupt printer drivers
The printer queue is stuck or paused
The wrong printer is set as default
Now that you know what might be happening behind the scenes, let’s move on to fixing it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Get Your Brother Printer Back Online on Mac

Step One: Check the Printer’s Status

Start with the basics. Ensure your Brother printer is powered on and there are no error messages on the printer’s screen. Verify that the USB cable is firmly inserted if it is connected that way. If you’re using Wi-Fi or a network connection, confirm the printer is connected to the same network as your Mac.
Sometimes, simply waking the printer from sleep or restarting it can restore the connection.

Step Two: Restart Your Devices

Give your Mac and printer a fresh start. Turn both gadgets off, wait a short while, and then turn them back on. This resets temporary glitches that may be affecting the connection.

Step Three: Reset the Printing System on Mac

Resetting the printing system can resolve many issues by removing all printers and settings, allowing you to start from scratch.
Here’s how to do it:
Go to System Settings
Select Printers & Scanners
Right-click or control-click anywhere in the printer list
Choose Reset printing system
Re-add your Brother printer once the system resets
This often resolves stubborn offline statuses by removing old or conflicting printer configurations.

Step Four: Delete and Re-add the Printer

If your printer still shows offline, try removing and re-adding it.
Open Printers & Scanners
Select your Brother printer
Click the minus (-) sign to remove it
Then, click the plus (+) sign to add the printer back
Your Mac will search for available printers, and you can reselect your Brother model from the list. Your Mac must now create a new connection as a result.

Step Five: Set Your Printer as Default

Sometimes, your Mac sends print jobs to a different or offline printer. Make sure your Brother printer is selected as the default.
In Printers & Scanners, find the Default Printer dropdown and set it to your Brother printer.

Step Six: Update Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause connectivity issues. Visit the Brother support page from your Mac browser, search for your printer model, and download the latest driver or software package for macOS.
Once installed, restart your computer and check the printer status again.

Step Seven: Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job can freeze the printer's status. Here’s how to clear it:
Open Printers & Scanners
Select your printer and click Open Print Queue
Cancel or delete any pending jobs
Try printing again
This can refresh the printer’s status and bring it back online.

Extra Tips to Keep Your Brother Printer Online

Use a static IP address for your printer if you're using Wi-Fi. This prevents your printer from jumping to a different IP each time it's turned on.
Avoid sleep mode issues by adjusting the printer’s energy settings. Some Brother printers go into deep sleep mode, which can appear as “offline” to your Mac.
Keep software up to date, including macOS updates and printer firmware updates.

FAQs

Why does my Brother printer keep going offline on my Mac?

This can happen due to unstable network connections, printer sleep mode, or incorrect configurations on your Mac. A reset or driver update usually helps.

How do I reconnect my Brother printer to Wi-Fi?

Access the printer’s control panel, go to network settings, and select your Wi-Fi network. Enter the correct password and reconnect. You can then add the printer to your Mac again if needed.

Can I print via USB if Wi-Fi isn’t working?

Yes, most Brother printers allow USB connections as a backup option. Plug the printer into your Mac using a USB cable and it should be detected automatically.

Do I need special software to use my Brother printer on a Mac?

Not always. macOS includes basic printer drivers for many models. However, downloading Brother’s full software package gives you access to additional tools and features.

Will resetting the printing system delete all my printers?

Yes. Resetting removes all configured printers and scanners from your Mac. You’ll need to re-add any devices you use after the reset.

Conclusion

Getting your Brother printer back online on your Mac doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. In most cases, the issue can be traced to simple network hiccups, outdated drivers, or misconfigured settings. By following the step-by-step solutions outlined above—checking connections, resetting the system, reinstalling drivers, and clearing queues—you can restore your printer to full functionality without needing professional help.
Consistency is key. Keeping your printer firmware and macOS updated, managing energy settings, and maintaining a stable network will minimize future offline problems.
If all else fails, don't hesitate to contact Brother support directly. Sometimes, a quick conversation with a technician can save hours of trial and error.
Location: Houston, TX, USA

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