Brother printers are known for their reliability and quality, whether for home use or professional settings. But like any technology, issues can arise — one of the most frustrating being when your Brother printer shows as offline on your Mac. When this happens, printing tasks come to a halt, and productivity can be affected.

If you’re facing Brother Printer Offline On mac problem, don’t worry. This guide will explain the common causes behind a Brother printer going offline on Mac and offer effective, step-by-step solutions to get your printer back online.

Why Is My Brother Printer Offline on Mac?

Understanding the root cause helps in choosing the correct fix. Here are some of the most frequent reasons a Brother printer may show offline on a Mac:

  • Network connectivity issues (for WiFi printers)

  • Loose or faulty USB connection

  • Incorrect printer settings

  • Printer driver errors or outdated drivers

  • Multiple printer queues causing conflicts

  • Mac system updates affecting printer compatibility

  • Printer being in sleep or power-saving mode

How to Fix Brother Printer Offline on Mac

Let’s go through effective solutions one by one to bring your Brother printer back online.

📌 1️⃣ Check Printer’s Power and Connection

Before diving into software settings:

  • Make sure your printer is powered on and not in sleep mode.

  • If using USB, check if the cable is securely connected.

  • If using WiFi, ensure your printer is connected to the same network as your Mac.

You can confirm the connection from the printer’s control panel by checking network status.

📌 2️⃣ Restart Printer and Mac

A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches:

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it for a minute.

  • Restart your Mac.

  • Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

  • Wait for both devices to fully reboot before attempting to print.

📌 3️⃣ Set Brother Printer as Default

Sometimes, your Mac may attempt to send print jobs to a different or outdated printer queue:

  • Go to Apple Menu > System Settings (or System Preferences).

  • Select Printers & Scanners.

  • Click on your Brother printer.

  • Click Set as Default Printer.

Then, try printing a test page to check if it connects.

📌 4️⃣ Reset the Printing System

If the issue persists, resetting your Mac’s printing system can clear old queues and settings:

  • Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  • Right-click (or hold Control + click) in the printer list and choose Reset Printing System.

  • Confirm the reset when prompted.

  • After resetting, add your Brother printer again by clicking the + button and following the on-screen instructions.

This clears conflicts and re-establishes a fresh printer connection.

📌 5️⃣ Check Printer Queue and Remove Stuck Jobs

An offline status can occur if there are stuck or failed print jobs in the queue:

  • Go to Printers & Scanners.

  • Select your Brother printer and click Open Print Queue.

  • Cancel or delete any pending or paused print jobs.

  • Close the window and try printing again.

📌 6️⃣ Reinstall or Update Brother Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers often lead to connectivity issues:

  • Visit the official Brother Support website.

  • Enter your printer model and download the latest Mac-compatible driver package.

  • Uninstall the current printer driver from your Mac.

  • Install the new driver following the installation prompts.

  • Restart your Mac after installation.

Now reconnect your printer and check its status.

📌 7️⃣ Ensure Firewall or Security Software Isn’t Blocking the Printer

Sometimes, a firewall or security software can prevent your Mac from communicating with your printer:

  • Temporarily disable any third-party security software.

  • Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall and check if it’s blocking printer connections.

  • If needed, add your Brother printer as an exception.

📌 8️⃣ Reconnect WiFi Printer Using WPS or Manual Setup

For wireless printers:

  • Use the WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) method if your router supports it.

  • Alternatively, go to the printer’s Network Settings via the control panel.

  • Choose your WiFi network, enter the password, and reconnect.

Then re-add the printer on your Mac through Printers & Scanners settings.

Tips to Prevent Brother Printer from Going Offline on Mac

  • Regularly update your printer drivers and Mac operating system.

  • Restart your printer and Mac weekly to clear minor glitches.

  • Keep your WiFi network stable and avoid frequent disconnects.

  • Set your Brother printer as the default device.

  • Clear print queues after use, especially for shared printers.

When to Contact Brother Support

If your printer still won’t connect or stays offline after these fixes:

  • Visit the official Brother Support page.

  • Access their FAQs, live chat, or helpline numbers.

  • Schedule professional assistance if your printer is under warranty.

Conclusion

A Brother printer showing offline on a Mac can be disruptive but is usually easy to fix with a few troubleshooting steps. By checking physical connections, updating drivers, resetting the print system, and managing network settings, you can quickly get your printer back online.

Following the preventive tips ensures a smoother and uninterrupted printing experience with your Brother device in the future.