Brother printers are widely known for their quality, reliability, and ease of use. However, one common issue that frustrates users is when a Brother printer fails to connect to a computer. Whether you're trying to connect via USB or over a wireless network, this error can prevent you from printing anything and disrupt your workflow.

In this article, we’ll explore the main reasons why your Brother printer is not connecting to your computer and guide you through simple and effective troubleshooting steps to fix the problem.

Common Reasons Why Your Brother Printer Won’t Connect

Before diving into the solutions, let’s understand what might be causing the issue. Here are some common reasons why your Brother printer is not connecting:

1. Faulty or Loose Cable Connection (USB Printers)

If the printer is connected via a USB cable, a damaged or loose cable can prevent the connection from being established.

2. Incorrect Printer Settings

Sometimes, the printer is not set as the default device or is paused, which can block communication with the computer.

3. Outdated or Missing Drivers

Printer drivers are essential software components. If they are outdated or missing, the computer won’t recognize the printer properly.

4. Wi-Fi or Network Issues (Wireless Printers)

For wireless models, unstable Wi-Fi, incorrect network configuration, or IP conflicts can lead to connection failures.

5. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking the Printer

Security software can sometimes block the connection between the printer and computer, especially if the connection is wireless.

6. Operating System Glitches or Updates

Sometimes, system updates or corrupted system files can cause driver conflicts or settings errors.

How to Fix Brother Printer Not Connecting to Computer

Now let’s look at effective steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this issue.

✅ 1. Check Physical Connections (For USB Printers)

Start with the basics:

  • Ensure the USB cable is firmly connected to both the printer and computer.

  • Try using a different USB port.

  • Use another cable to rule out a damaged wire.

  • Restart both the printer and the computer after reconnecting.

✅ 2. Ensure the Printer Is Powered On and Ready

Make sure your Brother printer is:

  • Turned ON.

  • Not displaying any errors like Paper Jam, Ink/Toner Empty, or Cover Open.

  • In a ready state (check the printer screen or LED lights).

✅ 3. Reinstall or Update Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers are a common reason for connectivity problems. Here's how to fix that:

  1. Go to the official site.

  2. Enter your printer model and download the latest driver compatible with your operating system.

  3. Uninstall any existing drivers from Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

  4. Install the newly downloaded driver and restart your computer.

✅ 4. Run the Printer Troubleshooter (Windows)

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters.

  2. Select Printer and click Run the troubleshooter.

  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to detect and fix issues automatically.

This tool can automatically fix configuration and connectivity problems.

✅ 5. Check Wi-Fi Network (For Wireless Printers)

If your Brother printer is connected wirelessly:

  • Ensure that the printer and the computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.

  • Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer to verify its IP address.

  • On your computer, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click the Brother printer, and select Properties > Ports. Ensure the selected port matches the printer’s IP.

If the IP has changed, you may need to remove and re-add the printer or configure a static IP on the printer.

✅ 6. Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus

Sometimes, your security software might be blocking the connection:

  • Temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus on your computer.

  • Try reconnecting the printer.

  • If it works, add an exception for the printer in your firewall settings.

Remember to turn your security software back on afterward.

✅ 7. Reset Print Spooler Service

The print spooler service manages print jobs and can sometimes get stuck:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Scroll down and find Print Spooler.

  3. Right-click it and select Restart.

This action will clear and refresh any stuck communication.

✅ 8. Reinstall the Printer on Your System

Sometimes removing and re-adding the printer can solve connection problems:

On Windows:

  1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Select your Brother printer and click Remove device.

  3. Click Add a printer or scanner and follow the prompts.

On macOS:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Select your printer and click the minus “–” button to delete.

  3. Click the plus “+” to add it back.

 

When to Contact Brother Support

If none of the above methods solve the problem, the issue may be more serious, such as:

  • Internal hardware failure in the printer

  • A faulty USB or network port

  • Firmware corruption

In such cases, contact Brother's official customer support for advanced troubleshooting or to check if your printer is under warranty for repair or replacement.

Final Thoughts

A Brother printer not connecting to a computer is a common but fixable issue. By carefully checking your connections, updating drivers, adjusting settings, and performing simple resets, you can restore communication between your printer and your PC in just a few minutes.

Stay proactive by keeping your printer firmware and drivers up to date, and always ensure it’s properly configured on your local network. With these steps, you’ll be back to smooth, uninterrupted printing in no time.