Common Reasons Why Your Brother Printer Isn’t Scanning
Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand what might be causing the issue:
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Loose or Faulty USB/Network Connection
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Incorrect Scanner Settings
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Offline or Unresponsive Scanner Driver
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Outdated or Corrupt Printer/Scanner Driver
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Firewall or Security Software Blocking the Scan
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Misconfigured Network Settings (for wireless models)
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Scanner Not Set as Default Device
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Brother ControlCenter Software Issues
Identifying the exact cause makes it easier to apply the right fix.
How to Fix Brother Printer Not Scanning
Let’s walk through the troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the problem:
📌 1️⃣ Check All Connections
If you’re using a USB connection, make sure the cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer. For network-connected printers:
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Ensure both your computer and printer are connected to the same WiFi network.
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Restart your router, printer, and computer.
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Try reconnecting the printer to your network using the setup wizard on the printer’s control panel.
📌 2️⃣ Ensure the Scanner is Set as Default
Your computer needs to recognize the Brother scanner as the default device:
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Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
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Right-click your Brother printer and select Set as Default Printer.
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Also, check under Control Panel > Devices and Scanners to ensure your Brother scanner is listed and set as default.
📌 3️⃣ Restart the Printer Spooler and Scanner Services
Restarting the necessary services on your computer can resolve scanning issues:
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Press Windows + R, type
services.msc
, and press Enter. -
Find Print Spooler and Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) services.
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Right-click each service and select Restart.
📌 4️⃣ Reinstall or Update Scanner Drivers
Outdated or corrupt drivers can prevent scanning:
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Visit the official Brother support website.
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Enter your printer’s model number.
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Download and install the latest Full Driver & Software Package for your operating system.
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Restart your computer after installation.
📌 5️⃣ Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily
Sometimes, firewall or security software blocks scanning functions:
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Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall settings.
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Try scanning again.
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If scanning works, add exceptions for Brother ControlCenter and scanner processes in your firewall settings.
📌 6️⃣ Use the Brother ControlCenter Software
Brother ControlCenter is a helpful application for managing printer and scanner settings:
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Make sure the latest version is installed.
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Open ControlCenter and select Scan Settings.
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Adjust destination folder, file type, and other preferences.
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Test scan to confirm if it resolves the issue.
📌 7️⃣ Check for Paper Jams or Hardware Errors
Sometimes, physical issues like a paper jam or open printer cover can disable scanning functions. Inspect your printer for any error messages on the display panel and clear them if present.
Additional Tips for Reliable Scanning
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Avoid connecting multiple scanners to one computer, which may cause conflicts.
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Ensure your Brother printer’s firmware is up-to-date for best performance.
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Reboot your printer and computer weekly to clear temporary system glitches.
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Use a direct USB connection if wireless scanning consistently fails.
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Regularly clean the scanner glass and check for dust or smudges that can affect scan quality.
When to Contact Brother Support
If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting steps and your Brother printer still won’t scan, it could be a deeper hardware or software issue:
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Visit the Brother support website for your model-specific guides.
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Use the live chat, email support, or helpline services.
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Request a repair service if your printer is under warranty.
Conclusion
While a Brother printer not scanning +1-888-966-6097 can interrupt your workflow, most issues are minor and easy to fix. From checking connections to updating drivers and adjusting settings, a few simple steps are often enough to get your scanning feature back on track.
Maintaining your printer regularly, keeping software updated, and ensuring stable network connections can help you avoid similar problems in the future. And if you ever get stuck, Brother’s customer support is available to guide you through complex issues.