Dial ☎+1-(888)-966-6097 Brother printer not Scanning Brother printers are known for their reliable printing and scanning capabilities, making them a favorite in both home and office environments. However, like any electronic device, these multifunction printers can sometimes encounter issues — and one common problem users face is when their Brother printer stops scanning.

If you’ve found yourself stuck with a ☎+1-(888)-966-6097 Brother printer not Scanning, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the most common causes of scanning problems and provide clear, step-by-step solutions to get your scanner working smoothly again.

Why Is My Brother Printer Not Scanning?

Several issues can prevent your Brother printer from scanning, whether it’s connected via WiFi, network cable, or USB. Let’s look at the most likely culprits:

1. Connection Problems

A weak or lost connection between your printer and computer can interrupt the scanning process.

  • If you’re using a USB connection, the cable might be loose or faulty.

  • If you're connected over WiFi, the printer may have disconnected from the network or switched to a different one.

2. Incorrect Scanner Selection

Your computer may be attempting to scan through a different device or isn’t recognizing your Brother scanner.

3. Driver or Software Issues

Outdated or missing drivers can disrupt communication between your computer and printer, making scanning impossible.

4. Firewall or Antivirus Blockage

Security software can sometimes block the scanner’s network requests, especially in WiFi setups.

5. IP Address Conflict

If the printer’s IP address changes (which can happen in dynamic IP networks), your computer might lose track of it.

6. Printer in Error State

A Brother printer displaying an error, paper jam, or offline status won’t be able to scan until the issue is resolved.

How to Fix a Brother Printer That Won’t Scan

Now that you know the potential causes, here’s a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to fix your Brother printer’s scanning problem.

1. Check Your Connection

For USB Connections:

  • Ensure the USB cable is securely plugged into both the printer and computer.

  • Test with another USB cable if possible.

  • Avoid using USB hubs — connect directly to the computer.

For WiFi Connections:

  • Check your printer’s network status via its control panel.

  • Ensure the printer is connected to the same WiFi network as your computer.

  • Restart your router and printer to refresh the connection.

2. Confirm Scanner Selection

Your computer might be trying to use another scanner or device. Make sure the correct one is selected:

  • Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers (Windows) or Printers & Scanners (Mac).

  • Confirm your Brother printer appears in the list.

  • Use the Brother Utilities application (Windows) and select your device model under the scanner list.

3. Update or Reinstall Scanner Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers are a frequent cause of scanning problems.

  • Visit the official site.

  • Enter your printer model and download the latest scanner drivers.

  • Install the new drivers and restart your computer.

Brother also provides a comprehensive driver package called Full Driver & Software Package, which is recommended for optimal scanning performance.

4. Disable Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily

To check if your security software is blocking the scanner:

  • Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus.

  • Attempt to scan a document.

  • If it works, configure your firewall to allow Brother scanner services and ports.

Important: Don’t forget to re-enable your firewall and antivirus after testing.

5. Verify IP Address Consistency

If your printer’s IP address changes, your computer may not find it.

  • Print a Network Configuration Report from the printer’s menu.

  • Check the IP address listed.

  • Open Brother Utilities > Scanner Settings (Windows) and ensure the IP matches.

  • You can also assign a static IP to your printer via your router settings to prevent future changes.

6. Restart Devices

A simple restart can often clear temporary glitches.

  • Turn off your Brother printer.

  • Restart your computer.

  • Power the printer back on.

  • Attempt to scan again.

7. Run Windows Scan Troubleshooter (For Windows Users)

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

  • Click Additional troubleshooters.

  • Select Printer and run the troubleshooter.

  • Follow the on-screen instructions to resolve detected issues.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Brother Scanner Working Smoothly

To minimize scanning issues in the future, keep these tips in mind:

  • Regularly update your printer drivers and software.

  • Avoid frequent changes in your network’s SSID and password.

  • Periodically restart your printer and router to refresh connections.

  • Use high-quality, direct USB cables for wired connections.

  • Assign a static IP to your printer for consistent network recognition.

  • Check and clean your scanner glass periodically to avoid scanning errors or smudges.

When to Contact Brother Support

If none of the above solutions resolve your scanning issue, it might indicate a deeper hardware or software problem:

  • Visit Brother’s official support site for advanced troubleshooting guides.

  • Contact Brother Customer Support for live assistance.

  • Check your warranty status if your printer requires service or replacement.

Conclusion

A Brother printer not scanning +1-888-966-6097 can disrupt your workflow, but in most cases, the issue is easily fixed with the right steps. Whether it’s a simple connection problem, outdated drivers, or a misconfiguration, this guide covers the essential troubleshooting methods to get your scanner back up and running. Regular maintenance and keeping your drivers updated can help prevent future scanning problems and ensure your Brother printer delivers reliable performance for years to come.